Top 50 Best NC-17 Movies Of All Time [2023]

 

There have been several examples to show that some movies that originally hit the cinemas classed NC-17 have, in fact, been re-edited and re-rated for the viewers today.

 

This means that while some of them may not be rated NC-17 anymore, others continue to hold on to their NC-17 status.

 

First and foremost, our readers should be duly aware of the fact that some of the motion pictures that are certified NC-17 are, indeed, quite celebrated within the cinematic universe.

 

However, before we proceed with the article, we would like to mention that NC-17 movies have continued to grab the attention of film buffs across the globe for the longest time.

 

The justifications for the same have been far too many. The year was 1990 when the MPAA (The Motion Picture Association of America) decided to replace the X rating with NC-17.

 

The reason behind this call was the fact that X had started to rapidly become synonymous with the world of pornography.

 

However, the NC-17 rating soon found its way to the mainstream. This rating is allocated to a title by the Motion Picture Association of America.

 

It notifies that people who are 17 years or below in the age bracket will not be allowed to get a ticket to catch a movie rated NC-17 at the cinemas.

 

So, basically, a rating of NC-17 only allows adults to be admitted to the theatre.

 

Having said that, it has to be understood that even though some truly watchable movies have received an NC-17 rating over the years, a few of them have also been resubmitted in order to get a lesser rating; perhaps to get more accessible to people of different age groups.

 

Be that as it may, we have tried to make a list of 50 of the best motion pictures that have been assigned the NC-17 rating.

 

While most of these projects were able to hit the screens rated NC-17, some of them went on to appeal to the board to get their ratings altered before release.

 

Therefore, our compilation also casts a light on the struggles of a few selected feature films that were initially rated NC-17 but fought hard with the board to release with a different rating.

 

 

50. Zandalee (1991)

 

 

 

'Zandalee' is a romantic tragedy flick that has been directed for the screen by Sam Pillsbury.

 

The film stars Nicolas Cage, Judge Reinhold, Erika Anderson, Viveca Lindfors, Aaron Neville, Joe Pantoliano, and Steve Buscemi in pivotal roles.

 

The screenplay of this motion picture traces the journey of an artist who wanders to New Orleans with the aim to study the theme of lust.

 

On his journey, he is accompanied by his poet friend's wife. Even though 'Zandalee' was released unrated, it had actually been given an NC-17 rating prior to its theatrical release.

 

That said, an edited R version of the film is also available to watch today.

 

 

49. Intent to Kill (1992)

 

 

This independent thriller feature has been helmed for the screen by director Charles T. Kanganis.

 

It was granted the NC-17 rating as it deals with issues pertaining to prostitution, drug trafficking, and police activity.

 

The story follows a drug dealer who meets his match in a formidable Los Angeles police officer, who is on a relentless mission to tidy up the streets of the city.

 

We would like to notify our readers of the fact that 'Intent to Kill' was actually the first motion picture to have received the MPAA NC-17 rating because of the excessive use of violence rather than sexual content.

 

 

 

48. Body of Evidence (1993)

 

 

 

This Uli Edel directorial venture features Madonna, Willem Dafoe, Joe Mantegna, Anne Archer, Julianne Moore, and Jürgen Prochnow in prominent roles.

 

The film tracks the journey of a lawyer who is hired by a woman who, herself, has been charged with slaughtering her lover for his property.

 

However, the lawyer soon starts falling head over heels in love with her. Even though she has her charm to vouch for her, the lawyer soon begins to suspect her. 'Body of Evidence' had originally received the rare NC-17 rating, but the makers made quite a few cuts to obtain the R rating.

 

Be that as it may, critics all over criticized Madonna for her lukewarm and pretentious role play in this one.

 

 

 

47. In the Cold of the Night (1990)

 

 

 

'In the Cold of the Night' is an American erotic thriller that has been both produced and directed for the screen by Nico Mastorakis.

 

The NC-17 title stars Jeff Lester, Adrianne Sachs, Marc Singer, Brian Thompson, Shannon Tweed, John Beck, Tippi Hedren, and David Soul in prominent roles.

 

The story follows a confused photographer from Los Angeles whose appalling imaginations get dangerous when a woman from his nightmares steps into his life for real.

 

There is no denying the fact that the film must have had a considerable amount of explicit content if it received the NC-17 rating.

 

Be that as it may, it was indeed a bit surprising to find an erstwhile A-lister like Tippi Hedren a part of this project.

 

 

 

46. Delta of Venus (1995)

 

 

 

Director Zalman King's 'Delta of Venus' has been inspired by Anaïs Nin's posthumously published short story collection of the same title.

 

The movie stars Audie England, Costas Mandylor, Eric da Silva, Emma Louise Moore, Raven Snow, and Rory Campbell in crucial roles.

 

The storyline of the plot may come across as off-putting to some of our readers.

 

This is because the screenplay traces the journey of an American writer in 1940 Paris who starts to jot down erotic stories after finding her lover with someone else.  'Delta of Venus' was given an NC-17 rating due to the projection of explicit scenes in its storytelling.

