The Joker movie gets an R-Rating and will include strong violence and sexual imagery

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The MPAA has released its verdict

Joker movie
(Image credit: Warner Bros)

Joker fans can rest easy. The Joker movie is rated R – continuing a trend of Warner Bros. comic book movies to receive that rating, including Watchmen and V for Vendetta – and will feature strong language and violence, sexual imagery, and the curiously-named “disturbing behaviour.”

So, you wanna know how the Joker movie got its R-Rating? US ratings board Motion Picture Association of America has its verdict plastered over the Joker movie’s official site (H/T CBR), and states that the film features “strong bloody violence, disturbing behaviour, language, and brief sexual images.”

It’s clear that Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker isn’t going to be clowning around when he makes his standalone debut in October. We’ve yet to see much of the psychopathic element of the Crown Prince of Crime in the first Joker trailer, yet the R-Rating hints that’s merely bubbling under the surface, waiting to explode.

A UK rating for the Joker movie hasn’t yet been released, though expect it to be given a 15 or 18 certification. The former is far more likely; an 18 has to push some serious buttons for the UK ratings board, and both Logan and Deadpool were only rated with a 15-age certificate despite copious amounts of blood ‘n’ cussing.

Meanwhile, it sounds like the Joker movie might not be a one-and-done deal, especially if audiences forgo the semi-restrictive rating and turn up on opening weekend in their droves. Director Todd Phillips recently told sister publication Total Film magazine, “If [Joaquin Phoenix] was willing to do [a sequel], and if people show up to this movie… I have a feeling that he and I could think of something pretty cool.”

Joker isn't the only superpowered R-Rated show in town. Read our review of The Boys season 1 to see how it soars above its profanity-laden peers.

Bradley Russell
Bradley Russell

I'm the Senior Entertainment Writer here at GamesRadar+, focusing on news, features, and interviews with some of the biggest names in film and TV. On-site, you'll find me marveling at Marvel and providing analysis and room temperature takes on the newest films, Star Wars and, of course, anime. Outside of GR, I love getting lost in a good 100-hour JRPG, Warzone, and kicking back on the (virtual) field with Football Manager. My work has also been featured in OPM, FourFourTwo, and Game Revolution.