16 Best R-Rated Movies You Can Watch on Netflix (2024)

The R, or Restricted rating requires those under 17 to have an accompanying parent or adult guardian to view. The film in question contains adult material. While most people immediately think of horror films when talking about R-rated movies, not every R-rated movie is a blood-and-gore or supernatural horror film – although many certainly are.

Even romcoms, satirical comedies, and historical legal dramas can fall under the Restricted rating. Netflix features a massive library of movies and television series available for streaming. Among them are dozens of R-rated films, ranging from seemingly innocuous comedies with questionable themes to all-out horror.

16 Triple Frontier (2019)

Triple Frontier

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Release Date

March 6, 2019

Director

J.C. Chandor

Cast

Charlie Hunnam , Oscar Isaac , Ben Affleck , Pedro Pascal , Adria Arjona , Garrett Hedlund

Main Genre

Action

One of Netflix's best original action films, Triple Frontier is the type of film that can throw legitimate surprises at the audience. The narrative follows a group of five old pal mercenaries who see an opportunity to rob a kingpin's home...a home which just so happens to have cash lining the walls.

An Actioner Full of Stars

If there's a Netflix film that has an amazing cast, it's Triple Frontier, which is led by Ben Affleck, Pedro Pascal, Oscar Isaac (dominating in the lead role), Charlie Hunnam, and Garrett Hedlund. Furthermore, it's a film with nail-biting, realistic combat sequences, the type that makes it worthy of a rewatch.

15 Leave the World Behind (2023)

Leave the World Behind (2023)

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Release Date

December 8, 2023

Director

Sam Esmail

Cast

Julia Roberts , Mahershala Ali , Ethan Hawke , Myha'la , Farrah Mackenzie

Main Genre

Drama

A slow-burn film that's proved both popular and alienating, Leave the World Behind is one of the bigger mixed bags of Netflix's original films. The narrative follows a group of well-to-do suburbanites as they rent a vacation home only to have everything fall apart. But it isn't just their vacation home that's inhibiting their ability to communicate with the outside world.

Made a Huge Cultural Impact

Leave the World Behind is more thriller than horror, but what it says about society is nothing short of horrifying. People will turn against one another in times of strife, even if they're turning against someone for whom just last week they drunkenly hung their arm over and exclaimed their love.

14 The Irishman (2019)

The Irishman

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Release Date

November 1, 2019

Director

Martin Scorsese

Cast

Jesse Plemons , Robert De Niro , Anna Paquin , Al Pacino , Joe Pesci , Harvey Keitel

Main Genre

Crime

See Also

10 Best R-Rated Movies on Netflix Right Now10 best R-rated movies streaming right now | Digital Trends

It may not be quite at the level of Goodfellas, but The Irishman is infused with as much love and attention from Martin Scorsese as that gangster classic. It's an expansive film that covers the long, violent life of Frank Sheeran (Robert De Niro). Spanning from Frank's WWII service in Italy to a substantial career in the mob and the mysterious disappearance of his friend Jimmy Hoffa (Al Pacino), the movie is nothing short of epic.

An Underrated Scorsese Flick

De Niro is unsurprisingly great as Frank, he's more tender than usual, though, allowing his work here to stand far apart from what he did in both Goodfellas and Casino. Toss in even better performances from Joe Pesci and Al Pacino, and The Irishman is easily one of the best Netflix original movies to date.

13 A Walk Among the Tombstones (2014)

A Walk Among The Tombstones

Release Date

September 18, 2014

Director

Scott Frank

Cast

Liam Neeson , Maurice Compte , Patrick McDade , Luciano Acuna Jr. , Hans Marrero , Laura Birn

Main Genre

Thriller

Based on one of Lawrence Block's Matthew Scudder mysteries, A Walk Among the Tombstones is better than much of the remainder of Liam Neeson's action-centric period of movie-making. For one, the mystery is as well laid out as it was in the novel and, two, having Dan Stevens and Boyd Holbrook play brothers was a stroke of genius.

