Walt Disney Studios is known for its family-friendly image. As such, the studio must maintain this reputation. However, it has already produced and distributed several films aimed at mature audiences. This can be done directly, but more often, it is through subsidiaries like Touchstone or Searchlights Pictures. Here are the 7 best R-rated movies that Disney has ever released.
#1 Starship Troopers (1997)
Seeing Disney co-produce such a bitter film—and knowingly, as Paul Verhoeven is no stranger to it—may seem surprising. And yet, it happened. Initially produced by TriStar, Starship Troopers lacked the budget to see the light of day. Disney was convinced to get involved after discovering a sequence featuring arachnids. Given the quality of the feature film, we're clearly not going to complain.
#2 Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)
With the purchase of 20th Century Fox in 2018, Disney got its hands on Deadpool. Many wondered if Disney would respect the character's identity in a possible third installment. Well, that's exactly what happened with Deadpool & Wolverine. The character remains true to himself in a bloody and provocative feature film. Better still, the film is even considered by many to be the best MCU project in recent years. And the numbers speak for themselves.
#3 Face Off (1997)
John Woo has a unique style, even if his style gradually faded during his time in the United States. The Hong Kong director, however, had one last break with Face Off. The film was co-produced by Touchstone and distributed worldwide by Buena Vista International. Once again, it may seem surprising to see Disney behind such a radical work, especially since Woo had total creative control, a first for him in Hollywood. The result is a film that has become a cult classic, although we strongly recommend you try the director's Hong Kong period. You won't regret it!
#4 Good Morning, Vietnam (1987)
Robin Williams is remembered at Disney for his child roles in Aladdin and Flubber. However, before that, he had participated in an R-rated film from the company: Barry Levinson's Good Morning, Vietnam. Although he was originally a comedian, Robin Williams also distinguished himself in dramatic roles. It was this film that allowed him to establish himself in this register, and it was totally deserved given his performance. In addition to Marvel characters, Disney also acquired a vast catalog of films thanks to the acquisition of 20th Century Fox, including the Alien saga. The big-eared company did not hold back by producing a new episode. After Prometheus and Alien: Covenant, two installments with rather unusual biases, Alien: Romulus plays it safe. The film is quite popular with both audiences and fans. By staying close to the spirit of the first installments in the saga, it was almost inevitable. We can regret this lack of risk-taking, but Alien: Romulus largely fulfills its mission. Fede Alvarez, already noted for his Evil Dead, proves here that he knows how to deliver a film that is both effective and respectful of the source material.
#6 Pretty Woman (1990)
Before Disney took over the project, Pretty Woman was supposed to be a much darker film that was even supposed to end at Disneyland. In the end, the studio turned it into a romantic comedy with the feel of a modern fairy tale. Despite this softened tone, Garry Marshall's feature film still received a Rated R. This wasn't a problem, since Pretty Woman became Disney's biggest box office hit at the time, and remains the fourth highest-grossing romantic comedy in history.
#7 Ed Wood (1994)
1993 was the return of the prodigal son, with Tim Burton returning to Disney to produce and write the script for The Nightmare Before Christmas. The following year, the studio offered him the chance to direct Ed Wood, which he accepted. The film is a little-known gem from the director compared to his greatest hits. It's worth a look, especially if you're not familiar with Ed Wood, the filmmaker whose life story is chronicled in the film.
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