 

 

 

45. Descent (2007)

 

 

 

This Talia Lugacy directorial venture stars Rosario Dawson, Chad Faust, Vanessa Ferlito, and Marcus Patrick in significant roles.

 

The story of this NC-17 title follows the journey of a college co-ed who is brutally assaulted.

 

The screenplay traces how she battles to rebuild her life all by herself. The film did not exactly open to terrific reviews.

 

That said, it was released in two alternate cuts: a 105-minute uncut NC-17-rated version and a 95-minute R-rated version.

 

We would like to inform our readers that aside from being the lead performer in the motion picture, Rosario Dawson was also one of its producers.

 

 

 

44. Diamond Skulls (1989)

 

 

'Diamond Skulls', which is also known as 'Dark Obsession', is a British thriller that has been co-written and helmed for the screen by Nick Broomfield - in his debut fictional work.

 

The film stars Amanda Donohoe, Gabriel Byrne, Struan Rodger, and Ian Carmichael among others. The story follows a group of young British guardsmen who are compelled to cover up a hit and run incident.

 

However, a sequence of unwanted events follows the episode. 'Diamond Skulls' opened to mixed reviews from both critics and viewers alike.

 

It ended up getting an NC-17 rating upon its release in the United States in the June of 1991.

 

 

 

43. Hard to Die (1990)

 

 

 

This Jim Wynorski directorial venture has been rated NC-17 for extreme horror violence. The motion picture stars Gail Thackray, Karen Mayo-Chandler, Deborah Dutch, Bridget Carney, and Melissa Moore among others.

 

The film tracks the journey of a group of women who are forced to fight a demon to the death instead of taking inventory in a high-rise office establishment.

 

They are left to fend for themselves and are, therefore, horrified by a series of brutal killings.

 

Viewers who are acquainted with director Jim Wynorski's work more or less know what they are going to get when they watch his flicks.

 

Thankfully for them, this NC-17 feature delivers on what it promises.

 

 

 

42. Showgirls (1995)

 

 

 

This Paul Verhoeven directorial venture features Elizabeth Berkley, Kyle MacLachlan, Gina Gershon, Glenn Plummer, Robert Davi, Alan Rachins, and Gina Ravera in crucial roles.

 

One of the most popular NC-17 titles to make it to our list, its plot traces the journey of a young wanderer named Nomi.

 

After she arrives in Las Vegas to become a dancer, she soon starts pushing her way to the top in order to become one of the top showgirls in Las Vegas.

 

The NC-17 project managed to generate a lot of hype and controversy before its theatrical release in the United States of America due to the presence of some really intense intimate scenes in its screenplay.

 

 

 

41. The Brown Bunny (2003)

 

 

 

'The Brown Bunny' is an experimental road drama feature film that has been written, directed, produced, photographed, and edited by Vincent Gallo.

 

The motion picture stars Vincent Gallo and Chloë Sevigny in the main lead and attempts to tell the tale of a motorcycle racer; someone who goes on a cross-country drive, possibly because he is plagued by the memories of his former lover. 

 

Bud Clay a motorcycle racer takes a cross-country road trip to participate in New Hampshire and California motorcycle races. During the road trip, he meets three different women but fails to form a connection.

 

The regret that remained buried inside his heart haunts him throughout the entire trip, and we get to see what went wrong in the past.

 

'The Brown Bunny' managed to grab a lot of eyeballs due to its explicit finale scene.

 

The commotion arose right after it made its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in 2003.

 

 

 

40. The Shadowed Mind (1988)

 

 

Director Cedric Sundstrom's NC-17 feature titled 'The Shadowed Mind' stars Towje Kleiner, Rufus Swart, Adrienne Pearce, Trish Downing, and Simon Poland among others in crucial roles.

 

The film traces the journey of a patient named Stephanie who arrives at a private clinic for sufferers of sexual dysfunction.

 

The clinic, which is run by Dr. Hildesheimer, is full of patients who have their own demons to battle.

 

However, as soon as Stephanie begins to have an affair with another patient, a killer begins to stalk and threaten the institution.

 

The NC-17 film, which was apparently banned for several years in the country of South Africa due to its explicit content, is a rather strange mix of intimacy and horror.

 

 

 

39. Paris, France (1993)

 

 

Written by Tom Walmsley and directed for the screen by Jerry Ciccoritti, this Canadian erotic comedy-drama film stars Leslie Hope, Peter Outerbridge, Victor Ertmanis, Dan Lett, Raoul Trujillo, and Patricia Ciccoritti in crucial roles.

 

The screenplay of the NC-17 feature traces the journey of a married author who dives from an intense affair in Paris to another with a poet in Montreal. 'Paris, France' opened to poor reviews from the critics and is, of course, is rated NC-17 because of the presence of explicit sexual content in its storytelling.

 

That being said, the film was at least nominated for two Genie Awards.

