Following a change of heart, Quentin Tarantino has canceled his eleventh film, The Movie Critic, leaving fans eager to see what his next—and likely final—movie will be. As we wait, it's the perfect time to embark on a Tarantino-athon. Below, we've ranked all 10 of his feature-length films. Note that this list does not include the segments he directed for Sin City and Four Rooms.
While Tarantino has yet to make a truly bad film, some of his works shine brighter than others. Keep in mind that even his least acclaimed efforts are often better than the best from many other filmmakers.
Here is our ranking of the best Quentin Tarantino films. Feel free to share your thoughts and create your own ranking 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 the smartest homage to B-movies ever crafted. This film feels like a project Tarantino might have made with friends over a series of weekends, funded by a major production outlet and driven by 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 demands patience with nearly 40 minutes of dialogue before the action kicks in, Death Proof is a polarizing yet rare gem in today's studio-dominated landscape. The climactic chase, fueled by revenge and sheer excitement, will captivate 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 with an intense narrative, offering a brutal look at race relations and human nature within the Wild West setting. This film blends western and mystery genres, adding a touch of gallows humor, making it an intense character study and a homage to classic 70mm filmmaking. Set in a post-Civil War era, it delves into contemporary issues, marking it as possibly Tarantino's most nuanced and mature work. While some elements may feel familiar to fans, echoing Reservoir Dogs, these similarities do not detract from the overall powerful narrative.
8. Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Image credit: The Weinstein CompanyStars: 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, featuring a character-heavy, mission-driven script. The film feels more theatrical, akin to Reservoir Dogs, with each section showcasing first-rate performances and dialogue-as-suspense. However, the lengthy conversations leading up to brief bursts of action can be overwhelming. Christoph Waltz's Oscar-winning portrayal of Colonel Hans Landa is one of Tarantino's finest villains—brutal, charming, and cowardly. Brad Pitt's performance as Lt. Aldo Raine adds depth to what could have been a one-dimensional character. Despite its strengths, the film struggles to 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 (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 volume leans more into Tarantino's signature style with its focus on slick dialogue, pop culture references, and character development. The Bride's backstory is explored in depth, providing context and emotional depth. The brutal fight with Elle Driver in Budd's trailer is a highlight, showcasing Tarantino's ability to blend violence with humor and pathos.
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 viewed as a stumble after Pulp Fiction, Jackie Brown has since been recognized as one of Tarantino's most restrained and character-driven films. Adapted from 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 involving Samuel L. Jackson's gun runner, Robert Forster's bail bondsman, and Michael Keaton's ATF agent. The film is dense yet engaging, allowing actors like De Niro and Keaton to shine in Tarantino's unique world.
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 does not shy away from the horrors of slavery while delivering a wild, bloody, and crowd-pleasing homage to spaghetti westerns. The film balances absurd comedy with brutal scenes of antebellum South life, making it both entertaining and impactful. The casual racism depicted is shocking yet historically accurate. Despite its dark themes, Django Unchained remains a fun and must-see film.
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 most recent work, is a masterful "What If...?" alternate history, following the footsteps of Inglourious Basterds. This film combines crowd-pleasing elements with a deep emotional core, all while maintaining Tarantino's signature ultra-violence. The narrative follows an aging actor and his stunt double navigating the film industry while intersecting with the Manson Family in 1969. Featuring stellar performances from Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt (who won an Oscar), and Margot Robbie as Sharon Tate, the movie is a nostalgic time capsule with intense moments and a satisfying conclusion.
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, Tarantino's shortest and tightest film, masterfully balances pop-cultural digressions with essential plot and character development. The film's lightning-fast pace keeps viewers engaged from start to finish. Tim Roth, Steve Buscemi, and Michael Madsen deliver standout performances, while seasoned actors like Lawrence Tierney and Harvey Keitel elevate the material. Tarantino's innovative direction turns a single-location story into a cinematic epic, revolutionizing crime cinema and influencing 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: Volume 1 review
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 Tarantino's iconic dialogue and action-hero prowess. The casting is impeccable, and the film's second half, with its sparse dialogue, highlights Thurman's action-hero capabilities.
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, often pitted against Forrest Gump for the Best Picture Oscar, remains a cultural phenomenon. This non-linear epic changed the landscape of cinema with its rock-and-roll energy, instantly quotable dialogue, and eclectic characters. From Bible-quoting hitmen to five-dollar milkshakes, the film showcases Tarantino's flair for storytelling and use of source music. Its impact is evident in the numerous imitations that followed and its enduring influence on film culture.
And that's our ranking of the best Quentin Tarantino movies. Do you agree with our list, or would you rank them differently? Share your thoughts in the comments below or use our tier list tool to create your own Tarantino rankings.
