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Quentin Tarantino's decision to cancel his eleventh film, The Movie Critic, has left fans eager to see what his next—and likely final—project will be. In the meantime, why not indulge in a Tarantino-athon? We've ranked his 10 feature-length films below, keeping in mind that even his "worst" films are often better than many other filmmakers' best efforts. Feel free to share your own rankings in the comments section!
Ranking the Movies of Quentin Tarantino
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10. Death Proof (2007)
While Death Proof may not be as fun as Planet Terror, it's undoubtedly the smartest homage to B-movies ever crafted. The film feels like a project that a supremely talented filmmaker whipped up with friends over a few weekends, albeit with a major production budget and a rapid-fire script. Stuntman Mike's deadly car chase and the ensuing dialogue-heavy buildup showcase Tarantino's unique style. Though polarizing, the film's raw, unfiltered nature makes it a must-watch in today's studio-dominated landscape. The climactic death chase is a thrilling payoff that should satisfy even the skeptics.
9. The Hateful Eight (2015)
The Hateful Eight combines vicious humor with a gripping narrative, offering a brutal take on race relations and human nature. This western-mystery hybrid, infused with gallows humor, serves as both a character study and a tribute to classic 70mm filmmaking. Set post-Civil War, the film delves into contemporary issues with nuance and maturity. While some elements may feel familiar to Tarantino enthusiasts, the overall story remains compelling and insightful.
8. Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Tarantino's homage to The Dirty Dozen, Inglourious Basterds feels like four brief plays and a short film rolled into one. The film's theatrical nature shines through with standout performances and suspenseful dialogue, although it can feel overly verbose at times. Christoph Waltz's portrayal of Colonel Hans Landa is both chilling and captivating, while Brad Pitt's Lt. Aldo Raine adds depth to an initially one-dimensional role. Despite its disjointed structure, the film remains a compelling showcase of Tarantino's writing prowess.
7. Kill Bill: Volume 2 (2004)
Kill Bill: Volume 2 shifts focus to The Bride's (Uma Thurman) quest to eliminate the last three targets on her revenge list. This volume promises more dialogue and less action, and it delivers. Thurman's performance showcases a wide range of emotions, and the film dives deeper into The Bride's backstory, adding depth to her motivations. The violent yet beautiful confrontation with Elle Driver stands out as a highlight, making this sequel a compelling continuation of the saga.
6. Jackie Brown (1997)
Initially seen as a stumble after Pulp Fiction, Jackie Brown has since been recognized as one of Tarantino's strongest, character-driven works. An adaptation of Elmore Leonard's Rum Punch, the film follows Pam Grier's titular character as she navigates a complex plot involving Samuel L. Jackson's gun runner and Robert Forster's sympathetic bail bondsman. The dense yet engaging plot, coupled with standout performances, makes Jackie Brown a nuanced addition to Tarantino's oeuvre.
5. Django Unchained (2012)
Django Unchained is a bold, violent tribute to the spaghetti western that doesn't shy away from the horrors of slavery. The film balances absurd comedy with brutal realism, delivering a crowd-pleasing experience with moments of stark intensity. The shocking portrayal of racism is both accurate and unsettling, making Django Unchained a must-see for its blend of entertainment and social commentary.
4. Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood (2019)
Tarantino's most recent film, Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood, is a captivating alternate history that blends crowd-pleasing action with emotional depth. The story follows an aging actor and his stunt double as they navigate the changing film industry while intersecting with the Manson Family. With stellar performances from Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Margot Robbie, the film is a time capsule that captures the essence of 1969 Hollywood with intensity and nostalgia.
3. Reservoir Dogs (1992)
Reservoir Dogs is Tarantino's shortest and tightest film, blending essential plot development with character building at a lightning-fast pace. The film's one-location setting is transformed into a minor epic through Tarantino's creative direction. Standout performances from Tim Roth, Steve Buscemi, and Michael Madsen, along with veteran actors like Harvey Keitel, elevate the material. This film not only redefined crime cinema but also set the stage for a new 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 (Uma Thurman) quest for vengeance against her former cohorts. The film is a perfect showcase for Thurman's ability to deliver Tarantino's dialogue with cool precision, while also excelling as an action hero. The casting is impeccable, and the film's relentless pace and iconic action sequences make it a standout in Tarantino's filmography.
1. Pulp Fiction (1994)
Pulp Fiction is a cultural phenomenon that reshaped the landscape of cinema. Its non-linear narrative, instantly quotable dialogue, and eclectic characters have left an indelible mark on pop culture. The film's blend of humor, violence, and storytelling innovation set a new standard for what movies can achieve. From the iconic wallet to the five-dollar milkshake, Pulp Fiction is a testament to Tarantino's visionary approach to filmmaking.
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 or create your own Tarantino tier list using our handy tool above.
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