Following a change of heart, Quentin Tarantino has decided to cancel his eleventh film, "The Movie Critic," leaving fans curious about what the director's next—and likely final—project might be. As we eagerly await his next move, what better time to immerse ourselves in a Tarantino-athon? Below, we've ranked all ten feature-length films directed by Tarantino. Note that we're focusing solely on his feature films, excluding his contributions to "Sin City" and "Four Rooms."
It's worth mentioning that Tarantino has yet to make a truly bad film; some are just not as stellar as others. Keep this in mind as you peruse our list. Even his least acclaimed works often surpass the best efforts of many other filmmakers.
Here is our ranking of the best Quentin Tarantino films. We invite you to share 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 FilmsStars: Kurt Russell, Rosario Dawson, Vanessa Ferlito | Release Date: April 6, 2007 | Review: IGN's Death Proof review
Death Proof may not be as thrilling as "Planet Terror," but it stands out as a smart homage to B-movies. This film feels like the work of a talented, confident filmmaker casually collaborating with friends over a weekend, yet with a major studio's backing and a sharp, rapid-fire script. The story follows Stuntman Mike as he targets beautiful, chatty women with his death-proof car. It's a movie that revitalizes Kurt Russell's career and keeps viewers engaged with nearly 40 minutes of dialogue before the action-packed climax kicks in. While polarizing, "Death Proof" is a unique, studio-free experience that's a must-watch in today's film landscape. The climactic chase, fueled by revenge and sheer excitement, should win over even the most skeptical viewers.
9. The Hateful Eight (2015)
Image credit: The Weinstein CompanyStars: Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, Jennifer Jason Leigh | Release Date: December 7, 2015 | Review: IGN's The Hateful Eight review
Quentin Tarantino's "The Hateful Eight" is a brutal blend of vicious humor and intense storytelling, offering a deep dive into race relations and human nature set against the backdrop of the Wild West. By combining western and mystery elements with dark humor, the film serves as both a character study and a tribute to traditional 70mm filmmaking. Set post-Civil War, it tackles contemporary issues with nuance and maturity, making it arguably Tarantino's most sophisticated narrative. While some elements may feel familiar to longtime fans, echoing themes from "Reservoir Dogs," these similarities don't detract from the film's powerful storytelling.
8. Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Image credit: The Weinstein CompanyStars: 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," a character-driven, mission-focused narrative. The film unfolds like a series of theatrical plays, showcasing Tarantino's penchant for dialogue-driven suspense. Each section boasts top-notch performances, with Christoph Waltz's Oscar-winning portrayal of Colonel Hans Landa being particularly memorable for its charm and brutality. Brad Pitt's Lt. Aldo Raine adds depth to what could have been a one-dimensional role. However, the film's strength lies in its individual segments rather than a cohesive whole, making it a collection of expertly crafted but somewhat disjointed pieces.
7. Kill Bill: Volume 2 (2004)
Image credit: Miramax FilmsStars: Uma Thurman, Daryl Hannah, David Carradine | Release Date: April 8, 2004 | Review: IGN's Kill Bill: Volume 2 review
"Kill Bill, Vol. 2" continues The Bride's (Uma Thurman) quest for revenge against the remaining members of her hit list: Elle Driver (Daryl Hannah), Budd (Michael Madsen), and Bill (David Carradine). True to Tarantino's promise, this volume focuses more on dialogue and character development than action, making it one of his most conversation-heavy films. The deeper exploration of The Bride's backstory adds significant depth to the narrative, with her confrontation with Elle Driver being a highlight of violent elegance. Uma Thurman's performance shines, showcasing a wide range of emotions and cementing her role as the film's emotional anchor.
6. Jackie Brown (1997)
Image credit: Miramax FilmsStars: Pam Grier, Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Forster | Release Date: December 8, 1997 | Review: IGN's Jackie Brown review
Upon its release in 1997, "Jackie Brown" received positive reviews but was seen as a step down from "Pulp Fiction." As Tarantino's only adaptation, based on Elmore Leonard's "Rum Punch," it took him slightly out of his comfort zone. Over time, however, "Jackie Brown" has been reevaluated as one of Tarantino's strongest and most restrained character-driven works. The film follows Pam Grier's Jackie Brown as she navigates a complex web of characters, including Samuel L. Jackson's gun runner, Ordell, and Robert Forster's sympathetic bail bondsman. The dense plot remains engaging, and it's a delight to see Tarantino's world inhabited by actors like De Niro and Keaton.
5. Django Unchained (2012)
Image credit: The Weinstein CompanyStars: Jamie Foxx, Leonardo DiCaprio, Christoph Waltz | Release Date: December 11, 2012 | Review: IGN's Django Unchained review
"Django Unchained" is a bold, bloody, and humorous take on the spaghetti western genre, unapologetically addressing the horrors of slavery. The film balances absurd comedy with the brutal realities of the antebellum South, offering both entertainment and a stark reminder of historical injustices. Despite its graphic content, "Django Unchained" remains a crowd-pleaser, making it a must-watch for its thrilling action and compelling narrative.
4. Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood (2019)
Image credit: Sony PicturesStars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie | Release Date: May 21, 2019 | Review: IGN's Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood review
Tarantino's most recent film, "Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood," is not only one of his finest works but also his second foray into alternate history after "Inglourious Basterds." It delivers a crowd-pleasing finale while exploring deeper emotional themes, all while maintaining Tarantino's signature ultra-violence. The story follows an aging actor (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his stunt double (Brad Pitt, who won an Oscar for his role) as they navigate the changing landscape of Hollywood in 1969, intersecting with the Manson Family. With Margot Robbie portraying Sharon Tate, the film is a time capsule filled with outstanding performances, memorable music, and intense moments.
3. Reservoir Dogs (1992)
Image credit: Miramax FilmsStars: 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. It blends pop-cultural references with essential plot and character development, moving at a relentless pace. The performances by Tim Roth, Steve Buscemi, and Michael Madsen are standout, while veteran actors like Harvey Keitel elevate the film into a gritty masterpiece. Tarantino's innovative directing transforms a largely single-location story into a cinematic epic, revolutionizing crime films and inspiring a generation of filmmakers.
2. Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003)
Image credit: Miramax FilmsStars: Uma Thurman, Lucy Liu, Daryl Hannah | Release Date: October 10, 2003 | Review: IGN's Kill Bill: Vol. 1 review
"Kill Bill: Volume 1" is the first part of Tarantino's homage to "The Bride Wore Black," following The Bride (Uma Thurman) as she seeks revenge against her former lover Bill (David Carradine) and his associates. The film is a blood-soaked spectacle, with impeccable casting and standout performances, especially from Uma Thurman. Her ability to deliver Tarantino's dialogue with cool precision and transition into a formidable action hero makes the film an unforgettable experience.
1. Pulp Fiction (1994)
Image credit: Miramax FilmsStars: John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman | Release Date: May 21, 1994 | Review: IGN's Pulp Fiction review
In 1995, "Pulp Fiction" competed with "Forrest Gump" for the Best Picture Oscar, with the latter taking home the award. However, "Pulp Fiction" left an indelible mark on pop culture, revolutionizing filmmaking with its non-linear storytelling and instantly quotable dialogue. The film's eclectic mix of elements—from Bible-quoting hitmen to leather-clad gimps—showcased Tarantino's unique style and set the stage for numerous imitators. Its impact went beyond entertainment, changing viewers' expectations of what cinema could 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 interactive tool.