 

 

38. A Dirty Shame (2004)

 

 

 

This John Waters directorial venture features Tracey Ullman, Chris Isaak, Selma Blair, Johnny Knoxville, Suzanne Shepherd, and Mink Stole among others in its cast.

 

The film has a rather weird plotline that follows the journey of an uptight and suppressed woman who, unfortunately, turns into a sex addict after getting a blow on her head.

 

Ultimately, she ends up falling into an underground subculture of intimacy. 'A Dirty Shame' opened to mixed reviews from critics and failed to make money at the box office.

 

Later, director John Waters stated that the poor box office of the film had stopped him from making more features.

 

 

37. Tropic of Cancer (1970)

 

 

Director Joseph Strick's 'Tropic of Cancer' stars Rip Torn, James T. Callahan, David Baur, Laurence Lignères, Phil Brown, and Dominique Delpierre in significant roles.

 

The NC-17 feature is based on Henry Miller's autobiographical novel of the same title that was released in the year 1934.

 

The film follows the journey of an American writer named Henry Miller and his friends, who are often found traveling.

 

Once they end up in Paris, they start running after money, art, food, and sex - in that order.

 

While out and about, they seldom care about the consequences of their actions.

 

 

36. Whore (1991)

 

 

 

Helmed for the screen by Ken Russell, this NC-17 feature stars Theresa Russell and Benjamin Mouton in pivotal roles.

 

The film, which tracks a night in the life of a pessimistic prostitute, is pretty much director Ken Russell's understanding of the world's oldest profession.

 

Even though this project was a financial failure, it did receive fair reviews from those who were able to catch it.

 

An unrelated sequel, titled 'Whore II', was released some three years later. Since the movie was granted an NC-17 rating and did not really feature an A-lister, not many cinema houses in the United States of America were too keen to screen it for the viewers.

 

 

35. The Hottest Bid (1995)

 

 

This Deborah Shames directorial venture features Gwen Somers, Dihlon McManne, Belinda Farrell, and Eric Barnes in vital roles.

 

This highly sensual NC-17 title attempts to trace the journey of an erratic but thriving attorney who attends a charity bachelor auction.

 

There, he tries to prove a point about men by spending top dollar for a date with a pet canine.

 

The viewers who have managed to stumble upon this feature thus far are of the opinion that even though the intimate scenes in this motion picture are soft, they are all well-executed and believable.

 

Needless to say, this conviction must have ascertained that they ended up getting an NC-17 rating.

 

 

34. Two Girls and a Guy (1998)

 

 

 

This James Toback directorial venture had to reportedly be edited fourteen times in order to get its rating changed from NC-17 to R for a theatrical release.

 

However, both versions of the film seem to be available today. Starring actors like Robert Downey Jr., Heather Graham, and Natasha Gregson Wagner in important roles, 'Two Girls and a Guy' tells the wickedly funny tale of two women who soon uncover that they have been sharing the same partner for months.

 

What follows is a series of events that pretty much strives to elucidate the failure of modern-day relationships.

 

The motion picture, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 1997, is primarily based upon dialogue between the three characters.

 

It was filmed in eleven flat days.

 

 

33. Wide Sargasso Sea (1993)

 

 

Director John Duigan's 'Wide Sargasso Sea' is an official adaptation of author Jean Rhys's novel of the same name.

 

The film stars Karina Lombard, Nathaniel Parker, Claudia Robinson, Michael York, and Rachel Ward in significant roles.

 

The story of this NC-17 feature traces the journey of French colonist Annette Cosway, who, after having fallen into the grasp of poverty, decides to marry a racist Englishman named Paul Mason.

 

The screenplay showcases the complex situations that arise after Annette's young son loses his life in a fire and Mason leaves her to fend for herself. 'Wide Sargasso Sea' was given an NC-17 rating because of the inclusion of implicit scenes in its screenplay.

 

 

32. Pink Flamingos (1972)

 

 

 

Directed by John Waters and starring Divine, David Lochary, Mink Stole, Mary Vivian Pearce, Danny Mills, and Edith Massey in crucial roles, 'Pink Flamingos' was initially released in the theatres with an X rating.

 

However, the film was later re-rated NC-17. The screenplay of this venture follows the story of a fat and strange woman and her misfit family, who try their best to rival with a Baltimore couple to be labeled the filthiest people alive in the world.

 

Filmmaker John Waters has for long been known as the king of filth. It is not surprising then that his 1972 project continued to justify this epithet by hook or crook.

 

Arguably his most disgusting and disturbing work yet, 'Pink Flamingos' is one of the most provocative cult motion pictures to have ever been produced.

 

And, oh yes, it is definitely not everyone's cup of tea.

 

 

31. Swearnet: The Movie (2014)

 

 

Helmed for the screen by Warren P. Sonoda, 'Swearnet: The Movie' has been written, produced by, and stars Mike Smith, John Paul Tremblay, and Robb Wells in significant roles.

 

The story of the motion picture tracks how Mike, Robb, and John Paul are fed up with being censored in their life post the series, titled 'Trailer Park Boys.' Possibly looking for inspiration, the trio decides to get ambitious and launches their own uncensored network on the Internet.

