'Deadpool' named world's highest-grossing R-rated movie ever

Los Angeles, March 30 (IANS) Actor Ryan Reynolds's superhero film Deadpool, which released in India last month, has officially raked in more than $745 million worldwide, passing 2003 film The Matrix Reloaded ($742.1 million) to become the highest-grossing R-rated movie in box office history.

Directed by Tim Miller, the film tells the story of Wade Wilson (Reynolds), who hunts the man who gave him an accelerated healing factor and also a scarred physical appearance.

In North America, "Deadpool" has a total of $349.4 million, and it is expected to surpass American Sniper ($350.1 million) to take second place on the domestic list of highest-grossing R-rated movies, reports ew.com.

The Passion of the Christ still stands as number one position with a collection of $370.8 million from domestic ticket sales.

Back in February, "Deadpool" shattered expectations, opening to $132.4 million over three days and $152.2 million over the four-day Presidents Day weekend.

Not only did that earn the film the biggest R-rated opening of all time, becoming the first R movie to pass $100 million in its opening weekend, but Deadpool had the biggest February opening in box office history.

An R-rating, implying restricted viewership, according to Motion Picture Association of America film rating system, is accorded to movies which can be watched by those under 17 only when accompanied by parent or adult guardian.