All R rated superhero movies ever made.
by indiescifi451 | created - 22 May 2017 | updated - 28 Jul 2017 | PublicWith all the recent buzz about Logan and Deadpool, let's remember for a second that they were by no means first R rated superhero movies.
The best independent films here are Defendor, Super, The Crow, Darkman and Robocop.
As for the big budget films, my preference goes to The Matrix, Watchmen, V for Vendetta, Sin City and Constantine.
Here you can find the full list with more info about the production budget and box office: https://indiescifi451.com/2017/07/12/full-list-of-all-r-rated-superhero-movies-ever-made/
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1. The Matrix (1999)
R | 136 min | Action, Sci-Fi
When a beautiful stranger leads computer hacker Neo to a forbidding underworld, he discovers the shocking truth--the life he knows is the elaborate deception of an evil cyber-intelligence.
Directors: Lana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski | Stars: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving
Votes: 2,054,508 | Gross: $171.48M
A unique example of a smart, innovative and visually gorgeous science fiction movie. I'm curious though if someone will ever dare to do an unnecessary remake. Big bosses love remakes, don't they?
2. Defendor (2009)
R | 101 min | Comedy, Crime, Drama
Arthur Poppington, a regular man who adopts a superhero persona, known as "Defendor", combs the city streets at night, in search of his archenemy, Captain Industry.
Director: Peter Stebbings | Stars: Woody Harrelson, Kat Dennings, Sandra Oh, Elias Koteas
Votes: 37,532 | Gross: $0.04M
A must-see for anyone who loves independent cinema. Incredible performance by Woody Harrelson.
3. Watchmen (2009)
R | 162 min | Action, Drama, Mystery
In a version of 1985 where superheroes exist, the murder of a colleague sends active vigilante Rorschach on the trail of a conspiracy that will change the course of history.
Director: Zack Snyder | Stars: Jackie Earle Haley, Patrick Wilson, Carla Gugino, Malin Akerman
Votes: 582,770 | Gross: $107.51M
Damn, I wish Zack Snyder could always make movies like Watchmen and not like Batman v Superman... I'd like to know what the hell gave him $184 million budget with not a really well-known cast. Based on the comics by Alan Moore.
4. V for Vendetta (2005)
R | 132 min | Action, Drama, Sci-Fi
In a future British dystopian society, a shadowy freedom fighter, known only by the alias of "V", plots to overthrow the tyrannical government - with the help of a young woman.
Director: James McTeigue | Stars: Hugo Weaving, Natalie Portman, Rupert Graves, Stephen Rea
Votes: 1,179,738 | Gross: $70.51M
Probably one of the smartiest entries on this list. Based on the comics by Alan Moore.
5. Sin City (2005)
R | 124 min | Crime, Thriller
An exploration of the dark and miserable Basin City and three of its residents, all of whom are caught up in violent corruption.
Directors: Frank Miller, Quentin Tarantino, Robert Rodriguez | Stars: Mickey Rourke, Clive Owen, Bruce Willis, Jessica Alba
Votes: 793,980 | Gross: $74.10M
Not so many movies have such incredible visuals combined with a stellar cast.
6. Super (I) (2010)
R | 96 min | Action, Comedy, Crime
After his wife falls under the influence of a drug dealer, an everyday guy transforms himself into Crimson Bolt, a superhero with the best intentions, but lacking in heroic skills.
Director: James Gunn | Stars: Rainn Wilson, Elliot Page, Liv Tyler, Kevin Bacon
Votes: 83,713 | Gross: $0.32M
This is what James Gunn directed before he was invited to do The Guardians of the Galaxy. Amazing cast. Lots of violence.
7. RoboCop (1987)
R | 102 min | Action, Crime, Sci-Fi
In a dystopic and crime-ridden Detroit, a terminally wounded cop returns to the force as a powerful cyborg haunted by submerged memories.
Director: Paul Verhoeven | Stars: Peter Weller, Nancy Allen, Dan O'Herlihy, Ronny Cox
Votes: 283,294 | Gross: $53.42M
One of the first commercially successful entries on this list.
8. Constantine (2005)
R | 121 min | Action, Fantasy, Horror
Supernatural exorcist and demonologist John Constantine helps a policewoman prove her sister's death was not a suicide, but something more.
Director: Francis Lawrence | Stars: Keanu Reeves, Rachel Weisz, Djimon Hounsou, Shia LaBeouf
Votes: 374,423 | Gross: $75.98M
...I've always felt like Constantine was underrated. Peter Stormare's and Tilda Swinton's performances were awesome.
