10 best R-rated films inspired by real events

The appeal of films based on true stories has always been strong, captivating audiences with their recreation of historical events. While some adaptations may present a diluted version of reality, others stay raw and authentic. The following list showcases the best R-rated movies that draw inspiration from true events, providing a gripping and unfiltered portrayal. These films combine well-crafted scripts with a balance of theatricality and realism to transport viewers to specific moments in history. This is prepared by SSP.

1. Argo (2012)

Directed by Ben Affleck, Argo tells the gripping story of Tony Mendez, a CIA operative who orchestrates a daring rescue mission in Tehran, Iran, during the 1979 hostage crisis. Based on Mendez's memoirs, the film masterfully combines comedy and drama, highlighting the audacious tactics employed by a resourceful CIA agent. Though not excessively violent, the unsettling images of hostages being held are a testament to the film's R rating.

2. The Iron Claw (2023)

Sean Durkin's biographical drama, The Iron Claw, depicts the rise and tragic demise of the Von Erich wrestling family in the early 1980s. This engaging film offers great performances and delves into the curse that befell this talented group of athletes, exploring themes of loss, hardship, and the grim realities of professional wrestling. The R rating arises from its honest portrayal of drug use and the heartbreaking theme of suicide within the Von Erich family.

3. Zodiac (2007)

David Fincher's Zodiac revolves around the chilling case of the infamous serial killer who terrorized San Francisco in the late 1960s. This underrated film, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey Jr., and Mark Ruffalo, takes audiences on a thrilling journey as a cartoonist and crime reporter attempt to unravel the mystery. Though not excessively violent, Zodiac's R rating can be attributed to its deeply unsettling depiction of the killer's attacks.

4. Schindler's List (1993)

Steven Spielberg's magnum opus, Schindler's List, weaves a haunting narrative through the Holocaust, focusing on industrialist Oskar Schindler's efforts to save Jews from Nazi persecution. This harrowing film earned widespread critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including seven Academy Awards. Spielberg's decision to present the harsh realities of the Holocaust without toning down any shocking scenes contributes to the film's profound impact. Its R rating reflects the unfiltered portrayal of one of history's darkest chapters.

5. Society of the Snow (2023)

Directed by J.A. Bayona, Society of the Snow is a realistic account of a rugby team's survival after their plane crashes in the Andes mountains. This gut-wrenching film depicts the incredible resilience of the young men as they strive to stay alive under unimaginable circumstances. The R rating is justified by the graphic nature of the story, including their use of unconventional means, such as resorting to cannibalism, to survive in the hostile environment.

6. I, Tonya (2017)

I, Tonya recounts the scandal surrounding American figure skater Tonya Harding and her involvement in an attack against her rival, Nancy Kerrigan, in the lead-up to the 1994 Winter Olympics. Craig Gillespie's mockumentary-style drama presents different perspectives on the events, providing a captivating and entertaining narrative. The R rating is due to its depiction of domestic abuse and the raw violence within Harding's personal life.

7. 127 Hours (2010)

127 Hours portrays the true story of Aron Ralston, an adventurer who becomes trapped by a fallen boulder while hiking in a canyon. Directed by Danny Boyle, this gripping survival drama starring James Franco delves into Ralston's harrowing ordeal and his drastic measures for self-preservation. The film's R rating is due to its raw and intense portrayal of Ralston's actions, specifically a graphic scene depicting self-mutilation.

8. 12 Years a Slave (2013)

Steve McQueen's 12 Years a Slave offers a powerful examination of slavery in the mid-1800s, following the journey of Solomon Northup, a free African-American man who is subsequently sold into bondage. The film draws no punches in its depiction of the horrific realities of slavery, delivering a gripping and unflinching narrative. Its raw and unfiltered portrayal of violence against enslaved individuals contributes to the film's R rating.

9. Oppenheimer (2023)

Oppenheimer, helmed by Christopher Nolan, explores the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the physicist behind the development of nuclear weapons during World War II. This epic drama delves into the ethical complexities surrounding Oppenheimer's role in creating a destructive weapon and his subsequent fall from grace. While its R rating is attributed to minimal nudity, it is primarily due to its mature themes and adult-oriented content.

10. Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)

Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon unveils a gripping tale centered around suspicious deaths in Osage Nation caused by those seeking control of oil-rich lands. This Western crime drama magnificently portrays the dark underbelly of greed, betrayal, and twisted actions exposing chilling hidden motives. The film's R rating derives from its visceral depiction of violence during impact-heavy scenes, characteristic of Scorsese's cinematic style.