Top Quentin Tarantino Films Ranked
- By Nora
- Apr 25,2025
Quentin Tarantino's decision to cancel his eleventh film, "The Movie Critic," has left fans curious about what his next—and possibly final—project might be. In the meantime, it's the perfect opportunity to dive into a Tarantino-athon. Here's our ranking of his 10 feature-length films, keeping in mind that even Tarantino's "worst" films are typically better than the best of many other directors.
Ranking the Movies of Quentin Tarantino
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10. Death Proof (2007)
While not as entertaining as "Planet Terror," "Death Proof" stands out as a clever homage to B-movies. It feels like a project Tarantino crafted with friends over weekends, yet it's backed by major production and a sharp script. The story of Stuntman Mike targeting talkative women with his death-proof car is a thrilling ride that revitalizes Kurt Russell's career. The film's dialogue-heavy start leads to explosive action, making it a polarizing yet unique gem in Tarantino's collection.
9. The Hateful Eight (2015)
"The Hateful Eight" combines vicious humor with an intense story, exploring race relations and human nature in a brutal Wild West setting. It blends western and mystery genres with dark humor, offering a deep character study while paying homage to 70mm filmmaking. The film's post-Civil War setting allows for discussions on contemporary issues, making it one of Tarantino's most nuanced works. While some elements may feel familiar to fans, the overall narrative is compelling and insightful.
8. Inglourious Basterds (2009)
"Inglourious Basterds" is Tarantino's homage to "The Dirty Dozen," featuring a character-driven, man-on-a-mission plot. It's more theatrical than his previous works, with each section offering stellar performances and suspenseful dialogue. Christoph Waltz's portrayal of Colonel Hans Landa is masterful, and Brad Pitt adds depth to Lt. Aldo Raine. While the film excels in its individual segments, it struggles to form a cohesive whole.
7. Kill Bill: Volume 2 (2004)
"Kill Bill: Volume 2" focuses on The Bride's quest to eliminate the last three members of her revenge list. It's more dialogue-heavy than its predecessor, showcasing Tarantino's classic style with pop culture references and strong characters. Uma Thurman delivers an emotionally charged performance, and the film delves into The Bride's backstory, providing context and depth. The violent showdown with Elle Driver is a highlight, showcasing Tarantino's flair for intense action sequences.
6. Jackie Brown (1997)
"Jackie Brown" was initially seen as a stumble after "Pulp Fiction," but it has since been recognized as one of Tarantino's strongest character-driven films. An adaptation of Elmore Leonard's "Rum Punch," it features a dense yet engaging plot involving Pam Grier's titular character and a cast of memorable figures, including Samuel L. Jackson and Robert Forster. The film's restraint and focus on character development make it a standout in Tarantino's oeuvre.
5. Django Unchained (2012)
"Django Unchained" is a bold blend of spaghetti western homage and a crowd-pleasing narrative. Tarantino doesn't shy away from the horrors of slavery, balancing absurd comedy with brutal depictions of life in the antebellum South. The film's mix of violence and humor, along with standout performances by Jamie Foxx, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Christoph Waltz, make it a must-see.
4. Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood (2019)
"Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood" is Tarantino's latest work and a standout alternate history project. It explores the lives of an aging actor and his stunt double amidst the backdrop of the Manson Family in 1969. The film's emotional depth, combined with its intense moments and stellar performances by Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Margot Robbie, make it a captivating and award-winning tale.
3. Reservoir Dogs (1992)
"Reservoir Dogs" is Tarantino's shortest and tightest film, packed with essential plot and character development. Its fast pace and star-making performances by Tim Roth, Steve Buscemi, and Michael Madsen, along with the work of seasoned actors like Harvey Keitel, elevate it beyond typical crime cinema. Tarantino's creative directing turns this one-location story into a minor epic, defining a generation of filmmakers.
2. Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003)
"Kill Bill: Volume 1" is a blood-soaked homage to revenge films, focusing on The Bride's quest after being left for dead. Uma Thurman's performance as The Bride is iconic, seamlessly blending cool dialogue with intense action. The film's perfect casting and thrilling action sequences make it a standout in Tarantino's catalog.
1. Pulp Fiction (1994)
"Pulp Fiction" is a non-linear masterpiece that changed the landscape of cinema. Its impact on pop culture, with instantly quotable dialogue and iconic scenes, is unparalleled. The film's mix of humor, violence, and innovative storytelling established Tarantino as a visionary director. While it lost the Best Picture Oscar to "Forrest Gump," "Pulp Fiction" remains a defining work of the 1990s and beyond.
The Best Quentin Tarantino Movies
We've shared our take on the best Quentin Tarantino films. Do you agree with our rankings, or do you have a different order in mind? Share your thoughts in the comments below or create your own Tarantino tier list using the tool above.
