Top R Rated Movies

From Luc Besson, starring Jean Reno, Gary Oldman, Natalie Portman, Danny Aiello
Rated R

Léon: The Professional (1994) is an action-thriller directed by Luc Besson. The film stars Jean Reno as Léon, a professional hitman and Natalie Portman in her film debut as Mathilda, a 12-year-old girl whose family is gunned down by crooked DEA agents. To avenge her family's death, Mathilda enlists the help of Léon to learn the art of assassination. As their bond deepens, Léon must deal with both the corrupt DEA agents and a mobster trying to capture Mathilda. With thrilling action sequences and compelling performances, Léon: The Professional is a classic of the action-thriller genre.

From Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, starring Ulrich Mühe, Martina Gedeck, Sebastian Koch, Ulrich Tukur
Rated R

The Lives of Others is a 2006 German drama film that follows an officer of the East German Stasi (secret police) as he monitors the activities of a playwright and his girlfriend, who are suspected of being dissidents of the socialist state. As he eavesdrops on the couple, the Stasi officer finds himself increasingly drawn into their lives and is eventually forced to make a moral choice between loyalty to the state and his own conscience. The film examines the moral ambiguity of the surveillance state and the effects its oppressive presence has on the lives of its citizens. The Lives of Others won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2006 and is widely regarded as one of the finest German films of all time.

From Park Chan-wook, starring Choi Min-sik, Yoo Ji-tae, Kang Hye-jeong, Kim Byeong-Ok
Rated R

Oldboy is a 2003 South Korean psychological thriller film directed by Park Chan-wook. It tells the story of a man named Oh Dae-su who is mysteriously imprisoned in a hotel-like room for 15 years without knowing his captor's motives. After he is unexpectedly released, he embarks on a quest to find his captor and discover why he was held captive for so long. Along the way, Oh Dae-su uncovers a dark family secret and begins a violent mission of revenge. The film received critical acclaim and won numerous awards, including the Grand Prix at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival.

From Darren Aronofsky, starring Ellen Burstyn, Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly, Marlon Wayans
Rated R

Requiem for a Dream is a 2000 drama film directed by Darren Aronofsky. It follows the lives of four characters, Harry Goldfarb, his mother Sara, his girlfriend Marion, and his friend Tyrone, as they each struggle with addiction and their dreams of their future. Harry and Tyrone are addicted to heroin, while Sara and Marion are addicted to diet pills and television. As their lives spiral further out of control, the bonds between them are tested and ultimately destroyed. Though their stories are tragic, the film ultimately serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of drug abuse and its consequences.

From Guillermo del Toro, starring Ivana Baquero, Ariadna Gil, Sergi López, Maribel Verdú
Rated R

Pan's Labyrinth is a Spanish-Mexican dark fantasy drama film written and directed by Guillermo del Toro. Set in 1944 fascist Spain, the story follows a young girl named Ofelia as she navigates a dangerous and magical world, while seeking to save both herself and her pregnant mother from the tyrannical Captain Vidal. Ofelia must complete three tasks set by a mysterious faun in order to return to the magical underworld, where she believes her true family awaits her. Along the way, Ofelia discovers the power of imagination, faith, and love as she struggles against Vidal's oppressive regime. The film won three Academy Awards and was praised for its story and visuals, becoming a cult classic.

From Mike Nichols, starring Dustin Hoffman, Anne Bancroft, Katharine Ross, William Daniels
Rated PG

The Graduate is a 1967 comedy-drama film directed by Mike Nichols. The film follows the story of a recent college graduate, Benjamin Braddock (Dustin Hoffman), who is at a loss for what to do with his life. He is seduced by the wife of an older family friend, Mrs. Robinson (Anne Bancroft), and falls in love with her daughter Elaine (Katharine Ross). This leads to a series of complicated events and humorous misunderstandings that ultimately reveal the power of true love and self-determination. Through a series of moral choices, Benjamin learns to stand up for himself and take control of his own life.

