Did you know that R-rated movies dominate the movie industry? A 2018 study by the Motion Picture Association of America shows that 57%, or 17,202 of the 29,791 films approved by the ratings board, are R-rated.

"R" stands for "restricted." These are titles that contain adult material, including hard language, graphic sexual content, persistent violence and drug use. Children under 17 are not allowed to see R-rated features without adult supervision. Some cinemas, like Atlas Cinemas, also ban kids under 6 years old from R-rated screenings.

"Generally, it is not appropriate for parents to bring their young children with them to R-rated motion pictures," the MPAA noted in its Rating Rules.

These restrictions haven't stopped viewers in the US and Canada -- the so-called North American box office -- from watching these movies in cinemas and online. In fact, some R-rated movies are among the most anticipated movies of 2024 -- take "Deadpool 3" as an example.

If you're curious to know which R-rated movies did the best in the box office, wonder no more! Here we're listing the highest-grossing R-rated movies of all time in the domestic box office. The top one will surprise you!

Quick fun fact: Half of the top 10 R-rated movies were produced by Warner Bros.

10. The Hangover Part II: $254,464,305


"The Hangover Part II" is the second installment in the "Hangover" trilogy. Released in 2011 and directed by Todd Phillips, it stars Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis and Ken Jeong.

Dubbed as "offensive on multiple levels" by Looper, the film was accurately rated R for its overall theme. Aside from its multiple verbal and visual sexual content, and overflowing profanity, it was also slammed for allegedly being transphobic.

However, one of the most frowned-upon gags in the comedy film was in its end-credits scene, where it made fun of an iconic photo taken during the Vietnam War. Some viewers found this bit a desecration of one of the darkest times in history.

9. The Hangover - $277,339,746


Released in 2009, "The Hangover" is a raunchy comedy that was also directed by Phillips. It follows the story of three friends -- portrayed by Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms and Zach Galifianakis -- after a wild night in Las Vegas. After blacking out, they try to piece together what happened the night before. Needless to say, there was a lot of profanity, sex, alcohol and drug-use in the movie.

The film was well-received by both critics and the audience, getting a 79% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes. Its humor, comedic timing and cast chemistry made it an instant hit. It continues to be considered a comedy classic.

8. The Matrix Reloaded - $281,576,461


After the huge success of the first "Matrix" movie, viewers were craving for more of its iconic heart-racing sci-fi action and "The Matrix Reloaded" didn't disappoint.

The second installment in the movie series brought back Keanu Reeves as Neo, Laurence Fishburne as Morpheus and Carrie-Anne Moss as Trinity. Directed by the Wachowski brothers, the film was praised for its groundbreaking special effects and thrilling action sequences. Critics, however, didn't enjoy its complex plot. Nonetheless, it remains one of the best R-rated sci-fi movies of all time.

7. Deadpool 2 - $324,591,735


It may be one of the lesser successful Marvel movies, but "Deadpool 2" enjoys its success in the R-rated list with the seventh spot.

"Deadpool 2" was released in 2018 and directed by David Leitch. Ryan Reynolds reprises his role as the irreverent antihero, Deadpool, who forms a superhero team called X-Force to protect a young mutant from the time-traveling villain, Cable (Josh Brolin). Unlike other Marvel movies, Deadpool didn't shy away from hard language, sexual innuendos and gore.

"Deadpool 2" generally received positive reviews, with a Tomatometer score of 84%. Critics praised Reynolds' performance, but some felt the sequel fell short when compared to its predecessor.

6. Oppenheimer - $328,581,295


One of the biggest movies of 2023, "Oppenheimer" continues to rake in revenue at the box office. This is aside from the many awards it's been bagging.

Directed by Christopher Nolan, it stars Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer, who is best known as the "father of the atomic bomb." The movie follows Oppenheimer's life -- his role in the Manhattan Project during World War II, and his eventual fall following the 1954 security clearance hearing which saw the scientist as a security risk due to his associations with left-wing individuals.

The movie has been received well by both critics and viewers, with an impressive 94% Tomatometer score and a 91% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. While it does show sex, the theme of the movie demands it to be R-rated.

"Oppenheimer" is nominated for several awards, including Best Picture at the upcoming Oscars 2024.

5. It: $328,874,981


Released in 2017, "It" is the second adaptation of Stephen King's novel of the same name. It follows the story of The Losers' Club, a group of outcast kids from Derry, Maine, who are terrorized by an evil entity that takes the form of a sinister clown named Pennywise.

The adaptation was praised for its cast performance, screenplay and cinematography. It won several Best Horror Movie awards in 2018.

4. Joker: $335,477,657


Another entry from director Todd Phillips, the same guy who directed the "Hangover" movie trilogy, "Joker" quickly became a classic.

This psychological thriller is a cinematic masterpiece, thanks in huge part to Joaquin Phoenix's Oscar-winning performance as the titular character. It also stars Hollywood legend Robert De Niro.

"Joker" portrays the origin story of Batman's iconic villain. Phoenix delivers a superb performance as Arthur Fleck, a struggling comedian whose spiral into madness leads to his transformation into the Joker. Aside from the darker theme of the film, it also shows much violence.

The film earned multiple accolades, including multiple Best Actor awards for Phoenix.

3. American Sniper: $350,159,020


"American Sniper" is a 2014 biographical war drama that stars Bradley Cooper as Chris Kyle, a Navy SEAL sniper with the most confirmed kills in U.S. military history. It explores Kyle's experiences in Iraq and his struggle to return to society as he grapples with the toll of the war on him. The film was directed by Clint Eastwood.

The film received six nominations at the Academy Awards in 2015, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Cooper. It ended up winning an award for Best Sound Editing. Cooper won the Best Actor in an Action Movie award at the Critics' Choice Awards.

2. Deadpool: $363,070,709


"Deadpool" was a welcome change from the usual PG-rated superhero movies. While Captain America made sure the Avengers avoided cussing, Deadpool welcomed it! Not to mention the graphic sex scenes and gory action cuts in between.

Reynolds as Deadpool received critical acclaim for his humor and wit. The film became the highest-grossing R-rated film in 2016 and even received nominations from the Critics' Choice and Golden Globe awards.

After "Deadpool" and "Deadpool 2's" success, fans are eager to see what "Deadpool 3" has in store. Slated for a release in July 2024, the third installment will also see the return of Hugh Jackman in his X-Men character, Wolverine.

1. The Passion of the Christ: $370,782,930


People may be surprised to know that this religious drama about Jesus Christ is, in fact, R-rated.

This 2004 hit was directed by Mel Gibson and depicts the final 12 hours of Jesus Christ's life, played by Jim Caviezel, focusing mainly on his death and crucifixion.

The film's graphic depiction of Christ's final hours in the hands of Jewish authorities gives this an instant R-rating -- too much blood and graphic violence.

Despite its success, "The Passion of the Christ" only scored 49% on Rotten Tomatoes' Tomatometer. According to Critics' Concensus, the movie "will leave many viewers emotionally drained rather than spiritually uplifted."

Tags: R-Rated Movies Highest Grossing Movies Deadpool Movies