Quentin Tarantino's decision to cancel his eleventh film, The Movie Critic, has left fans eager to know what his next—and possibly final—project will 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.
While Tarantino has yet to make a truly bad film, some of his works are not as stellar as his masterpieces. Keep this in mind as you explore our rankings. Even Tarantino's lesser films often surpass the best efforts of many other directors.
Below, we present the best Quentin Tarantino films, ranked. We invite you to share your thoughts and your own rankings in the comments section at the bottom of the page.
Ranking the Movies of Quentin Tarantino
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10. Death Proof (2007)
Death Proof may not be as entertaining 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 significant backing and a rapid-fire script. The story follows Stuntman Mike, who targets beautiful, chatty women with his death-proofed car. This film revitalized 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 film industry. The climactic chase, fueled by revenge and sheer excitement, should win over 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 in 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, echoing Reservoir Dogs, the overall story remains compelling and impactful.
8. Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Inglourious Basterds is Tarantino's homage to The Dirty Dozen, featuring a character-driven, mission-focused script. The film feels more theatrical than his other works, resembling a series of plays and a short film. Each segment 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 portrayal of Colonel Hans Landa is one of Tarantino's most memorable villains, while Brad Pitt's Lt. Aldo Raine adds depth to an initially one-dimensional character. Despite its strong 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 promised more of Tarantino's signature dialogue, pop culture references, and strong characters, with less action—and it delivers. 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. The violent confrontation between The Bride and Elle Driver in Budd's trailer is a highlight, offering both beauty and brutality.
6. Jackie Brown (1997)
Jackie Brown was initially seen as a stumble following 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 took Tarantino out of his comfort zone. The plot revolves around Jackie Brown, a stewardess caught between a gun runner, a bail bondsman, and an ATF agent, all vying for $500,000. The film is dense yet engaging, allowing actors like Robert De Niro and Michael Keaton to shine in Tarantino's world.
5. Django Unchained (2012)
Django Unchained doesn't shy away from the horrors of slavery while delivering a wild, violent, and crowd-pleasing spaghetti western homage. The film balances absurd comedy with brutal depictions of life in the antebellum South, offering a striking portrayal of 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 navigating the film industry in 1969, intersecting with the Manson Family. Featuring stellar performances from Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Margot Robbie, the movie is a time capsule filled with memorable moments, great music, and intense scenes.
3. Reservoir Dogs (1992)
Reservoir Dogs is Tarantino's shortest and tightest film, blending pop culture references with essential plot and character development. The film moves at a breakneck pace, featuring star-making performances from Tim Roth, Steve Buscemi, and Michael Madsen, and elevating the material with 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. The film is a violent epic with perfect casting, especially Uma Thurman, who delivers both cool dialogue and action-hero prowess. The second half, with its sparse dialogue, showcases her as a formidable action star.
1. Pulp Fiction (1994)
Pulp Fiction lost the Best Picture Oscar to Forrest Gump, but its impact on pop culture is undeniable. This non-linear epic is a rock and roll experience, filled with instantly quotable dialogue and iconic scenes. From Bible-quoting hitmen to five-dollar milkshakes, the film showcases Tarantino's unique style and influence on cinema. It not only changed how movies were made but also raised expectations for what films can achieve.
The 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 create your own Tarantino tier list using our handy tool.