 

We would like to inform our readers that 'Swearnet: The Movie' holds the record for using the "F" word the maximum number of times in any motion picture to date.

 

It apparently used the word 935 times in its screenplay. It is not surprising then that the feature ended up getting an NC-17 rating from the MPAA.

 

 

30. Orgazmo (1997)

 

 

 

'Orgazmo' belongs to a very unique genre of filmmaking. It is a superhero sex comedy feature film that has been written, directed, and edited by Trey Parker.

 

It stars Trey Parker, Matt Stone, Dian Bachar, Robyn Lynne, and Michael Dean Jacobs in crucial roles.

 

The plot of the NC-17 venture follows a devout and innocent Mormon missionary named Joe Young; someone who reluctantly agrees to be a part of a pornographic film for an abusive director.

 

He does so in order to be able to pay for his and his fiancée's dream wedding and home.

 

Ever since its release in 1997, 'Orgazmo' has been considered a cult film.

 

 

29. Beyond the Valley of the Dolls (1970)

 

 

 

Director Russ Meyer's 'Beyond the Valley of the Dolls' stars actors such as Dolly Read, Cynthia Myers, Marcia McBroom, Phyllis Davis, Erica Gavin, John Lazar, Michael Blodgett, and David Gurian in crucial roles.

 

The story of this NC-17 feature follows a star-struck all-girl band that gets itself entangled with the wrong side of Hollywood; one that is high on popping pills and craving for unnecessary intimacy.

 

Kelly MacNamara, Casey Anderson, and Petronella "Pet" Danforth are the members of the band that goes by Kelly Affair managed by Harris Allsworth.

 

Harris is Kelly's boyfriend but after a meeting with Ronnie "Z-Man" Barzell, the band gets swayed leaving him on a path of self-destruction.

 

After a series of unfortunate events that leads to the death and destruction of the band, Kelly returns to a paralyzed Harris.

 

Even though the film did not really receive unanimously positive reviews upon its theatrical release, it did end up developing a cult following in the decades to come.

 

 

28. Hard Target (1993)

 

 

 

Director John Woo's 'Hard Target' is an action extravaganza that stars Jean-Claude Van Damme, Lance Henriksen, Yancy Butler, and Wilford Brimley in crucial roles.

 

The film, which is based on the 1932 film adaptation of Richard Connell's 1924 short story titled "The Most Dangerous Game", is considered to be a cult motion picture among fans of the action genre.

 

The screenplay tracks the journey of a merchant seaman named Chance, who goes out of his way to help Natasha look for her father who has been missing.

 

However, this journey brings him on the trail of a ruthless killer whose victims are mostly men who are homeless.

 

This John Woo-helmed feature film was adjudged too intense and brutal for an R rating and, therefore, received an NC-17 rating initially.

 

However, the filmmaker made a lot many cuts to the movie in order to ensure that it did not end up getting an NC-17 rating.

 

While 'Hard Target' opened to mixed reviews, it was a commercial success at the box office.

 

 

27. Inserts (1975)

 

 

This John Byrum-helmed project features Richard Dreyfuss, Veronica Cartwright, Jessica Harper, Bob Hoskins, and Stephen Davies in prominent roles.

 

The NC-17 feature attempts to trace the journey of a young, has-been Hollywood filmmaker who refuses to change with time.

 

Needless to say, he ceases to accept the fact that times are indeed changing with the onset of the 1930s.

 

This reluctance makes him confide in his crumbling mansion where he decides to now make silent porn movies.

 

This was director John Byrum's debut feature. It was originally rated X but its rating was later altered to NC-17.

 

Unfortunately for the makers, 'Inserts' turned out to be a disappointment at the ticket windows.

 

 

26. Henry & June (1990)

 

 

 

Co-written and directed for the screen by Philip Kaufman, this biographical drama film was officially known for being the first motion picture to receive the newly instilled NC-17 rating in 1990.

 

The movie stars Fred Ward, Uma Thurman, and Maria de Medeiros in prominent roles and is partially based on the posthumously published Anaïs Nin book of the same name.

 

The screenplay attempts to tell the story of Nin's relationship with Henry Miller and his wife, June.

 

Our readers would be fascinated to learn that while 'Henry & June' was allotted an NC-17 rating because of the intimate scenes in its storytelling, some of the critics of the time even criticized the motion picture for not being enticing enough.

 

Be that as it may, the motion picture was well-received upon release.

 

 

25. Chained (2012)

 

 

Helmed for the screen by Jennifer Lynch, 'Chained' stars Vincent D'Onofrio, Eamon Farren, Gina Philips, Conor Leslie, Jake Weber, and Julia Ormond in significant roles.

 

The screenplay shows Vincent D'Onofrio's character as a serial killer who has kept Eamon Farren's character as his prisoner.

 

The story proceeds to examine their relationship as the killer tries to turn his hostage into his protégé. 'Chained' was originally rated NC-17 by the MPAA for its explicit depiction of violence.

