The 20 Greatest R-Rated Animated Movies of All Time

Let’s be honest, when we think of animation, “wholesome, feel-good family fun” is a term that immediately comes to mind. Cartoons and animated movies have been a source for laughter and wonder and inspiration for decades. They’re responsible for putting us in a good mood. And yet, some of the wildest and most popular animation movies that have hit the big screen have carried an R rating. But how is that possible?

Well, animation is a creative medium, an art meant to be consumed by all ages. And some of the most memorable animated movies have been known to push the boundaries of what can be achieved within the genre. They explore mature themes and include certain drastic elements such as profane language, graphic violence, unsettling action, drug use, and disturbing imagery. All of this pushes a film into the R zone. For many adults, however, it is these elements that make a story more genuine and profound.

While most children’s animation films are formulaic and blithe, some filmmakers set out with a more singular vision aimed to resonate with an older crowd. The result? Cinema has given us some of the most audacious and fascinating animated films, accessible through a visual medium that is too hard to look past. The greatest R-rated movies have meticulously held the genre and guided it to new creative heights by being unafraid and honest.

They are proof that animation is not just for kids, but for every moviegoer who relishes the beauty of filmmaking and appreciates bold storytelling, complex characters, and visual masterpieces. So let’s turn off the parental filters and rediscover some of the best R-rated animation movies of all time.

24 The Nine Lives Of Fritz The Cat (1974)

The epic sequel to Ralph Bakshi’s animated directorial debut Fritz the Cat is this adult anthology black comedy that is just as weird and inappropriate as the first. Just like the original, it follows the misadventures of the irreverent hippie cat Fritz (Skip Hinnant). The story, consisting of nine parts as mentioned in the title, jumps between Fritz’s nine lives spanning the course of history.

A Trip Down Fritz’s Memory Lane

Audiences see him as a total stud in the 1930s, then in the 1970s New York trying to sell a used condom to a liquor store, and once again when NASA hires him to go on the first space mission to Mars. Fritz encounters a strange band of characters and gets into outrageous situations, pushing the boundaries set by its predecessor. The fun fact is, The Nine Lives Of Fritz The Cat actually made history by being the very first film to receive an R rating. Rent/Buy on Prime Video

Heavy Metal is an iconic science fiction animation film. Much like Fritz, this one is also told as an anthology of five stories featuring themes of science, sex, and violence, all set to heavy metal rock music. The main storyline, however, follows the presence of Loc-nar, a mysterious green glowing orb that reveals visions of different sci-fi worlds, galaxies, and dimensions.

An Edgy & Unapologetic Sci-Fi Spectacle

Every individual segment of the movie depicts scenes of intergalactic warfare, mad rulers and robots and aliens, as well as a futuristic New York. The visual style somewhat resembles that of Kevin Smith mixed with Marvel Comics, and the R-rated content includes gore, nudity, and drug use aplenty. And yet, Heavy Metal transcends through its creativity and stunning artwork, inspiring more projects in the art form like the Netflix series Love, Death and Robots. Rent/Buy on Apple TV+

22 American Pop (1981)

A multi-generational musical that follows a Russian-Jewish immigrant family across four different eras – from the early 20th century to the 1980s rock landscape in New York City – American Pop is an incredible animated drama directed by Ralph Bakshi. It begins with Zalmie, who loses his voice in an accident and his big dreams of making it in the show business remain unfulfilled. But his son Benny becomes a jazz pianist. Benny’s son, Tony, also finds fame and success as a songwriter during the 1960s. And following in his footsteps is Pete.

A Revealing Exploration of Violence & Addiction

Told through the stories of the sons, the engrossing film charts their struggles in a changing world while dealing with the expectations of their talented but troubled fathers. Particularly, it was the portrayal of these characters coping with violence and substance abuse in an innovative

animation style that took the film beyond the usual kid-friendly rhythms. Rent/Buy on Prime Video

21 Akira (1988)

Unconventional but very fresh in its themes, Akira is a sci-fi action thriller set in a dystopian version of Tokyo and it follows the members of a biker gang. The main story centers on Tetsuo, a young rebel who has just developed telekinetic powers and his childhood friend and gang leader Kaneda, who is also quite fearsome and self-absorbed.

