Conventional wisdom in Hollywood has long held that to be a blockbuster, a movie must appeal to the broadest possible audience—which would seem to rule out an R rating. The MPAA's second-strictest certification has historically been seen as a commercial handicap, a label that could cap a film's earning potential. Yet a handful of R-rated titles have defied the odds, not just succeeding but reaching the industry's ultimate benchmark: the billion-dollar mark at the worldwide box office.
Since 2019, only three R-rated films have achieved this feat. Todd Phillips' Joker ignited the trend, followed by Deadpool & Wolverine in 2024 and Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey in 2026. Others, like Deadpool 2 and Oppenheimer, came agonizingly close but fell short. These three films prove that sometimes, aiming squarely at adult audiences can pay off spectacularly. Here's how they stack up, from worst to best.
3. Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)
There's no denying the financial juggernaut that Deadpool & Wolverine became in the summer of 2024. With Hugh Jackman reprising his iconic Wolverine and Ryan Reynolds back as the Merc with a Mouth, the film was a surefire crowd-pleaser. The hype was immense, and the box office delivered—$1.39 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing R-rated movie ever. But does it hold up beyond the spectacle?
On repeat viewings, the film's reliance on cameos and references becomes more apparent. The jokes often feel like callbacks rather than clever setups, and the zany energy can overshadow genuine humor. While Jackman and Reynolds share undeniable chemistry, the script doesn't always serve them well. It's a fun ride, but it's more theme park than cinema—a sentiment that echoes Martin Scorsese's critiques of superhero films. Still, as a theatrical event, it was unmatched.
2. Joker (2019)
Joker stands apart for its sheer profitability. Made on a reported budget of under $70 million, it grossed $1.08 billion worldwide—a staggering return that harkens back to the mid-budget studio pictures of the '90s. Joaquin Phoenix's Oscar-winning performance is electrifying, and the film's cinematography and score are stunning. Yet, beneath its gritty surface, Joker may not be as deep as it aspires to be.
The film's legacy has also been complicated by its infamous sequel, Joker: Folie à Deux, which became one of the most notorious box-office bombs in history. The sequel's failure has undeniably tarnished the original's reputation, even if the first film's cultural impact was genuine. Still, Joker remains a fascinating case study in how a bold, adult-oriented comic-book movie can resonate with audiences—and how quickly that goodwill can evaporate.
1. The Odyssey (2026)
Remember when The Odyssey was mired in controversy? When a few casting choices sparked online outrage? That feels like a distant memory now. Christopher Nolan's epic adaptation of Homer's poem has become the must-see cinematic event of 2026, and it's easy to see why. Shot in IMAX 70mm, the film is a visual and auditory triumph, with set pieces that are already being hailed as legendary.
From the terrifying Cyclops sequence to the ambush of the Laestrygonians, The Odyssey delivers spectacle after spectacle. Samantha Morton's performance is a standout, and the emotional payoff in the final act is heart-pounding. It's a film that demands to be seen on the biggest screen possible, and audiences have responded—it's been sold out for months. With box office numbers approaching $1.3 billion and climbing, it's not just the best R-rated billion-dollar movie; it's one of the best films of the decade.
These three films prove that the R rating isn't a death sentence for blockbuster ambitions. They've each carved out their own place in cinematic history, and they've done it by trusting their creators and their audiences. Whether it's the irreverent humor of Deadpool & Wolverine, the dark introspection of Joker, or the epic grandeur of The Odyssey, they've shown that sometimes, the boldest choices yield the biggest rewards.
