10 R-Rated Movies With 100% Critics Score on Rotten Tomatoes

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Ever since its inception, Rotten Tomatoes has revolutionized our perspective towards movies. Nowadays, it serves as a preferred guide for cinephiles, assisting them in determining which films are worth investing their time and resources into. A movie with a favorable rating on Rotten Tomatoes could spark the desire to watch it in theaters. Conversely, if a film receives a rotten tomato symbol and low reviews from critics — even if you were eagerly anticipating its theater release — you might find yourself second-guessing your plans and opting to wait until it’s available for streaming or rental at home instead.

Aiming for the Tomatometer (critics’ rating) to be as near to 100% as feasible benefits everyone involved in filmmaking. Only a handful of movies have achieved this remarkable feat, making it an elite group. Interestingly, even fewer of these highly-rated films carry an R rating, which was established only in 1968. Below you’ll find ten R-rated movies that have earned a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes, listed according to their year of release:

1. Get Out (2017)
2. Spotlight (2015)
3. Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014)
4. Her (2013)
5. The Master (2012)
6. The Social Network (2010)
7. Inglourious Basterds (2009)
8. District 9 (2009)
9. Juno (2007)
10. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

10
‘Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion’ (1970)

In the darkly comedic Italian film “Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion“, politics and police work intertwine in a gripping tale of corruption at the highest levels. The story unfolds as an Italian policeman, involved in a murder of his mistress, orchestrates whether he’ll be charged for the crime, subtly manipulating the investigation while leaving clear evidence behind.

The film titled “Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion ” garnered widespread praise due to its insightful political commentary and gripping psychological intrigue. This high regard is unsurprising, considering it received a flawless score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 15 professional reviews. It not only won the Jury Prize at the 1970 Cannes Film Festival but also earned an Oscar for the category of Best Foreign Language Film.

9
‘Atlantic City’ (1980)

The city of Atlantic City made its way from overseas to the U.S. around late 1980. Although it originated internationally, the movie “Atlantic City” features two well-known American actors, Burt Lancaster and Susan Sarandon. This romantic comedy-drama follows a Canadian woman who aspires to work in gambling, moving to Atlantic City and finding herself romantically entangled with an aging mobster.

Following a wave of praise for its poignant love story and touching acting, the film “Atlantic City” was put forward for consideration in the top five Academy Awards categories. Regrettably, it didn’t take home any awards in those categories, instead “Chariots of Fire” won Best Picture. However, it’s worth noting that on Rotten Tomatoes, “Atlantic City” outshines “Chariots of Fire”, triumphing with a perfect 100% rating compared to the latter’s 84%.

8
‘Fanny and Alexander’ (1982)

Fanny and Alexander might be the most unheard-of masterpiece you’ve come across. Hailing from Sweden, it is a poignant drama based on the experiences of its creator, the renowned Ingmar Bergman. This film delves into the lives of two siblings – a brother and sister – in the aftermath of their father’s sudden demise during the early 1900s. It beautifully portrays deep family ties while also shedding light on instances of domestic abuse within the family.

Fanny and Alexander is widely recognized as not only a masterpiece in Swedish cinema, but also as one of the greatest films ever created. It has garnered immense acclaim, winning four Academy Awards, including Best Foreign Language Film. Additionally, it boasts a perfect 100% rating from 46 critics’ reviews.

7
‘The Terminator’ (1984)

It’s quite unexpected that “The Terminator,” a movie often considered one of the best sci-fi films, doesn’t typically receive a perfect score from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. Yet, it did! Not just any perfect score, but a 100% based on 73 reviews. This is quite remarkable when compared to other movies on our list. Set in the 1980s, this film tells the story of a soldier sent back from a devastated future to protect the mother of the future’s savior from a relentless assassin robot.

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s iconic character, the monotone robot dressed in a black leather jacket and sunglasses, has left an indelible mark on cinematic history. Known as the Terminator, this role catapulted director James Cameron to fame. The franchise it initiated expanded with multiple films, one of which is often praised as surpassing the original, despite the fact that “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” only holds a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

6
‘Rambling Rose’ (1991)

The film “Rambling Rose” is adapted from a novel sharing the same title, published in 1972. This captivating story unfolds in Georgia during the Great Depression, where a household servant forms bonds with both the family’s father and son. The lead roles are played by Laura Dern and Robert Duvall, while Diane Ladd, Dern’s mother in real life, appears in a supporting role. “Rambling Rose” garnered significant praise, particularly for its exceptional performances.