Everyone Knows Neeson Can Do Action Well

The performances are well-modulated across the board in A Walk Among the Tombstones. It's also a movie that carries a gray, foggy ambiance that does a phenomenal job of selling the tone of the novel that preceded it. This tone is what makes the movie so successful, adding a sense of gravity to every step its characters take.

12 The Killer (2023)

The Killer (2023)

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Release Date

November 10, 2023

Director

David Fincher

Cast

Michael Fassbender , Tilda Swinton , Kerry O'Malley , Charles Parnell , Lacey Dover , Monique Ganderton , Sala Baker

Main Genre

Action

David Fincher's The Killer stars Michael Fassbender as an assassin of few words. He's on a mission to take out a high-value target, but that mission goes awry, and the wrong person gets shot. As The Killer (as he's solely called) soon learns, this failure has led to complications in his life, complications that can hurt the few people he actually cares about.

A Fincher Delight

One of 2023's best films, The Killer is an impressive addition to Netflix's stable of original content. As the nameless main character, Fassbender is his usual dynamo self, and the sparse script makes every one of his words feel like a steel-coated gift. It's no secret that Fincher does well with thrillers, and The Killer is no exception. It's darkly funny, satirical, and action-packed.

11 Reptile (2023)

Reptile

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Release Date

October 6, 2023

Director

Grant Singer

Cast

Benicio Del Toro , Justin Timberlake , Alicia Silverstone , Michael Pitt , Ato Essandoh

Reptile tells the tale of a determined detective as he tries to unravel the mystery around a deceased female real estate agent. All fingers point to her ex, from whom she is not fully divorced, but something tells the detective that her current husband is hiding something.

The Cast Elevates the Material

The ending of Reptile shouldn't be spoiled, but it's definitely a surprise and makes good use of creative casting. But Reptile is Benicio del Toro's show, and while the script isn't always up to his level, it meets him more often than not.

10 The Lovebirds (2020)

The Lovebirds

Release Date

May 22, 2020

Director

Michael Showalter

Cast

Kyle Bornheimer , Kumail Nanjiani , Anna Camp , Issa Rae , Paul Sparks , Joe Chrest

Main Genre

Comedy

The Lovebirds is a 2020 romantic comedy movie starring Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani, with Paul Sparks, Anna Camp, and Kyle Bornheimer in supporting roles. Although you might not think an R-rated rom-com makes sense, the plot follows a couple on the run after witnessing a murder. Jibran (Nanjiani) and Leilani (Rae) have been together for four years, and their relationship is filled with constant arguments over various topics. They agree to end the relationship, but while driving to a dinner party, a man uses their car to hit someone repeatedly. Now, they must work together to clear their names.

Raunchy Comedy Will Never Truly Die

The Lovebirds lives and dies on the hilarious chemistry of the leads. Nanjiani and Rae keep the movie moving with quick-witted jokes that set this film apart from the rest and make it a must-watch on Netflix. For a genre that has had so many entries over the years, it's not always easy to keep rom-coms feeling fresh. But with this attention-grabbing premise and engaging performances from the leads, The Lovebirds goes down nice and easily.

9 Don’t Look Up (2021)

Don't Look Up

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Release Date

December 24, 2021

Director

Adam McKay

Cast

Leonardo DiCaprio , Jennifer Lawrence , Timothee Chalamet , Jonah Hill , Cate Blanchett , Gina Gershon

Main Genre

Comedy

Don’t Look Up is a 2021 apocalyptic political satire black comedy film featuring an ensemble cast with more heavy hitters than you can name. Some of the cast includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Jonah Hill, and Tyler Perry, but best believe there are A-listers around every corner. The film’s plot follows two astronomers who must warn (and convince) humanity that an approaching comet will destroy human civilization.

All-Too Real

Don't Look Up is an allegory for climate change, while the film satirizes the governmental, political, celebrity, and media indifference to the ongoing climate crisis. It's a darkly comical look at what our world's actual reaction might be to such catastrophic news, which is actually the saddest part about the movie. The movie earned a nomination for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, placing it among an elite group of Netflix originals to achieve the feat.

