Top Quentin Tarantino Films Ranked

Following a change of heart, Quentin Tarantino has canceled his eleventh film, The Movie Critic, leaving fans to speculate about what the director's next (and likely final) project might be. In the meantime, it's the perfect opportunity to indulge in a Tarantino-athon. We've ranked each of the 10 feature-length films directed by Tarantino below. Note that we're focusing solely on his feature films, so segments he directed in Sin City and Four Rooms are not included.

While we believe Tarantino hasn't made a truly bad film yet, some are not as stellar as his best works. Keep this in mind as you peruse our list. Even his least impressive films often outshine the best efforts of many other directors.

Below, we present our rankings of the best Quentin Tarantino films. We encourage you to share your thoughts and rankings in the comments section at the end of the page.

Ranking the Movies of Quentin Tarantino

11 Images10. Death Proof (2007)

Stars: 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 entertaining as Planet Terror, but it stands out as the most intelligent homage to B-movies ever crafted. The film feels like a project that a highly talented and confident filmmaker might whip up with friends over weekends, yet it's backed by major production funding and features a rapid-fire script.

The story follows Stuntman Mike, who targets beautiful, chatty women with his death-proofed car. The movie is a thrill ride that revitalizes Kurt Russell's career and challenges viewers with nearly 40 minutes of dialogue before the action kicks in. While polarizing, especially outside of Cannes, Death Proof is a unique film free from studio interference, making it a rare gem in today's cinematic landscape. The climactic death chase, fueled by revenge and pure excitement, should captivate even the most skeptical audiences.

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, offering a brutal exploration of race relations and human nature set against the backdrop of the Wild West. The film masterfully blends western and mystery genres with a touch of gallows humor, delivering both a deep character study and a homage to classic 70mm filmmaking.

Set in the post-Civil War era, The Hateful Eight delves into contemporary issues around race, making it arguably Tarantino's most nuanced and mature story to date. While the film draws on familiar elements from Tarantino's previous works, such as echoes of Reservoir Dogs, these similarities might lessen the impact of some surprises. However, these minor critiques are overshadowed by the compelling narrative and rich character development.

8. Inglourious Basterds (2009)

Stars: Brad Pitt, Eli Roth, Christoph Waltz | Release Date: May 20, 2009 | Review: IGN's Inglorious Basterds review

Inglourious Basterds is Tarantino's tribute to The Dirty Dozen, featuring a character-driven, mission-focused script. The film feels more theatrical than his other works since Reservoir Dogs, consisting of four distinct segments and a short film. Each section is packed with top-notch performances and the suspenseful dialogue that Tarantino fans love. However, the film's lengthy conversations can overshadow its brief bursts of action.

Christoph Waltz's Oscar-winning portrayal of Colonel Hans Landa is among Tarantino's most memorable villains—charming, brutal, and cunning. Brad Pitt's Lt. Aldo Raine, initially a one-dimensional character, gains depth through Pitt's terrifying yet humorous performance. Despite its strong individual parts, Inglourious Basterds struggles to coalesce into a cohesive whole, resulting in a series of well-crafted but disjointed pieces.

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 follows The Bride (Uma Thurman) as she seeks revenge against the remaining three members of her hit list: Elle Driver (Daryl Hannah), Budd (Michael Madsen), and Bill (David Carradine). Tarantino promised that this volume would focus more on dialogue, pop culture references, and complex characters, and it delivers on that promise. Volume 2 may be Tarantino's most dialogue-heavy film, showcasing Thurman's impressive range of emotions.

The film delves deeper into The Bride's backstory, providing context and motivation that enhance the overall narrative. The violent confrontation between The Bride and Elle Driver in Budd's trailer is a highlight, revealing Elle's backstory and delivering a satisfying resolution. Volume 2 complements the first installment, offering a more introspective and emotionally rich conclusion to The Bride's journey.

6. Jackie Brown (1997)

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

When Jackie Brown was released in 1997, it received positive reviews, though it was seen as a stumble following the groundbreaking Pulp Fiction. As Tarantino's only adaptation, based on Elmore Leonard's Rum Punch, the film challenged him to step out of his comfort zone, despite Leonard's influence on his work.

In recent years, Jackie Brown has been reevaluated as one of Tarantino's strongest and most restrained character-driven films. The story follows Pam Grier's titular character as she navigates a complex plot involving Samuel L. Jackson's gun runner, Robert Forster's sympathetic bail bondsman, and Michael Keaton's no-nonsense ATF agent. The dense yet engaging plot allows Tarantino's actors, including Robert De Niro and Keaton, to shine in his unique cinematic world.

5. Django Unchained (2012)

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

Django Unchained does not shy away from depicting the horrors of slavery while delivering a wild, bloody, and entertaining homage to spaghetti westerns. The film is designed to be a crowd-pleaser, and it succeeds with its mix of over-the-top violence and humor.

One of the most notable aspects of Django Unchained is Tarantino's ability to balance tone, shifting between absurd comedy and the brutal realities of slavery in the antebellum South. The film's depiction of casual racism is both shocking and historically accurate. Despite its dark themes, Django Unchained remains a fun and essential watch.

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 most recent film, Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood, is not only one of his best works but also his second alternate history project after Inglourious Basterds. While maintaining its crowd-pleasing "course correction" ending, the film offers a deeper emotional core, alongside Tarantino's signature ultra-violence.

The story follows an aging actor and his loyal stunt double as they navigate the changing landscape of Hollywood in 1969, intersecting with the Manson Family. Featuring standout performances from Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt (who won an Oscar for his role), and Margot Robbie as Sharon Tate, the film is a nostalgic time capsule filled with great performances, memorable music, and intense moments.

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 most tightly constructed film, balances pop-cultural references with essential plot and character development. The film moves at a breakneck pace, leaving viewers little time to process events until the final shot. Tim Roth, Steve Buscemi, and Michael Madsen deliver breakout performances, while Harvey Keitel and Lawrence Tierney elevate the material to poetic heights.

Tarantino's creative direction transforms a single-location story into a minor epic, revolutionizing crime cinema and influencing an entire generation of filmmakers. His postmodern style has been imitated by many, but none have matched his original vision. In just 100 minutes, Reservoir Dogs became an instant classic, cementing Tarantino's place in film history.

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 Tarantino's homage to The Bride Wore Black, following The Bride (Uma Thurman) as she seeks revenge after being left for dead by her ex-lover Bill (David Carradine) and her former colleagues. After waking from a four-year coma, The Bride embarks on a global quest for vengeance.

This first volume is a blood-soaked spectacle, with impeccable casting across the board. Uma Thurman's portrayal of The Bride is particularly noteworthy, delivering both memorable dialogue and action heroics. As the film progresses and dialogue becomes sparse, Thurman's performance shines as a formidable action star.

1. Pulp Fiction (1994)

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

In 1995, Pulp Fiction competed with Forrest Gump for the Best Picture Oscar, with Gump ultimately winning. However, many believed Pulp Fiction deserved the accolade for its groundbreaking impact on pop culture.

Few films from the 1990s, or any era, have had such a profound influence as Tarantino's non-linear masterpiece. Pulp Fiction is a cinematic rock and roll experience, filled with instantly quotable dialogue and an eclectic mix of characters, from Bible-quoting hitmen to leather-clad gimps. The film's use of source music enhances its storytelling, setting a new standard for cinematic soundtracks.

Pulp Fiction not only changed how movies were made but also raised the bar for what audiences expect from film. As Tarantino's second feature, it solidified his reputation as a visionary director and inspired a wave of imitators.

### The best Quentin Tarantino movies

The best Quentin Tarantino movies

And that concludes 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.