It’s worth noting that Dern and Ladd were both nominated for Oscars – Dern for Best Actress, and Ladd for Best Supporting Actress. Neither of them ended up winning the award. However, what makes their nominations unique is that they became the first mother-daughter duo to be nominated for Academy Awards in the same film, specifically “Rambling Rose”. This film has a perfect score of 100% out of 22 reviews from critics on Rotten Tomatoes.

5
‘Before Sunrise’ (1995)

In simpler terms, “Before Sunrise” is the first movie of a trilogy called “Before”, which stars Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy in romantic roles. This film introduces two travelers who meet by chance and develop a deep emotional bond through heartfelt discussions. The plot of “Before Sunrise” is mainly composed of long talks between characters, rather than traditional action or events.

Critics found it delightful. As for Before Sunrise, it boasts a perfect 100% rating based on 50 critic reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. In contrast, its sequels, Before Sunset (2004) and Before Midnight (2013), didn’t reach the same heights as Before Sunrise, with scores of 94% and 98% respectively. Despite this, both films earned critical praise. Recently, the director, Richard Linklater, has hinted at the possibility of a fourth film in the series.

4
‘Gloria’ (2013)

Among the numerous films titled “Gloria”, it is only one – the 2013 Chilean-Spanish drama – that boasts a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on an impressive 128 reviews. This particular film focuses on Gloria, a middle-aged divorcee, who embarks on a passionate relationship with a man she encounters at a nightclub.

Gloria was praised by critics extensively. This is what many of them agreed upon on Rotten Tomatoes: “Directed skillfully by Sebastián Lelio and featuring a strong performance from Paulina Garcia, Gloria offers an authentic, touching portrayal of a character rarely explored in Hollywood.” Later in 2018, Lelio directed a remake of his own film, titled Gloria Bell, with Julianne Moore and John Turturro as the main actors. Although it didn’t receive a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes, Gloria Bell still managed an impressive 90% rating based on 207 reviews by critics.

3
‘Mickey and the Bear’ (2019)

In the state of Montana, the story Mickey and the Bear unfolds around a teenage girl who is on a quest to discover herself and gain freedom, all while juggling the responsibility of maintaining their home and caring for her father, who exhibits both affectionate and turbulent behavior.

This heartfelt, maturation tale gained significant recognition on various film festival circuits, such as South by Southwest, the New Hampshire Film Festival, the Independent Film Festival of Boston, and several others. Critics were particularly impressed with it, especially on Rotten Tomatoes, where it boasts a perfect 100% rating from 44 reviews by critics.

2
‘Apocalypse Now: Final Cut’ (2019)

Francis Ford Coppola’s groundbreaking work, titled “Apocalypse Now“, stands as the quintessential film portraying the Vietnam War. This cinematic tour de force plunges viewers into the heart of America’s darkest conflict, set amidst the devastated landscapes of Vietnam, offering a haunting exploration of the psychological torment inflicted by this war. The film is raw, grueling, and unforgiving. Notable performances drive “Apocalypse Now“, including Martin Sheen’s intense portrayal, Marlon Brando’s disturbing character, and a young Laurence Fishburne making his debut.

For several years, Coppola has unveiled diverse adaptations of his renowned movie. In 2019, he premiered the celebrated version, titled Apocalypse Now: Final Cut, during the film’s 40th anniversary screening at the Tribeca Film Festival. This particular rendition is Coppola’s favored interpretation of the film. Compared to its initial release on Rotten Tomatoes with a 90%, the Final Cut boasts an exceptional 100% rating, based on 23 professional reviews. The new cut offers an extended runtime, enhanced audio and visuals, and omits additional content from previous editions.

1
‘Santosh’ (2025)

The film titled “Santosh,” which is yet to be released, might not be familiar to you due to its international, Hindi-language production and upcoming release date in 2024. This crime drama revolves around a 28-year-old widow who assumes her deceased husband’s role as a police officer in the rural areas of Northern India. The story takes a turn when this newly appointed police constable becomes involved in the murder investigation of a young girl.

In May 2024, the film titled Santosh made its debut at the 77th Cannes Film Festival and is scheduled for a cinematic release in India on January 10, 2025. Known as an intense portrayal of class disparity and misogyny in contemporary India, Santosh has garnered a perfect score of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes from 35 reviews.

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2025-01-10 05:32