Highest Grossing R-Rated Comedies in Box Office History

Although primarily rated PG-13, it is often cited in broader comedy discussions; however, strictly R-rated entries include Deadpool and Logan. For pure R-rated comedy dominance, the top spot usually belongs to Deadpool due to its unique blend of superhero action and raunchy humor. It grossed over $780 million globally, proving that adult-oriented superhero films have immense box office potential.

This superhero comedy shattered box office records for an R-rated film with a global gross exceeding $783 million. Its success was driven by a meta-humorous script, violent action sequences, and Ryan Reynolds' charismatic performance, revitalizing the genre for studios previously hesitant to back adult-rated superhero movies.

The sequel slightly increased the franchise's total box office, earning over $785 million worldwide. It maintained the irreverent tone of the original while expanding the ensemble cast with Cable and Domino. The film demonstrated the sustainability of the R-rated superhero comedy model with critical acclaim and strong fan engagement.

While technically a horror film, its significant comedy elements and coming-of-age themes often place it in discussions of genre-blending blockbusters. However, strictly as a comedy, the top grossers differ significantly. If considering horror-comedy hybrids, This movie grossed over $700 million, but for pure comedy, we look to others. Note: It is Rated R but classified as Horror. For pure R-rated Comedy, see entries below.

Similar to Deadpool, this is an action-drama with dark humor, grossing over $619 million. It is often grouped with R-rated superhero films rather than traditional comedies. Its critical success proved that mature, character-driven narratives within the superhero genre could achieve massive financial returns without needing to compromise on violence or tone.

Seth MacFarlane's stop-motion buddy comedy became a cultural phenomenon, grossing over $549 million worldwide. The film's premise of a man raised by a talking teddy bear allowed for outrageous humor and adult situations that resonated with a broad audience. It established MacFarlane as a major force in Hollywood comedy after his television success.

The sequel capitalized on the first film's success, earning over $215 million globally. While critically received less favorably, it demonstrated the strong commercial appeal of the established characters. The film faced legal challenges regarding its portrayal of Ted, which added to its media coverage and box office intrigue.

This 1999 teen comedy revolutionized the genre by combining crude humor with relatable coming-of-age stories. It grossed over $235 million worldwide on a modest budget, launching a multimedia franchise. Its success paved the way for numerous R-rated teen comedies in the 2000s, influencing a generation of filmmakers and actors.

This groundbreaking female-led comedy grossed over $288 million, challenging the notion that R-rated comedies must be male-centric. Kristen Wiig and Anna Kendrick delivered standout performances in a story about friendship and rivalry. The film's success opened doors for more women-driven comedy projects in major studio productions.

Judd Apatow-produced high school comedy that grossed over $170 million, becoming a defining film for millennial humor. The authentic dialogue and awkward situations resonated deeply with teenagers and adults alike. It launched the careers of Jonah Hill and Michael Cera, establishing Apatow as a key figure in modern comedy.

This outrageous bachelor party comedy grossed over $467 million, becoming one of the highest-grossing R-rated comedies ever. Its mystery structure kept audiences engaged while delivering increasingly absurd and memorable set pieces. The film's massive success led to two sequels and reinvigorated interest in adult-oriented ensemble comedies.

The sequel followed the gang to Bangkok, grossing over $586 million worldwide. While the original broke new ground, the second film proved the franchise's commercial staying power with similar humor and structure. It capitalized on the initial surprise factor and delivered a high-concept comedy adventure that appealed to a global audience.

Sacha Baron Cohen's mockumentary grossed over $262 million, becoming one of the highest-grossing documentaries ever made. Its unscripted interactions with unsuspecting participants created groundbreaking comedy moments. The film sparked cultural conversations about satire and social norms while achieving unexpected mainstream success.

Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly star in this R-rated comedy grossing over $100 million, known for its iconic quotes and absurd humor. Directed by Adam McKay, the film became a cult classic with strong DVD sales and repeated TV broadcasts. Its lo-fi humor and commitment to stupidity defined a specific era of comedy.

Will Ferrell's breakout film grossed over $85 million, launching a long-running comedy franchise. The satire of 1970s news culture combined with improvised humor created a unique comedic style. Its lasting popularity and quotable dialogue have cemented its status as a modern comedy classic.

Ben Stiller's satirical war comedy grossed over $195 million, featuring a star-studded cast including Robert Downey Jr. in an Oscar-nominated role. The film's meta-commentary on Hollywood and war movies resonated with critics and audiences. It showcased the ability of big-name stars to commit to outrageous comedic transformations.

This reboot grossed over $201 million, revitalizing the franchise with fresh humor and chemistry between Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum. The script cleverly subverted teen comedy tropes while delivering consistent laughs. Its success led to a sequel and established Hill and Tatum as a reliable comedic duo.

The sequel surpassed the original in box office performance, grossing over $227 million. It expanded the meta-humor and action sequences while maintaining the core dynamic between the lead actors. The film is often cited as one of the best sequels in comedy, improving upon every aspect of its predecessor.

Cameron Diaz starred in this comedy grossing over $227 million, playing a cynical and materialistic substitute teacher. The film's success demonstrated Diaz's comedic timing and appeal in R-rated roles. It provided sharp satirical takes on the education system and consumer culture.

Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg team up in this police buddy comedy grossing over $179 million. The film satirizes action movie tropes while delivering consistent laughs through improvisation and sharp writing. It solidified Ferrell and Wahlberg as a viable on-screen partnership for future comedic endeavors.