Accentuated by the superb staying power “Joker” has had at the box-office, the Joaquin Phoenix starring film has now officially crossed the billion-dollar mark, making it the first R-rated film in history to do so, all this despite it not being released in China (no doubt related to the Hong Kong protests). The film accomplished the feat just over one month after its Oct. 4 theatrical release.
The following are the most profitable R-rated movies of all-time:
Joker $1 billion
Deadpool 2 $785 million
Deadpool $782 million
The Matrix Reloaded $742 million
It $700 million
The Passion of the Christ $622 million
Logan $619 million
The themes in “Joker” clearly struck a chord with movie audiences. However, despite the “DC” connection, the film can be viewed as a standalone character-driven story reminiscent of Martin Scorsese/Robert De Niro’s “Taxi Driver” and “The King of Comedy.” No coincidence then that Scorsese executive produced “Joker” and that De Niro plays a game show host in the film as well.
I think it is only fair to, finally, mention that this record was accomplished despite the negative media coverage and hysteria which depicted, misguidingly, “Joker” as a dangerous statement that could lead to more incel violence in the country. That clearly and unsurprisingly never happened.