Following a change of heart, Quentin Tarantino has canceled his eleventh film, The Movie Critic, leaving fans eager to see what the acclaimed director's next (and possibly final) project will be. In the meantime, it's the perfect opportunity to indulge in a Tarantino-athon. We've ranked each of the 10 feature-length films he's directed below. Keep in mind, when we say "feature-length," we're excluding the segments he directed for Sin City and Four Rooms.
While Tarantino hasn't made a truly bad film, some don't quite reach the heights of his best work. Remember, even his least favored films often outshine many other directors' best efforts.
Here's our ranking of the best Quentin Tarantino films. Feel free 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 be clear: Death Proof may not be as fun as Planet Terror, but it's undoubtedly the smartest B-movie homage ever crafted. The film feels like a project a talented and cocky filmmaker might whip up with friends over a few weekends, yet it's backed by a major production and boasts a rapid-fire script.
Death Proof follows Stuntman Mike, who uses his "death-proof" car to target beautiful, chatty women. This film revitalized Kurt Russell's career and challenges viewers with nearly 40 minutes of dialogue before the action kicks in. While polarizing, Death Proof stands out as a rare, studio-free work in today's film landscape. Even if the smart, fast-talking women aren't your style, the climactic, revenge-fueled car chase is a thrilling payoff.
9. The Hateful Eight (2015)
With its biting humor and intense narrative, The Hateful Eight delves into race relations and human nature with the same ferocity it brings to its depiction of violence and the Wild West. Blending western and mystery genres with a dose of gallows humor, the film serves as both a character study and a tribute to classic 70mm filmmaking.
Set in a post-Civil War era, The Hateful Eight explores contemporary issues through its historical context, making it one of Tarantino's most nuanced and mature stories. While some elements may feel familiar to Tarantino fans, echoing Reservoir Dogs, this doesn't detract from the powerful storytelling. The film remains a compelling tale despite its familiar elements.
8. Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Tarantino's self-described homage to The Dirty Dozen, Inglourious Basterds unfolds as a series of theatrical vignettes rather than a single narrative. Since Reservoir Dogs, this is Tarantino's most theatrical work, filled with first-rate performances and dialogue that heightens suspense.
The film's strength lies in its individual segments, each packed with intense performances and dialogue. Christoph Waltz's Oscar-winning portrayal of Colonel Hans Landa is a standout, embodying the charm and cruelty of Tarantino's villains. Brad Pitt's Lt. Aldo Raine adds depth to what could have been a one-dimensional role. However, the film struggles to weave these segments into a cohesive whole, with long conversations leading up to brief bursts of action.
7. Kill Bill: Volume 2 (2004)
Kill Bill, Vol. 2 follows The Bride (Uma Thurman) as she seeks revenge on 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 Vol. 2 delivers on this promise with an abundance of conversation.
The film delves deeper into The Bride's backstory, providing motivations and explanations that enrich the narrative. The confrontation between The Bride and Elle Driver in Budd's trailer is a highlight, showcasing violent elegance and delivering a satisfying resolution. Uma Thurman's performance continues to anchor the film, displaying a wide range of emotions.
6. Jackie Brown (1997)
When Jackie Brown was released in 1997, it 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.
Over time, Jackie Brown has been recognized as one of Tarantino's strongest and most restrained character-driven films. Pam Grier's titular character navigates a complex plot involving Samuel L. Jackson's gun runner, Ordell, Robert Forster's sympathetic bail bondsman, and Michael Keaton's no-nonsense ATF agent. The film's dense plot remains engaging, and it's a joy to watch actors like De Niro and Keaton thrive in Tarantino's world.
5. Django Unchained (2012)
Django Unchained doesn't shy away from the brutal realities of slavery while delivering a wild, bloody, and crowd-pleasing homage to spaghetti westerns. The film balances absurd humor with the grim depiction of life for slaves in the antebellum South, making for a striking and memorable narrative.
Despite its dark themes, Django Unchained remains a fun and essential watch, showcasing Tarantino's ability to weave entertainment with social commentary.
4. Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood (2019)
Tarantino's latest film, Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood, is not only one of his finest works but also his second major alternate history project after Inglourious Basterds. The film offers a crowd-pleasing "what if" ending while delivering a deeply emotional narrative, all while maintaining Tarantino's signature ultra-violence.
Set in 1969, the story follows an aging actor and his stunt double as they navigate the changing landscape of Hollywood, intersecting 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 scenes.
3. Reservoir Dogs (1992)
Reservoir Dogs, Tarantino's shortest and tightest film, masterfully blends pop-cultural references with essential plot and character development. The film's brisk pace keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, with standout performances from Tim Roth, Steve Buscemi, and Michael Madsen, alongside seasoned actors like Lawrence Tierney and Harvey Keitel, elevating the material to new heights.
Tarantino's innovative directing transforms the single-location story into a cinematic epic, revolutionizing crime cinema and influencing a generation of filmmakers. In just 100 minutes, Reservoir Dogs became an instant classic and established Tarantino as a defining voice in modern cinema.
2. Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003)
Kill Bill: Volume 1 is a blood-soaked homage to The Bride Wore Black, following The Bride (Uma Thurman) on her quest for revenge after being left for dead by her ex-lover Bill (David Carradine) and her former colleagues. Waking from a four-year coma, she embarks on a global journey to exact her vengeance.
The film is a testament to Tarantino's ability to craft ultra-violent epics, with perfect casting across the board. Uma Thurman's portrayal of The Bride is particularly noteworthy, effortlessly delivering Tarantino's iconic dialogue and transitioning into a formidable action hero as the film progresses.
1. Pulp Fiction (1994)
In 1995, Pulp Fiction went head-to-head with Forrest Gump for the Best Picture Oscar, with Gump ultimately taking the prize. However, Pulp Fiction's impact on pop culture and cinema cannot be overstated. This non-linear epic is a rock and roll cinematic experience, fueled by Tarantino's fanzine-like taste and knack for creating instantly quotable lines.
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 elevate the storytelling, setting a new standard for film. Pulp Fiction not only changed how movies were made but also redefined what audiences expect from cinema. A remarkable achievement for a second film.
The best Quentin Tarantino movies
And that concludes our ranking of the best Quentin Tarantino films. Do you agree with our list, or do you have a different ranking? Share your thoughts in the comments or create your own Tarantino tier list using our handy tool above.
