Top Quentin Tarantino Films Ranked

Quentin Tarantino's decision to cancel his eleventh film, The Movie Critic, has left fans eagerly anticipating what his next—and possibly final—project might be. In the meantime, it's the perfect opportunity to embark on a Tarantino-athon. Below, we've ranked all ten of his feature-length films, keeping in mind that even Tarantino's least acclaimed works often surpass the best efforts of many other filmmakers.

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

Ranking the Movies of Quentin Tarantino

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10. Death Proof (2007)

Death Proof may not be as fun as Planet Terror, but it stands out as a smart homage to B-movies. The film feels like a project crafted by a talented and confident filmmaker with friends over a series of weekends, albeit with major production backing and a rapid-fire script. The story of Stuntman Mike targeting beautiful, chatty women with his death-proofed car is a thrilling ride that revitalizes Kurt Russell's career. While it's polarizing and not on par with Pulp Fiction, its lack of studio interference makes it a rare and must-see film in today's studio-dominated landscape. The climactic death chase, fueled by revenge and sheer excitement, is sure to satisfy even the most skeptical viewers.

9. The Hateful Eight (2015)

The Hateful Eight combines vicious humor with an intense story, 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 narrative remains compelling and impactful.

8. Inglourious Basterds (2009)

Inglourious Basterds is Tarantino's homage to The Dirty Dozen, featuring a character-heavy, man-on-a-mission narrative. The film feels more theatrical than his previous works, with each section filled with top-notch performances and suspenseful dialogue. However, the lengthy conversations leading to brief bursts of action can be overwhelming. Christoph Waltz's Oscar-winning performance as Colonel Hans Landa is one of Tarantino's best villains, while Brad Pitt's portrayal of Lt. Aldo Raine adds depth to an otherwise one-dimensional character. Despite its strong individual segments, the film struggles to coalesce into a unified whole.

7. Kill Bill: Volume 2 (2004)

Kill Bill: Volume 2 follows The Bride (Uma Thurman) as she seeks revenge on the remaining members of her hit list. This volume shifts focus to Tarantino's signature style of slick dialogue, pop culture references, and strong characters, with less emphasis on action. The film delves deeper into The Bride's backstory, providing context and motivation that enrich the narrative. The confrontation between The Bride and Elle Driver in Budd's trailer is a highlight, showcasing violent beauty and satisfying retribution.

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 showcases Tarantino's ability to work outside his comfort zone. The plot revolves around Pam Grier's character navigating a complex web of characters, including Samuel L. Jackson's gun runner and Robert Forster's sympathetic bail bondsman, all vying for a large sum of cash. The film's dense yet engaging plot and the performances of its cast make it a standout in Tarantino's oeuvre.

5. Django Unchained (2012)

Django Unchained is a bold and bloody tribute to spaghetti westerns that doesn't shy away from the horrors of slavery. The film balances absurd comedy with brutal depictions of life in the antebellum South, delivering a crowd-pleasing experience. Christoph Waltz's performance as Dr. King Schultz and Leonardo DiCaprio's portrayal of the villainous Calvin Candie are particularly noteworthy. Despite its dark themes, Django Unchained remains a fun and essential watch.

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

Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood is Tarantino's most recent and one of his best films, offering an alternate history narrative similar to Inglourious Basterds. The story follows an aging actor and his stunt double navigating the changing landscape of Hollywood in 1969, intersecting with the Manson Family. The film features standout performances from Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Margot Robbie, along with a nostalgic soundtrack and intense moments that make it a captivating and award-winning tale.

3. Reservoir Dogs (1992)

Reservoir Dogs is Tarantino's shortest and tightest film, blending essential plot development with character-building and pop-cultural references. The film's fast pace and compelling performances from Tim Roth, Steve Buscemi, and Michael Madsen, along with seasoned actors like Harvey Keitel, elevate it beyond mere pulp fiction. 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 (Uma Thurman) on her quest for revenge after being left for dead. The film is a perfect showcase for Thurman, who delivers both cool dialogue and action-hero prowess. The casting is impeccable, and the film's blend of dialogue and action makes it a standout in Tarantino's filmography.

1. Pulp Fiction (1994)

Pulp Fiction is a non-linear epic that has had a lasting impact on pop culture. The film's rock-and-roll energy, instantly quotable dialogue, and eclectic mix of characters and situations set it apart. From Bible-quoting hitmen to five-dollar milkshakes, Pulp Fiction 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 use our tier list tool to create your own ranking!