9. Dredd (2012)
R | 95 min | Action, Crime, Sci-Fi
In a violent, futuristic city where the police have the authority to act as judge, jury and executioner, a cop teams with a trainee to take down a gang that deals the reality-altering drug, SLO-MO.
Director: Pete Travis | Stars: Karl Urban, Olivia Thirlby, Lena Headey, Rachel Wood
Votes: 294,549 | Gross: $13.41M
Not often a remake is received better by the critics than the original, isn't it?
10. Kick-Ass (2010)
R | 117 min | Action, Comedy, Crime
Dave Lizewski is an unnoticed high school student and comic book fan who one day decides to become a superhero, even though he has no powers, training or meaningful reason to do so.
Director: Matthew Vaughn | Stars: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Nicolas Cage, Chloë Grace Moretz, Garrett M. Brown
Votes: 593,622 | Gross: $48.07M
A big budget and less tragic version of Defendor/Super. Unusually weird and funny Nicholas Cage.
11. Logan (2017)
R | 137 min | Action, Drama, Sci-Fi
In a future where mutants are nearly extinct, an elderly and weary Logan leads a quiet life. But when Laura, a mutant child pursued by scientists, comes to him for help, he must get her to safety.
Director: James Mangold | Stars: Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Dafne Keen, Boyd Holbrook
Votes: 832,039 | Gross: $226.28M
12. The Matrix Reloaded (2003)
R | 138 min | Action, Sci-Fi
Freedom fighters Neo, Trinity and Morpheus continue to lead the revolt against the Machine Army, unleashing their arsenal of extraordinary skills and weaponry against the systematic forces of repression and exploitation.
Directors: Lana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski | Stars: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving
Votes: 630,907 | Gross: $281.49M
13. The Matrix Revolutions (2003)
R | 129 min | Action, Sci-Fi
The human city of Zion defends itself against the massive invasion of the machines as Neo fights to end the war at another front while also opposing the rogue Agent Smith.
Directors: Lana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski | Stars: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving
Votes: 543,758 | Gross: $139.31M
14. The Crow (1994)
R | 102 min | Action, Crime, Drama
A man brutally murdered comes back to life as an undead avenger of his and his fiancée's murder.
Director: Alex Proyas | Stars: Brandon Lee, Michael Wincott, Rochelle Davis, Ernie Hudson
Votes: 203,346 | Gross: $50.69M
Alex Proyas should release 1 movie per year. At least.
15. Blade II (2002)
R | 117 min | Action, Horror, Sci-Fi
Blade forms an uneasy alliance with the vampire council in order to combat the Reapers, who are feeding on vampires.
Director: Guillermo del Toro | Stars: Wesley Snipes, Kris Kristofferson, Ron Perlman, Leonor Varela
Votes: 234,517 | Gross: $82.35M
Guillermo del Toro, Guillermo del Toro, Guillermo del Toro!
16. Darkman (1990)
R | 96 min | Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller
A brilliant scientist left for dead returns to exact revenge on the people who burned him alive.
Director: Sam Raimi | Stars: Liam Neeson, Frances McDormand, Colin Friels, Larry Drake
Votes: 69,889 | Gross: $33.88M
Liam Neeson was a superhero long before Taken. Sam Raimi did superhero movies long before Spider-Man. As it usually happens, Darkman was followed by a lousy sequel.
17. Blade (1998)
R | 120 min | Action, Horror, Sci-Fi
A half-vampire, half-mortal man becomes a protector of the mortal race, while slaying evil vampires.
Director: Stephen Norrington | Stars: Wesley Snipes, Stephen Dorff, Kris Kristofferson, N'Bushe Wright
Votes: 299,146 | Gross: $70.09M
Based on a Marvel Comics character. The first commercially successful R rated superhero movie - $131 million box office with $45 million box office.
18. The Toxic Avenger (1984)
R | 82 min | Action, Comedy, Horror
Tromaville has a monstrous new hero. The Toxic Avenger is born when meek mop boy Melvin falls into a vat of toxic waste. Now evildoers will have a lot to lose.
Directors: Michael Herz, Lloyd Kaufman | Stars: Andree Maranda, Mitch Cohen, Jennifer Babtist, Cindy Manion
Votes: 32,185
Probably the first ever R rated superhero movie.
19. Special (2006)
R | 81 min | Comedy, Drama, Sci-Fi
A lonely comic book fan, Les Franken, has a reaction to medication and becomes convinced he's a superhero.
