Following a change of heart, Quentin Tarantino has canceled his eleventh film, The Movie Critic, leaving fans curious about what the director's next (and likely final) movie will be. As we await his next move, it's the perfect time to indulge in a Tarantino-athon. Below, we've ranked each of the 10 feature-length films the filmmaker has directed. Note that we're focusing on "feature-length" films, so we're not including the segments he directed for Sin City and Four Rooms.
It's worth mentioning that Tarantino hasn't made a truly bad film yet; some are just not as stellar as his best efforts. Keep this in mind as you peruse our list. Even Tarantino's least acclaimed works often outshine the best of many other filmmakers.
Here are the best Quentin Tarantino films, ranked. We encourage you to share your thoughts and your own rankings in the comments section below!
Ranking the Movies of Quentin Tarantino
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10. Death Proof (2007)
Let's address the elephant in the room: Death Proof may not be as fun as Planet Terror, but it's undoubtedly the smartest homage to B-movies ever crafted. The film feels like a project that one of the most talented and audacious filmmakers put together with friends over a few weekends, albeit with the backing of a major production company and a rapid-fire script.
The story of Stuntman Mike targeting beautiful, chatty women with his death-proofed car is a thrilling ride. It revitalizes Kurt Russell's career and challenges viewers with nearly 40 minutes of dialogue before the action kicks in. While polarizing (unless you're a Cannes regular), Death Proof stands out as a rare, unfiltered work in today's studio-dominated landscape. The film's climactic chase, fueled by revenge and sheer excitement, should win over even the most skeptical viewers.
9. The Hateful Eight (2015)
With its vicious humor and intense narrative, The Hateful Eight delves deeply into race relations and human nature, all while delivering a brutal portrayal of violence in the Wild West. This film masterfully blends western and mystery genres, adding a touch of gallows humor, making it both a gripping character study and a tribute to classic 70mm filmmaking.
Set in the post-Civil War era, The Hateful Eight tackles contemporary issues with nuance and maturity, arguably making it Tarantino's most sophisticated work to date. While fans might notice familiar elements from Tarantino's previous films, such as echoes of Reservoir Dogs, these similarities don't detract from the overall impact of the story. The film's rich exploration of its themes far outweighs any minor criticisms.
8. Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Tarantino's self-described homage to The Dirty Dozen, Inglourious Basterds is more akin to a series of theatrical vignettes than a single narrative. It's his most theatrical work since Reservoir Dogs, featuring standout performances and dialogue that builds suspense. However, the film's structure, with long conversations leading to brief bursts of action, can feel disjointed.
Christoph Waltz's Oscar-winning portrayal of Colonel Hans Landa is one of Tarantino's most memorable villains—charming, brutal, and cunning. Brad Pitt's Lt. Aldo Raine, initially a one-dimensional character, gains depth through Pitt's compelling performance. While each segment of Inglourious Basterds is expertly crafted, the film struggles to coalesce into a unified whole.
7. Kill Bill: Volume 2 (2004)
Kill Bill: Volume 2 follows The Bride (Uma Thurman) as she seeks vengeance against the remaining members of her hit list: Elle Driver (Daryl Hannah), Budd (Michael Madsen), and Bill (David Carradine). Tarantino promised a shift towards his signature style of slick dialogue and pop culture references, and Volume 2 delivers on that promise, becoming one of his most dialogue-heavy films.
This installment delves deeper into The Bride's backstory, providing context and motivation that enrich the narrative. The confrontation between The Bride and Elle Driver in Budd's trailer is a masterclass in violent storytelling. Uma Thurman's performance showcases a wide range of emotions, cementing her as the heart of the film.
6. Jackie Brown (1997)
Upon its release, Jackie Brown received positive reviews but was seen as a step down from the groundbreaking Pulp Fiction. As Tarantino's only adaptation, based on Elmore Leonard's Rum Punch, it took him out of his comfort zone. However, over time, Jackie Brown has been reevaluated as one of Tarantino's strongest and most restrained character-driven films.
The plot revolves around Pam Grier's Jackie Brown, who navigates a complex web involving Samuel L. Jackson's gun runner, Robert Forster's sympathetic bail bondsman, and Michael Keaton's no-nonsense ATF agent. The film's dense yet accessible plot, combined with the joy of seeing actors like De Niro and Keaton thrive in Tarantino's world, makes Jackie Brown a compelling watch.
5. Django Unchained (2012)
Django Unchained doesn't shy away from the brutal realities of slavery while delivering a wild, bloody, and entertaining homage to spaghetti westerns. The film is designed to be a crowd-pleaser, and it succeeds with its over-the-top violence and humor.
What stands out is Tarantino's ability to balance the film's tone, shifting seamlessly between absurd comedy and the harsh realities of life for slaves in the antebellum South. The film's depiction of casual racism is both shocking and historically accurate. Despite its dark themes, Django Unchained remains a fun and essential watch.
4. Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood (2019)
Tarantino's most recent film, Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood, is not only one of his best but also his second major "What If...?" alternate history project after Inglourious Basterds. While delivering a satisfying "course correction" ending, the film also explores deeper emotional themes without compromising Tarantino's signature ultra-violence.
Set in 1969, the story follows an aging actor and his loyal stunt double as they navigate the changing film industry, inadvertently crossing paths with the Manson Family. With standout performances from Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt (who won an Oscar for his role), and Margot Robbie as Sharon Tate, the film serves as a nostalgic time capsule filled with memorable moments and intense sequences.
3. Reservoir Dogs (1992)
As Tarantino's shortest film, Reservoir Dogs is also his most tightly constructed. Every digression into pop culture is matched with essential plot development or character building, resulting in a film that moves at a breakneck pace. Tim Roth, Steve Buscemi, and Michael Madsen deliver standout performances, while seasoned actors like Lawrence Tierney and Harvey Keitel elevate the material to new heights.
Tarantino's creative direction transforms a single-location story into a cinematic epic, revolutionizing crime cinema and influencing a generation of filmmakers. In just 100 minutes, Tarantino created an instant classic, established his name, and defined a new style of filmmaking that many have tried to emulate but none have replicated as effectively.
2. Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003)
Tarantino's two-part homage to The Bride Wore Black follows The Bride (Uma Thurman) as she seeks revenge against her former lover Bill (David Carradine) and their cohorts after they massacre her wedding party. After awakening from a four-year coma, The Bride embarks on a global quest for vengeance.
Volume 1 is a blood-soaked spectacle, with perfect casting across the board. Uma Thurman's portrayal of The Bride is particularly noteworthy, seamlessly delivering Tarantino's iconic dialogue and transitioning into a formidable action hero when the film shifts to its action-heavy second half.
1. Pulp Fiction (1994)
In 1995, Pulp Fiction and Forrest Gump vied for the Best Picture Oscar, with Gump ultimately taking the prize. However, many felt that Pulp Fiction deserved the accolade for its groundbreaking impact on cinema.
Few films have had the cultural impact of Pulp Fiction. Its non-linear narrative, rock-and-roll energy, and instantly quotable dialogue have left an indelible mark on pop culture. The film features a Bible-quoting hitman, his less-than-righteous partner, leather-clad gimps, hidden watches, and five-dollar milkshakes. Tarantino's direction and use of source music transformed the storytelling landscape, inspiring countless imitators and influencing a new generation of filmmakers. Pulp Fiction not only changed how movies were made but also raised the bar for what cinema can achieve.
The best Quentin Tarantino movies
And that's our ranking of the best Quentin Tarantino movies. Do you agree with our list, or do you have a different order in mind? Share your thoughts in the comments below or create your own Tarantino tier list using our handy tool above.
