Disney+ announced on Monday that it had added R-rated films like Deadpool, Deadpool 2, and Logan to its streaming library. It makes sense since the movies are about Marvel characters and Disney+ owns Marvel Studios. But the films are for adults, and Disney+ is about families—or it was until Disney decided it wanted that grown-up cash.
What does this mean for the future? More R-rated films are coming to Disney+, but which ones make sense for the service? We have some suggestions.
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Stand by Me | Roku Channel | CSM rating: 14+
Stephen King’s story of four preteens’ journey to see a dead body is a perfect coming-of-age movie for boys and a heartfelt, compelling story for everyone.
Stream Stand by Me on the Roku Channel.
Beverly Hills Cop | Paramount+ | CSM rating: 16+
Beverly Hills Cop has violence, language, and brief nudity, but Eddie Murphy’s wisecracking Axel Foley character isn’t nearly as casually violent as Deadpool. However, the hitman played by Jonathan Banks (who you might know as Mike Ehrmantraut from Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul) has one jarring kill.
Stream Beverly Hills Cop on Paramount+.
My Cousin Vinny | Max | CSM rating: 15+
Pro tip: If you don’t already have Disney+, consider the Disney Bundle instead, which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ for only $13.99–$19.99 a month. And, if you need live channels, there’s a Disney Bundle with Hulu + Live TV (70+ channels) for $72.99–$78.99 a month.
Alien | STARZ | CSM rating: 15+
The gory/violent parts of Alien are relatively tame compared to similar content in the Deadpool movies and Stranger Things—although Alien’s Facehugger scene is properly traumatizing. But they have plush Facehuggers nowadays, so they can’t be that scary.
Stream Alien on STARZ.
The Lost Boys | Amazon Prime Video | CSM rating: 16+
The only teen vampire dramedy that matters is edgier than the Twilight movies, but still fine for kids. Worst case scenario: kids could start wearing unironic poodle-permed mullets, riding motorcycles without helmets, and looking up to Corey Feldman.
Stream The Lost Boys on Amazon Prime Video (VOD).
The Breakfast Club | Hulu | CSM rating: 15+
Sure, it has some naughty words, sexual language, and something called “doobage.” But John Hughes’ legendary teen movie teaches valuable lessons about class differences, friendship, and the imperfection of adult authority figures.
Stream The Breakfast Club on Hulu.
Pro tip: Interested in other streaming bundles? Check out the Paramount+/SHOWTIME® bundle. It has 41,400 hours of content for the entire family for $12.99 monthly.
The Frighteners | STARZ | CSM rating: 18+
Compared to Bad Taste and Braindead/Dead Alive, the violence in this Peter Jackson “horror” movie looks more like Casper the Friendly Ghost with each passing year. Since it’s 27 years old, and the film stars Michael J. Fox, that’s pretty innocent. And yet, CSM thought the violence—even combined with some foul language—was enough for an 18+ rating.
Stream The Frighteners on STARZ.
The Blues Brothers | Amazon Prime Video | CSM rating: 16+
Jake and Elwood Blues, among other characters, use many bad words in this film, and there is some violence, but it’s all slapstick. Kids will dig it.
Stream The Blues Brothers on Amazon Prime Video (VOD).
Blazing Saddles | Amazon Prime Video | CSM rating: 15+
As one Reddit user said, “Blazing Saddles is rated R apparently for the n-word and farts.” In other words, it’s perfect for 15-year-olds, as indicated by its CSM rating. Really, though—watch this one with your kids and discuss the content afterward. Long live critical fart theory!
Stream The Blues Brothers on Amazon Prime Video.
