This Boy’s Life (1993) We can argue that DiCaprio’s first R-rated role was in the film Poison Ivy, the problem is he only appeared in it for about a second, so this brings us to This Boy’s Life as his first role in an adult rated film. He plays a writer in the film Tobias Wolff, which tells a story about the author’s childhood.
The film also stars award-winning actor Robert De Niro, who stars as Wolff’s violent stepfather. The plot revolves around the relationship between a rebellious teenager and an abusive stepfather. When things start to get too violent for the young author, he plots to make his escape. Both De Niro and DiCaprio turn in remarkable performances that showcased the hatred conveyed by both of their characters bordering on being downright scary.
Meryl Streep
The Deer Hunter (1978) Academy Award-winning actress Meryl Streep had an astounding debut on the R-rated arena, with the film The Deer Hunter, in 1978. It was an epic American war and drama film about a trio of Russian American steelworkers whose lives were forever changed after fighting in the Vietnam War. The three soldiers were played by famous actors Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, and John Savage.
Streep was already 28 at the time, which saw her transition into film late after being a successful stage actress. This film marked Streep’s first Academy Award nomination as Best Supporting Actress. She is known to be the most nominated actress in film history.
Jodie Foster
Taxi Driver (1976) This American thriller directed by Martin Scorsese was Jodie Foster's first debut in an R-rated movie. Foster, who was only 12 years old during the shoot, plays an underage night girl who had famous actor Harvey Keitel as her pimp. There were instances where Foster’s sister, Connie, who was 19 at the time, had to be used as her body double for explicit scenes.
The film became a critical and commercial success upon release and was nominated for Academy Awards, including Best Actor, Best Picture, and Best Supporting Actress for Jodie Foster. It also generated a lot of controversies, mostly due to its depiction of violence and the casting of the 12-year-old Foster as a night girl.
Julia Roberts
Mystic Pizza (1988) Who can forget megastar Julia Roberts of the Pretty Woman and My Best Friend’s Wedding fame? The queen of romantic comedy movies also has Runaway Bride and Notting Hill as part of her blockbuster hits. Roberts is now also a producer and not just an actress.
The Pretty Woman sweetheart had her first R-rated appearance in the coming-of-age drama movie Mystic Pizza in 1998. Upon showing, film critic Roger Ebert said that the movie ”may someday become known for the movie stars it showcased back before they became stars.” This statement did come to pass as another cast member is also featured in our list of famous stars who made their first R-rated movies…
Matt Damon
Mystic Pizza (1988) Damon is known for his collaboration with Ben Affleck in writing the blockbuster movie Good Will Hunting. The film won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for Damon and Affleck, opening the door for the duo to become bankable stars in the industry. The late comedy great Robin Williams also won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. The film made over $225 million from a measly $10 million budget during its run. It was nominated for nine Academy Awards.
Matt made his film debut in an R-rated film Mystic Pizza along with another of our famous stars Julia Roberts. He appears as Robert’s rich new boyfriend’s younger brother. He was only 17 years old during the filming. The movie charts the lives and loves of three amazing waitresses in a small town called Mystic.