Top Quentin Tarantino Films Ranked

Apr 20,25

Following a surprising change of heart, Quentin Tarantino has decided to cancel his eleventh film, The Movie Critic, leaving fans curious about what his next—and possibly final—project will be. As we eagerly await news of his next cinematic endeavor, it's the perfect time to embark on a Tarantino-athon. Below, we've ranked all ten of his feature-length films. Note that this list focuses on his full-length movies, excluding his contributions to anthology films like Sin City and Four Rooms.

We believe that even Tarantino's less celebrated films are typically superior to many other directors' best works. Keep this in mind as you peruse our rankings. Feel free to share your own rankings in the comments section at the bottom of the page.

Ranking the Movies of Quentin Tarantino

11 Images10. 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 might not be as entertaining as Planet Terror, but it stands as a smart homage to B-movies. The film feels like a weekend project from one of the most talented filmmakers, yet it's backed by a major production outlet and features a rapid-fire script. The story of Stuntman Mike and his deadly car chases is a thrilling ride, revitalizing Kurt Russell's career. While it's a polarizing film, its lack of studio interference makes it a unique and essential watch.

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, offering a brutal look at race relations and human nature in the Wild West. This film merges the western and mystery genres with dark humor, making it a compelling character study and a tribute to 70mm filmmaking. Its post-Civil War setting delves into contemporary issues, marking it as one of Tarantino's most nuanced works. While some elements may feel familiar to his fans, the overall narrative is powerful and engaging.

8. Inglourious Basterds (2009)

Image credit: The Weinstein Company
Stars: 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, featuring a character-driven narrative with theatrical flair. The film offers intense performances and suspenseful dialogue, though it's criticized for its lengthy conversations and brief action sequences. Christoph Waltz's portrayal of Colonel Hans Landa is unforgettable, and Brad Pitt's Lt. Aldo Raine adds depth to an initially one-dimensional character. The film's individual segments are strong, though they don't always 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 focuses on The Bride's quest for revenge, with less action and more of Tarantino's signature dialogue and character development. Uma Thurman delivers a powerful performance, showcasing a broad emotional range. The film provides deeper insights into The Bride's backstory, making the narrative more coherent and emotionally resonant. The violent showdown between The Bride and Elle Driver is a highlight, showcasing Tarantino's ability to blend humor with intense 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

Jackie Brown was initially seen as a step down from Pulp Fiction, but it has since been recognized as one of Tarantino's strongest and most restrained works. Based on Elmore Leonard's Rum Punch, the film follows Pam Grier's 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 accessible plot, combined with strong performances, makes it a compelling character-driven drama.

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 and bloody homage to spaghetti westerns, tackling the horrors of slavery with a mix of humor and violence. The film balances its tone masterfully, moving between comedic moments and stark depictions of the antebellum South. Despite its controversial subject matter, Django Unchained is a thrilling and essential watch, showcasing Tarantino's ability to blend entertainment with social commentary.

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 latest masterpiece, offering an alternate history of 1969 Hollywood. The film follows an aging actor and his stunt double as they navigate the changing film industry, intersecting with the Manson Family. With standout performances from Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Margot Robbie, the movie is a nostalgic time capsule that combines emotional depth with Tarantino's signature ultra-violence.

3. Reservoir Dogs (1992)

Image credit: Miramax Films
Stars: 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, packed with essential plot development and character building. The film's fast pace and innovative storytelling transformed crime cinema, with standout performances from Tim Roth, Steve Buscemi, and Harvey Keitel. Tarantino's creative direction turned a single-location story into a cinematic epic, setting the stage for a new generation of filmmakers.

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: Vol. 1 review

Kill Bill: Volume 1 is a blood-soaked tribute to revenge films, following The Bride's quest for vengeance after her wedding party is massacred. Uma Thurman's portrayal of The Bride is iconic, seamlessly blending Tarantino's dialogue with intense action sequences. The film's perfect casting and thrilling action 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 is a cultural phenomenon that changed the landscape of filmmaking. With its non-linear narrative, iconic dialogue, and unforgettable characters, the film has left an indelible mark on cinema. From John Travolta's comeback performance to Samuel L. Jackson's Bible-quoting hitman, Pulp Fiction is a testament to Tarantino's unique vision and storytelling prowess.

The best Quentin Tarantino movies

And there you have it—our ranking of the best Quentin Tarantino movies. Do you agree with our list, or do you have a different order in mind? Let us know in the comments below, or use our tier list tool to create your own ranking of Tarantino's films.

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