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, focusing solely on those he directed from start to finish. Note that we're not including his segments from *Sin City* and *Four Rooms* in this list.
It's worth mentioning that even Tarantino's least acclaimed films are often better than many other directors' best efforts. So, as you peruse our rankings, keep in mind that we're dealing with a filmmaker whose work consistently pushes boundaries and captivates audiences.
Feel free to share your thoughts and your own rankings in the comments section below. Let's dive into the best Quentin Tarantino films, ranked:
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. It feels like a project crafted by a talented and confident filmmaker during a series of weekends, albeit with major production backing and a rapid-fire script. The story follows Stuntman Mike, who uses his death-proofed car to target beautiful, chatty women. The film revitalizes Kurt Russell's career and features nearly 40 minutes of dialogue before the action kicks in. While polarizing, Death Proof is a unique, studio-free work that's a must-see in today's cinematic landscape. The climactic death 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 post-Civil War, it delves into contemporary issues, making it one of Tarantino's most nuanced and mature works. While some elements may feel familiar to fans, the overall story remains compelling and impactful.
8. Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Inglourious Basterds is Tarantino's homage to The Dirty Dozen, featuring a character-heavy, mission-driven plot. The film feels more theatrical than his other works, resembling a series of plays and a short film. Each section is filled with top-notch performances and suspenseful dialogue, though the lengthy conversations can overshadow the brief bursts of action. Christoph Waltz's Oscar-winning performance as Colonel Hans Landa is one of Tarantino's most memorable villains, while Brad Pitt's portrayal of Lt. Aldo Raine adds depth to an otherwise one-dimensional character. Despite its strong individual parts, the film struggles to coalesce into a unified whole.
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: Elle Driver, Budd, and Bill. This volume shifts focus to Tarantino's signature style of slick dialogue, pop culture references, and strong characters, with less emphasis on action. It's one of Tarantino's most dialogue-heavy films, showcasing Uma Thurman's emotional range. The film delves deeper into The Bride's backstory, providing context and motivation for her actions. The violent confrontation between The Bride and 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 follows the titular character as she navigates a complex plot involving $500,000 and various characters, including Samuel L. Jackson's gun runner, Ordell, and Robert Forster's sympathetic bail bondsman. The film's dense plot is engaging and fun, allowing actors like De Niro and Keaton to shine in Tarantino's unique world.
5. Django Unchained (2012)
Django Unchained doesn't shy away from the horrors of slavery while delivering a wild, bloody, and crowd-pleasing homage to spaghetti westerns. The film balances absurd comedy with brutal depictions of life in the antebellum South, offering a striking portrayal of the era's casual racism. Despite its dark themes, Django Unchained is a fun and essential watch.
4. Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood (2019)
Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood is not only one of Tarantino's best works but also his second major alternate history project after Inglourious Basterds. The film follows an aging actor and his stunt double as they navigate the changing film industry and cross paths with the Manson Family in 1969. Featuring stellar performances from Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Margot Robbie, the movie is a time capsule filled with emotional depth, great music, and intense moments.
3. Reservoir Dogs (1992)
Reservoir Dogs is Tarantino's shortest and tightest film, blending pop-cultural references with essential plot development and character building. The film moves at a breakneck pace, featuring star-making performances from Tim Roth, Steve Buscemi, and Michael Madsen, and elevating the material with the help of 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.
2. Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003)
Kill Bill: Volume 1 is a blood-soaked homage to The Bride Wore Black, following The Bride's quest for revenge after being left for dead by her ex-lover Bill and his cohorts. The film is a perfect showcase for Uma Thurman, who delivers both cool dialogue and action-hero prowess. The casting is impeccable, and the film's second half, with its sparse dialogue, highlights Thurman's ability to captivate as a pure action hero.
1. Pulp Fiction (1994)
Pulp Fiction is a non-linear epic that has had a lasting impact on pop culture. It's a rock and roll film fueled by Tarantino's fanzine taste and instantly quotable dialogue. Featuring guns, a Bible-quoting hitman, and iconic scenes, the film established Tarantino as a groundbreaking director. It not only changed the way movies were made but also raised expectations for what films can achieve.
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And that concludes 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 handy tool above.