 

However, the director of the film had to edit the screenplay in order to get an R rating.

 

That being said, the feature film made its premiere at the Fantasia International Film Festival and opened to polarizing reviews elsewhere.

 

Be that as it may, its performances were appreciated by those who were able to come across this venture.

 

 

24. Easier with Practice (2009)

 

 

 

Written and directed for the screen by Kyle Patrick Alvarez, 'Easier with Practice' stars Brian Geraghty, Kel O'Neill, Marguerite Moreau, Jeanette Brox, Jenna Gavigan, and Katie Aselton in crucial roles.

 

What is interesting about this feature film is the fact that its story is based on a 2006 GQ article written by Davy Rothbart, thus, making it a one-of-a-kind title on our list.

 

The screenplay of the film traces the journey of an aspiring writer who becomes incredulously obsessed with a phone-sex lover.

 

The catch here is that he has never actually met the person he has been speaking to on phone calls.

 

This unique motion picture was nominated for two Independent Spirit Awards: Best First Feature and Someone to Watch Awards.

 

The film made its world premiere at The CineVegas Film Festival. There, it managed to receive the Grand Jury Prize.

 

Not only that but this originally NC-17 rated feature also garnered Best New International Feature at its international premiere at the Edinburgh International Film Festival.

 

 

23. Crash (1996)

 

 

Those who have been ardent movie fans for quite some time now must be aware of the fact that director David Cronenberg had an affinity for both mind-bending concepts and excessive violence.

 

It is not surprising then that his 1996 feature titled 'Crash' was given an NC-17 rating.

 

The screenplay of this motion picture follows a group of "friends" who are linked to one another because they get sexually aroused whenever they come across car crashes and their victims.

 

Needless to say, the bizarre screenplay led to the inclusion of highly graphic sex scenes in it.

 

In addition, the usage of violence was also prevalent throughout the feature film's storytelling. Despite all this, the motion picture managed to grab eyeballs and was appreciated by many a critic.

 

 

22. Broken English (1996)

 

 

Director Gregor Nicholas brings together actors like Aleksandra Vujčić, Julian Arahanga, Marton Csokas, and Rade Šerbedžija for his NC-17 project, titled 'Broken English.' This motion picture is essentially a drama that is set in New Zealand.

 

That said, we would like to inform our readers that 'Broken English' might be rated NC-17 by the MPAA but it comprises just one intimate scene.

 

This is perhaps why the makers of this title also appealed the ruling. This NC-17 feature film depicts a clash of ideologies.

 

It attempts to blend the ideals of a rigid Croatian refugee against those of his daughter Nina; someone who does not share his old-world and orthodox perspectives.

 

The plot demonstrates how complications arise when Nina is entangled in a marriage of convenience with a Chinese national and a passionate affair with the Maori cook who works at the same eatery where she does.

 

 

21. Young Adam (2003)

 

 

Written and directed for the screen by David Mackenzie, 'Young Adam' features a competent star cast full of performers such as Ewan McGregor, Tilda Swinton, Peter Mullan, and Emily Mortimer among others.

 

Based on Alexander Trocchi's novel of the same name, the NC-17 flick traces the journey of a young nomad named Joe; someone who works on a barge touring between Glasgow and Edinburgh.

 

The barge has been acquired by Les and his wife Ella. However, one day, things change when the crew stumbles upon the body of a young woman while loading the hold with coal.

 

This, in turn, stimulates a sequence of events in the screenplay. This feature film was screened at a lot many noteworthy film festivals across the world.

 

Not only was it screened in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival but it was also shown at the Edinburgh Film Festival, the Toronto International Film Festival, the Moscow Film Festival, the Telluride Film Festival, and the Athens Film Festival, respectively.

 

 

20. Zack and Miri Make a Porno (2008)

 

 

 

'Zack and Miri Make a Porno' has been directed by known filmmaker Kevin Smith and stars screen performers such as Seth Rogen, Elizabeth Banks, Craig Robinson, Jason Mewes, Traci Lords, Jeff Anderson, Katie Morgan, and Ricky Mabe in crucial roles.

 

The story of this motion picture is quite simple. It tracks the journey of two friends, Zack and Miri, who, upon suffering heavy financial losses, decide to earn money by filming an adult movie.

 

It has been reported that the rating board wasn't too pleased with a couple of intimate sequences in the motion picture.

 

This is the reason why 'Zack and Miri Make a Porno' was slapped with an NC-17 rating twice.

 

However, director Kevin Smith took the onus on himself and appealed the rating. He argued that the intimate scenes were in the movie to elicit laughter among the viewers.

 

This perhaps changed the mind of the board and the film was finally released with an R rating.

 

 

19. Damage (1992)

 

 

The makers of 'Damage' did their very best to control the damage that the MPAA was "allegedly" keen to inflict on this project (pun intended).

