Top Quentin Tarantino Films Ranked

May 18,25

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 possibly final) project might be. As we await his next move, it's the perfect time to embark on a Tarantino-athon. Here's our ranking of his ten feature-length films, noting that we've excluded the segments he directed for Sin City and Four Rooms.

It's important to remember that even Tarantino's least favored films are often superior to many other directors' best efforts. Below, we've ranked his movies from what we consider the least to the most impactful. Feel free to share your own rankings in the comments section at the end of this page.

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 may not match the fun of Planet Terror, but it stands out as a smart homage to B-movies. The film feels like a project that a talented, audacious filmmaker might whip up with friends over weekends, albeit with a major production budget and a rapid-fire script. Stuntman Mike's chilling pursuit of his victims in his death-proof car is a thrilling ride that revitalizes Kurt Russell's career. Although it starts with nearly 40 minutes of dialogue, the payoff with blood, guts, and a climactic chase fueled by revenge is undeniably satisfying. Despite its polarizing nature, Death Proof remains a unique, studio-free gem.

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 with an intense narrative, delving into race relations and human nature with brutal honesty. This western-mystery hybrid also pays homage to 70mm filmmaking, making it both a character study and a celebration of cinema. Set post-Civil War, the film explores contemporary issues through its characters, marking it as one of Tarantino's most nuanced works. While some elements may feel familiar to fans, the overall impact and storytelling prowess of The Hateful Eight make it 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 Inglourious Basterds review

Tarantino's homage to The Dirty Dozen, Inglourious Basterds, is more theatrical than his previous works, featuring four distinct segments and a short film. Each part is filled with top-notch performances and suspenseful dialogue, but the film's structure can feel disjointed due to its long, sprawling conversations punctuated by brief bursts of action. Christoph Waltz's portrayal of Colonel Hans Landa is a standout, blending charm and menace seamlessly. Brad Pitt's Lt. Aldo Raine adds depth to a potentially one-dimensional role, making Inglourious Basterds a collection of strong pieces that don't quite coalesce into a unified whole.

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 shifts focus to The Bride's (Uma Thurman) quest to eliminate the remaining members of her revenge list. This installment is more dialogue-driven, showcasing Tarantino's signature style with less action. Thurman's performance is riveting, displaying a wide emotional range as the film delves deeper into The Bride's backstory. The violent confrontation with Elle Driver in Budd's trailer is a highlight, delivering both narrative depth and thrilling action.

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

Initially seen as a stumble after Pulp Fiction, Jackie Brown has since been recognized as one of Tarantino's strongest and most restrained films. Adapted from Elmore Leonard's Rum Punch, it follows Pam Grier's titular character as she navigates a complex plot involving Samuel L. Jackson's gun runner and Robert Forster's bail bondsman. The film's dense yet engaging plot, combined with Tarantino's character-driven narrative, makes Jackie Brown a compelling watch.

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 is a bold mix of spaghetti western homage and a stark portrayal of slavery's horrors. Balancing humor and violence, the film delivers a crowd-pleasing experience while not shying away from the era's casual racism. Jamie Foxx's Django and Christoph Waltz's Dr. King Schultz make for a compelling duo, driving the narrative with both action and emotional depth. Despite its challenging themes, Django Unchained remains a must-see for its entertainment value and historical context.

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 is Tarantino's most recent masterpiece, offering an alternate history narrative akin to Inglourious Basterds. The film follows an aging actor (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his stunt double (Brad Pitt) as they navigate the changing landscape of Hollywood in 1969, intersecting with the Manson Family. With its emotional depth, stunning performances, and a satisfyingly intense climax, this film stands out as a time capsule and a testament to Tarantino's storytelling prowess.

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 tightest film, blending essential plot development with character-building and pop-cultural references. The film's lightning-fast pace and the performances of Tim Roth, Steve Buscemi, and Michael Madsen, alongside veterans like Harvey Keitel, elevate it into a minor epic. Tarantino's creative direction transforms a single-location story into a groundbreaking work that influenced a generation of filmmakers and reshaped crime cinema.

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 a blood-soaked homage to revenge films, following The Bride's (Uma Thurman) quest after waking from a four-year coma. The film is a perfect blend of action and dialogue, with Thurman delivering iconic lines and embodying the role of an action hero with ease. The casting is impeccable, and the film's relentless pace and visual style make it a standout in Tarantino's oeuvre.

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

Pulp Fiction revolutionized cinema with its non-linear narrative and instantly quotable dialogue. The film's impact on pop culture is undeniable, featuring memorable characters like the Bible-quoting hitman Jules (Samuel L. Jackson) and his partner Vincent (John Travolta). Tarantino's use of source music and his ability to weave together seemingly disparate stories into a cohesive whole set a new standard for filmmaking. Despite losing the Best Picture Oscar to Forrest Gump, Pulp Fiction remains a seminal work that changed the expectations of 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 create your own Tarantino tier list using our interactive tool above.

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