Top Quentin Tarantino Films Ranked

Following a change of heart, Quentin Tarantino has canceled his eleventh film, The Movie Critic, leaving fans curious about what his next—and likely final—project will be. As we eagerly await his next move, now is the perfect time to indulge in a Tarantino-athon. Below, we've ranked all 10 of his feature-length films. Note that we're focusing solely on his feature films, excluding his segments in Sin City and Four Rooms.

It's worth mentioning that Tarantino hasn't made a truly bad film yet, just a few that don't quite reach the heights of his best work. Keep that in mind as you explore our list. Even his lesser films often outshine the best efforts of many other filmmakers.

Here's our ranking of the best Quentin Tarantino films. Feel free to share your thoughts and your own rankings in the comments section below!

Ranking the Movies of Quentin Tarantino

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10. Death Proof (2007)

While Death Proof might not be as fun as Planet Terror, it stands out as an intelligent homage to B-movies. The film feels like a project crafted by one of the most talented and audacious filmmakers over a series of weekends, albeit with major production funding and a rapid-fire script. The story follows Stuntman Mike as he targets beautiful, chatty women with his death-proofed car. It revitalizes Kurt Russell's career and features nearly 40 minutes of dialogue before the action kicks in. Though polarizing, the film's lack of studio interference makes it a rare gem in today's cinematic landscape. The climactic car chase, driven by revenge and sheer exhilaration, is sure to thrill even the most skeptical viewers.

9. The Hateful Eight (2015)

The Hateful Eight combines vicious humor with an intense narrative to delve into race relations and human nature, set against the backdrop of the Wild West. Tarantino blends western and mystery genres with a dose of gallows humor, creating a compelling character study and a tribute to traditional 70mm filmmaking. The film's post-Civil War setting allows for an exploration of contemporary issues, making it one of Tarantino's most nuanced and mature works. While some elements might feel familiar to fans, with echoes of Reservoir Dogs, the overall story remains powerful and engaging.

8. Inglourious Basterds (2009)

Inglourious Basterds is Tarantino's homage to The Dirty Dozen, featuring a character-driven, man-on-a-mission narrative. The film is structured like a series of theatrical plays, each filled with top-notch performances and dialogue that builds suspense. However, the film's length and its focus on extended conversations leading to brief action scenes can be a drawback. Christoph Waltz's Oscar-winning portrayal of Colonel Hans Landa is one of Tarantino's most memorable villains. 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 fully coalesce into a unified whole.

7. Kill Bill: Volume 2 (2004)

Kill Bill: Volume 2 continues The Bride's (Uma Thurman) quest for vengeance against the remaining members of her former team: Elle Driver (Daryl Hannah), Budd (Michael Madsen), and Bill (David Carradine). True to Tarantino's promise, this volume focuses more on dialogue, pop culture references, and character development than action. The film delves deeper into The Bride's backstory, providing context and emotional depth. The showdown between The Bride and Elle Driver in Budd's trailer is a highlight, showcasing Tarantino's flair for violent beauty and intense storytelling.

6. Jackie Brown (1997)

Jackie Brown was initially seen as a stumble following the groundbreaking Pulp Fiction, but it has since been recognized as one of Tarantino's strongest and most restrained character-driven films. An adaptation of Elmore Leonard's Rum Punch, the film follows Pam Grier's Jackie Brown as she navigates a complex plot involving $500,000 and interactions with Samuel L. Jackson's gun runner, Robert Forster's sympathetic bail bondsman, and Michael Keaton's no-nonsense ATF agent. The dense yet accessible plot and the opportunity for actors like De Niro and Keaton to shine in Tarantino's world make Jackie Brown a compelling watch.

5. Django Unchained (2012)

Django Unchained doesn't shy away from the horrors of slavery while delivering a wild and bloody crowd-pleaser, paying homage to spaghetti westerns. The film balances absurd comedy with brutal depictions of antebellum South life, making it both entertaining and impactful. Jamie Foxx's Django, alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and Christoph Waltz, creates a dynamic and engaging narrative. Despite its dark themes, Django Unchained is a must-see for its thrilling action and memorable moments.

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

Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood is not only one of Tarantino's best works but also his second major "What If...?" alternate history project, following Inglourious Basterds. The film follows an aging actor (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his stunt double (Brad Pitt) navigating the entertainment industry in 1969, with their lives intersecting with the Manson Family. The movie offers a nostalgic time capsule, featuring stellar performances, iconic music, and intense moments. It's both a crowd-pleaser and a deeply emotional journey, earning Brad Pitt an Oscar for his role.

3. Reservoir Dogs (1992)

Reservoir Dogs is Tarantino's shortest and tightest film, blending pop-cultural references with essential plot and character development at a breakneck pace. The performances by Tim Roth, Steve Buscemi, and Michael Madsen, along with veterans like Harvey Keitel, elevate the film from mere pulp to cinematic poetry. Tarantino's creative direction transforms a one-location story into a minor epic, revolutionizing crime cinema and influencing a generation of filmmakers. In just 100 minutes, Tarantino created an instant classic and defined his career.

2. Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003)

Kill Bill: Volume 1 is the first part of Tarantino's 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 blood-soaked spectacle, with perfect casting across the board. Uma Thurman's portrayal of The Bride is exceptional, delivering both Tarantino's iconic dialogue and intense action sequences. The film's second half, with its minimal dialogue, showcases Thurman's prowess as an action hero.

1. Pulp Fiction (1994)

In 1995, Pulp Fiction competed with Forrest Gump for the Best Picture Oscar, and while Forrest Gump took home the prize, many believed Pulp Fiction deserved it more. The film's non-linear narrative and instantly quotable dialogue have left an indelible mark on pop culture. With elements like Bible-quoting hitmen, leather-clad gimps, and iconic milkshakes, Pulp Fiction is a rock and roll cinematic experience. Tarantino's direction and use of source music elevate the storytelling, setting the stage for countless imitators and influencing a new generation of filmmakers. Pulp Fiction not only changed the way movies were made but also redefined what audiences expect from film.

And that's our ranking of the best Quentin Tarantino films. Do you agree with our list, or would you rank them differently? Share your thoughts in the comments section below or create your own Tarantino tier list using our handy tool above.