The 40 Highest Grossing R-Rated Movies In Hollywood History

What are the highest-grossing R-rated movies in Hollywood history? There are some that you’ll likely be easily able to call to mind, but there are also quite a few surprises in the list. So, without further ado, read on for a comprehensive list of the 40 biggest hits at the box office that were also more than a little unsuitable for younger audiences…

40. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) $389m

From acclaimed director Martin Scorsese, The Wolf of Wall Street tells the true story of notorious City trader Jordan Belfort. Played brilliantly by Leonardo DiCaprio, the movie doesn’t go light on the gratuity of Belfort’s expensive, morally questionable and decadent high jinks – hence the more-than-justified R-rating. It’s captivating viewing, but definitely not one for all the family.

39. Prometheus (2012) $402m

Prometheus is a 2012 sci-fi drama with an all-star cast: Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, Guy Pearce, Logan Marshall-Green, Idris Elba and Charlize Theron share screen time in the Ridley Scott-helmed epic. As the interstellar team search out the origins of humanity they stumble across some dark forces and things get violent. It’s gripping and terrifying in equal measure, hence the R certificate.

38. Kingsman: The Secret Service (2015) $404m

The Kingsman movies have really refreshed the spy genre – a modern update on James Bond, if you will. Starring Colin Firth, Taron Egerton and Samuel L. Jackson, among many other big names, this first movie in the series sets the trend with stylish fight scenes reminiscent of The Matrix, combined with modern technology and killer lines delivered by the all-star cast. It’s a fun watch, but perhaps a little too violent for younger viewers, which is why the censors classified it ‘R’.

37. Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017) $408m

The second movie in the Kingman series, the sequel to Kingsman: The Secret Service took almost identical earnings at the box office. Unsurprising, really, as it contained very much the same cinematic alchemy as the first movie, with director Matthew Vaughan adding some transatlantic banter to this particular story. Once again, it’s pure entertainment but with slightly adult themes.