Directors: Hal Haberman, Jeremy Passmore | Stars: Michael Rapaport, Paul Blackthorne, Josh Peck, Robert Baker
Votes: 5,912 | Gross: $0.01M
20. Wanted (2008)
R | 110 min | Action, Crime, Thriller
A frustrated office worker discovers that he is the son of a professional assassin, and that he shares his father's superhuman killing abilities.
Director: Timur Bekmambetov | Stars: Angelina Jolie, James McAvoy, Morgan Freeman, Terence Stamp
Votes: 408,717 | Gross: $134.51M
First English/Hollywood movie of Russian director Timur Bekmambetov (check-out Night Watch and Day Watch!). Good cast, lots of gore and awesome visuals, mask well the stupid plot and mediocre screenplay.
21. The Punisher (2004)
R | 124 min | Action, Crime, Drama
An undercover FBI agent becomes a vigilante and sets out to unleash his wrath upon the corrupt businessman who slaughtered his entire family at a reunion.
Director: Jonathan Hensleigh | Stars: Thomas Jane, John Travolta, Samantha Mathis, Laura Harring
Votes: 170,625 | Gross: $33.81M
I still prefer The Punisher from the Daredevil Netflix 2015 series.
22. Sin City: A Dame to Kill For (2014)
R | 102 min | Action, Crime, Thriller
Some of Sin City's most hard-boiled citizens cross paths with a few of its more reviled inhabitants.
Directors: Frank Miller, Robert Rodriguez | Stars: Mickey Rourke, Jessica Alba, Josh Brolin, Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Votes: 170,526 | Gross: $13.76M
This one was a big disappointment for everybody. It's not bad, but it just stands nowhere near the original. The only really good thing here was an awesome Joseph Gordon-Levitt (I apologize in advance for all Eva Green fans).
23. Blade: Trinity (2004)
R | 113 min | Action, Horror, Sci-Fi
Blade, now a wanted man by the FBI, must join forces with the Nightstalkers to face his most challenging enemy yet: Dracula.
Director: David S. Goyer | Stars: Wesley Snipes, Kris Kristofferson, Parker Posey, Ryan Reynolds
Votes: 188,369 | Gross: $52.41M
24. Guyver: Dark Hero (1994)
R | 127 min | Action, Horror, Sci-Fi
Sean Barker, unwilling host to an alien bio-armor known as the Guyver, must fight the Kronos Corporation again before they discover the secrets of the Guyver's origin.
Director: Steve Wang | Stars: David Hayter, Kathy Christopherson, Bruno Patrick, Christopher Michael
Votes: 3,785
The only movie on this list where the sequel was more successful than the original.
25. Judge Dredd (1995)
R | 96 min | Action, Crime, Sci-Fi
In a dystopian future, Joseph Dredd, the most famous Judge (a police officer with instant field judiciary powers), is convicted for a crime he did not commit and must face his murderous counterpart.
Director: Danny Cannon | Stars: Sylvester Stallone, Armand Assante, Rob Schneider, Jürgen Prochnow
Votes: 124,978 | Gross: $34.69M
$90 million budget, 5.5 IMDb rating, Sylvester Stallone. That's enough to put it on a must-see list, right?
26. Spawn (1997)
PG-13 | 96 min | Action, Crime, Drama
An elite mercenary is killed, but comes back from Hell as a reluctant soldier of the Devil.
Director: Mark A.Z. Dippé | Stars: Michael Jai White, John Leguizamo, Martin Sheen, Theresa Randle
Votes: 72,314 | Gross: $54.97M
Spawn was badly received, but it was an interesting artistical take on superheroes. Ebert was probably the only one who loved it (3.5/4!). 18% of Rotten Tomatoes. But we don't care about the critics, do we?
27. Special (2006)
R | 81 min | Comedy, Drama, Sci-Fi
A lonely comic book fan, Les Franken, has a reaction to medication and becomes convinced he's a superhero.
Directors: Hal Haberman, Jeremy Passmore | Stars: Michael Rapaport, Paul Blackthorne, Josh Peck, Robert Baker
Votes: 5,912 | Gross: $0.01M
28. RoboCop 2 (1990)
R | 117 min | Action, Crime, Sci-Fi
RoboCop returns to protect the citizens of old Detroit but faces a deadly challenge when a rogue OCP member secretly creates a new, evil RoboCop 2.
Director: Irvin Kershner | Stars: Peter Weller, Nancy Allen, Belinda Bauer, Dan O'Herlihy
Votes: 93,214 | Gross: $45.68M
Peter Weller did Screamers as well, by the way.
