15 R-Rated Comedies NOT Suitable For Family Movie Night
These R-rated flicks are packed with adult humor, language, and themes that'll make your conservative aunt clutch her pearls.
No, seriously: keep the kids out of the room.
1. Superbad (2007)
The legendary tale of two high school losers trying to score booze for a party to impress girls. Seth and Evan embark on a wild night that includes fake IDs, awkward sexual advances, and bonding with cops. Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg penned this script when they were teens, and it shows. This one's all about youthful stupidity, and we love it for that. But parents, maybe wait till the kiddos are off to college to appreciate this one.
2. The Hangover (2009)
Wake up in a Vegas hotel room with a tiger, a baby, and no memory of last night? Just another bachelor party gone wrong! The groom, Doug, is missing, and his buddies Phil, Stu, and Alan go through hell and back to find him. Turns out, he's been on the hotel roof the whole time! In terms of box office, this one raked in a cool $469.3 million, proving that debauchery sells.
3. There's Something About Mary (1998)
Ted's crush on Mary never faded after a horribly embarrassing prom night that involved, well, a sensitive part of him getting stuck in his zipper. Years later, he hires a private investigator to track her down, only to find out the investigator falls for her too. Add in more love interests and a dog on speed, and you've got comedic gold.
4. American Pie (1999)
Four high school friends make a pact to lose their virginity by prom night. That's the plot, plain and simple. From Jim's awkward webcam mishap to Finch's bathroom disaster, these teens go through the most cringe-worthy, yet relatable, experiences. Oh, and the infamous pie scene? That'll have you second-guessing dessert for a while.
5. Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (2006)
This mockumentary follows Borat, a Kazakh journalist, traveling across the U.S. to learn about American culture. But he mostly gets it all wrong. He interrupts a rodeo, offends feminists, and does a lot of other stuff that's not safe for this article. Despite—or because of—the controversy, the film was a box office hit, grossing over $262.6 million.
6. Tropic Thunder (2008)
Hollywood satire at its finest: Oscar-worthy, even. A group of actors, including a fading action star and a clueless comedian, believe they're making a Vietnam War movie. The twist? They're actually dropped into a real-life drug war but think it's all special effects. Robert Downey Jr. wears blackface, which caused some eyebrow-raising, and Tom Cruise is unrecognizable as a foul-mouthed studio exec. Not for the easily offended, but the laughs are relentless.
7. Step Brothers (2008)
Imagine being 40 and finding out you're getting a stepbrother. That's the fate of Brennan and Dale, played by Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly. They start as enemies, turn their house into a literal playground, and eventually start a strangely successful entertainment company. Remember the "Catalina Wine Mixer" scene? It's bonkers, ridiculous, and that's why it works.
8. Pineapple Express (2008)
What happens when a process server and his pot dealer witness a murder? Chaos, that's what. Seth Rogen and James Franco are on the run from hitmen and corrupt cops, leading to some epic shootouts and a barn explosion. It's a stoner comedy that's so dumb it's genius. Despite its "high" humor, the movie banked around $102 million at the box office, proving people love to laugh at, well, dumb stuff.
9. This is the End (2013)
Speaking of Seth Rogen, he rounds up all his celeb friends to play exaggerated versions of themselves in this apocalyptic comedy. They're all trapped in James Franco's house as the world literally goes to hell. Demons, cannibalism, and a cameo from the Backstreet Boys make this one of the most outrageous comedies ever. Rihanna, who makes an appearance, actually performed her own stunts.
10. Deadpool (2016)
Okay, technically it's a superhero movie, but it's so raunchy and filled with dark humor that it's got to be on this list. Ryan Reynolds is Deadpool, a mutated mercenary out for revenge against the guy who nearly killed him. Expect explicit language, breaking the fourth wall, and a lot of inappropriate jokes about everything from sex to dismemberment.
11. Knocked Up (2007)
Seth Rogen strikes again in this comedy about a one-night stand that leads to an unplanned pregnancy. Rogen's character, Ben, and Katherine Heigl's character, Alison, navigate the trials of impending parenthood while barely knowing each other. Cue awkward family dinners, hormones, and the realization that they're stuck with each other.
12. Old School (2003)
Three middle-aged guys start a fraternity near their alma mater to relive their college days. What could possibly go wrong? Well, Will Ferrell going streaking for starters. Frank, Mitch, and Beanie navigate relationships, careers, and crazy college kids in this comedy that's too real for anyone who's ever had a mid-life crisis.
13. Ted (2012)
An R-rated comedy about a teddy bear? Only if the teddy bear is a pot-smoking, foul-mouthed plushie brought to life by a childhood wish. Mark Wahlberg's character John must choose between his magical best friend, Ted, and his girlfriend, Lori. It's funny, it's heartwarming, and it's definitely not for kids despite the cute bear.
14. Team America: World Police (2004)
From the minds behind South Park, this political satire uses marionettes to poke fun at everything from U.S. foreign policy to Hollywood celebrities. It's crude, it's rude, and it's got a puppet sex scene that's as awkward as it is hilarious. It's a no-holds-barred critique of American exceptionalism with enough crude humor to offend just about everyone.
15. Bad Santa (2003)
A holiday comedy on this list? Yup, but it's not your average feel-good Christmas flick. Billy Bob Thornton plays Willie, a drunk, lewd Santa impersonator who robs malls at night. The only thing more shocking than his bad behavior is how he somehow becomes a better person (kinda) thanks to a weird kid who believes he's the real Santa.