Below is a list of the top 5 highly-rated 18+ films from 2015 to 2023, based on sources like IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes.
1. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 80%
Synopsis: This film follows Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio), a stockbroker who rises from a penny stock trader to a wealthy magnate through fraud. His extravagant lifestyle spirals into a world of drugs, parties, and excess, all while the FBI circles closer. The film offers a darkly comedic view of greed and moral decay.
Why Rated 18+: The film contains explicit sexual content, drug use, and strong language. Martin Scorsese’s “The Wolf of Wall Street” was released right before 2015, but its impact lingers throughout the decade. It earns a place on this list due to its timeless themes and sheer audacity.
2. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 97%
Synopsis: Set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, the film follows Max Rockatansky (Tom Hardy), a survivor haunted by his past, who teams up with Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron) to escape a tyrannical warlord, Immortan Joe. The duo embarks on a high-octane chase across the desert, battling Joe’s army along the way.
Why Rated 18+: The movie features intense violence, disturbing imagery, and a number of graphic scenes. It includes a sequence depicting women being exploited. Overall, the film is a relentless barrage of action, filled with blood, fire, and grit, with the dialogue peppered with “adult” language.
Mad Max: Fury Road is celebrated for its stunning visuals and explosive energy.
3. Parasite (2019)
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 99%
Synopsis: The film tells the story of a poor family, the Kims, who cunningly infiltrate the wealthy Park family’s life by posing as unrelated professionals. The plot unfolds into a tense narrative filled with twists, betrayal, and ultimately a violent clash between the two families.
Why Rated 18+: The film contains graphic violence, bloodshed, and themes of sexual content. Directed by Bong Joon-ho, this Oscar-winning film poignantly addresses class disparity and features shocking twists that are not suitable for younger audiences.
4. Joker (2019)
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 68% (88% Audience Score)
Synopsis: The film centers on Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix), a failed stand-up comedian and social outcast in Gotham City. After experiencing a series of unfortunate events that push him to the brink, Arthur transforms into the iconic “Joker,” unleashing chaos as societal unrest grows around him.
Why Rated 18+: The film contains disturbing violence, strong adult themes, and psychological content that may be unsettling. A particularly haunting scene shows Arthur losing control on a live television broadcast, highlighting the film’s dark commentary on mental health and societal neglect.
Joaquin Phoenix’s haunting portrayal of mental decline earned him an Oscar and resonated deeply with adult audiences.
5. Deadpool (2016)
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 85%
Synopsis: This film follows Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds), an ex-special forces operative who becomes the antihero Deadpool after undergoing a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers and a scarred appearance. With a sharp wit and a penchant for breaking the fourth wall, he embarks on a quest for revenge against those who wronged him.
Why Rated 18+: The film is filled with graphic violence, foul language, and sexual content, making it distinctly adult-oriented. Ryan Reynolds’ irreverent portrayal breaks the superhero mold, infusing the genre with humor and action that is definitely not for children.
