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. While we eagerly await news on that front, now is the perfect time to embark on a Tarantino-athon. We've meticulously ranked each of the 10 feature-length films directed by this iconic filmmaker. Note that we're focusing solely on his feature films, excluding segments he directed in Sin City and Four Rooms.
It's important to acknowledge that Tarantino hasn't made a truly bad film yet; some just don't reach the heights of his best work. So, keep that in mind as you explore our rankings. Even Tarantino's lesser films often outshine many other directors' best efforts.
Here's our definitive ranking of Quentin Tarantino's 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)
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 as one of the smartest homages to B-movies ever crafted. It feels like a project assembled by a talented and confident filmmaker with friends over a few weekends, albeit with significant backing and a sharp, rapid-fire script.
The narrative centers on Stuntman Mike, who targets beautiful, chatty women with his death-proofed car. This film not only revitalizes Kurt Russell's career but also builds anticipation with nearly 40 minutes of dialogue before unleashing its thrilling action. While Death Proof can be polarizing, it's a unique work free from studio interference, making it a must-watch in today's film landscape. If you're not into smart, fast-talking characters, the climactic, revenge-fueled car chase is sure to captivate 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
The Hateful Eight combines vicious humor and a gripping narrative, offering a brutal examination of race relations and human nature set against the backdrop of the Wild West. Blending western and mystery genres with a touch of gallows humor, the film serves as both a deep character study and a tribute to classic 70mm filmmaking.
Set post-Civil War, the film delves into contemporary issues surrounding race, making it one of Tarantino's most nuanced and mature stories. While fans may recognize elements from Tarantino's previous works, particularly Reservoir Dogs, these similarities don't detract from the film's overall impact. The Hateful Eight is a compelling exploration of its themes, even if it occasionally feels familiar.
8. Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Image credit: The Weinstein Company
Stars: Brad Pitt, Eli Roth, Christoph Waltz
Release Date: May 20, 2009
Review: IGN's Inglourious Basterds review
Inglourious Basterds is Tarantino's homage to The Dirty Dozen, characterized by its focus on characters and their mission. The film is structured almost like a series of short plays, showcasing Tarantino's most theatrical work since Reservoir Dogs. Each segment boasts top-notch performances and dialogue that builds suspense, though some may find the film's length and extensive conversations challenging.
Christoph Waltz delivers an Oscar-winning, chilling performance as Colonel Hans Landa, one of Tarantino's most memorable villains. Brad Pitt's portrayal of Lt. Aldo Raine adds depth to a potentially one-dimensional character. Despite its strengths, Inglourious Basterds struggles to fully coalesce into a unified narrative, remaining a collection of brilliant but disconnected segments.
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 follows The Bride (Uma Thurman) as she seeks revenge on the remaining members of her hit list: Elle Driver (Daryl Hannah), Budd (Michael Madsen), and Bill (David Carradine). This installment shifts focus from action to dialogue, showcasing Tarantino's signature style of slick conversations, pop culture references, and strong characters.
The film delves deeper into The Bride's backstory, offering insights into her motivations and the events that shaped her journey. The confrontation between The Bride and Elle Driver is both violent and beautifully executed, with a satisfying resolution that echoes the intensity of Tarantino's best work. Uma Thurman's performance continues to shine, displaying a wide emotional range.
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
Upon its release, Jackie Brown was met with positive reviews, though it was often seen as a stumble compared to the groundbreaking Pulp Fiction. As Tarantino's only adaptation, based on Elmore Leonard's Rum Punch, it pushed him out of his comfort zone while still drawing on Leonard's influence.
Over time, Jackie Brown has been reevaluated as one of Tarantino's most restrained and character-driven films. The plot revolves around Pam Grier's titular character, who navigates a complex web of relationships with Samuel L. Jackson's gun runner, Robert Forster's bail bondsman, and Michael Keaton's ATF agent. The film's dense yet engaging plot and strong performances make it a standout in Tarantino's oeuvre.
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 confronts the horrors of slavery head-on while delivering a wild, violent, and crowd-pleasing tribute to the spaghetti western. The film successfully balances absurd comedy with brutal depictions of life in the antebellum South, highlighting the pervasive racism of the era.
Despite its dark themes, Django Unchained remains a fun and engaging watch, thanks to its over-the-top action and humor. It's a testament to Tarantino's ability to entertain while addressing serious historical issues.
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 stands as one of Tarantino's finest achievements, offering a compelling alternate history akin to Inglourious Basterds. The film follows an aging actor and his stunt double as they navigate the entertainment industry, intersecting bizarrely with the Manson Family in 1969.
Featuring standout performances from Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt (who won an Oscar for his role), and Margot Robbie, the film serves as a nostalgic time capsule. Its blend of humor, violence, and emotional depth makes it a captivating and rewarding experience.
3. Reservoir Dogs (1992)
Image credit: Miramax Films
Stars: Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Steve Buscemi
Release Date: January 21, 1992
Review: IGN's Reservoir Dogs review
Reservoir Dogs is Tarantino's shortest and most tightly constructed film, balancing pop culture references with essential plot and character development. The film moves at a breakneck pace, with star-making performances from Tim Roth, Steve Buscemi, and Michael Madsen, supported by seasoned actors like Harvey Keitel and Lawrence Tierney.
Tarantino's innovative direction transforms a single-location story into a cinematic epic, revolutionizing crime cinema and influencing a generation of filmmakers. Reservoir Dogs is not just a film; it's a cultural milestone that set the stage for Tarantino's illustrious career.
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: Volume 1 review
Kill Bill: Volume 1 is the first part of Tarantino's epic homage to The Bride Wore Black. The story follows The Bride (Uma Thurman), who, after surviving an assassination attempt by her ex-lover Bill and his cohorts, embarks on a global quest for vengeance.
This volume is a blood-soaked spectacle, with impeccable casting and standout performances, particularly from Uma Thurman. Her delivery of Tarantino's dialogue is both cool and memorable, while her action sequences showcase her as a formidable action hero.
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 the battle for the 1995 Best Picture Oscar, Pulp Fiction faced off against Forrest Gump, with the latter taking home the prize. However, Pulp Fiction left an indelible mark on cinema, reshaping pop culture with its non-linear storytelling and instantly quotable dialogue.
The film features a mix of iconic elements: guns, a Bible-quoting hitman, leather-clad gimps, and five-dollar milkshakes. Tarantino's direction and use of source music elevate the film, setting a new standard for cinematic storytelling. Pulp Fiction not only influenced countless films that followed but also changed audience expectations for what movies could achieve.
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.
