Top Quentin Tarantino Films Ranked

Apr 01,25

Following a change of heart, Quentin Tarantino has canceled his eleventh film, The Movie Critic, leaving fans curious about what his next—and possibly final—project will be. In the meantime, it's the perfect opportunity to indulge in a Tarantino-athon. Below, we've ranked all ten of his feature-length films (note that we're not including his segments in Sin City and Four Rooms).

It's important to mention that Tarantino hasn't made a truly bad film; some are just less stellar than others. Even his least impressive works often outshine the best efforts of many other directors.

Here's our ranking of Quentin Tarantino's films. We encourage you to share your thoughts and your own rankings in the comments below!

Ranking the Movies of Quentin Tarantino

11 Images10. Death Proof (2007)

Image credit: Dimension Films
Stars: Kurt Russell, Rosario Dawson, Vanessa Ferlito | Release Date: April 6, 2007 | Review: IGN's Death Proof review

Death Proof might not be as entertaining as Planet Terror, but it stands out as the smartest homage to B-movies ever crafted. The film feels like a project a highly talented, perhaps overly confident filmmaker might whip up with friends on weekends, albeit with significant studio funding and a sharp, fast-paced script.

The story follows Stuntman Mike as he targets beautiful, chatty women with his death-proofed car. While the movie's lengthy dialogue before the action starts might polarize audiences, it revitalizes Kurt Russell's career and offers a rare, unfiltered Tarantino experience free from studio interference. The film's climactic chase, driven by revenge and sheer exhilaration, is sure to satisfy even the most skeptical viewers.

9. The Hateful Eight (2015)

Image credit: The Weinstein Company
Stars: Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, Jennifer Jason Leigh | Release Date: December 7, 2015 | Review: IGN's The Hateful Eight review

With its biting humor and gripping narrative, The Hateful Eight offers a brutal exploration of 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 deep character study and a tribute to traditional 70mm filmmaking.

Set in post-Civil War America, the movie delves into contemporary issues through its historical context, arguably making it Tarantino's most mature and nuanced work. While some elements may feel familiar to fans, echoing Reservoir Dogs, the overall narrative and its execution make this film a compelling watch.

8. Inglourious Basterds (2009)

Image credit: The Weinstein Company
Stars: 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-driven, man-on-a-mission plot. The film unfolds like a series of theatrical plays, each filled with exceptional performances and dialogue that builds suspense. However, its lengthy conversations can overshadow the bursts of action.

Christoph Waltz delivers an Oscar-winning performance as the chilling Colonel Hans Landa, while Brad Pitt's portrayal of Lt. Aldo Raine adds depth to a potentially flat character. Though the film's segments don't fully coalesce into a unified whole, each part is crafted with Tarantino's signature flair.

7. Kill Bill: Volume 2 (2004)

Image credit: Miramax Films
Stars: Uma Thurman, Daryl Hannah, David Carradine | Release Date: April 8, 2004 | Review: IGN's Kill Bill: Volume 2 review

Kill Bill: Volume 2 continues The Bride's journey as she seeks revenge against the remaining members of her former team. This installment promises a return to Tarantino's signature style, with more dialogue, pop culture references, and strong characters than action.

The film delves deeper into The Bride's backstory, providing context and motivation for her actions. Uma Thurman's performance is standout, showcasing her emotional range. The confrontation with Elle Driver is a highlight, offering both violent beauty and a satisfying resolution.

6. Jackie Brown (1997)

Image credit: Miramax Films
Stars: 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, initially received mixed reactions as a follow-up to Pulp Fiction. Over time, it has been recognized as one of Tarantino's most restrained and character-driven films.

The plot follows Pam Grier's character as she navigates a complex web of criminals and law enforcement, all vying for a large sum of money. The film's dense plot is engaging and showcases Tarantino's ability to let actors shine in his world, featuring notable performances from Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Forster, and Michael Keaton.

5. Django Unchained (2012)

Image credit: The Weinstein Company
Stars: Jamie Foxx, Leonardo DiCaprio, Christoph Waltz | Release Date: December 11, 2012 | Review: IGN's Django Unchained review

Django Unchained does not shy away from the brutal realities of slavery while delivering a wild, violent, and humorous tribute to spaghetti westerns. The film is designed to be a crowd-pleaser, and it succeeds with its over-the-top action and humor.

Tarantino skillfully balances the tone, moving between comedic absurdity and the harsh realities of life for slaves in the antebellum South. The film's unflinching portrayal of racism is both shocking and historically accurate, making Django Unchained a must-watch for its blend of entertainment and social commentary.

4. Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood (2019)

Image credit: Sony Pictures
Stars: 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, Tarantino's most recent film, is not only one of his best but also his second major alternate history project after Inglourious Basterds. It blends crowd-pleasing action with a deep emotional narrative, all while maintaining Tarantino's signature ultra-violence.

The story follows an aging actor and his stunt double navigating the changing landscape of Hollywood in 1969, with their paths intersecting with the Manson Family. Featuring standout performances from Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Margot Robbie, the film is a nostalgic time capsule filled with memorable moments and intense scenes.

3. Reservoir Dogs (1992)

Image credit: Miramax Films
Stars: 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 most tightly constructed. It seamlessly blends pop-cultural references with essential plot development and character building, all at a breakneck pace. The performances from Tim Roth, Steve Buscemi, and Michael Madsen are career-defining, while Harvey Keitel's presence elevates the film to new heights.

Tarantino's direction transforms a single-location story into a cinematic epic, revolutionizing crime cinema and influencing a generation of filmmakers. The film's impact is undeniable, establishing Tarantino as a groundbreaking director and setting the stage for countless imitators.

2. Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003)

Image credit: Miramax Films
Stars: 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 tribute to The Bride Wore Black, following The Bride's quest for revenge after her wedding party is massacred. Uma Thurman's portrayal of The Bride is impeccable, effortlessly delivering Tarantino's dialogue and transitioning into a formidable action hero.

The film's casting is spot-on, and its action sequences are unforgettable. Volume 1 sets the stage for a thrilling saga of vengeance that captivates from start to finish.

1. Pulp Fiction (1994)

Image credit: Miramax Films
Stars: John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman | Release Date: May 21, 1994 | Review: IGN's Pulp Fiction review

In 1995, Pulp Fiction competed for the Best Picture Oscar against Forrest Gump, with the latter taking home the award. However, Pulp Fiction's impact on pop culture and cinema is undeniable. It's a non-linear epic that blends rock and roll energy with instantly quotable dialogue, featuring iconic elements like a Bible-quoting hitman, a leather-clad gimp, and a wallet that reads "Bad Mutherf@#%er."

Tarantino's direction and use of source music set a new standard for filmmaking, influencing countless movies and inspiring a generation of filmmakers. Pulp Fiction didn't just change movies; it altered our expectations of what film can achieve, cementing its place as a landmark in cinema history.

### The best Quentin Tarantino movies

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 use our tier list tool to create your own ranking of Tarantino's films.

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