From Kim Ki-duk, starring Seung-Yun Lee, Hee Jae, Hyuk-ho Kwon, Jin-mo Joo
Rated R

3-Iron is a 2004 South Korean film written and directed by Kim Ki-duk. It tells the story of an orphaned drifter named Tae-suk, who breaks into empty homes to live in them temporarily, caring for the absent owners' plants and doing their laundry. He also meets and falls in love with a woman named Sun-hwa, who is living in an abusive marriage. Together, they live in different empty homes as they search for a place to call their own. Along the way, they confront issues of alienation, homelessness, and the power of love.

From Pedro Almodóvar, starring Rosario Flores, Javier Cámara, Darío Grandinetti, Leonor Watling
Rated R

Talk to Her tells the story of two men whose lives intersect as they come to terms with the emotional complexities of caring for two women in comas. Benigno, a male nurse, is devoted to caring for a beautiful ballerina who has been in a coma for four years and is deeply in love with her. His friendship with Marco, a journalist, is formed when they both visit the women they love in the same hospital. Through a series of painful yet strangely beautiful events, the two men come to understand the complexities of love and loss, and the changing nature of human relationships.

From David Lynch, starring Naomi Watts, Laura Harring, Justin Theroux, Jeanne Bates
Rated R

Mulholland Drive (2001) is a psychological thriller directed by David Lynch and stars Naomi Watts, Laura Harring, and Justin Theroux. It follows the story of Betty Elms, an aspiring actress from Deep River, Ontario, as she moves to Los Angeles with the hopes of making it big in Hollywood. She meets a mysterious woman named Rita, who is suffering from amnesia and can't remember her past. Together, the two women unravel a complex web of deceit and murder, leading them to the dark underworld of show business and a terrifying discovery. The movie is a surrealist, dreamlike ride through the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles, exploring themes of identity, memory, and obsession.

From Tomas Alfredson, starring Kåre Hedebrant, Lina Leandersson, Per Ragnar, Henrik Dahl
Rated R

Let the Right One In is a Swedish romantic horror film directed by Tomas Alfredson, based on the 2004 novel of the same name by John Ajvide Lindqvist. Set in the early 1980s in the Stockholm suburb of Blackeberg, the film follows 12-year-old Oskar, an outcast who is consistently bullied at school. He meets Eli, a mysterious girl who seems to have a strange connection to the world of vampires. Oskar and Eli develop a special bond and Eli helps Oskar to stand up to his tormentors. Meanwhile, a series of gruesome murders plague the town and Oskar soon discovers the truth about Eli’s dark secret. Let the Right One In is a touching and heartbreaking story about the bond of friendship and the power of love.

From Niels Arden Oplev, starring Michael Nyqvist, Noomi Rapace, Ewa Fröling, Lena Endre
Rated R

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is a Swedish drama/thriller film directed by Niels Arden Oplev, based on the novel of the same name by the late author Stieg Larsson. The film follows journalist Mikael Blomkvist as he is hired by industrialist Henrik Vanger to investigate the disappearance of his niece, Harriet, forty years earlier. With the help of the mysterious and troubled computer hacker Lisbeth Salander, Mikael discovers a nefarious history of abuse and murder within the Vanger family, leading to an explosive revelation. Through their investigation, the two uncover a dark and sinister secret that has been shrouded in silence for years. Featuring an intense and unpredictable plot and compelling performances from Noomi Rapace and Michael Nyqvist, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is a gripping and haunting thriller that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats.

From David Fincher, starring Michael Douglas, Deborah Kara Unger, Sean Penn, James Rebhorn
Rated R

The Game is a psychological thriller film directed by David Fincher and starring Michael Douglas, Sean Penn, and Deborah Kara Unger. The film follows wealthy investment banker Nicholas Van Orton (Michael Douglas) as he experiences a strange and surreal series of events that turn his life upside down. After receiving a mysterious gift from his troubled brother (Sean Penn) on his 48th birthday, Nicholas is thrust into a mysterious game that puts him in dangerous, life-threatening situations. He soon discovers that the game is much larger and more sinister than he initially believed, and he must use all of his wits and resources to try and survive. As the game progresses, Nicholas uncovers a sinister conspiracy behind the game and must face some difficult truths about his own life and the people closest to him.

