Top Quentin Tarantino Films Ranked

With Quentin Tarantino's eleventh film, *The Movie Critic*, now canceled, fans are left pondering what his final cinematic masterpiece might be. In the meantime, it's the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in a Tarantino-athon. Below, we've carefully ranked each of his 10 feature-length films, focusing solely on those he directed in their entirety. Note that we're not including his segments in *Sin City* or *Four Rooms* in this list.

It's worth noting that even Tarantino's lesser films are often superior to many other directors' best works. So, as you explore this list, keep in mind that we're dealing with varying degrees of excellence.

Feel free to share your thoughts and personal rankings in the comments section at the end of the page. Let's dive into the best Quentin Tarantino films, ranked:

Ranking the Movies of Quentin Tarantino

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10. Death Proof (2007)

Stars: Kurt Russell, Rosario Dawson, Vanessa Ferlito | Release Date: April 6, 2007 | Review: IGN's Death Proof review

Death Proof may not be as entertaining as Planet Terror, but it stands as a clever tribute to B-movies. This film feels like a project crafted by a group of talented friends over weekends, albeit with significant backing and a brisk script. Stuntman Mike's quest to terrorize with his death-proof car revitalizes Kurt Russell's career and includes nearly 40 minutes of dialogue before the thrilling action begins. While polarizing and not on par with Pulp Fiction, its lack of studio interference makes it a rare and essential watch. The climactic chase scene, fueled by revenge and sheer excitement, is sure to captivate even the toughest critics.

9. The Hateful Eight (2015)

Stars: Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, Jennifer Jason Leigh | Release Date: December 7, 2015 | Review: IGN's The Hateful Eight review

Quentin Tarantino's The Hateful Eight combines vicious humor with an intense narrative, delving into race relations and human nature while showcasing the brutality of the Wild West. By blending western and mystery genres with dark humor, the film serves as both a character study and a homage to classic 70mm filmmaking. Set post-Civil War, it explores contemporary issues with nuance, making it one of Tarantino's most mature works. While some elements may feel familiar to fans, the overall narrative remains compelling and engaging.

8. Inglourious Basterds (2009)

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, unfolds as a series of intense, theatrical vignettes rather than a single narrative. Each segment boasts exceptional performances and the signature Tarantino dialogue that builds suspense. While the film is rich in character and dialogue, it may feel disjointed at times. Christoph Waltz's portrayal of Colonel Hans Landa is a standout, while Brad Pitt adds depth to the initially one-dimensional Lt. Aldo Raine. Despite its disjointed nature, the film's individual pieces are compelling and well-crafted.

7. Kill Bill: Volume 2 (2004)

Stars: 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 journey as she seeks revenge against the remaining members of her list. Promised to be more dialogue-driven, this installment delves deeper into The Bride's backstory, offering insight into her motivations. Uma Thurman's performance is a highlight, showcasing a wide range of emotions. The confrontation with Elle Driver in Budd's trailer is a testament to Tarantino's ability to craft intense, violent scenes. Volume 2 is a testament to Tarantino's storytelling prowess, balancing action with character development.

6. Jackie Brown (1997)

Stars: Pam Grier, Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Forster | Release Date: December 8, 1997 | Review: IGN's Jackie Brown review

Initially overshadowed by the success of 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 sees Pam Grier's titular character navigating a complex plot involving Samuel L. Jackson's gun runner, Robert Forster's bail bondsman, and Michael Keaton's ATF agent. The film's dense yet accessible plot, coupled with its strong performances, showcases Tarantino's skill in handling character-driven narratives.

5. Django Unchained (2012)

Stars: Jamie Foxx, Leonardo DiCaprio, Christoph Waltz | Release Date: December 11, 2012 | Review: IGN's Django Unchained review

In Django Unchained, Tarantino confronts the horrors of slavery while delivering a thrilling, violent tribute to spaghetti westerns. The film balances humor and brutality, offering a crowd-pleasing experience that doesn't shy away from the era's harsh realities. The performances, particularly those of Jamie Foxx and Christoph Waltz, are standout, making Django Unchained a must-see for its blend of entertainment and social commentary.

4. Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood (2019)

Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie | Release Date: May 21, 2019 | Review: IGN's Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood review

Tarantino's latest film, Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood, is both a crowd-pleaser and a deeply emotional exploration of the film industry. Set in 1969, it follows an aging actor and his stunt double as they navigate the changing landscape of Hollywood and cross paths with the Manson Family. With stellar performances from Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Margot Robbie, the film serves as a time capsule and a testament to Tarantino's ability to blend intense action with heartfelt storytelling.

3. Reservoir Dogs (1992)

Stars: Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Steve Buscemi | Release Date: January 21, 1992 | Review: IGN's Resevoir Dogs review

Reservoir Dogs, Tarantino's shortest and tightest film, is a masterclass in storytelling. Despite its single-location setting, the film's pacing and character development transform it into a gripping epic. With standout performances from Tim Roth, Steve Buscemi, and Harvey Keitel, Reservoir Dogs not only redefined crime cinema but also set the stage for Tarantino's influential career. Its impact on filmmaking is undeniable, making it an instant classic.

2. Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003)

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 homage to revenge films, following The Bride's quest for vengeance after being left for dead. Uma Thurman's portrayal of The Bride is nothing short of iconic, seamlessly blending action with Tarantino's signature dialogue. The film's perfect casting and thrilling action sequences make it a standout in Tarantino's filmography, setting the stage for the equally compelling Volume 2.

1. Pulp Fiction (1994)

Stars: John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman | Release Date: May 21, 1994 | Review: IGN's Pulp Fiction review

Pulp Fiction is not just a film; it's a cultural phenomenon. Its non-linear narrative, iconic dialogue, and unforgettable characters have left an indelible mark on cinema. From the Bible-quoting hitman to the five-dollar milkshakes, every element of the film is infused with Tarantino's unique style. Its impact on the industry and pop culture is undeniable, making it not only Tarantino's best work but also one of the most influential films of all time.

### The best Quentin Tarantino movies

And that concludes our ranking of the best Quentin Tarantino films. 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 list tool to create your own ranking.