The holiday season has arrived, and many are likely spending their evenings sitting at home with loved ones and watching classic holiday films. From enduring films like The Santa Clause films, the holidays are the perfect time to watch films with the whole family.
Sometimes, however, Holiday films are more geared toward an adult audience. From vulgar comedies to horror films, like the Violent Night, the holiday season has had its fair share of R-Rated hits.
Friday After Next (2002)
33.5 Million
Friday After Next picks off where the last one left off. Following a similar structure to the previous two films, this time, Craig and Day-Day get themselves caught up chasing a thief on Christmas. The film grossed 33.5 million (per Box Office Mojo) and was a breakout role for Terry Crews.
Not a critical success, but Friday After Next is still very funny. While Chris Tucker would have been nice, it still got a lot of mileage out of the plot. The cast has great chemistry and the film, much like the other Friday movies, is still fun to watch to this day.
A Very Harold And Kumar Christmas (2011)
36.2 Million
Kal Penn stepped away from his political career to make Harold and Kumar series, A Very Harold And Kumar Christmas. The film features the two stoners on the hunt for a Christmas tree after bringing down Harold's father-in-law's tree. The film was a modest success, growing 36.2 million (per Box Office Mojo)
The film also featured Neil Patrick Harris reprising his role as a perverted over-the-top caricature, along with a memorable cameo from his husband, David Burtka. Other appearances come from actors like Danny Trejo. A fairly short movie, it is a fun way to spend an hour and a half.
The Night Before (2015)
52.3 Million
Seth Rogan's The Night Before did moderately well at the box office, making 52.3 million dollars (per Box Office Mojo). The film, which also featured Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Anthony Mackie, focuses on three friends who go around New York searching for the best party.
Rogan's brand of humor works well in films like this, and he is paired with two other great actors. In addition, his old Freaks and Geeks co-star Lizzy Caplan appears in the film, as well as Mindy Kaling, Tracy Morgan, and numerous other stars. A fun, light movie for adults to watch during the holiday season.
The Best Man Holiday (2013)
72.8 Million
In 2013, the 1990s favorite The Best Man got a holiday sequel with The Best Man Holiday. Reuniting the original cast with writer/director Malcolm D. Lee, the film focuses on the original crew reuniting for the Christmas season and all the drama that comes with reunions. Released 15 years after the original, the film was highly anticipated.
The anticipation worked in the favor of the film as it ended up grossing 72.8 million dollars (per Box Office Mojo). Critics also enjoyed the film, praising the cast and direction. Peacock has announced that a follow-up series is in development, which should continue to expand on the story of The Best Man.
Bad Santa (2003)
76.5 Million
that could be considered a modern classic starring Billy Bob Thornton and the late, great Bernie Mac. The film focuses on two thieves who rob stores while they work as Santa and an elf. Thornton befriends a child, which leads to a sympathetic arc for a bad man. The film was hugely successful, making 76.5 million dollars worldwide (per Box Office Mojo)
Released during the peak of both Mac and Thornton's star power, Bad Santa was an incredibly dark comedy. Dealing with crime, harassment, sex addiction, and suicide, it was certainly not going to be airing in place of Miracle on 34th Street. However, its success led to a much-delayed sequel over a decade later.
Office Christmas Party (2016)
114.5 Million
Sometimes the actual plot of a movie is secondary. Sometimes, a film only needs a great cast having a great time, and that is what Office Christmas Party provides. Featuring stars like Jason Bateman and Jennifer Aniston, the plot is simple. An office runs a Christmas Party that gets out of hand.
Not surprisingly, the film was not a huge success with critics, but did make 114.5 million at the box office (per Box Office Mojo). A completely chaotic film, the cast of this film features everyone from TV stars to full-fledged film icons. Regardless of people's views on the film, seeing so many stars together is always a treat.
A Bad Moms Christmas (2017)
130.6 Million
After the success of the original Bad Moms, a sequel was immediately put into development. Now featuring the mothers of the moms, the film features the moms rebelling against their own mothers on the type of Christmas they were going to have. Reuniting the cast with some respected veterans, the film was also a success, grossing 130.6 million (per Box Office Mojo).
Coming out the year after the original Bad Moms certainly helped A Bad Moms Christmas. The film was still fresh in the minds of everyone, and the idea of a second film being done so quickly was appealing. While not a critical success, it was a crowd-pleasing film that leaves room for more films in the franchise.
Die Hard (1988)
141.6 Million
Whether Die Hard should be considered a Christmas movie is up for debate, but there is no denying its influence on cinema. The lone cop taking on terrorists is a tale that has been done to death due to this film, but Bruce Willis and Alan Rickman make sure that this is still the definitive film of the genre.
The film taking place on Christmas Eve is enough to make this a Christmas film. In the end, McClaine is just a man who wants to see his family on Christmas. He just has to fight some people before getting there. The film made 141.6 million (per Box Office Mojo) and launched a franchise.
Die Hard 2 (1990)
240 Million
After the success of the original film, it was no shock that Die Hard 2 was in development. Much like the first movie, the film takes place on Christmas Eve and features John McClain once again. This time, he is at an airport and must take it upon himself to save the hostages. Much like the first one, it was a smash hit.
The largest box office returns of just over 240 million (per Box Office Mojo) are a testament to how popular the original film was. The sequel may not be as good, but it understands the appeal of the original film and gives audiences a film that they would want to see.
Love Actually (2003)
245.2 Million
The highest-grossing R-Rated Christmas film being Love Actually is no surprise. Making an astounding 245.2 million (per Box Office Mojo), the film has basically everything someone would want from a Christmas movie. It is unabashedly romantic, features an all-star cast, and has scenes recognizable to everyone.
With a cast so big, the film also carried a somewhat high budget of 40 million. However, that means very little when compared to how much money the film made overall. Love Actually has become a Christmas classic that is watched by many every year. It shows that there can be an adult twist on the holiday formula.
