Quentin Tarantino's decision to cancel his eleventh film, The Movie Critic, has left fans eager to know what his next (and potentially final) project might be. In the meantime, it's the perfect opportunity to embark on a Tarantino-athon. We've ranked all ten of his feature-length films below, excluding his segments in Sin City and Four Rooms.
Keep in mind, even Tarantino's "worst" films are often better than many other directors' best efforts. Here's our ranking of Quentin Tarantino's films, and we invite you to share your own rankings in the comments section below.
Ranking the Movies of Quentin Tarantino
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10. Death Proof (2007)
Image credit: Dimension FilmsStars: Kurt Russell, Rosario Dawson, Vanessa Ferlito | Release Date: April 6, 2007 | Review: IGN's Death Proof review
Death Proof may not be as fun as Planet Terror, but it's a smart and engaging homage to B-movies. The film feels like a project created by a talented and confident filmmaker with friends over weekends, backed by a major production studio and a sharp, rapid-fire script. It tells the story of Stuntman Mike, who targets beautiful, talkative women with his "death-proofed" car. While the movie requires patience with nearly 40 minutes of dialogue before the action kicks in, it's a unique work, free from studio interference, making it a must-see in today's cinematic landscape. The climactic chase scene fueled by revenge is sure to captivate even the most skeptical viewers.
9. The Hateful Eight (2015)
Image credit: The Weinstein CompanyStars: Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, Jennifer Jason Leigh | Release Date: December 7, 2015 | Review: IGN's The Hateful Eight review
The Hateful Eight is a powerful blend of vicious humor and an intense story, delving deeply into race relations and human nature. Set in the Wild West, this film combines western and mystery genres with a dose of gallows humor, making it both a character study and a tribute to classic 70mm filmmaking. Its post-Civil War setting allows for an exploration of contemporary issues, marking it as one of Tarantino's most nuanced and mature works. While some elements might feel familiar to Tarantino enthusiasts, the film's overall impact is undeniable, offering a compelling narrative that resonates deeply.
8. Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Image credit: The Weinstein CompanyStars: Brad Pitt, Eli Roth, Christoph Waltz | Release Date: May 20, 2009 | Review: IGN's Inglorious Basterds review
Inglourious Basterds is Tarantino's homage to The Dirty Dozen, featuring a character-heavy, man-on-a-mission narrative. The film is structured more like a series of theatrical plays, showcasing first-rate performances and Tarantino's signature dialogue-as-suspense. Christoph Waltz's Oscar-winning portrayal of Colonel Hans Landa is one of Tarantino's most memorable villains, blending charm with brutality. Brad Pitt's Lt. Aldo Raine adds depth to a potentially one-dimensional character. While the film excels in its individual segments, it struggles to coalesce into a single, coherent whole due to its sprawling conversations and brief bursts of action.
7. Kill Bill: Volume 2 (2004)
Image credit: Miramax FilmsStars: Uma Thurman, Daryl Hannah, David Carradine | Release Date: April 8, 2004 | Review: IGN's Kill Bill: Volume 2 review
Kill Bill: Volume 2 follows The Bride (Uma Thurman) on her quest to eliminate the last three members on her revenge list. This volume shifts focus to Tarantino's classic style of slick dialogue, pop culture references, and complex characters, with less emphasis on action. The film is notably talkative, offering a deeper dive into The Bride's backstory and motivations. Uma Thurman's performance is exceptional, showcasing a wide emotional range. The violent confrontation with Elle Driver (Daryl Hannah) stands out as a highlight, delivering both narrative depth and thrilling action.
6. Jackie Brown (1997)
Image credit: Miramax FilmsStars: Pam Grier, Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Forster | Release Date: December 8, 1997 | Review: IGN's Jackie Brown review
Jackie Brown, an adaptation of Elmore Leonard's Rum Punch, was initially seen as a stumble following Pulp Fiction. However, over time, it has been recognized as one of Tarantino's strongest and most restrained character-driven films. The plot revolves around Pam Grier's titular character navigating a complex web of relationships and a heist involving $500,000. The film's dense yet accessible plot, combined with strong performances from Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Forster, and Michael Keaton, makes it a compelling watch and a testament to Tarantino's ability to adapt and direct outside his comfort zone.
5. Django Unchained (2012)
Image credit: The Weinstein CompanyStars: Jamie Foxx, Leonardo DiCaprio, Christoph Waltz | Release Date: December 11, 2012 | Review: IGN's Django Unchained review
Django Unchained boldly confronts the horrors of slavery while delivering a crowd-pleasing spaghetti western. The film balances absurd comedy with brutal depictions of life in the antebellum South, showcasing Tarantino's skill in managing tone. The casual racism portrayed is both shocking and historically accurate. Despite its serious themes, the film is packed with over-the-top violence and humor, making it a must-see for its entertainment value and its poignant message.
4. Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood (2019)
Image credit: Sony PicturesStars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie | Release Date: May 21, 2019 | Review: IGN's Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood review
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 Hollywood landscape in 1969, intersecting with the Manson Family. With its "course correction" ending, the movie is both crowd-pleasing and emotionally resonant, featuring standout performances from Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Margot Robbie. It's a captivating time capsule filled with memorable scenes and a satisfying blend of intensity and nostalgia.
3. Reservoir Dogs (1992)
Image credit: Miramax FilmsStars: Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Steve Buscemi | Release Date: January 21, 1992 | Review: IGN's Resevoir Dogs review
Reservoir Dogs, Tarantino's shortest film, is also his tightest, blending pop-cultural references with essential plot development and character building. The film's lightning-fast pace and the performances of Tim Roth, Steve Buscemi, and Michael Madsen, along with seasoned actors like Harvey Keitel, elevate the material into something profound. Tarantino's creative direction transforms a single-location story into a minor epic, significantly influencing crime cinema and filmmaking as a whole. This film established Tarantino as a groundbreaking director and defined a generation of filmmakers.
2. Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003)
Image credit: Miramax FilmsStars: Uma Thurman, Lucy Liu, Daryl Hannah | Release Date: October 10, 2003 | Review: IGN's Kill Bill: Vol. 1 review
Kill Bill: Volume 1 is a blood-soaked homage to The Bride Wore Black, following The Bride (Uma Thurman) on her quest for revenge after being left for dead. The film is a non-stop action fest, with perfect casting and standout performances, especially from Uma Thurman, who delivers both cool dialogue and action-hero prowess. The film's blend of action and style makes it a standout in Tarantino's oeuvre, cementing its place as a beloved classic.
1. Pulp Fiction (1994)
Image credit: Miramax FilmsStars: John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman | Release Date: May 21, 1994 | Review: IGN's Pulp Fiction review
Pulp Fiction is not just a film; it's a cultural phenomenon that changed the landscape of cinema. Competing with Forrest Gump for the Best Picture Oscar in 1995, Pulp Fiction remains a testament to Tarantino's innovative storytelling and his ability to create instantly quotable dialogue. With its non-linear narrative, eclectic characters, and iconic scenes, the film has left an indelible mark on pop culture. From the Bible-quoting hitman to the five-dollar milkshake, Pulp Fiction is a masterpiece that redefined what movies could be and set the stage for countless imitations.
### The best Quentin Tarantino moviesThe 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 or use our tier list tool to create your own ranking of Tarantino's films.
