The 10 best R-rated films currently available for streaming.

      At times, you may seek a film that goes beyond the usual — perhaps something more daring or intense than what you typically choose for family movie nights. Whether you're gearing up for a fun evening with friends or searching for an engaging film to watch, R-rated movies provide a level of excitement that lighter films generally lack.

      From bold new releases like Anora to classics such as Parasite, the finest R-rated films currently available for streaming cover a range of genres, ensuring there’s something for every viewer. These selections guarantee unforgettable narratives and that kind of thrill that only comes from the freedom to fully embrace bold storytelling.

      Looking for additional recommendations? We also offer guides on the best new movies to stream this week, along with the top films available on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Max.

      **A Complete Unknown (2024)**

      Searchlight Pictures

      Timothée Chalamet takes on the role of music legend Bob Dylan in director James Mangold’s A Complete Unknown. Set in 1961, the film depicts how a series of fortunate circumstances enable 19-year-old Bob Dylan to catch the attention of folk musician Pete Seeger (Edward Norton). Seeger invites Dylan into his sphere, where his talent swiftly attracts notice. Dylan eventually begins creating original songs that resonate with the political turmoil of the time, even as his relationship with Sylvie Russo (Elle Fanning) becomes strained due to his growing closeness to fellow artist Joan Baez (Monica Barbaro). As Dylan garners fame, his yearning for artistic liberation intensifies, culminating in his controversial electric performance at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival.

      This critically lauded music biopic focuses on Dylan’s transformative early career years, helping audiences comprehend the foundation for his later controversial choices. By the time Dylan went electric, a move criticized by folk purists, viewers grasped his commitment to personal and artistic freedoms, regardless of the consequences. Chalamet's dedication to embodying Dylan is evident in his live renditions of the musician’s beloved tracks. While some critics have noted the film’s adherence to biopic tropes and minor historical inaccuracies, reactions have generally been positive, making it an engaging watch for both fans of Dylan and those curious about his life.

      A Complete Unknown is available for streaming on Hulu.

      **Nobody (2021)**

      Universal Pictures

      In Nobody, Hutch Mansell (Bob Odenkirk) appears to be an average suburban father, stuck in a mundane routine. His life of skipping garbage pickup and silently detaching from his marriage is forever altered when two burglars invade his home one night, and he opts not to retaliate. This incident ignites something Hutch has long repressed, leading him to rediscover skills learned from his past as a government "auditor" — a last line of defense for three-letter agencies. His solitary rampage draws the attention of Russian mob boss Yulian Kuznetsov (Aleksei Serebryakov), resulting in a thrilling and bloody confrontation.

      Director Ilya Naishuller delivers a dynamic and wickedly humorous revenge narrative that leaves behind suburban monotony for an action-filled adventure. Bob Odenkirk is flawlessly cast in the lead role, with his transformation from a timid nobody to a ruthless killer proving exhilarating. Nobody feels like a cathartic counterpart to John Wick, yet it carves out its own niche with brisk pacing and clever references to genre conventions.

      Nobody is streaming on Peacock.

      **Gone Girl (2014)**

      20th Century Fox

      Adapted from Gillian Flynn’s bestselling novel, Gone Girl is a gripping psychological thriller that opens with the disappearance of Nick Dunne’s (Ben Affleck) wife, Amy (Rosamund Pike), on the morning of their fifth wedding anniversary. Their Missouri home shows signs of a struggle, and soon, the media frenzy begins. As Detective Rhonda Boney (Kim Dickens) investigates, flaws in Nick and Amy’s seemingly flawless marriage come to light, portraying Nick as the primary suspect in a nationally publicized case. As public sentiment turns sharply against him, Nick scrambles to prove his innocence, uncovering a sinister game at play.

      Directed by David Fincher, Gone Girl is a slow-burning thriller renowned for its shocking twist midway through. While Affleck's portrayal is significant and commendable, it is Rosamund Pike who delivers a career-defining performance as Amy, with her "cool girl" monologue becoming an instant element of pop culture at that time. The 2014 film serves as a taut and sharply cynical examination of how individuals deceive and perform for one another, exploring the lengths to which a dangerous person will go to achieve their desires.

      Gone Girl is streaming on Hulu.

      **Anora (2024)**

      Neon

      Director Sean Baker immerses viewers in the harsh streets of Brooklyn, introducing 23-year-old sex worker Ani (Mikey Madison), who strives to make a living. Her predictable life takes an unforeseen twist when she encounters