 

The film was originally slapped with an NC-17 rating. However, the distributors of the project reportedly edited out a few seconds and resubmitted it to the board, and thus, the Louis Malle directorial venture could manage to get the R rating instead.

 

Starring Jeremy Irons, Juliette Binoche, Miranda Richardson, Rupert Graves, Ian Bannen, and Leslie Caron in pivotal roles, the film traces the journey of a member of Parliament who falls head over heels in love with his son's fiancée.

 

However, there will always be a danger of discovery in such circumstances.

 

 

18. Killer Joe (2011)

 

 

 

Not many of our readers would be aware of the fact that director William Friedkin's 'Killer Joe' had also received the NC-17 rating.

 

The motion picture stars actors like Matthew McConaughey, Emile Hirsch, Juno Temple, Gina Gershon, and Thomas Haden Church in pivotal roles.

 

The screenplay traces the journey of a Texan drug dealer named Chris. Unfortunately for Chris, he has gotten himself into enormous debt and is in serious need of cash.

 

Having no place to run, he is left with no option but to slay his own mother, Adele, in order to claim the insurance amount.

 

This psychosexual crime drama features an actor as talented as Matthew McConaughey as a dreadful hitman.

 

The film had managed to receive the NC-17 rating due to the excessive use of nudity, projection of relentless psychological abuse, and violence.

 

 

17. The Lover (1992)

 

 

Helmed for the screen by Jean-Jacques Annaud and based on the semi-autobiographical novel of the same name by Marguerite Duras, 'The Lover' was yet another feature that was originally given an NC-17 rating by the MPAA.

 

The makers had to really go out of their way to convince the board to change the rating of this feature film to R.

 

The film features actors Jane March and Tony Leung Ka-Fai in central roles and Jeanne Moreau as the narrator.

 

The story is about a young French girl who ends up having feelings for a comparatively older Chinese man.

 

Even though both of them are aware of the fact that the relationship may cause them a whole lot of trouble very soon, they decide to proceed with it anyway.

 

 

16. Last Tango in Paris (1972)

 

 

This Bernardo Bertolucci directorial venture features acting legend Marlon Brando, Maria Schneider, Maria Michi, Giovanna Galletti, Jean-Pierre Léaud, and Massimo Girotti in crucial roles.

 

This NC-17 title premiered at the New York Film Festival in late 1972 and ended up being the seventh highest-grossing motion picture of 1973.

 

Even though this film was not exactly a Hollywood production, we had to include it because it stars one of the most loved Hollywood film stars of all time, Marlon Brando, in the lead role.

 

The film tells the story of Paul; someone who is grieving the loss of his wife.

 

He soon comes across a young Parisian woman named Jeanne and they both end up getting into a secret relationship.

 

However, things soon go wrong for Paul as he puts his life in danger after he shares his private details with her. 'Last Tango in Paris' became prone to international controversy due to its severe portrayal of sexual violence.

 

While the film was given an X rating upon its release in the United States of America, it was later re-rated as NC-17.

 

 

15. Nymphomaniac (2013)

 

 

 

If the viewers were left stunned after having been able to watch the 'Fifty Shades' series of motion pictures, they were probably not aware of the fact that two volumes of the 'Nymphomaniac' franchise also exist.

 

The erotic art feature has been written and directed for the screen by Lars von Trier.

 

It stars Charlotte Gainsbourg, Stellan Skarsgård, Stacy Martin, Shia LaBeouf, Christian Slater, Jamie Bell, Uma Thurman, Jean-Marc Barr, Willem Dafoe, and Connie Nielsen in critical roles.

 

The screenplay follows a self-diagnosed woman who is addicted to intimacy. In the story, she narrates her erotic adventures to the man who has protected her after a beating.

 

The uncut Volume I made its world premiere at the 64th Berlin International Film Festival.

 

While the motion picture was given an NC-17 rating by the MPAA, the makers of the film decided to follow their will and, thus, released it unrated.

 

 

14. Kids (1995)

 

 

 

Director Larry Clark's indie drama titled 'Kids' stars Leo Fitzpatrick, Justin Pierce, Chloë Sevigny, and Rosario Dawson in their respective film debuts.

 

The film originally received an NC-17 rating from the MPAA, but, for some reason, it was released without a rating in the cinemas.

 

Nevertheless, we are still including this feature on our list courtesy of the fact that it caused an enormous amount of public debate over its artistic distinction.

 

The story of the film is pretty simple. It tracks a day in the life of a group of teenagers as they travel around New York City drinking, skating, smoking, and getting intimate with virgins.

 

The storyline of the film does, indeed, justify its NC-17 rating. However, we would like to inform our viewers that another reason why we are adding this project to our list is that it is the kind of movie that will be talked about after they are done viewing it.

 

 

13. Bad Lieutenant (1992)

 

 

 

Originally rated NC-17, 'Bad Lieutenant' was one of the first few motion pictures to be rated thus because of the excessive portrayal of drug usage and violence in its storytelling.

 

The neo-noir crime film takes a deep dive into the dark world of police corruption.