8 It Follows (2014)

It Follows

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Release Date

February 4, 2015

Director

David Robert Mitchell

Cast

Bailey Spry , Carollette Phillips , Loren Bass , Keir Gilchrist , Maika Monroe , Lili Sepe

Main Genre

Horror

Written and directed by David Robert Mitchell, It Follows is a 2014 American horror film starring Maika Monroe. Monroe plays Jaime “Jay” Height, a young woman who becomes targeted by a supernatural entity following a sexual encounter.

One of the 2010s' Best Horror Offerings

It Follows does not follow the as-of-late typical horror movie tactics. It is light on the jump scares and instead increases the fear factor with the ongoing sense of dread as Jay is haunted by a mysterious entity that is only visible to her. Alongside Monroe, Keir Gilchrist, Daniel Zovatto, Jake Weary, and Lili Sepe appear in supporting roles.

7 The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)

The Trial of the Chicago 7

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Release Date

September 25, 2020

Director

Aaron Sorkin

Cast

Eddie Redmayne , Jeremy Strong , Joseph Gordon-Levitt , Sacha Baron Cohen , Yahya Abdul-Mateen II , Michael Keaton

Main Genre

Drama

The Trial of the Chicago 7 is a historical legal drama film that follows the true story of Chicago Seven, a group of anti-Vietnam War protestors charged with conspiracy and crossing state lines to incite riots at the 1968 Democratic National Convention. The screenplay was initially written in 2007, with Steven Spielberg attached to direct the film and mostly unknown actors cast. However, the 2007 Writers Guild of America strike forced Spielberg to drop out, and Aaron Sorkin took place as the director in October 2018, with much of the cast joining the same month.

A Sorkin Classic

A large ensemble cast carries The Trial of the Chicago 7 and includes Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Michael Keaton, and Eddie Redmayne. It's a fantastic courtroom drama with a political twist that will appeal to modern viewers. ​​​​Despite its setting — which could have lead to a monotonous story — Sorkin's ever-fast dialogue keeps everything moving at a snappy and engrossing pace.

6 Berlin Syndrome (2017)

Berlin Syndrome

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Release Date

April 20, 2017

Director

Cate Shortland

Cast

Teresa Palmer , Max Riemelt , Matthias Habich , Kristina Kostiv , Peter Young , Lucie Aron

Main Genre

Thriller

Directed by Cate Shortland and based on the 2012 novel of the same name, Berlin Syndrome is a 2017 psychological horror thriller. Starring Teresa Palmer and Max Riemelt, the film follows a young Australian photographer (Palmer) who travels to Germany where she meets an attractive, young English teacher (Riemelt). The two share a passionate night, only for the photographer to wake up and realize she is suddenly taken hostage by her would-be lover.

Filled with Nuanced Terror

Berlin Syndrome had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival and received very positive reviews from critics. Palmer and Riemelt both shone in their respective roles, and Shortland's directing captured the tense standoff between two dynamic personalities perfectly. Palmer, in particular, does an incredible job with the darkly layered material.

5 Uncut Gems (2019)

Uncut Gems

Release Date

August 30, 2019

Director

Ben Safdie , Joshua Safdie

Cast

Adam Sandler , Julia Fox , Kevin Garnett , The Weeknd , Idina Menzel , Jonathan Aranbayev

Main Genre

Drama

The Safdie Brother's Uncut Gems follows New York Jeweler and addictive gambler Howard Ratner (played by Adam Sandler), who struggles to pay back a massive debt. To pay off his debt, he attempts to sell a rare opal, but after lending it to an NBA star that refuses to return it he finds himself wagering on more risky bets to try to win back his money and fight off the violent debt collectors.

Intense and Thrilling

The Safdie Brothers have a knack for capturing the daily life of New York like no other filmmakers, and Uncut Gems is no different. While leading on a simple premise, the film is so utterly immersive in the culture of the metropolitan city while showing a darker side of it that occurs on a daily basis. This sets the perfect backdrop for the deeply engaging story of one man's downfall, masterfully played by Adam Sandler.