One of the Greatest Anime Films of All Time

Even though the plot seems entirely harmless, there are elements of government conspiracies, political corruption, and youth rebellion that create a buzz. As for the animation style, it is detailed with jarring visuals, violent death scenes, and a noir aesthetic where the color read dominates almost every other frame. Even then, the movie is one of the greatest films Japanese cinema has ever produced in association with a manga of the same name. Stream on Crunchyroll

20 Ghost in the Shell (1995)

Ghost in the Shell is a highly-influential and pioneering anime classic that follows a female cyborg counter-hacker named Maj. Motoko Kusanagi whose mind has been uploaded into an artificial body, and she’s investigating a ghost hacker that goes by the name of “The Puppet Master,” who can enter and control people’s cybernetic bodies.

An Influential Sci-Fi Knockout

Ghost in the Shell is known primarily for blurring the lines between humans and AI at a time when the future was full of possibilities and dangers so fascinating. Oshii takes full liberty on how to steer the story and imbues it with intense action scenes and futuristic nudity, which earned it an R rating. This Mamoru Oshii project is a movie that changed the sci-fi genre and how far it would go forever, inspiring the forthcoming films like The Matrix and The Fifth Element. Stream on Prime Video

19 Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters (2007)

Cartoon Network’s fun and wonderfully wild Adult Swim knockout Aqua Teen Hunger Force was given the Hollywood treatment when a film adaptation of the mega-hit series made its way to theaters in 2007. The surreal black comedy follows the anthropomorphic theater snacks Master Shake, Frylock, and Meatwad as they combine forces with both the Cybernetic Ghost of Christmas Past from the Future and the Plutonians to stop a piece of exercise equipment from causing mass destruction.

The Adult Swim Comedy’s Cinema Takeover

Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters remains the only Adult Swim series to be adapted into a full-length theatrical feature, and despite a mixed-bag response from critics, fans of the long-running show thoroughly enjoyed the absurdist humor and zany pop culture references the big screen flick had to offer. The bold and distinctly unique black comedy currently holds a solid 68% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and 6.7 IMDb user rating, while grossing $5.5 million against a modest $750,000 budget. Rent/Buy on Apple TV+

18 $9.99 (2009)

Depicting the everyday lives of a colorful group of people living in a Sydney apartment complex, the thought-provoking stop-motion drama$9.99 centers on the unemployed-yet-perpetually curious Dave Peck, who, after stumbling upon an advertisement for a book promising to reveal the meaning of life, begins to search for his own spiritual enlightenment. He does so by getting to know his dynamic neighbors.

A Heartfelt Spiritual Journey For Viewers

$9.99 made its dazzling debut at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it earned widespread acclaim for its charming visuals, whimsical characters, and revealing exploration of life and the emotional complexities of being human. The compelling drama was nominated for two Annie Awards, including Best Animated Feature, with the San Francisco Chronicle brilliantly describing the heart of the picture in their glowing review: “It’s an entertaining, depressing and ultimately hopeful movie about the times we live in.” Rent/Buy on Prime Video

17 Resident Evil: Degeneration (2008)

The fan-favorite zombie video game series was once again spectacularly brought to life in the biopunk action horror flick Resident Evil: Degeneration, the first full-length motion capture animated original to be included in the hair-raising franchise.Degeneration focuses on Leon S. Kennedy (Paul Mercier) and Claire Redfield (Alyson Court) as they face off against not only the undead, but also a rogue, revenge-seeking warrior and terrifying mutated monster wreaking havoc in Raccoon City.

A Worthy Installment in the Horror Media Franchise

Resident Evil: Degeneration captures the spine-tingling essence of the popular video games and remains faithful to the franchise, sparing no shortage of blood and gore as Leon and Claire attempt to prevent the lethal G-Virus from spreading and causing more carnage. The thrilling film installment sold over 1.6 million copies via DVDs and Blu-ray, earning an estimated $11,232,337 in the United States and also receiving a Saturn Award nomination for Best DVD Release, while thoroughly impressing longtime fans of the Japanese media hit. Rent/Buy on Prime Video

16 Perfect Blue (1997)

In Perfect Blue, we follow Mima Kirigoe, a pop idol who decides to become an actress, but trouble finds her when her past comes back to haunt her in the most unsettling ways. Directed by Satoshi Kon, the psychological thriller anime contains some graphic scenes of violence and mental breakdown to fill a painful narrative.