29. The Hebrew Hammer (2003)
R | 85 min | Comedy
An orthodox Jewish blaxploitation hero saves Hanukkah from the clutches of Santa Claus' evil son.
Director: Jonathan Kesselman | Stars: Adam Goldberg, Andy Dick, Judy Greer, Mario Van Peebles
Votes: 5,087 | Gross: $0.02M
The title is pretty self-explanatory.
30. The Specials (2000)
R | 82 min | Action, Comedy, Fantasy
The sixth or seventh best superhero team in the world pursue their rightful place in the harshly competitive world of toy tie-ins and fighting evil.
Director: Craig Mazin | Stars: Rob Lowe, Thomas Haden Church, Paget Brewster, Jordan Ladd
Votes: 2,528 | Gross: $0.01M
written by James Gunn (Super, Guardians of the Galaxy). I wonder if the guys that called him to direct Guardians of the Galaxy have actually watched this movie.
31. Black Mask (1996)
R | 99 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy
A survivor of a supersoldier project must fight his former comrades as a masked hero.
Director: Daniel Lee | Stars: Jet Li, Ching Wan Lau, Karen Mok, Françoise Yip
Votes: 12,285 | Gross: $12.49M
With Jet Li, the only mortal who beat Chuck Norris.
32. The Heroic Trio (1993)
R | 88 min | Action, Fantasy, Thriller
While one tough woman with an invisible robe has stolen 18 babies for her powerful master, two other tough women and the cops try to stop her.
Director: Johnnie To | Stars: Michelle Yeoh, Anita Mui, Maggie Cheung, Damian Lau
Votes: 4,471
In 2008, the film critic website Rotten Tomatoes ranked her the greatest action heroine of all time. In 2009, she was listed by People – as the only Asian actress – as one of the "35 All-Time Screen Beauties".
And in 1993 she did The Heroic Trio! Yahoo.
33. Tank Girl (1995)
R | 104 min | Action, Comedy, Sci-Fi
A girl is among the few survivors of a dystopian Earth. Riding a war tank, she fights against the tyranny of a mega-corporation that dominates the remaining potable water supply of the planet.
Director: Rachel Talalay | Stars: Lori Petty, Ice-T, Naomi Watts, Don Harvey
Votes: 34,788 | Gross: $4.06M
$25 million budget and a box office disaster ($6 million).
34. Kick-Ass 2 (2013)
R | 103 min | Action, Comedy, Crime
Following Kick-Ass' heroics, other citizens are inspired to become masked crusaders, but Red Mist leads his own group of evil super-villains to get revenge, kill Kick-Ass, and destroy everything he stands for.
Director: Jeff Wadlow | Stars: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Chloë Grace Moretz, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Jim Carrey
Votes: 288,572 | Gross: $28.80M
Unnecessary sequels rule the world.
35. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
PG-13 | 151 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Batman is manipulated by Lex Luthor to fear Superman. Superman´s existence is meanwhile dividing the world and he is framed for murder during an international crisis. The heroes clash and force the neutral Wonder Woman to reemerge.
Director: Zack Snyder | Stars: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Jesse Eisenberg
Votes: 752,654 | Gross: $330.36M
Only the Extended Cut was R rated - but it will barely prevent you from sleeping.
36. The Punisher (1989)
R | 89 min | Action, Crime, Thriller
When Frank Castle's family is murdered by criminals, he wages war on crime as a vigilante assassin known only as The Punisher.
Director: Mark Goldblatt | Stars: Dolph Lundgren, Louis Gossett Jr., Jeroen Krabbé, Kim Miyori
Votes: 25,821
With Dolph Lundgren who is playing Dolph Lundgren. And that makes it perfect.
37. Punisher: War Zone (2008)
R | 103 min | Action, Crime, Drama
Frank Castle, known as the Punisher, ruthlessly demolishes organized crime, but it starts an even bigger war.
Director: Lexi Alexander | Stars: Ray Stevenson, Dominic West, Julie Benz, Doug Hutchison
Votes: 67,181 | Gross: $8.05M
38. Alter Egos (2012)
R | 80 min | Comedy
At a time when superheroes have lost government funding and public support, a superhero meets a girl who can help him overcome his own emotional crisis.
Director: Jordan Galland | Stars: Kris Lemche, Brooke Nevin, Joey Kern, Danny Masterson
Votes: 1,576
39. The Crow: City of Angels (1996)
R | 84 min | Action, Crime, Fantasy
The spirit of the Crow resurrects another man seeking revenge for the murder of his son.
