Top Quentin Tarantino Films Ranked

Quentin Tarantino's decision to cancel his eleventh film, The Movie Critic, has left fans eagerly anticipating what his next—and possibly final—project might be. In the meantime, it's the perfect opportunity to embark on a Tarantino-athon. Below, we've ranked all ten of his feature-length films, keeping in mind that even Tarantino's least acclaimed works often surpass the best efforts of many other filmmakers.
Here's our ranking of the best Quentin Tarantino films. We encourage you to share your thoughts and create your own rankings in the comments section below!
Ranking the Movies of Quentin Tarantino
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10. Death Proof (2007)
Death Proof may not be as fun as Planet Terror, but it stands out as a smart homage to B-movies. The film feels like a project crafted by a talented and confident filmmaker with friends over a series of weekends, albeit with major production backing and a rapid-fire script. The story of Stuntman Mike targeting beautiful, chatty women with his death-proofed car is a thrilling ride that revitalizes Kurt Russell's career. While it requires patience through nearly 40 minutes of dialogue before the action kicks in, the film's unique, unfiltered style makes it a must-watch in today's studio-dominated landscape. The climactic chase, fueled by revenge and sheer excitement, is sure to satisfy even the most skeptical viewers.
9. The Hateful Eight (2015)
The Hateful Eight combines vicious humor with an intense narrative, offering a brutal look at race relations and human nature set against the backdrop of the Wild West. This film blends western and mystery genres with a touch of gallows humor, making it both a character study and a tribute to classic 70mm filmmaking. Set in the post-Civil War era, it delves into contemporary issues with nuance and maturity. While some elements may feel familiar to Tarantino enthusiasts, the film's overall impact and storytelling prowess overshadow any minor repetitions.
8. Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Inglourious Basterds is Tarantino's homage to The Dirty Dozen, featuring a character-driven, mission-focused narrative. The film is structured like a series of theatrical plays, each filled with top-notch performances and suspenseful dialogue. Christoph Waltz's portrayal of Colonel Hans Landa is a standout, delivering a chilling yet charming performance. Brad Pitt's Lt. Aldo Raine adds depth to what could have been a one-dimensional character. While the film excels in its individual segments, it struggles to coalesce into a unified whole, with long conversations leading to brief bursts of action.
7. Kill Bill: Volume 2 (2004)
Kill Bill: Volume 2 follows The Bride as she seeks revenge on the remaining members of her hit list. This installment shifts focus to Tarantino's signature style of slick dialogue, pop culture references, and complex characters, with less emphasis on action. Uma Thurman delivers a powerful performance, showcasing a wide range of emotions. The film delves deeper into The Bride's backstory, providing context and motivation for her actions. The violent confrontation with Elle Driver in Budd's trailer is a highlight, delivering both beauty and brutality.
6. Jackie Brown (1997)
Jackie Brown was initially seen as a stumble following the success of Pulp Fiction, but it has since been recognized as one of Tarantino's strongest and most restrained character-driven films. An adaptation of Elmore Leonard's Rum Punch, it showcases Tarantino's ability to work outside his comfort zone. The plot revolves around Pam Grier's character navigating a complex web of relationships and a $500,000 cash heist. The film's dense yet engaging narrative and the performances of its cast, including Samuel L. Jackson and Robert Forster, make it a compelling watch.
5. Django Unchained (2012)
Django Unchained is a bold and bloody homage to spaghetti westerns that doesn't shy away from the horrors of slavery. The film balances absurd comedy with brutal depictions of life in the antebellum South, delivering a crowd-pleasing experience. Christoph Waltz's performance as Dr. King Schultz and Leonardo DiCaprio's portrayal of Calvin Candie are particularly noteworthy. Despite its dark themes, Django Unchained remains a fun and must-see film.
4. Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood (2019)
Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood is Tarantino's latest masterpiece, offering an alternate history narrative similar to Inglourious Basterds. The film follows an aging actor and his stunt double as they navigate the changing landscape of Hollywood in 1969, intersecting with the Manson Family. With standout performances from Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Margot Robbie, the movie is a time capsule filled with emotional depth, iconic music, and intense moments. It's a testament to Tarantino's ability to blend nostalgia with innovation.
3. Reservoir Dogs (1992)
Reservoir Dogs is Tarantino's shortest and tightest film, blending essential plot development with character-building and pop-cultural references. The film's fast pace and compelling performances from Tim Roth, Steve Buscemi, and Michael Madsen, along with seasoned actors like Harvey Keitel, elevate it beyond typical crime cinema. Tarantino's creative direction transforms a single-location story into a cinematic epic, revolutionizing the genre and inspiring a generation of filmmakers.
2. Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003)
Kill Bill: Volume 1 is a blood-soaked homage to revenge films, following The Bride's quest for vengeance after her wedding party is massacred. Uma Thurman's portrayal of The Bride is iconic, delivering both cool dialogue and action-hero prowess. The film's perfect casting and intense action sequences make it a standout in Tarantino's oeuvre.
1. Pulp Fiction (1994)
Pulp Fiction is a cultural phenomenon that changed the landscape of cinema. Its non-linear narrative, iconic dialogue, and eclectic mix of characters have left an indelible mark on pop culture. From the Bible-quoting hitman Jules to the leather-clad gimp and the infamous five-dollar milkshake, the film is a testament to Tarantino's innovative storytelling and direction. It not only set a new standard for filmmaking but also inspired countless imitators and film enthusiasts.
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 tool above.
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