A Touchstone for Japanese Cinema

Audiences see Mima struggling with an obsessed stalker and navigating life as a young girl with a dissociative identity disorder. The movie was obviously a great milestone for Japanese cinema because it created a window for anime to enter Western media. It was critically praised and influenced many directors. Rent/Buy on Prime Video

15 Chicago 10: Speak Your Peace (2007)

Chronicling the events surrounding the 1968 Democratic Convention during which protesters violently clashed with the Chicago Police Department and were subsequently put on trial, the animated documentary Chicago 10: Speak Your Peace details the high-profile case against the Chicago Eight – activists who showed up to the convention in an anti-Vietnam War demonstration that ultimately led to rioting and civil unrest.

A Riveting Look at the Controversial Case

Hank Azaria, Nick Nolte, and Mark Ruffalo are just a few of the famous stars who lent their voices to the innovative picture, which examined the controversial trial and Chicago Eight defendants that consisted of prominent counter-culture icons like Jerry Rubin and Abbie Hoffman and Black Panther co-chair Bobby Seale, who shockingly defended himself in court. Chicago 10 provides compelling insight into the high-profile case, doing so by winningly blending vibrant animation and documentary footage while presenting the fascinating facts. Stream on Tubi

14 South Park: Bigger, Longer And Uncut (1999)

South Park is a popular subversive animated series that was largely discredited for its commentary on American issues and the way they were portrayed. And this comedy musical is based on the same series and is written by, produced, and stars its creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone. The plot goes something like this: four young boys of South Park get into trouble after watching an R-rated Canadian comedy film.

Enduring TV Staple Hits the Big Screen

They soon find themselves caught up in a war-like situation where their American parents are fighting against the Canadians, trying to overthrow their government. This clearly creates a riff and the boys end up fighting the parents instead. Packed with profane language, juvenile bullying and humorous lifestyles that are often banned on TV, South Park: Bigger, Longer And Uncut worked wonders for the box office numbers. Stream on Prime Video

13 Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade (1999)

The movie, set in the early 1950s, is an adaptation of Mamoru Oshii’s Kerberos saga manga. It was originally supposed to be a live-action film, but apparently, Oshii thought it better as an animated wonder and passed the baton to director Hiroyuki Okiura. The noir thriller paints a captivating alternate version of Tokyo, where a special security force called the “wolf brigade” patrols the streets. In the center of the plot is Kazuki Fuse, a member of the counter-insurgency unit, who is ordered to execute a young girl, but he hesitates and the girl ends up committing suicide by detonating an explosive.

An Explosive & Fearless Animated Hit

Witnessing the incident is unbearable for Fuse, and the military sends him back into training. Later, he meets Kei, the young girl’s sister, and the two form an unlikely friendship. Featuring violent gunfights, torture, and suicide, Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade became an unforgettable film that shows how thin the line between order and chaos can become when loyalties are divided. Stream on Tubi

12 Pink Floyd – The Wall (1982)

Behind every successful rock band is childhood trauma and deteriorating mental health. It’s not an opinion; it’s a fact. Same is the case with the architects of two groundbreaking music movements and the band that took the world by a storm with their progressive art. Pink Floyd – The Wall is an animated surrealist drama that depicts the rise and the backstory of Pink, a troubled, drugged-out rock star, and their album ‘The Wall.’

A Trippy Ride for Moviegoers

Through delusionary animation, the film vividly illustrates Pink’s descent into mental instability as he has flashbacks of a childhood where he grew up alone, dealt with the loss of his father, and the unbearable presence of his mother. With time, Pink becomes increasingly detached from reality and experiences very strong and harsh memories. Quite disturbing for its time, the film is still regarded as an artistic and authentic representation of mental illness. Currently unavailable for streaming

11 Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust (2000)

Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust is yet another anime sequel on this list. The gothic horror is set in a post-apocalyptic world where vampires freely and boastfully roam the countryside. This is a scene of almost ten thousand years from now, and in the center of it all is the returning and very enigmatic half-human, half-vampire D as he is hired to protect and rescue a young girl from the evil clutches of the Noble Count Magnus Lee, a ruthless 100,000-year-old vampire lord.

A Gory & Complex Anime Success

But when D realizes that the captive and the captor have fallen in love, the plot thickens. On his quest to free the girl, D doles out creative vampire slayings which are as gory as they are cool. But despite its disturbing sexuality, Bloodlust shines through as an artful expression with breathtaking landscapes and complex, unforgettable characters. Currently unavailable for streaming

10 Waking Life (2001)

Directed by Richard Linklater, Waking Life is a phenomenal indie film that blurs the lines between dream and reality using an animation that is so immersive and introspective. Jesse Wallace is the main protagonist of the movie, a young man, who enters a dreamlike state and he shuffles between people, meets them, converses with them, and debates topics like the meaning and purpose of the universe, determinism, evil, and the nature of reality itself.

