Following a change of heart, Quentin Tarantino has decided to cancel his eleventh film, The Movie Critic, leaving fans curious about what the director's next (and possibly final) project will be. In the meantime, it's the perfect opportunity to embark on a Tarantino-athon. We've ranked each of the 10 feature-length films directed by the master filmmaker below. Note that we're focusing solely on his feature films, so segments from Sin City and Four Rooms are not included.
While Tarantino has yet to produce a truly bad film, some of his works don't quite reach the heights of his best. Keep this in mind as you read through our rankings. Even his least acclaimed films often surpass the best efforts of many other directors.
Here's our ranking of the best Quentin Tarantino films. Feel free to share your own rankings in the comments section at the bottom of the page!
Ranking the Movies of Quentin Tarantino
11 Images
10. Death Proof (2007)
Let's address the elephant in the room: Death Proof may not match the sheer fun of Planet Terror, but it stands as the smartest B-movie homage ever crafted. The film feels like a weekend project by a talented, confident filmmaker, albeit one backed by a major studio and a sharp, rapid-fire script.
The tale of Stuntman Mike targeting beautiful, chatty women with his 'death-proofed' car is a thrilling ride. It revitalizes Kurt Russell's career and features nearly 40 minutes of dialogue before the action kicks in. While polarizing (unless you're at Cannes), Death Proof remains a rare, unadulterated work in today's studio-dominated landscape. Even if sassy, fast-talking women aren't your thing, the climactic chase, fueled by revenge and pure adrenaline, should win over the skeptics.
9. The Hateful Eight (2015)
With its vicious humor and intense narrative, The Hateful Eight delves deeply into race relations and human nature, alongside its graphic portrayal of violence and the Wild West. The film blends western and mystery genres with a touch of gallows humor, offering both a character study and a tribute to classic 70mm filmmaking.
Set in the post-Civil War era, The Hateful Eight explores contemporary issues through its historical lens, making it arguably Tarantino's most nuanced and mature work. While the film draws on familiar Tarantino themes and echoes of Reservoir Dogs, it remains a powerful and engaging tale, despite some predictable elements.
8. Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Tarantino's homage to The Dirty Dozen, Inglourious Basterds is more a collection of intense, theatrical scenes than a cohesive single narrative. Each segment boasts first-rate performances and Tarantino's signature dialogue-driven suspense. However, the film's structure, with long conversations punctuated by brief bursts of action, can feel disjointed.
Christoph Waltz's Oscar-winning portrayal of Colonel Hans Landa is chilling and captivating, while Brad Pitt's Lt. Aldo Raine brings unexpected depth to a potentially flat character. Despite its brilliance in parts, Inglourious Basterds struggles to unify its various elements into a seamless whole.
7. Kill Bill: Volume 2 (2004)
Kill Bill: Volume 2 follows The Bride (Uma Thurman) as she seeks vengeance 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 on action.
Volume 2 dives deeper into The Bride's backstory, enriching the narrative and providing clarity to her motivations. The iconic showdown with Elle Driver in Budd's trailer is a masterclass in violent storytelling, and Uma Thurman's performance showcases a wide range of emotions, cementing her as the heart of the film.
6. Jackie Brown (1997)
Upon its release, Jackie Brown received positive reviews but was seen as a step back from the groundbreaking Pulp Fiction. As Tarantino's only adaptation, of Elmore Leonard's Rum Punch, it took him out of his usual comfort zone. Over time, however, Jackie Brown has been reevaluated as one of Tarantino's strongest and most restrained character-driven works.
The film follows Pam Grier's Jackie Brown as she 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 dense plot remains engaging, and it's a delight to see Tarantino's world inhabited by such a talented ensemble cast.
5. Django Unchained (2012)
Django Unchained does not shy away from the brutal realities of slavery while delivering a wild, violent crowd-pleaser. A homage to spaghetti westerns, the film is designed to entertain and succeeds in offering over-the-top gunslinger action and humor.
Tarantino masterfully balances the tone, moving between absurd comedy and the harsh realities of life for slaves in the antebellum South. Despite its dark themes, 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 works but also his second foray into alternate history, following Inglourious Basterds. The film offers a satisfying "what if" narrative while exploring the emotional depth of its characters, all while maintaining Tarantino's trademark ultra-violence.
Set in 1969, the story follows an aging actor (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his loyal stunt double (Brad Pitt, who won an Oscar for his role) as they navigate the changing landscape of Hollywood and cross paths with the Manson Family. With stellar performances, iconic music, and intense moments, the film is a captivating time capsule.
3. Reservoir Dogs (1992)
Reservoir Dogs, Tarantino's shortest and tightest film, is a masterclass in pacing and character development. The film moves at a breakneck speed, blending pop-cultural references with essential plot points. Standout performances from Tim Roth, Steve Buscemi, and Michael Madsen, along with seasoned actors like Harvey Keitel, elevate the material into a gritty, poetic narrative.
Tarantino's creative direction transforms a single-location story into a cinematic epic, revolutionizing crime cinema and influencing a generation of filmmakers. Reservoir Dogs is an instant classic that established Tarantino as a groundbreaking director.
2. Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003)
Kill Bill: Volume 1 is the first part of Tarantino's epic homage to The Bride Wore Black. It follows The Bride (Uma Thurman) as she seeks revenge after being left for dead by her ex-lover Bill (David Carradine) and her former associates. The film is a blood-soaked spectacle, showcasing perfect casting and unforgettable dialogue.
Uma Thurman's portrayal of The Bride is iconic, delivering Tarantino's lines with cool precision and transforming into a formidable action hero when the dialogue fades. Kill Bill: Volume 1 is a testament to Tarantino's ability to blend style, violence, and storytelling into a compelling narrative.
1. Pulp Fiction (1994)
In 1995, Pulp Fiction was up against Forrest Gump for the Best Picture Oscar. While Gump took home the award, many believed Pulp Fiction deserved the accolade. The film's non-linear storytelling and cultural impact are undeniable, making it a defining work of the 1990s and beyond.
Filled with memorable characters, from Bible-quoting hitmen to leather-clad gimps, and iconic moments like the five-dollar milkshake, Pulp Fiction is a cinematic masterpiece. Tarantino's direction and use of music transformed the film into a cultural phenomenon, inspiring countless imitations and setting a new standard for what movies can achieve.
The best Quentin Tarantino movies
And that concludes our ranking of the best Quentin Tarantino movies. Do you agree with our list, or do you have a different ranking in mind? Share your thoughts in the comments below, or use our tier list tool to create your own Tarantino rankings.