From Kinji Fukasaku, starring Tatsuya Fujiwara, Aki Maeda, Tarô Yamamoto, Chiaki Kuriyama
Rated Not Rated

Battle Royale is a 2000 Japanese action horror film directed by Kinji Fukasaku. The film follows a fictional law passed by the Japanese government, in which a 9th grade class is taken to a deserted island and given a brutal ultimatum: kill each other off within three days, or else everyone will die. The students must fight to the death in a no-holds-barred battle royale, with the last survivor taking the prize. The film follows the struggle of a group of teenagers as they confront their own mortality and the brutal conditions of their fight for survival. With a mix of intense action and dark satire, Battle Royale paints a vivid and disturbing picture of modern society and the lengths to which individuals will go to survive.

From Matthew Vaughn, starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Nicolas Cage, Chloë Grace Moretz, Garrett M. Brown
Rated R

Kick-Ass is a 2010 action-comedy superhero film based on the comic book series of the same name by Mark Millar and John Romita, Jr. The film follows Dave Lizewski, an ordinary teenager who sets out to become a real-life superhero, calling himself "Kick-Ass". With no powers, training or meaningful support, he sets out to take down the criminal underworld in the city. As Kick-Ass finds success, he soon finds out that his heroic career has attracted powerful enemies. In order to survive he must summon all his courage and strength to defeat them. The film features an ensemble cast including Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Chloe Grace Moretz, Mark Strong, and Nicolas Cage.

From Gregg Araki, starring Brady Corbet, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Elisabeth Shue, Chase Ellison
Rated Unrated

Mysterious Skin is a 2004 coming-of-age drama directed by Gregg Araki. The film focuses on two teenage boys, Neil and Brian, who were abused by their Little League coach when they were children. They cope with the trauma in different ways: Neil becomes a male prostitute while Brian, denying the events ever occurred, tries to live a normal life. As they approach adulthood, their paths cross again and they must come to terms with what happened to them. The film explores themes of sexual abuse, trauma, and self-discovery.

From Alex Proyas, starring Rufus Sewell, Kiefer Sutherland, Jennifer Connelly, William Hurt
Rated R

Dark City is a sci-fi noir directed by Alex Proyas that follows a man named John Murdoch as he wakes up in a strange city with no memory of his past. As he searches for answers, he discovers a hidden and powerful group of aliens known as the Strangers who are manipulating time and reality in the city. With the help of a mysterious doctor named Daniel Schreber, Murdoch uncovers the Strangers’ sinister agenda, which forces him to confront his own identity and past. Along the way, he must battle the Strangers and the dark forces that threaten to consume the city.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Todd Field, Sydney Pollack
Rated R

Eyes Wide Shut is a 1999 erotic mystery drama film directed, produced, and co-written by Stanley Kubrick. It is based on the 1926 novella Traumnovelle (Dream Story) by Arthur Schnitzler. The film follows the sexually charged adventures of Dr. Bill Harford (Tom Cruise), who is shocked when his wife, Alice (Nicole Kidman), reveals that she had contemplated an affair a year earlier. He embarks on a night-long adventure, during which he infiltrates a massive masked orgy of an unnamed secret society. Throughout the film, themes of fidelity, sexuality, and mortality are explored, ultimately revealing the darker side of human nature. The movie is noted for its use of classical music, its cinematography, and its extensive use of steadicam shots. The film was met with critical acclaim and was a box-office success, grossing over $162 million worldwide.

From Peter Greenaway, starring Richard Bohringer, Michael Gambon, Helen Mirren, Alan Howard
Rated NC-17

The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover is a British drama-thriller film directed by Peter Greenaway and released in 1989. The movie centers around a notorious gangster named Albert Spica, who has recently taken over a luxurious French restaurant, much to the dismay of the restaurant's staff and customers. Spica and his cronies terrorize the restaurant, eating without paying and humiliating the guests, while his wife, Georgina, is neglected and ignored. Meanwhile, Georgina enters into an affair with a humble bookseller, Michael, which draws the ire of her husband. As Spica discovers the affair, the situation quickly spirals out of control, leading to a violent, bloody climax. The movie is a dark, provocative exploration of power, corruption, and the hunger for love and revenge.

