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 rom-coms, 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.
Updated February 13, 2025: To keep this list fresh and full of thrilling R-rated movies, it has been updated with additional content and titles that reflect Netfflix’s constantly growing catalog.
25
Triple Frontier (2019)
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.
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24
Leave the World Behind (2023)
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.
23
The Irishman (2019)
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.
22
A Walk Among the Tombstones (2014)
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.
21
The Killer (2023)
The great 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.
20
Reptile (2023)
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.
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19
The Lovebirds (2020)
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.
18
Don’t Look Up (2021)
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.
17
Woman of the Hour (2024)
Anna Kendrick made her dazzling directorial debut with the gripping crime thriller Woman of the Hour, which explores the shocking true story of a dangerous serial killer who infamously appeared on The Dating Game television show during the height of his murder spree. In 1978, struggling actress Sheryl Bradshaw (Kendrick) ends up in an episode with Rodney Alcala (Daniel Zovatto) on the popular program, not realizing the unsettling man is responsible for the assault and murder of multiple women.
Kendrick’s Impressive Directorial Debut
Both critics and audiences were blown away by the taut and downright unnerving picture, which brilliantly explores the innate sexism that runs rampant in Hollywood and society as a whole while also shining a light on how easy it is for men to commit misogynistic violence against women. Woman of the Hour currently holds a stellar 91% Rotten Tomatoes score and showcases Kendrick’s keen eye as a filmmaker, with the talented star winning the Directors to Watch award at the Palm Springs International Film Festival.
16
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
Featuring the sensational talents of cinema greats Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron, the post-apocalyptic action hit Mad Max: Fury Road is the fourth installment in George Miller’s groundbreaking franchise that takes place in a brutal desert wasteland and focuses on Max Rockatansky as he teams up with the fierce Imperator Furiosa to take down the oppressive warlord Immortan Joe and his equally-demented henchmen. Hardy epically tackles the iconic role of the titular character, who was portrayed by Mel Gibson in the previous three film installments.
Hardy & Theron’s Dazzling Chemistry
Jam-packed full of explosive action sequences, thrilling stunt work and choreography, and top-tier cast performances, Mad Max: Fury Road was a certified critical and commercial knockout and has been lauded as one of the greatest action movies of all time, winning six Academy Awards while also being named Best Film by the National Board of Review. Moviegoers were dazzled by Hardy and Theron’s on-screen camaraderie, with critic Richard Roeper declaring them “one of the best action duos ever, in one of the best action movies.”
15
Schindler’s List (1993)
Schindler’s List
- Release Date
-
December 15, 1993
- Runtime
-
195 Minutes
Widely regarded as one of the finest films to ever grace the silver screen, Steven Spielberg’s poignant and powerful historical drama Schindler’s List tells the profound true story of German industrialist Oskar Schindler (portrayed by an exceptional Liam Neeson), who risked his life to save more than one thousand Jews during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories in occupied Poland throughout World War II. Ralph Fiennes also delivers a chilling performance as the barbaric SS officer Amon Göth, who ran the Płaszów concentration camp.
Spielberg’s Transcending Historical Drama
Based on Thomas Keneally’s lauded novel Schindler’s Ark, the emotionally-devastating picture was a deeply personal project for Spielberg, who initially passed on directing the adaptation out of concern he wasn’t mature enough to do so, ultimately changing his mind as he wanted to embrace his heritage and push back against Holocaust deniers. Schindler’s List won seven Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director and three Golden Globes, and was rightfully selected for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry in 2004.
14
1917 (2019)
Director Sam Mendes enlisted the talents of some of Hollywood’s greatest performers, including Colin Firth, Benedict Cumberbatch, Mark Strong, and Richard Madden to star in his gripping war drama 1917. It is set during World War I amid Operation Alberich as British soldiers Will Schofield (George MacKay) and Tom Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman) are sent on a harrowing mission. They are tasked with delivering a crucial message about the opposing German forces that could possibly save the lives of 1,600 soldiers.
A Gripping Tribute to World War I Soldiers
Celebrated for its raw and immersive depiction of trench warfare as well as its profound emotional depth and stunning visuals, 1917 was partially inspired by the traumatic experiences Mendes’ grandfather experienced during World War I, with the riveting picture honoring the brave soldiers who fought in the brutal battle. 1917 was nominated for a jaw-dropping 10 Academy Awards and won three including Best Cinematography, while also winning Best Picture at the Golden Globes.
13
Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024)
Miami’s perpetually bickering dynamic duo, Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence), were back and better than ever in the thrilling action-comedy Bad Boys: Ride or Die. This installment in the series follows the seasoned detectives as they find themselves on the run from both the authorities and a dangerous drug cartel while attempting to clear the name of their beloved late Captain, Conrad Howard, after he is swept up in a conspiracy and is accused of being corrupt.
Fans Can’t Get Enough of Smith & Lawrence
The electrifying chemistry between Smith and Lawrence is on full display in the exciting sequel, the fourth installment in the enduring Bad Boys franchise and a rip-roaring entry fans couldn’t get enough of. Moviegoers awarded Ride or Die an A- CinemaScore and a phenomenal 97% Popcornmeter on Rotten Tomatoes, with audiences thoroughly enjoying the pulse-pounding action, hilarious humor, and long-overdue spotlight on the series’ popular character Reggie Norman (Dennis McDonald).
12
The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)
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 led to a monotonous story — Sorkin’s ever-fast dialogue keeps everything moving at a snappy and engrossing pace.
