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. While we wait, it's the perfect time to indulge in a Tarantino-athon. We've ranked each of the 10 feature-length films he's directed below. Note that we're focusing on "feature-length" films, so segments from Sin City and Four Rooms are not included.
We believe Tarantino has yet to make a truly bad film, just a few that don't quite reach the heights of his best work. Keep this in mind as you peruse our list. Even Tarantino's least acclaimed efforts often surpass the best of many other filmmakers.
Here are the best Quentin Tarantino films, ranked. 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 entertaining as Planet Terror, but it stands out as a brilliant tribute to B-movies. The film feels like a weekend project by one of the most talented and audacious filmmakers, albeit one with a major studio's backing and a rapid-fire script.
The narrative of Stuntman Mike targeting chatty, beautiful women with his death-proofed car is a thrilling ride. It not only revitalizes Kurt Russell's career but also challenges viewers with nearly 40 minutes of dialogue before the action kicks in. While polarizing (especially outside of Cannes), the film's lack of studio interference makes it a rare gem. The climactic chase, fueled by revenge and sheer excitement, should win over even the most skeptical viewers.
9. The Hateful Eight (2015)
Quentin Tarantino's The Hateful Eight combines vicious humor with an intense narrative, offering a brutal examination of race relations and human nature, set against the backdrop of the Wild West. Blending western and mystery genres with dark humor, the film serves as both a deep character study and a nod to classic 70mm filmmaking.
Set in the post-Civil War era, The Hateful Eight tackles contemporary issues with nuance, making it one of Tarantino's most mature stories. While it's clear he's enjoying the material, some elements may feel familiar to fans, with echoes of Reservoir Dogs. These similarities can make the plot twists less surprising, but they don't overshadow the film's compelling narrative.
8. Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Tarantino's homage to The Dirty Dozen, Inglourious Basterds feels more like a series of theatrical vignettes than a cohesive film. Each segment is packed with stellar performances and dialogue that builds suspense, a hallmark of Tarantino's style. However, the film's lengthy conversations sometimes overshadow the brief bursts of action.
Christoph Waltz's Oscar-winning portrayal of Colonel Hans Landa is one of Tarantino's most memorable villains—charming, brutal, and cowardly. Brad Pitt's portrayal of Lt. Aldo Raine adds depth to a potentially one-dimensional character. While each part is well-crafted, the film struggles to knit these pieces into a unified whole.
7. Kill Bill: Volume 2 (2004)
Kill Bill: Volume 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). True to Tarantino's promise, this volume focuses more on dialogue, pop culture references, and character development than action.
The film delves into The Bride's backstory, providing motivation and context that enrich the narrative. The confrontation between The Bride and Elle Driver in Budd's trailer is a highlight, showcasing violent beauty and Elle's well-deserved comeuppance.
6. Jackie Brown (1997)
Upon its release, Jackie Brown was met with positive reactions but seen as a stumble compared to Pulp Fiction. As Tarantino's only adaptation, it took him out of his comfort zone, despite Elmore Leonard's influence on his work.
In recent years, Jackie Brown has been reevaluated as one of Tarantino's strongest and most restrained character-driven films. Pam Grier's titular character navigates a complex plot involving $500,000, with compelling performances from Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Forster, and Michael Keaton. The film is dense yet engaging, offering a fun and nuanced look at Tarantino's world.
5. Django Unchained (2012)
Tarantino doesn't shy away from the horrors of slavery in Django Unchained, a wild, violent homage to spaghetti westerns. The film delivers on its promise as a crowd-pleaser, balancing absurd comedy with brutal depictions of life in the antebellum South.
Despite the shocking racism portrayed, the film remains a fun and must-see experience, showcasing Tarantino's ability to mix genres and tones effectively.
4. Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood (2019)
Tarantino's latest, Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood, is not only one of his best works but also a significant alternate history project, following Inglourious Basterds. The film offers a crowd-pleasing alternate ending while exploring deeper emotional themes, without shying away from Tarantino's trademark ultra-violence.
Set in 1969, the story follows an aging actor and his stunt double as they navigate the changing film industry and encounter the Manson Family. With standout performances from Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt (who won an Oscar), and Margot Robbie as Sharon Tate, the film is a captivating time capsule filled with memorable moments and intense scenes.
3. Reservoir Dogs (1992)
Reservoir Dogs is Tarantino's shortest and tightest film, blending pop-cultural references with essential plot and character development. The film moves at a breakneck pace, with standout performances from Tim Roth, Steve Buscemi, and Michael Madsen, elevated by seasoned actors like Harvey Keitel.
Tarantino's creative direction transforms a single-location story into a minor epic, revolutionizing crime cinema and influencing a generation of filmmakers. In just 100 minutes, he created an instant classic and defined a new style of filmmaking.
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) as she seeks revenge after being left for dead by her ex-lover Bill and his cohorts. After waking from a coma, she embarks on a global quest for vengeance.
The film is a testament to Tarantino's ability to craft action-packed narratives with perfect casting. Uma Thurman's portrayal of The Bride is exceptional, delivering both memorable dialogue and action-hero prowess.
1. Pulp Fiction (1994)
In 1995, Pulp Fiction was up against Forrest Gump for the Best Picture Oscar, with Gump ultimately winning. However, Pulp Fiction left an indelible mark on pop culture, with its non-linear storytelling, rock-and-roll energy, and instantly quotable dialogue.
The film features a Bible-quoting hitman, his less-than-righteous partner, and a host of memorable characters and scenes. Tarantino's direction and use of source music revolutionized filmmaking, inspiring countless imitators and setting new expectations for what movies can achieve. As his second film, Pulp Fiction solidified Tarantino's status as a cinematic force.
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? Let us know in the comments or create your own Tarantino tier list using our handy tool above.
