Deadpool, in a development few could have seen coming, is now the top-earning R-rated movie in cinema history. The unlikely hit, starring Ryan Reynolds as the "Merc with a Mouth," has so far earned $746 million dollars globally, putting it ahead of 2003's The Matrix Reloaded, which earned $742 million worldwide during its run.

Deadpool has been setting records left and right

Deadpool's success in theaters and with critics has surprised everyone. After winning the affection of reviewers and fans who were looking for something different in their superhero films, the movie crushed its opening weekend by pulling in a record-shattering $152.2 million, miles ahead of its R-rated competition. However, the film still has a way to go before it owns the domestic box office. Having earned $349.5 million in the US, there's still time for it to beat the current record holder, The Passion of the Christ, which is a stone's throw away at $370.8 million.

With Deadpool now leading the way, it's only a matter of time before studios leap into the fray with R-rated superhero projects of their own. Indeed, an R-rated cut of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is due out this summer. However, it's important to note that Deadpool wasn't good just because it was a hard-R romp. It's funny, heartfelt, and astoundingly different from what Marvel and DC typically produce. Hopefully, those following its success learn the rating isn't what matters most.

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