The 50+ Best R-Rated Buddy Movies

Ranker Film
Updated September 15, 2023 2.0K votes 112 voters
Over 100 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The 50+ Best R-Rated Buddy Movies
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Add your favorite movie to the list if it's missing, but only if it's the correct rating.
Latest additions: Joy Ride
Most divisive: The Hangover Part II

List of R-Rated buddy movies, ranked from best to worst with movie trailers when available. This list takes the best R-Rated buddy movies and pits them against each other to see once and for all what the greatest R-Rated Buddy movie of all time is. This list of popular R-Rated buddy movies includes information like who directed the film, when it was released and which actors starred in the movie. If you think the top R-Rated Buddy movie isn't as high as it should be then be sure to vote it up so it can take its rightful place among the other great R-Rated Buddy films on this list. If you're trying to find a specific R-Rated Buddy film you can search this list and filter to find what you're looking for.

The list you're viewing is made up of many different movies, like The Big Lebowski and The 40-Year-Old Virgin.

If you're trying to find out "What are the best R-Rated buddy movies?" and "What are the most famous R-Rated buddy movies?" then this list is the perfect resource for you.

Use this list if you're looking for some new buddy movies that are rated R. Between Netflix, Hulu and other services there are thousands of great buddy movies rated R, so get out there and start watching.

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Among those that have directed a R Buddy film movie are Clint Eastwood and Sidney Poitier.

Ranked by
  • The Big Lebowski
    1

    The Big Lebowski

    Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Julianne Moore
    30 votes
    • Released: 1998
    • Directed by: Joel Coen
    In the quirky comedy The Big Lebowski, Jeff Lebowski (Jeff Bridges), also known as The Dude, gets unwittingly entangled in a complex kidnapping case. A case of mistaken identity lands him in hot water when two thugs mistake him for a millionaire with the same name. John Goodman portrays his volatile bowling buddy, Walter Sobchak, who takes it upon himself to solve the convoluted mystery. Julianne Moore plays a pivotal role as Maude Lebowski, adding an artistic and eccentric twist to the plot. The film, directed by the Coen brothers, is an offbeat blend of satire, slapstick humor, and crime drama that won a British Academy Film Award.

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  • Thelma & Louise
    2

    Thelma & Louise

    Susan Sarandon, Geena Davis, Harvey Keitel
    22 votes
    • Released: 1991
    • Directed by: Ridley Scott
    In the engaging road film Thelma & Louise, friends Thelma (Geena Davis) and Louise (Susan Sarandon) embark on an impromptu road trip. Their journey spirals into a chaotic flight from law after an unexpected incident, evolving from a simple getaway to a symbol of rebellion against societal norms. Directed by Ridley Scott, this movie is lauded for its strong female leads and won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay in 1992. As the plot unveils, viewers witness the transformation of Thelma and Louise as they navigate through their unforeseen predicament.

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  • Hot Fuzz
    3

    Hot Fuzz

    Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Jim Broadbent
    24 votes
    • Released: 2007
    • Directed by: Edgar Wright
    Hot Fuzz is a clever blend of comedy and action, directed by Edgar Wright. The plot centers around Nicholas Angel (Simon Pegg), an overachieving London policeman transferred to the sleepy village of Sandford. He teams up with bumbling partner Danny Butterman (Nick Frost) and together they unravel a series of mysterious deaths that rock this seemingly peaceful community. As they dig deeper, a sinister secret surfaces, turning their quaint country life into a high-octane nightmare. Hot Fuzz skilfully balances humor with thrills, delivering a genre-blending spectacle that earned it an Empire Award for Best British Film in 2007.

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  • 48 Hrs.
    4

    48 Hrs.

    Nick Nolte, Eddie Murphy, Annette O'Toole
    18 votes
    • Released: 1982
    • Directed by: Walter Hill
    In 48 Hrs., Jack Cates (Nick Nolte) is a hard-nosed cop who has to navigate the gritty streets of San Francisco. He's on a time-sensitive hunt for an elusive killer, and his only lead is convict Reggie Hammond (Eddie Murphy). In an unlikely alliance, Cates springs Hammond from jail for 48 hours to help solve the case. This action-comedy flick, directed by Walter Hill, weaves together suspense and humor in a race against time storyline. As the duo unravels the mystery, they face off with dangerous criminals and their own clashing personalities.

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  • Stripes
    5

    Stripes

    Bill Murray, Harold Ramis, Warren Oates
    18 votes
    • Released: 1981
    • Directed by: Ivan Reitman
    In the 1981 comedy film Stripes, John Winger (Bill Murray) is a man who loses everything - his car, apartment, and girlfriend. To escape his misfortune, he convinces his best friend Russell Ziskey (Harold Ramis) to join the Army with him. Their unconventional attitudes often collide with their superiors, particularly hard-nosed Sergeant Hulka (Warren Oates). The pair's hijinks lead them from basic training to an unexpected mission in Europe. Directed by Ivan Reitman, the movie weaves humor and adventure into a memorable tale of friendship and resilience.

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  • Planes, Trains and Automobiles
    6

    Planes, Trains and Automobiles

    Steve Martin, John Candy, Laila Robins
    17 votes
    • Released: 1987
    • Directed by: John Hughes
    In the comedic classic, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Neal Page (Steve Martin), a high-strung marketing executive, finds himself paired with Del Griffith (John Candy), an eternally optimistic, overly talkative salesman. The mismatched duo embark on a two-day journey of chaotic travel mishaps attempting to get Neal home to his family for Thanksgiving. The trials they face include plane reroutes, train breakdowns, and automobile disasters. Directed by John Hughes, this film cleverly intertwines humor with heartwarming moments, revealing the unlikely friendship that forms amidst the chaos. Despite their contrasting personalities and constant setbacks, Neal and Del persist in their cross-country trek, offering viewers a hilarious look at the perils of holiday travel.

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