R-rated movies encompass content that may be too intense for younger audiences, often featuring elements such as strong language, nudity, violence, or unsettling themes. This intensity can create a profound impact, a power that some directors harness effectively while others misuse. Each year brings its own collection of R-rated cinematic treasures and disappointments, and 2024 is no exception. With that in mind, let’s explore some of the standout R-rated films of the year.
The movies highlighted in this list cover a diverse array of genres, ranging from romantic comedies to horror and drama. Some films are relatively tame, while others push boundaries with explicit content and graphic violence. Regardless, each film captivates its audience in unique ways—whether through the humor of Hit Man or the grotesque allure of <em>The Substance</em>. Viewers are sure to discover numerous gems to appreciate among these selections.
15
‘Heretic’ (2024)
Directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods
Heretic distinguishes itself among the films released in 2024 due to its unexpected twists, showcasing Hugh Grant in a departure from his usual roles in romantic comedies as he takes on the role of a subtly menacing antagonist. The storyline is confined yet compelling, focusing on the interactions of two Mormon missionaries, Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East), who visit Mr. Reed (Grant). Initially warm and inviting, Mr. Reed’s demeanor swiftly shifts to controlling and possessive. Central to the film’s narrative is Mr. Reed’s exploration of theology and his probing of the young women’s faith.
The brilliance of Heretic is rooted in its simplicity. The film centers around the dialogue, heavily relying on Grant’s skillful delivery of demanding monologues that are not only pivotal to the plot but also rich in theoretical content. He adeptly portrays a character that is both knowledgeable and domineering, ensuring the audience remains engaged with the meaning behind his words. The end result is a slow-burn horror that cultivates a profoundly unsettling sense of dread, gripping the viewer tightly and refusing to release them. —Gaby Shedwick
Heretic
- Release Date
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November 15, 2024
- Runtime
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111 minutes
14
‘Kinds of Kindness’ (2024)
Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos
Building on the critical success of Poor Things, expectations were high for Yorgos Lanthimos and his latest feature, Kinds of Kindness, which completely overturned any preconceived notions. This film is structured in three parts, presenting three loosely connected narratives featuring the same cast in different roles. It encapsulates Lanthimos’s signature whimsy, yet this time, his direction leans into the most eccentric aspects of his style. Reuniting Emma Stone, Willem Dafoe, and Margaret Qualley, all of whom have collaborated with Lanthimos before, showcases a rare level of creative control for such an ambitious project.
Kinds of Kindness ingeniously fuses dark comedy with elements of horror and family drama, resulting in a narrative that is both hallucinatory and unpredictable. Its distinctiveness among 2024 films is underscored by its audacity; it presents something entirely unique, offering one of the year’s most innovative cinematic experiences. The film oscillates between biting humor and grim melancholy within moments, yet every element has its rightful place. It’s a film that not many directors could successfully create, but Lanthimos masterfully navigates its complexities. —Gaby Shedwick
13
‘Longlegs’ (2024)
Directed by Osgood Perkins
“I know you’re not afraid of a little bit of dark because you are the dark.” This unconventional horror film features Nicolas Cage in the role of a Satanic serial killer, with Maika Monroe portraying Lee Harker, the FBI agent on his trail. As Harker investigates, she uncovers disturbing connections to her own past, including her mother’s link to the killer. The narrative of Longlegs takes unexpected turns, keeping audiences engaged and entertained, even as the climax may falter slightly.
Cage delivers an eccentric performance as Longlegs, blending elements of a rockstar and a wizard. The film is visually rich, featuring haunting images of the devil throughout, which contribute to a deeply malignant atmosphere that mirrors the characters’ internal struggles. Osgood Perkins directs with confidence, exemplified by the opening scene where Longlegs abruptly appears, startling viewers and setting the tone for the film.