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11
Boyz n the Hood (1991)
The powerful and profound ’90s classic Boyz n the Hood features an all-star cast of then-up-and-comers including Cuba Gooding Jr., Ice Cube, and Morris Chestnut and tells the engrossing coming-of-age story of the teenage Jason “Tre” Styles III (Gooding Jr.) as he finds himself torn between two vastly different worlds when he is sent to live with his hard-nosed-yet-protective father in South Central Los Angeles and reunites with his childhood friends, both of whom choose two vastly different paths amid the rising gang culture.
An Influential & Record-Breaking Classic
John Singleton made his directorial debut with Boyz n the Hood, which became a massive critical and commercial success and grossed $57.5 million against a modest $6.5 million budget. Singleton became the first African American and youngest person nominated for the Academy Award for Best Director at age 24, and Boyz n the Hood is also credited as being a trailblazer of the hood film genre, inspiring future cinema knockouts like Menace II Society, Friday, and Training Day.
10
Black Mass (2015)
Johnny Depp delivered a truly chilling performance as American mobster Whitey Bulger in the biographical crime drama Black Mass, which is based on the thrilling book by journalists Gerard O’Neill and Dick Lehr and chronicles the notorious criminal’s rise to power as he ultimately became one of the most feared gangsters in ot only South Boston but the whole country. In an effort to take down the Italian mob, Bulger becomes an FBI informant and ends up manipulating his new position and immunity, further establishing his bloody reign.
Depp’s Brutally Convincing Portrayal
Black Mass premiered at the Venice International Film Festival, where the drama’s gripping screenplay and phenomenal performances earned rave reviews, while Depp’s ruthless portrayal was critically-acclaimed and declared a return to form and one of the finest of his illustrious career. Depp was nominated for both a Satellite Award and Screen Actors Guild Award, with NME declaring the leading man “plays a monstrous Boston gangster in a disguise so unsettling you’ll struggle to recognise him.”
The dazzling Anya Taylor-Joy continued proving herself to be one of Hollywood’s most exciting leading ladies when she appeared alongside Ralph Fiennes and Nicholas Hoult in the horror black comedy The Menu, which focuses on self-proclaimed foodie Tyler Ledford as he brings his date Margot Mills to a remote coastal island to share an exclusive meal prepared by elite celebrity chef Julian Slowik. The evening takes a horrific turn as shocking secrets and deadly surprises are revealed throughout the course of the unforgettable meal.
Taylor-Joy & Fiennes’ Taut Cat and Mouse Game
Both Taylor-Joy and Fiennes rightfully earned Golden Globe Award nominations for their dominating performances in the innovative and compelling satire, which was also praised for its unsettling atmosphere, sharp screenplay, and wonderfully wicked twists and turns. The Menu kept audiences hooked from beginning to end as they became enamored by the cunning Slowik and resourceful Margot, who engaged in a slow-burn battle throughout the dark comedy and left them wowed long after the credits stopped rolling.
8
It (2017)
Bringing one of Stephen King’s hair-raising horror hits to life on the big screen is no easy feat, yet director Andy Muschietti knocked it out of the park when he helmed the supernatural blockbuster knockout It. Acting chameleon Bill Skarsgård masterfully took on the demented and spine-tingling role of the killer clown Pennywise (formerly played by the great Tim Curry in the 1990 miniseries), who terrorizes a group of outcast adolescents in the 1980s in the small town of Derry, Maine.
Skarsgård’s Tour De Force Horror Performance
Expectations were sky high for the second adaptation of the King classic, as Curry left audiences sleeping with the light on after serving up his own brilliant interpretation of the murderous, wise-cracking clown. Skarsgård more than rose to the occasion and somehow made Pennywise even more terrifying, deranged, and downright nightmare-worthy in the horror hit, which grossed a whopping $704.2 million throughout its run while also being declared one of the best Hollywood productions of a Stephen King novel and spawning an acclaimed sequel.
7
Public Enemies (2009)
Michael Mann tapped a star-studded cast of Hollywood’s finest to appear in his gripping biographical crime drama Public Enemies, with Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, Marion Cotillard, and Billy Crudup each serving up commanding performances in the film that chronicles the criminal career of infamous gangster and bank robber John Dillinger (Depp), who committed a string of lucrative robberies throughout the Great Depression and became known as a Robin Hood-esque figure by the media before his eventual demise in 1934.
Depp & Bale Make Some Gangster Movie Magic
Academy Award-winner Bale impressively portrayed FBI agent Melvin Purvis, who proved to be instrumental in apprehending the notorious criminal and the Dillinger Gang and putting an end to their robbery reign of terror in his relentless pursuit. Depp unsurprisingly served up a masterclass performance as Dillinger and truly elevated the riveting drama, with Roger Ebert awarding the film 3.5/4 stars and commending the prominent actor: “This Johnny Depp performance is something else. For once an actor playing a gangster does not seem to base his performance on movies he has seen. He starts cold. He plays Dillinger as a fact.”
6
The Gentlemen (2020)
Fans of Guy Ritchie and his smash hit action black comedy series The Gentlemen can now check out the film that inspired the exciting spin-off, with the 2019 gangster original starring Matthew McConaughey as a savvy American expat and drug lord as he sets out to make a lucrative business and sell his extremely profitable marijuana empire, prompting an unexpected chain of events from his shady competitors.
A Film & TV Knockout
The Gentlemen touts a stacked ensemble cast including Charlie Hunnam, Colin Farrell, and Hugh Grant and, like its TV adaptation, became a knockout with audiences, earning praise for its clever dialogue, intriguing storyline, and complex characters. McConaughey once again delivered a charismatic performance as the resourceful businessman, as he slyly stays one step ahead of his enemies as they attempt to steal his successful domain. The Gentlemen is a slick crime drama that is peak Ritchie and is definitely worth a watch.
This story originally appeared on Movieweb