 

It has been directed for the screen by Abel Ferrara and features Harvey Keitel as the titular "bad lieutenant." Actors Victor Argo and Paul Calderón also star in supporting roles in this NC-17 feature that strives to examine themes of salvation and man's linkage to his vices in its gritty screenplay.

 

Indie film icon Harvey Keitel, who delivers a fantastic performance in the lead role, plays an officer who has been given the duty to investigate a dreadful assault on a nun.

 

He goes about his job while trying to overcome his existential crisis. What is so special about 'Bad Lieutenant' is the fact that its exceptionally gloomy feel is only furthered by its technicalities.

 

This, in turn, helps in making the drama come across as dark and unsettling at all times.

 

Needless to say, this motion picture is a cult classic of sorts that is also, definitely, one of the most audacious movies to have hit the screens during the early 1990s.

 

 

12. American Pie (1999)

 

 

 

Not many of our readers would be aware of the fact that even though the first film in the 'American Pie' theatrical series did not release with an NC-17 rating, it was slapped with it by the MPAA just before its theatrical outing.

 

A scene or two in the motion picture was edited in order to avoid the NC-17 rating.

 

The film features an ensemble cast that stars actors such as Jason Biggs, Chris Klein, Alyson Hannigan, Natasha Lyonne, Thomas Ian Nicholas, Tara Reid, Mena Suvari, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Seann William Scott, and Eugene Levy in significant roles.

 

The film traces the journey of a group of friends who try their best to lose their virginity before the much-awaited prom night.

 

This coming-of-age sex comedy was a massive hit at the box office.

 

 

11. Female Trouble (1974)

 

 

 

Helmed for the screen by John Waters, 'Female Trouble' features actors such as Divine, David Lochary, Mary Vivian Pearce, Mink Stole, Edith Massey, Cookie Mueller, Susan Walsh, and Michael Potter in critical roles.

 

The NC-17 feature gives an entirely different perspective to glamour and ensures that it comes across as grotesque.

 

The story follows an obese woman, who, after giving birth to an "unpleasant" child, embarks upon a strange and excessively destructive life of crime.

 

Whether someone likes the movie or not, 'Female Trouble' offers up wicked pleasures that will never cease to satisfy the viewers who may be looking for the same in a feature film.

 

 

10. Bent (1997)

 

 

This Sean Mathias directorial venture is a collaboration between the United Kingdom and Japan and is based on Martin Sherman's 1979 play of the same name.

 

Sherman also wrote the screenplay for the film. It stars actors such as Lothaire Bluteau, Clive Owen, Brian Webber, Ian McKellen, and Mick Jagger in pivotal roles.

 

Set in 1930s Germany, this brutal feature film revolves around the persecution of homosexuals in Nazi Germany.

 

It traces the journey of a gay Jew who is sent to a Nazi concentration camp. 'Bent', which managed to garner an approval rating of 73 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, ended up winning the Best Feature Film in the Torino International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival in the year 1998.

 

 

9. The Dreamers (2003)

 

 

 

This acclaimed romantic drama is an international co-production by companies from France, the United Kingdom, and Italy, respectively.

 

The motion picture has been directed for the silver screen by Bernardo Bertolucci and is based on Gilbert Adair's novel, titled "The Holy Innocents." It is not surprising then that Gilbert Adair also went on to write the screenplay of this NC-17 feature.

 

The film tells the story of Theo and his sister Isabelle who feel at ease in their grand house while a majority of the students partake in the Paris revolution.

 

However, things undergo a dramatic and drastic change after the siblings adopt a student from California.

 

Described as "extraordinarily beautiful" by popular movie critic Roger Ebert, 'The Dreamers' also strives to make numerous references to various movies of classical and French New Wave cinema; something that is evident in a few of its sequences.

 

 

8. Shame (2011)

 

 

 

Director Steve McQueen's feature film titled 'Shame' stars Michael Fassbender and Carey Mulligan in key roles.

 

Film buffs are aware of the fact that Steve McQueen has gone on to cement his place as one of the most refined filmmakers of this generation.

 

His grasp of film technology is only aided by his writing and directorial abilities. Nowhere is this more apparent than in his 2011 motion picture, 'Shame.' An incredibly difficult movie to both understand and digest, this NC-17 project shows Michael Fassbender's character to be a sex addict.

 

However, he fails to form personal relationships and this is something that goes on to create a whole lot of trouble for him when his sister shows up unannounced at his doorstep.

 

A bold and complex projection of loneliness on celluloid, 'Shame' explores subjects and enters a territory that not many conventional romantic dramas would ever dare to.

 

Needless to say, its theme warrants the use of a ton of intimate scenes and, thus, the NC-17 rating.

 

 

7. The Evil Dead (1981)

 

 

 

This supernatural horror feature film has been written and directed by Sam Raimi and has gone on to cement its place as one of the most significant cult horror movies of all time.

 

The screenplay of the motion picture traces the journey of five friends who travel to a remote cabin in the woods to have a good time.

