Following a change of heart, Quentin Tarantino has canceled his eleventh film, The Movie Critic, leaving fans curious about what the director's next (and likely final) movie will be. As we eagerly await his next project, it's the perfect time to embark on a Tarantino-athon. Below, we've ranked each of the 10 feature-length films directed by this cinematic maestro. Note that we're focusing solely on feature films, so segments from Sin City and Four Rooms are not included.
While Tarantino's filmography doesn't include any truly bad movies, some are not as stellar as his best work. Keep this in mind as you peruse our list. Even his least acclaimed films often outshine the best efforts of other directors.
Here's our ranking of the best Quentin Tarantino films. We encourage you to share your thoughts and create your own Tarantino film rankings in the comments section below.
Ranking the Movies of Quentin Tarantino
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10. Death Proof (2007)
Let's address the elephant in the room: Death Proof may not be as entertaining as Planet Terror, but it stands as the smartest homage to B-movies ever crafted. The film feels like a weekend project from one of the most talented and audacious filmmakers, supported by a major studio and a razor-sharp script. The narrative follows Stuntman Mike as he targets beautiful, chatty women with his death-proofed car. This movie revitalized Kurt Russell's career and demands patience with nearly 40 minutes of dialogue before the thrilling action kicks in. While polarizing (unless you're a Cannes regular), it's a rare, unfiltered Tarantino gem. The climactic chase scene, fueled by revenge and sheer awesomeness, is bound to win over even the most skeptical viewers.
9. The Hateful Eight (2015)
The Hateful Eight combines vicious humor with a gripping narrative to explore race relations and human nature with unflinching intensity. Blending Western and mystery genres, the film offers a character-driven study wrapped in a love letter to 70mm filmmaking. Set in post-Civil War America, it tackles contemporary issues with nuance and maturity. While fans might notice familiar elements from Tarantino's previous work, such as echoes of Reservoir Dogs, these minor overlaps do not detract from the film's powerful storytelling.
8. Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Inglourious Basterds is Tarantino's tribute to The Dirty Dozen, featuring a character-driven, mission-centric plot. The film feels more like a series of theatrical vignettes than a cohesive narrative, reminiscent of Reservoir Dogs. Each segment showcases exceptional performances and Tarantino's trademark suspenseful dialogue. However, the lengthy conversations leading to brief action bursts can feel overwhelming. Christoph Waltz's Oscar-winning portrayal of Colonel Hans Landa is unforgettable, blending brutality with charm. Brad Pitt's layered performance as Lt. Aldo Raine adds depth to what could have been a one-dimensional character. While the film's segments are masterfully crafted, they don't always coalesce into a unified whole.
7. Kill Bill: Volume 2 (2004)
Kill Bill: Volume 2 continues The Bride's (Uma Thurman) journey of vengeance against her remaining targets: Elle Driver (Daryl Hannah), Budd (Michael Madsen), and Bill (David Carradine). True to Tarantino's promise, this volume focuses more on dialogue and character development than action. The Bride's backstory is explored in depth, providing context and motivation for her quest. The confrontation between The Bride and Elle in Budd's trailer is a masterclass in violent beauty. Thurman's performance showcases a wide emotional range, making the film a standout in Tarantino's oeuvre.
6. Jackie Brown (1997)
Jackie Brown, an adaptation of Elmore Leonard's Rum Punch, initially received mixed reactions as a follow-up to Pulp Fiction. However, it has since been recognized as one of Tarantino's strongest and most restrained character-driven works. Pam Grier's portrayal of the titular character, alongside Samuel L. Jackson's Ordell, Robert Forster's bail bondsman, and Michael Keaton's ATF agent, creates a dense yet engaging plot. The film allows Tarantino's actors to shine, delivering a compelling narrative that is both fun and sophisticated.
5. Django Unchained (2012)
Django Unchained doesn't shy away from the brutal realities of slavery while delivering a thrilling and violent homage to spaghetti westerns. The film balances absurd comedy with the harshness of life in the antebellum South, making it both a crowd-pleaser and a poignant statement. The casual racism depicted is stark but historically accurate. Despite its darker themes, Django Unchained remains a highly entertaining 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 films but also his second major alternate history project following Inglourious Basterds. The film offers a satisfying "what if" scenario while delving into the emotional lives of its characters. Set in 1969, it follows an aging actor and his stunt double as they navigate the changing film industry and encounter the Manson Family. With standout performances from Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Margot Robbie, the movie is a nostalgic time capsule filled with memorable moments and intense scenes.
3. Reservoir Dogs (1992)
As Tarantino's shortest and tightest film, Reservoir Dogs weaves essential plot development and character building with its signature pop-cultural references. The film's brisk pace keeps viewers on the edge of their seats until the final shot. Tim Roth, Steve Buscemi, and Michael Madsen deliver standout performances, while seasoned actors like Harvey Keitel elevate the material. 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 follows The Bride (Uma Thurman) as she seeks revenge against her former lover Bill (David Carradine) and his associates after they massacre her wedding party. The film is a blood-soaked tribute to action cinema, featuring perfect casting and standout performances. Uma Thurman's portrayal of The Bride is particularly noteworthy, seamlessly blending Tarantino's dialogue with intense action sequences. The film's second half shifts to a more action-focused narrative, showcasing Thurman as a formidable action hero.
1. Pulp Fiction (1994)
Pulp Fiction, which famously competed against Forrest Gump for the Best Picture Oscar, remains a landmark film of the 1990s. Its non-linear storytelling and instantly quotable dialogue have had a lasting impact on pop culture. The film features iconic scenes with guns, a Bible-quoting hitman, and a wallet that says "Bad Mutherf@#%er" on it. Tarantino's direction and use of source music transformed the film into a cultural phenomenon, setting a new standard for cinematic storytelling. Pulp Fiction not only changed how movies were made but also redefined audience expectations, solidifying Tarantino's status as a visionary filmmaker.
### The best Quentin Tarantino moviesAnd 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.