4 Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022)

Everything Everywhere All at Once

Action

Adventure

Comedy

Fantasy

Sci-Fi

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Release Date

March 25, 2022

Director

Dan Kwan , Daniel Scheinert

Cast

Jenny Slate , Michelle Yeoh , Jamie Lee Curtis , Stephanie Hsu

A struggling middle-aged Chinese immigrant, Evelyn Wang (Michelle Yeoh), is struggling to keep her family's laundromat afloat and maintain her strained relationship with her husband and daughter. Things change after Evelyn has a bizarre encounter during a meeting with the IRS, where she is met by her husband from an alternative reality that tells her she is the key to saving the universe.

Record-Breaking for Good Reason

Everything Everywhere All At Once was A24's take on the superhero genre, directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, with a mature approach that both celebrated the genre while re-invigorating it with a unique approach. The action, comedy, and drama all land perfectly, and the surreal elements add just the right amount of strangeness to really push everything over the edge. The cast here is pretty impeccable as well, with screen icons like Michelle Yeoh and Jamie Lee Curtis, alongside fan favorites like Ke Huy Quan, Stephanie Hsu, James Hong, and Jenny Slate.

3 Glengarry Glenn Ross (1992)

James Foley's Glengarry Glenn Ross follows four desperate salesmen who are given an ultimatum to climb the sales board at a stagnant real estate agency or lose their jobs entirely. This causes panic, with each man willing to engage in unethical and illegal acts as they desperately try to climb their way to the top.

A Killer Cast

Desperation will make men go to extremes, and the world of sales where you sink or swim based on your gift of gab is going to draw strong personalities. Glengarry Glenn Ross is more a series of arguments and schemes between different characters and less of a traditionally structured thriller, but it works wonderfully well under a smart script that keeps on escalating. The cast here is spectacular and seeing greats like Al Pachino, Jack Lemmon, Alec Baldwin, Alan Arkin, and Ed Harris play off each other is a treat.

2 Oldboy (2003)

Oldboy (2003)

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Release Date

November 21, 2003

Director

Park Chan-wook

Cast

Choi Min-sik , Yoo Ji-tae , Kang Hye-jeong , Kim Byeong-Ok

Main Genre

Action

Oh Dae-su one day finds himself imprisoned in a small room. Given no reason for his confinement, he spends the next 15 years feeling the weight of isolation. When he is released with no reason, he begins to seek out the reason he was confined, but he soon discovers that his imprisonment was just the start of the planned revenge against him.

An All-Time Great Thriller

A cruel and unusual tale of revenge that spans decades, Park Chan-wook's Oldboy is an exercise in excessive cruelty. However, the movie has a gorgeous visual direction despite its grim subject matter, including one of the most impressive single-shot action sequences of all time. The success of Korean film and TV in the West can, in part, be attributed to the international success of Oldboy and the movie should be a must-watch for fans of content from the country.

1 Repo Man (1984)

Repo Man

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Release Date

February 20, 1984

Director

Alex Cox

Cast

Harry Dean Stanton , Emilio Estevez , Tracey Walter , Olivia Barash , Sy Richardson , Susan Barnes

Main Genre

Comedy

A young punk, Otto (Emilio Estevez), looking for money gets drawn into the world of repo, and is hired by a cynical veteran of the business, Bud (Harry Dean Stanton), to track down a 1964 Chev Malibu carrying a hefty bounty of $20,0000. The bounty comes with the expectation that there is something otherworldly contained in the trunk.

A Punk-Rock Surface with Emotional Layers

Alex Cox's Repo Man is such a wonderful amalgamation of genres and themes, leading with a punk-rock aesthetic, the movie manages to touch on bigger issues like consumerism and the faults of the Regan administration. All this is explored with a dark comedic wit and fascinating eccentrics that make up the cast. The movie is a cult classic with a dedicated fan base. If you have not seen the movie, you should check it out for yourself to see if it resonates as much as it has with others. Also, Emilio Estevez and Harry Dean Stanton are both phenomenal in this one.