An Outstanding Indie Must-See

The characters he meets are as opinionated and eclectic as Jesse himself. Shot in one continuous take with rotoscope animation, it has profane language and mature themes that are miraculously similar to an acid trip or a college lecture. Not directly related to the Before trilogy, Waking Life does have segments that reference some dialogue, so obviously, fans of the former will adore it. Rent on Apple TV+

9 Cowboy Bebop: The Movie (2001)

The classic sci-fi series that is loved and acclaimed by critics and fans alike sees a film treatment. What more can we ask for? Cowboy Bebop: The Movie, set in the year 2071, follows the crew of the spaceship Bebop – Spike Spiegel and his team of bounty hunters made up of an ex-gangster, hacker, and their genetically engineered dog – as they are hired to capture a brilliant criminal genius. But what they’re unaware of is that the treacherous skies of Mars have been poisoned by the same man they’re chasing.

An Outstanding Japanese Western

From fight scenes to dark secrets being revealed, the crew deals with everything in spectacular fashion. Regardless of its rating, the movie acts as a beautiful homage to classic Hollywood Westerns and the much-appreciated tropes used by noir, dystopian, and sci-fi movies. Currently unavailable for streaming

8 Team America: World Police (2004)

Who knew that even puppet comedy could be R-rated and meant only for adults? Well, you’re in for a treat because Team America: World Police is an uproarious action comedy that features not only marionette puppets fighting global terrorists but doing so in such a way that it becomes hilarious and satirical. The film revolves around members of the titular Team America, a paramilitary force that patrols the globe to “police the world.”

An Absurdly Delightful Spoof

But when terrorists, led by North Korean ruler Kim Jong-il, plan to take over the world, Team America must fight back. Packed with over-the-top action, ridiculous humor, and crude puppet scenes, the movie not only spoofs terrorism, but also Hollywood actors and liberals. Moreover, the animation and police drama is so good it almost reminds you of those Michael Bay films you so love. Stream on Paramount+

7 Appleseed (2004)

Appleseed is another futuristic sci-fi anime set in the utopian city of Olympus. Chronicling the aftermath of a Global War that destroyed the planet, the story follows two soldier companions – rugged Briareos, who has become a cyborg because of the injuries caused by the war, and elegant Deunan, a female warrior and the only survivor – who work for ESWAT, a special forces unit tasked with preserving the peace of their home. But when a new race of cyborgs called Bioroids starts behaving differently, Deunan makes it her motto to discover the truth and restore them to their state.

Stunning CGI & Winning Character Chemistry

The movie has eye-catching CGI animation, and it explores profound philosophical concepts like the balance between freedom and protection in a society that may be technologically advanced but is also very fragile. The best part of the film? The dynamic between Briareos and Deunan. You have to see it to truly appreciate it. Currently unavailable for streaming

6 Batman: The Killing Joke (2016)

Batman: The Killing Joke is another fantastic animated adaptation of Alan Moore’s Joker origin story. And like every iteration of the iconic character, this one reimagines the fateful (read: beguiling) encounter that transforms the Joker into Batman’s arch nemesis while also depicting the ongoing complex relationship between the two.

The Joker’s Origins & Descent into Madness

The depressing elements come from watching Joker kidnap Barbara Gordon’s (Batgirl’s) father and torture him. So, while DC Comics are generally appealing for kids, this movie clearly isn’t. It navigates the villain’s backstory with absolute focus on his madness and knack for violence and drifting morality. Besides, the animation provides a medium for the story to carry a dark, noirish tone and still work as an accurate adaptation of the graphic novel. Rent/Buy on Prime Video

5 Paprika (2006)

After Studio Madhouse dropped Perfect Blue, the psychological, mind-bending side of anime saw a surge in popularity. So it isn’t really a surprise that Paprika gathered so much praise for being what it is. Set in a near future Tokyo (like many of the films on this list), the plot involves a device that allows Atsuko and his team of therapists to enter other peoples’ dreams.

A Bizarre & Intriguing Visual Feast

As if that’s not intriguing enough, matters get out of hand when the device is stolen and people begin entering uncontrollable dreams where their inner fears manifest, damaging lots. Only one person, Paprika, can control this havoc. The movie features bizarre imagery of distorted bodies, urban mayhem, and creatures to earn an R rating. But Paprika still manages to become an anime with limitless potential to provide a glimpse into the extremes of human imagination. Stream on Tubi