Following a change of heart, Quentin Tarantino has decided to cancel his eleventh film, The Movie Critic, leaving fans eager to see what the director's next—and likely final—project will be. While we await his next move, it's the perfect opportunity to dive into a Tarantino-athon. Below, we've ranked all ten of the feature-length films he has directed so far. Note that we're focusing on full-length features, so we're not including the segments he directed for Sin City and Four Rooms.
It's worth mentioning that even Tarantino's less celebrated films are often better than many other filmmakers' best works. Keep this in mind as you explore our list. We encourage you to share your thoughts and create your own ranking of Tarantino's films in the comments section below.
Ranking the Movies of Quentin Tarantino
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10. Death Proof (2007)
Let's address this upfront: Death Proof might not be as entertaining as Planet Terror, but it stands as the most intelligent homage to B-movies ever crafted. The film feels like a project one of the most talented and audacious filmmakers could whip up with friends over weekends, albeit with a major studio's budget and a sharp, rapid-fire script.
The tale of Stuntman Mike and his deadly car is a brisk, thrilling ride that not only revitalized Kurt Russell's career but also challenges viewers with nearly 40 minutes of dialogue before the action and gore kick in. While polarizing (unless you're a Cannes regular), Death Proof is a rare gem, untouched by studio interference. The film's blend of smart, fast-talking characters and an exhilarating climax should satisfy even the most skeptical viewers.
9. The Hateful Eight (2015)
With its biting humor and intense narrative, The Hateful Eight offers a raw exploration of race relations and human nature, set against a backdrop of brutal violence and the Wild West. Blending western and mystery genres with dark humor, the film serves as both a deep character study and a tribute to classic 70mm filmmaking.
Set in the post-Civil War era, the film delves into contemporary issues with nuance and maturity. While Tarantino fans might spot familiar elements from his previous works, such as echoes of Reservoir Dogs, the overall story remains compelling. The Hateful Eight may not be Tarantino's most surprising film, but its powerful narrative more than compensates for any perceived shortcomings.
8. Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Described by Tarantino as an homage to The Dirty Dozen, Inglourious Basterds unfolds as a series of interconnected vignettes rather than a single, cohesive narrative. Since Reservoir Dogs, this is Tarantino's most theatrical work, filled with top-notch performances and suspenseful dialogue that fans have come to love. However, the film's extended conversations can sometimes overshadow the bursts of action.
Christoph Waltz's Oscar-winning portrayal of Colonel Hans Landa is one of Tarantino's finest villains—charming, brutal, and cunning. Brad Pitt's portrayal of Lt. Aldo Raine adds depth to what could have been a one-dimensional character. Despite its strengths, Inglourious Basterds struggles to fully unite its various segments into a seamless whole.
7. Kill Bill: Volume 2 (2004)
Kill Bill: Volume 2 follows The Bride (Uma Thurman) on her quest to eliminate the remaining three targets on her revenge list: Elle Driver (Daryl Hannah), Budd (Michael Madsen), and Bill (David Carradine). As promised, this sequel shifts focus from action to Tarantino's signature slick dialogue, pop culture references, and compelling characters.
The film delves into The Bride's backstory, providing context and depth to her motivations. The confrontation between The Bride and Elle Driver is a masterclass in violent storytelling. Uma Thurman's performance is a standout, showcasing a broad emotional range that keeps the audience engaged throughout.
6. Jackie Brown (1997)
Upon its release, Jackie Brown was well-received but seen as a step back from the groundbreaking Pulp Fiction. As Tarantino's only adaptation, based on Elmore Leonard's Rum Punch, the film took him out of his comfort zone, though Leonard's influence is evident throughout Tarantino's work.
Over time, Jackie Brown has been reevaluated as one of Tarantino's strongest and most restrained efforts. The story follows Pam Grier's titular character as she navigates a complex plot involving Samuel L. Jackson's gun runner, Robert Forster's bail bondsman, and Michael Keaton's ATF agent. The film's dense yet engaging plot showcases Tarantino's skill at character-driven storytelling.
5. Django Unchained (2012)
Django Unchained does not shy away from the brutal realities of slavery while delivering a wild and violent crowd-pleaser inspired by spaghetti westerns. The film is designed to entertain, offering plenty of over-the-top action and humor.
Tarantino masterfully balances the film's tone, shifting between absurd comedy and harrowing depictions of life in the antebellum South. The portrayal of casual racism is both shocking and historically accurate. Despite its serious undertones, Django Unchained remains a fun and essential watch.
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 but also his second foray into alternate history after Inglourious Basterds. The film combines crowd-pleasing elements with a deeper emotional narrative, all while maintaining 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 inadvertently cross 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 movie serves as a captivating time capsule. Its blend of stellar performances, iconic music, and intense moments make it a standout in Tarantino's oeuvre.
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 or character development, resulting in a lightning-fast narrative. The performances by Tim Roth, Steve Buscemi, and Michael Madsen are star-making, while veterans like Harvey Keitel elevate the material to new heights.
Tarantino's inventive direction transforms a seemingly one-location story into a cinematic epic, revolutionizing crime cinema and influencing a generation of filmmakers. In just 100 minutes, he crafted an instant classic that defined his career and inspired countless imitators.
2. Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003)
Kill Bill: Volume 1 is Tarantino's homage to The Bride Wore Black, following The Bride (Uma Thurman) as she seeks revenge against her former lover Bill (David Carradine) and their cohorts after they massacre her wedding party. Waking from a four-year coma, she embarks on a globe-trotting quest for vengeance.
This first volume is a blood-soaked spectacle, with impeccable casting and standout performances, particularly from Uma Thurman. Her delivery of Tarantino's dialogue is effortlessly cool, while her action sequences are nothing short of iconic. The film's second half shifts to pure action, where Thurman shines as a formidable hero.
1. Pulp Fiction (1994)
In 1995, Pulp Fiction and Forrest Gump were pitted against each other for the Best Picture Oscar, with Gump ultimately taking home the prize. However, Pulp Fiction left a lasting impact on pop culture, becoming a defining film of the 1990s and beyond.
Tarantino's non-linear narrative, filled with guns, a Bible-quoting hitman, leather-clad gimps, and five-dollar milkshakes, is a rock and roll experience at 24 frames per second. The film's instantly quotable dialogue and innovative use of music solidified Tarantino's status as a groundbreaking director. Pulp Fiction not only changed the way films were made but also reshaped audience expectations. For a second film, its influence is unparalleled.
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, and feel free to create your own Tarantino tier list using our handy tool.