From Lukas Moodysson, starring Alexandra Dahlström, Rebecka Liljeberg, Erica Carlson, Mathias Rust
Rated Not Rated

Show Me Love is a 1998 Swedish coming-of-age romantic comedy-drama written and directed by Lukas Moodyson. The film follows two teenage girls, Elin and Agnes, who live in a small Swedish village and attend the same high school. Elin is a popular, attractive and wealthy girl who is secretly in love with Agnes, an unpopular and awkward outcast. As Elin struggles to come to terms with her sexuality, she must also contend with the bullying and ostracism of her peers. Ultimately, Elin must choose between her popularity or finding the courage to follow her heart and be with the girl she loves. Show Me Love is a tender and heartfelt exploration of teenage emotions and the power of first love.

From Mike Figgis, starring Nicolas Cage, Elisabeth Shue, Julian Sands, Richard Lewis
Rated R

Leaving Las Vegas is a 1995 romantic drama film directed by Mike Figgis and starring Nicolas Cage, Elisabeth Shue, and Julian Sands. The film tells the story of Ben Sanderson (Cage), an alcoholic Hollywood screenwriter who has lost everything because of his drinking. With no money and no job prospects, he decides to move to Las Vegas, where he intends to drink himself to death. There he meets Sera (Shue), a prostitute who is looking to escape her own unhappy past. Despite their different backgrounds, they develop a close bond and form a unique relationship. As Ben continues to drink heavily, he and Sera explore the depths of their pasts and discover a powerful and passionate love that both of them never thought they could have. In the end, the two are able to share a beautiful and moving love even in the face of death.

From Atom Egoyan, starring Ian Holm, Sarah Polley, Caerthan Banks, Tom McCamus
Rated R

The Sweet Hereafter is a 1997 Canadian drama film written and directed by Atom Egoyan. The film tells the story of a small town devastated by a tragic school bus accident. In an attempt to make sense of the tragedy, the townspeople hire a big city lawyer, Mitchell Stephens (Ian Holm), to lead a class-action lawsuit against the bus manufacturer. The film follows Stephens’ interactions with the townspeople, as he listens to their stories, and pieces together the truth behind the accident. He gradually realizes that the accident was caused by an act of negligence on the part of the bus driver, Dolores Driscoll (Sarah Polley). The townspeople are forced to confront their own roles in the accident and the tragedy that follows. The Sweet Hereafter is ultimately a story of loss and the search for meaning in the aftermath.

From Kimberly Peirce, starring Hilary Swank, Chloë Sevigny, Peter Sarsgaard, Brendan Sexton III
Rated R

Boys Don't Cry is a 1999 biopic directed by Kimberly Peirce and written by Andy Bienen. It tells the true story of Teena Brandon, a young transgender man living in rural America. Teena is played by Hilary Swank in an Oscar-winning performance. After discovering Teena's true identity, two male friends brutally assault him, leading Teena to join a group of friends in search for acceptance and a new identity. Along the way, Teena falls in love with a young woman, Phillipa (Chloe Sevigny), and is able to find the courage to be who he truly is. Ultimately, Teena is murdered in a senseless act of hatred. Despite this, the film celebrates Teena's legacy and his courage to be true to himself.

From Vadim Perelman, starring Jennifer Connelly, Ben Kingsley, Ron Eldard, Frances Fisher
Rated R

House of Sand and Fog is a 2003 drama film directed by Vadim Perelman and based upon the novel of the same name by Andre Dubus III. It tells the story of two people who become entwined in a struggle for a house in the San Francisco Bay Area. Kathy Nicolo (Jennifer Connelly) is a recovering addict who has lost her house to an auction when the county mistakenly assumed she had not been paying her taxes. Colonel Massoud Amir Behrani (Ben Kingsley) is an Iranian immigrant who is struggling to provide a better life for his family. Desperate to maintain their middle class status, the Behranis purchase the house at the auction. Kathy is determined to get her house back, even if it means going up against Behrani and the law. When the county realizes their mistake, they offer her a settlement, but Kathy refuses. Their ensuing battle results in tragedy for both of them. The film explores themes of identity and social class, as well as the importance of family and dignity.

From Richard Eyre, starring Cate Blanchett, Judi Dench, Andrew Simpson, Tom Georgeson
Rated R

From David Cronenberg, starring Viggo Mortensen, Maria Bello, Ed Harris, William Hurt
Rated R