 

However, all that starts well does not always end well. This becomes evident when the visit of the friends unleashes demons that start possessing them one by one until only one of them is left fighting to live.

 

This NC-17 venture opened to universally positive reviews and went on to become one of the highest-grossing independent movies of all time.

 

Needless to say, 'The Evil Dead' scared the viewers out of their wits in the cinemas post its release.

 

 

6. Santa Sangre (1989)

 

 

'Santa Sangre', also known as 'Holy Blood' in English', is an avant-garde surreal horror feature that has been co-written and helmed for the screen by Alejandro Jodorowsky.

 

The NC-17 motion picture stars Axel Jodorowsky, Adán Jodorowsky, Teo Jodorowsky, Blanca Guerra, Thelma Tixou, and Guy Stockwell in prominent roles.

 

The film traces the journey of its central character named Fenix; someone who flees from a mental institution as a sequence of flashbacks familiarizes the viewers with his disturbing past.

 

Soon, Fenix rejoins his mother who is now leading a religious cult. She had been left maimed by a vicious attack by his father.

 

A courageous and imaginative combination of horror and surrealism, this feature film would appeal to those who prefer the aforementioned attributes in movies.

 

 

5. Boys Don't Cry (1999)

 

 

 

This biographical drama film has been helmed for the screen by director Kimberly Peirce. It features known actors such as Hilary Swank, Chloë Sevigny, Peter Sarsgaard, Brendan Sexton III, Alicia Goranson, Jeannetta Arnette, and Matt McGrath in critical roles.

 

The screenplay of the film traces the journey of a young transgender named Teena Brandon.

 

After having acquired a male identity, Teena gets romantically involved with a single mother named Lana.

 

However, he is left with little option but to fib to her about both his unsettling history and sex change. 'Boys Don't Cry' is a motion picture that deals with a lot of contentious issues.

 

This is precisely the reason why it was originally allotted an NC-17 rating. However, the feature film was later re-rated to R.

 

 

4. The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover (1989)

 

 

Director Peter Greenaway's 'The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover' stars Richard Bohringer, Michael Gambon, Helen Mirren, and Alan Howard in significant roles.

 

It was among the first few films to have ever received the NC-17 rating. Before it hit the cinemas, the makers were given an option by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) of either self-applying an X rating to the film or settling for release as 'unrated.' 

 

Filmmaker Peter Greenaway brings to us one of the most unusual motion pictures ever made, for 'The Cook, The Thief, His Wife & Her Lover' is a crystal clear attempt at enmeshing Shakesperian tragedy with postmodern horror.

 

The story of the film tracks how a cook, a thief, and his wife together unleash a stunning overflow of sex, food, murder, and vengeance as a sequence of events tells the viewers what exactly is happening and why.

 

The NC-17 rating of the film is justified given the fact that it has some really intense sex scenes as a part of its storytelling.

 

Be that as it may, the mind-blowing climax of the venture is what truly stuns you as a viewer.

 

 

3. Mysterious Skin (2004)

 

 

 

Helmed for the screen by Gregg Araki, 'Mysterious Skin' stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Brady Corbet, Michelle Trachtenberg, Jeff Licon, Bill Sage, Mary Lynn Rajskub, and Elisabeth Shue in significant roles.

 

The film premiered at the 61st Venice International Film Festival in 2004 and was adapted from Scott Heim's novel of the same name.

 

The story of the film follows two youngsters - one who becomes increasingly obsessed with UFOs, while the other one turns into a gay hustler; primarily because he had been left traumatized by his childhood.

 

The film was ultimately released without a rating in the United States of America after the MPAA gave it an NC-17 rating.

 

 

2. South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut (1999)

 

 

 

The only reason we are including 'South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut' on this list is that it was allotted the NC-17 rating at least thrice, before toning down the profanity and sexual content in its storytelling to eventually get the R rating.

 

The adult computer-animated musical comedy project was based on the animated sitcom, titled 'South Park.' It starred Trey Parker, Matt Stone, Mary Kay Bergman, Isaac Hayes, George Clooney, Eric Idle, and Mike Judge in crucial roles.

 

The motion picture tells the story of how four boys are called morally corrupt after having been caught watching an R-rated movie.

 

Now, they are left with no option but to stop their parents from initiating a war-like crisis.

 

 

1. Happiness (1998)

 

 

 

This black comedy-drama film is one of the most acclaimed features to make it to our list and has been written and directed by Todd Solondz.

 

The screenplay of this NC-17 motion picture follows the lives of three sisters, their families, and those around them.

 

It gives out a rather bizarre message that talks about the desperate need for human connection in humans.

 

Despite the rating that it received, 'Happiness' ended up winning the FIPRESCI Prize at the Cannes Film Festival in 1998.

 

It was appreciated for its courageous display of controversial contemporary themes and visual style. In addition, the cast received the National Board of Review award for best ensemble performance.

 

World-famous movie critic Roger Ebert gave the film four out of four stars and called it the fifth-best motion picture to have hit the screens in 1998.