Director: Tim Pope | Stars: Vincent Perez, Mia Kirshner, Richard Brooks, Iggy Pop
Votes: 21,708 | Gross: $17.88M
Plus other endless sequels... Poor Brandon Lee. No irony intended here.
40. Daredevil (2003)
PG-13 | 103 min | Action, Crime
A man blinded by toxic waste which also enhanced his remaining senses fights crime as an acrobatic martial arts superhero.
Director: Mark Steven Johnson | Stars: Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner, Colin Farrell, Michael Clarke Duncan
Votes: 229,150 | Gross: $102.54M
Only the Director's Cut was R rated. The 2015 TV series were way better.
41. The Toxic Avenger Part II (1989)
R | 102 min | Action, Comedy, Horror
The Toxic Avenger is tricked into traveling to Tokyo to search for his estranged father, leaving Tromaville open to complete domination by an evil corporation.
Directors: Michael Herz, Lloyd Kaufman | Stars: Ron Fazio, John Altamura, Phoebe Legere, Rick Collins
Votes: 7,365 | Gross: $0.79M
42. The Toxic Avenger Part III: The Last Temptation of Toxie (1989)
R | 102 min | Action, Comedy, Fantasy
Toxie finds he has nothing to do as a superhero, as he has ridden his city of evil. He decides to go to work for a major corporation, which he discovers may be the evilest of all his adversaries.
Directors: Michael Herz, Lloyd Kaufman | Stars: Ron Fazio, Phoebe Legere, John Altamura, Rick Collins
Votes: 5,241 | Gross: $0.36M
43. Officer Downe (2016)
R | 88 min | Action, Comedy, Sci-Fi
Based on the graphic novel, a police officer who can't be stopped by death returns to the streets time and time again to fight crime.
Director: Shawn Crahan | Stars: Kim Coates, Tyler Ross, Meadow Williams, Alison Lohman
Votes: 2,265 | Gross: $0.00M
Directed by one of the founding members of Slipknot.
44. Faust (2000)
R | 101 min | Drama, Fantasy, Horror
A man sells his soul to the devil to gain superpowers and avenge his girlfriend's brutal murder. When he realizes that the price is the soul of his new love interest, he turns on the devil.
Director: Brian Yuzna | Stars: Mark Frost, Isabel Brook, Jennifer Rope, Jeffrey Combs
Votes: 4,510
Welcome to the world of trash, kiddies...
45. Black Mask 2: City of Masks (2002)
R | 102 min | Action, Drama, Sci-Fi
The Black Mask must stop a group intent on setting off a DNA bomb that could cause mutations to the human race.
Director: Hark Tsui | Stars: Andy On, Tobin Bell, Jon Polito, Teresa Herrera
Votes: 1,985
...with its trashy sequels...
46. Black Scorpion (1995 TV Movie)
R | 92 min | Action, Crime, Sci-Fi
Darcy is a cop who is also a supehero named Black Scorpion at night who kicks and beats evildoers to a pulp. She soon catches wind of an asthmatic mad scientist who plans on tainting the ... See full summary »
Director: Jonathan Winfrey | Stars: Ashley Peldon, Rick Rossovich, Michael Wiseman, Bradford Tatum
Votes: 1,315
...trashy erotic superhero movies...
("I wanted to do a female Superman-Spiderman-Batman," - said the director.
''I figured this would be pretty easy in Hollywood. It turned out to be incredibly difficult. I've never seen so many beautiful bad actresses in my life,'' - he said.
Well, we all know that the superhero costumes cover all the body only for male superheroes, right?)
47. SpiderBabe (2003 Video)
R | 89 min | Adventure, Comedy, Sci-Fi
A socially awkward young woman gets bitten by a radioactive spider and becomes a crime-fighting superhero and tries to defeat a nefarious super villain while going after any man (or woman) she wants to bed down with.
Director: Johnny Crash | Stars: Erin Brown, Julian Wells, Darian Caine, Adam Cox
Votes: 947
...and very trashy erotic superhero movies.
This movie is even too trashy to close this list.
48. Deadpool (2016)
R | 108 min | Action, Comedy
A wisecracking mercenary gets experimented on and becomes immortal yet hideously scarred, and sets out to track down the man who ruined his looks.
Director: Tim Miller | Stars: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, T.J. Miller, Ed Skrein
Votes: 1,126,395 | Gross: $363.07M
I am sure Deadpool would be more than happy to be at the end of the list. It's truly his spirit.
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