15 R-Rated Movies on Netflix: From Gritty Thrillers to Dark Comedies

1. The Lovebirds 2020，IMDB Rating: 6.1, IMDB Votes: 27917, ID: 8851668
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The Lovebirds is a delightful blend of comedy and crime, with Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani delivering stellar performances as a couple caught in a murder mystery. Their chemistry is palpable, making the film’s humor and romance shine. It’s a fun, light-hearted watch that keeps you entertained from start to finish.
2. Spaceman 2024，IMDB Rating: 5.7, IMDB Votes: 36661, ID: 11097384
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Spaceman is a thought-provoking sci-fi drama featuring Adam Sandler in a surprisingly subdued role. The film explores themes of isolation and self-discovery as Sandler’s character embarks on a solitary mission to the edge of the solar system. While the pacing can be slow, the movie’s emotional depth and philosophical undertones make it a compelling watch.
3. Maestro 2023，IMDB Rating: 6.5, IMDB Votes: 63117, ID: 5535276
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Maestro is a visually stunning biopic that delves into the life of legendary composer Leonard Bernstein. Bradley Cooper’s portrayal of Bernstein is both captivating and nuanced, capturing the complexities of his character. The film’s beautiful cinematography and powerful performances make it a must-watch, despite its somewhat conventional narrative structure.
4. Leave the World Behind 2023，IMDB Rating: 6.4, IMDB Votes: 207491, ID: 12747748
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Leave the World Behind is a gripping psychological thriller that explores the tensions between two families during a mysterious blackout. Julia Roberts and Mahershala Ali deliver standout performances, adding depth to the film’s suspenseful plot. While the ending may leave some viewers wanting more, the movie’s intense atmosphere and thought-provoking themes make it a worthwhile watch.
5. Everything Everywhere All at Once 2022，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 544791, ID: 6710474
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A mind-bending journey through the multiverse, ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ is a visual and emotional feast. It’s about Ivy (played by Michelle Yeoh), an ordinary immigrant woman who, when faced with a difficult life situation, suddenly discovers that she can travel through different universes and interact with different versions of herself.This R-rated gem on Netflix is a testament to the power of innovative storytelling.
6. Fear the Walking Dead 2015，IMDB Rating: 6.8, IMDB Votes: 145868, ID: 3743822
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As a prequel to ‘The Walking Dead,’ ‘Fear the Walking Dead’ offers a gripping look at the onset of the zombie apocalypse. The series’ slow-burn approach and character-driven narrative make it a compelling addition to the R-rated content on Netflix. It’s a must-watch for fans of the genre.
7. Unthinkable 2010，IMDB Rating: 7.0, IMDB Votes: 95279, ID: 0914863
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‘Unthinkable’ is a tense thriller that delves into the moral complexities of torture and terrorism. Samuel L. Jackson and Michael Sheen deliver powerful performances, making this film a thought-provoking watch. Its intense narrative and ethical dilemmas make it a standout R-rated movie on Netflix.
8. Mea Culpa 2024，IMDB Rating: 4.2, IMDB Votes: 6003, ID: 26861992
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Tyler Perry’s ‘Mea Culpa’ is a steamy thriller that explores the blurred lines between professional and personal relationships. Despite its mixed reviews, the film’s intriguing plot and strong performances make it worth a watch. It’s a notable addition to the R-rated offerings on Netflix.
9. The Killer 2023，IMDB Rating: 6.7, IMDB Votes: 191828, ID: 1136617
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David Fincher’s ‘The Killer’ is a masterclass in precision and style, with Michael Fassbender delivering a chilling performance as a meticulous assassin. The exploration of obsession and perfectionism is both fascinating and unsettling, making it a must-watch for fans of Fincher’s work.
10. The Girl with All the Gifts 2016，IMDB Rating: 6.6, IMDB Votes: 64999, ID: 4547056
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‘The Girl with All the Gifts’ offers a fresh take on the zombie genre, blending horror with thought-provoking themes. Sennia Nanua’s standout performance as Melanie, a girl immune to a fungal infection, adds depth to the film’s exploration of humanity and survival. It’s a gripping and atmospheric film that stands out in a crowded genre.
11. It Follows 2 Slowly 2016，IMDB Rating: 4.4, IMDB Votes: 97, ID: 5829978
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It Follows 2 Slowly is a parody that humorously tackles the concept of a paranormal STD. While it lacks the horror and suspense of its predecessor, it offers a fresh comedic take on the genre. It is about a group of young people who find themselves being stalked by a mysterious supernatural force that spreads through a sort of ‘contagion’, with each infection making the victim the next target.
12. The Equalizer 3 2023，IMDB Rating: 6.8, IMDB Votes: 126149, ID: 17024450
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The Equalizer 3 brings Denzel Washington back as Robert McCall, delivering justice with his signature intensity. Set in a picturesque Italian village, the film combines brutal action with moments of quiet reflection. While the plot is formulaic, Washington’s performance elevates the film, making it a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy. The scenic backdrop adds a unique charm, though some may find the pacing uneven.
13. Pain Hustlers 2023，IMDB Rating: 6.6, IMDB Votes: 46911, ID: 15257160
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Pain Hustlers, directed by David Yates, is a gripping portrayal of the opioid crisis, starring Emily Blunt as Liza Drake, a single mother whose marketing tactics spark an epidemic. The film comes across as a bit lacklustre due to the lack of commitment to the subject matter. But it makes for a thought-provoking film that shows the destructive effects of corporate greed.
14. Devil in a Blue Dress 1995，IMDB Rating: 6.8, IMDB Votes: 24962, ID: 0112857
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Devil in a Blue Dress, directed by Carl Franklin, is a neo-noir thriller set in 1948 Los Angeles. Denzel Washington stars as Easy Rawlins, a black WWII veteran turned private detective. The film masterfully tackles themes of race and identity, with Washington’s performance and the film’s atmospheric setting making it a standout in the genre. It’s a must-watch for fans of noir and historical dramas.
15. The Suicide Squad 2021，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 415800, ID: 6334354
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James Gunn’s ‘The Suicide Squad’ is a wild ride of chaotic fun and unabashed violence. It tells the story of a group of dangerous anti-heroes who are summoned by the government on a highly dangerous mission – to destroy a mysterious enemy. The style of the film is extremely over-the-top and violent, with Gunn cleverly incorporating unexpected emotional moments and character growth that make this stand out in the superhero genre.