Following a change of heart, Quentin Tarantino has canceled his eleventh film, The Movie Critic, leaving us wondering what the director's next (and likely final) movie will be. While we wait, it's the perfect time to delve into a Tarantino-athon, so we've ranked each of the 10 feature-length films the filmmaker has directed below (Notice we said "feature-length," meaning we're overlooking the segments he helmed for Sin City and Four Rooms).
We don't think Tarantino's made a truly bad film yet, just a couple that aren't as good as his best efforts. So bear that in mind as you read the following list. Even the worst of Tarantino is usually better than any other filmmaker's best.
Here are the best Quentin Tarantino films, ranked. As always, remember to comment at the bottom of the page and let us know how you would rank Tarantino's films!
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
Let's address the elephant in the room: Death Proof may not be as fun as Planet Terror, but it's undoubtedly the smartest homage to B-movies ever crafted. The film feels like a passion project, something Tarantino and his friends threw together on weekends, albeit with major studio backing and a rapid-fire script that keeps you hooked.
The story follows Stuntman Mike as he targets beautiful, chatty women with his "death-proofed" car. It's a lean, mean movie that revitalizes Kurt Russell's career and keeps you waiting nearly 40 minutes before the action kicks in. While the film might polarize audiences (unless you're at Cannes), it's refreshingly free of studio interference, making it a rare gem in today's cinematic landscape. And if you're not into the smart-talking, stylish women, the climactic revenge-fueled chase scene is sure to win you over.
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
With its biting humor and intense narrative, The Hateful Eight tackles race relations and human nature head-on, blending western and mystery genres with a dash of gallows humor. The film is both a deep character study and a tribute to classic 70mm filmmaking.
Set post-Civil War, the movie delves into contemporary issues, making it arguably Tarantino's most nuanced and mature work. While some elements might feel familiar to Tarantino aficionados, with echoes of Reservoir Dogs, the overall story remains 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
Tarantino's self-described homage to The Dirty Dozen, Inglourious Basterds is more a collection of vignettes than a single narrative. Each segment is packed with top-notch performances and dialogue that builds suspense, a hallmark of Tarantino's style. However, the film's strength lies in its parts rather than the whole, with long conversations leading up to brief bursts of action.
Christoph Waltz's Oscar-winning portrayal of Colonel Hans Landa is one of Tarantino's finest villains—charming, brutal, and cunning. Brad Pitt's Lt. Aldo Raine, initially one-dimensional, becomes a richly layered character thanks to Pitt's performance. Despite its disjointed nature, Inglourious Basterds showcases Tarantino's writing prowess and his ability to craft memorable characters.
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 continues The Bride's (Uma Thurman) quest for vengeance 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 is more dialogue-driven, delving deeper into The Bride's backstory and motivations.
The film's narrative richness is complemented by Thurman's powerful performance, showcasing her emotional range. The violent confrontation between The Bride and Elle in Budd's trailer is a highlight, delivering a satisfying resolution to Elle's character arc.
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 seen as a stumble following 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, the movie showcases Tarantino's ability to work outside his usual comfort zone.
Pam Grier's titular character navigates a complex plot involving Samuel L. Jackson's gun runner, Robert Forster's bail bondsman, and Michael Keaton's ATF agent, all vying for a large sum of cash. The film's dense plot is engaging and fun, allowing veteran actors like De Niro and Keaton to shine in Tarantino's 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 doesn't shy away from the horrors of slavery, yet it remains a wild, bloody, and humorous tribute to the spaghetti western. Designed as a crowd-pleaser, the film delivers with over-the-top violence and humor, balancing absurd comedy with the brutal reality of life in the antebellum South.
The movie is a must-see, offering a thrilling blend of entertainment and poignant social commentary.
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 best but also his second major alternate history project after Inglourious Basterds. The film offers a "course correction" ending while delivering a deeply emotional story, complete with Tarantino's signature ultra-violence.
Set in 1969, the movie follows an aging actor (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his stunt double (Brad Pitt, who won an Oscar for his role) as they navigate the changing film industry, intersecting with the Manson Family. With standout performances, a fantastic soundtrack, and moments of stark intensity, the film is a captivating time capsule.
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
As Tarantino's shortest film, Reservoir Dogs is also his most tightly constructed. Every scene serves a purpose, blending pop-cultural references with essential plot development and character building. The film's fast pace and performances from Tim Roth, Steve Buscemi, and Michael Madsen are standout, while actors like Harvey Keitel elevate the material.
Tarantino's creative direction transforms a single-location story into a gripping epic, redefining 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: Vol. 1 review
Kill Bill: Volume 1 is a blood-soaked homage to The Bride Wore Black, following The Bride (Uma Thurman) as she seeks revenge against her former lover Bill (David Carradine) and his cohorts. After waking from a four-year coma, The Bride's quest takes her around the world.
The film is a non-stop action extravaganza, with perfect casting and Thurman delivering iconic lines and action heroics that will be remembered for years to come.
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 and Forrest Gump vied for the Best Picture Oscar, with Gump ultimately winning. However, Pulp Fiction's impact on pop culture is undeniable, reshaping cinematic expectations with its non-linear storytelling, iconic dialogue, and rock-and-roll energy.
The film features a Bible-quoting hitman, his morally ambiguous partner, and a host of memorable characters and scenes. Tarantino's direction and use of music elevated the film, setting the stage for countless imitators and inspiring a new generation of filmmakers. Pulp Fiction didn't just change movies; it changed what we expect from them.
### The best Quentin Tarantino moviesThe best Quentin Tarantino movies
And that's it for our list of the best Tarantino movies. Do you agree with our ranking, or is your ranking different? Let us know in the comments or create your own Tarantino tier list using our handy tier tool above.
