Following a change of heart, Quentin Tarantino has decided to cancel his eleventh film, The Movie Critic, leaving fans eager to see what the acclaimed director's next (and likely final) project will be. As we await news of his next endeavor, it's the perfect time to embark on a Tarantino-athon. Below, we've ranked all ten of his feature-length films, excluding his segments in Sin City and Four Rooms.
While Tarantino has yet to produce a truly bad film, some of his works shine brighter than others. Even his lesser films often surpass the best efforts of many other filmmakers. Here's our ranking of Quentin Tarantino's top films, and 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 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 during a series of weekends, yet with the backing of a major production company and a rapid-fire script. Stuntman Mike's tale of targeting beautiful, talkative women with his death-proofed car is a thrilling ride. It revitalizes Kurt Russell's career and builds tension with nearly 40 minutes of dialogue before the action kicks in. While polarizing, the film's lack of studio interference makes it a rare gem in today's cinematic landscape. The climactic death chase, fueled by revenge and pure excitement, should satisfy 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
The Hateful Eight combines vicious humor and an intense narrative to explore race relations and human nature within the context of the Wild West. Blending western and mystery genres with dark humor, the film offers a deep character study and a tribute to classic 70mm filmmaking. Set in the post-Civil War era, it tackles contemporary issues, making it Tarantino's most nuanced and mature story to date. While some elements may feel familiar to fans, with echoes of Reservoir Dogs, the overall narrative is compelling and impactful.
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 tribute to The Dirty Dozen, featuring a character-driven, man-on-a-mission plot. The film is more theatrical than his previous works, structured as a series of interconnected plays. Each segment is packed with stellar performances and Tarantino's signature dialogue-driven suspense. However, the lengthy conversations sometimes overshadow the action sequences. Christoph Waltz's Oscar-winning portrayal of Colonel Hans Landa is one of Tarantino's most memorable villains. Brad Pitt's nuanced performance adds depth to the initially one-dimensional Lt. Aldo Raine. While the film's parts are strong, they don't always coalesce into a unified whole.
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: Volume 2 follows The Bride as she seeks revenge against the remaining members of her list: Elle Driver, Budd, and Bill. This volume shifts focus to Tarantino's signature style of slick dialogue, pop culture references, and complex characters, with less emphasis on action. It's arguably Tarantino's most dialogue-heavy film, showcasing Uma Thurman's emotional range. The backstory of The Bride is explored in depth, providing motivation and context. The violent confrontation between The Bride and Elle Driver in Budd's trailer is a highlight, offering both humor and intensity.
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
Initially overshadowed by Pulp Fiction, Jackie Brown 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 while still reflecting his influences. The plot follows Pam Grier's Jackie Brown as she navigates a complex web involving Samuel L. Jackson's gun runner, Robert Forster's bail bondsman, and Michael Keaton's ATF agent. The film is dense yet accessible, showcasing Tarantino's ability to let actors shine within his unique universe.
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 boldly confronts the horrors of slavery while delivering a crowd-pleasing, spaghetti western homage. The film strikes a balance between absurd humor and the brutal realities of life in the antebellum South. Its depiction of casual racism is shocking yet accurate. Despite its serious themes, Django Unchained is a fun, must-see film filled with over-the-top action and memorable moments.
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
Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood, Tarantino's latest film, is a masterful blend of alternate history and emotional depth, following his earlier work Inglourious Basterds. The story follows an aging actor and his stunt double as they navigate the changing Hollywood landscape, intersecting with the Manson Family in 1969. With stellar performances from Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Margot Robbie, the film is a time capsule that delivers intense moments and satisfying conclusions.
3. Reservoir Dogs (1992)
Image credit: Miramax FilmsStars: Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Steve Buscemi | Release Date: January 21, 1992 | Review: IGN's Resevoir Dogs review
Reservoir Dogs is Tarantino's shortest and tightest film, blending essential plot development with character building and pop-cultural references. The performances by Tim Roth, Steve Buscemi, and Michael Madsen are standout, while Harvey Keitel elevates the material to new heights. Tarantino's direction transforms a one-location story into a cinematic epic, revolutionizing crime cinema and influencing a generation of filmmakers. This film established Tarantino's unique style and cemented his place in film history.
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 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 perfect, delivering both Tarantino's iconic dialogue and action-hero prowess. The film's casting is impeccable, and its blend of action and dialogue makes it a standout in Tarantino's oeuvre.
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
Pulp Fiction transformed the cinematic landscape with its non-linear storytelling and instantly quotable dialogue. The film's impact on pop culture is undeniable, featuring memorable characters, iconic scenes, and a rock-and-roll energy. From a Bible-quoting hitman to five-dollar milkshakes, Pulp Fiction set new standards for film, inspiring countless imitators and influencing a new generation of filmmakers. It's a testament to Tarantino's vision and his ability to redefine what movies can 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 tool to create your own Tarantino movie ranking.
