Disney is known for its family-friendly movies and wholesome entertainment. However, there was a time when the renowned studio decided to venture into producing films with a more mature audience in mind. The first movie released by Disney through a subsidiary company that carried an R rating was "Down and Out in Beverly Hills."

"Down and Out in Beverly Hills" premiered in 1986 and was distributed by Touchstone Pictures, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. The film, directed by Paul Mazursky, starred Nick Nolte, Bette Midler, and Richard Dreyfuss. It was a comedy-drama that revolved around the lives of a dysfunctional family and their interactions with a homeless man they invite into their home.

Touchstone Pictures was established by Disney in 1984 as a way to release films targeted at more mature audiences, providing the studio with an opportunity to explore different genres and expand its reach. "Down and Out in Beverly Hills" marked their first venture into R-rated territory, and the film was a commercial success, grossing over $62 million worldwide.

The decision to release an R-rated movie came with risks for Disney, as it could potentially tarnish the studio's reputation for producing family-friendly content. However, "Down and Out in Beverly Hills" proved to be a calculated risk that paid off, allowing the company to diversify its offerings and cater to a wider range of audiences.

Following the success of "Down and Out in Beverly Hills," Touchstone Pictures went on to distribute several other R-rated films, including "Good Morning, Vietnam" (1987) and "Dead Poets Society" (1989). These films further solidified Disney's presence in the adult-oriented movie market and demonstrated the studio's ability to produce compelling stories across various genres.

While Disney has primarily focused on producing family-friendly content throughout its history, the release of "Down and Out in Beverly Hills" signaled the studio's willingness to explore new avenues and experiment with different types of storytelling. It proved that Disney could successfully navigate the world of adult-oriented films while maintaining its reputation as a trusted and beloved brand.

Sign Up