Longlegs
- Release Date
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July 12, 2024
- Runtime
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101 Minutes
12
‘Hit Man’ (2024)
Directed by Richard Linklater
“All pie is good pie.” Renowned filmmaker Richard Linklater returns to comedic storytelling with Hit Man, a romantic crime comedy featuring Glen Powell as Gary Johnson, a philosophy professor leading a double life. By day, Gary is a reserved academic; by night, he collaborates with the New Orleans Police Department, acting as a hitman to catch individuals seeking to eliminate adversaries. However, complications arise when Gary becomes involved with Madison (Adria Arjona), a woman seeking to hire a hitman to kill her abusive husband.
Hit Man is loosely inspired by true events, transforming them into thoroughly enjoyable genre entertainment. It’s fresh and humorous, boasting impressive performances and a light narrative style. One of the film’s standout moments occurs during the climactic scene, where Gary finds himself being recorded while trying to assist Madison in outsmarting the authorities who are eavesdropping. This scene’s success relies heavily on Powell’s committed and vibrant performance, marking it as one of the most notable star-making turns of the new millennium and one of the best performances of 2024.
Hit Man
- Release Date
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May 24, 2024
- Runtime
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116 minutes
11
‘Babygirl’ (2024)
Directed by Halina Rejin
“I didn’t know love could look like this.” Nicole Kidman takes the lead in this erotic thriller film as Romy Mathis, a powerful CEO who engages in an affair with her much younger intern, Samuel (Harris Dickinson). Co-starring is Antonio Banderas as Jacob, Romy’s unaware husband. Through these characters, the film explores the intricate complexities of power dynamics and sexuality in a corporate environment, as Romy’s secretive relationship threatens her career and personal life.
In many respects, the film serves as a contemporary reimagining of classics like Basic Instinct and Indecent Proposal. In this context, Babygirl contrasts sharply with director Halina Rejin‘s previous work, the Pete Davidson-led Bodies Bodies Bodies. Premiering at the Venice Film Festival in late August, Kidman received the Volpi Cup for Best Actress, with the film earning critical acclaim for its performances and its strikingly polished aesthetic.
Babygirl
- Release Date
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December 25, 2024
- Runtime
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114 Minutes
10
‘His Three Daughters’ (2024)
Directed by Azazel Jacobs
“You all need each other. It’s good that there are three of you.” This poignant drama features Carrie Coon, Natasha Lyonne, and Elizabeth Olsen as three estranged sisters—Katie, Rachel, and Christina—who reunite in their father’s New York City apartment to support him during his final days. As their father, Vincent (Jay O. Sanders), struggles with terminal cancer, the sisters confront long-buried grievances and navigate complex family dynamics. Over three tense days, while death looms, conflicts arise, yet the possibility of reconciliation glimmers through the tension.
His Three Daughters is a minimalist film featuring a small cast and limited locations, relying heavily on strong writing to generate its dramatic tension. A significant strength lies in the distinct personalities of the three sisters, each bringing unique traits to the narrative. The lead actresses deliver layered performances, making the characters feel authentically human and relatable.
9
‘My Old Ass’ (2024)
Directed by Megan Park
“I thought I’d be happier at 40.” My Old Ass presents a unique coming-of-age narrative featuring Maisy Stella as 18-year-old Elliott LaBrant, who is eager to escape her family’s cranberry farm in Muskoka Lakes, Ontario, to pursue university life in Toronto. During a psychedelic mushroom experience with friends, Elliott meets her 39-year-old future self (Aubrey Plaza), who offers cryptic yet insightful guidance, leaving Elliott to decide how to navigate her future.
My Old Ass stands out as a reflective and nuanced film, setting itself apart from typical comedies that might exploit this concept purely for humor without any depth. It incorporates character development alongside comedy, resulting in a film that is both humorous and poignant. The final product is a delightful blend of laughter and emotional resonance, anchored by strong writing and a career-defining performance from the ever-charismatic Plaza, while Stella shines as the relatable Gen Z protagonist.
My Old Ass
- Release Date
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September 13, 2024
- Runtime
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89 minutes
8
‘A Real Pain’ (2024)
Directed by Jesse Eisenberg
