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 the director's next (and likely final) project will be. As we eagerly await his next move, it's the perfect time to indulge in a Tarantino-athon. We've ranked all ten of his feature-length films below, focusing solely on his full-length directorial efforts and excluding his segments in Sin City and Four Rooms.

It's important to note that Tarantino's films, even his least acclaimed, often surpass the best works of many other filmmakers. With that in mind, let's dive into our rankings of Quentin Tarantino's cinematic masterpieces. Feel free to share your thoughts and rankings in the comments section below!

Ranking the Movies of Quentin Tarantino

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10. 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 may not be as entertaining as Planet Terror, but it stands out as a brilliant homage to B-movies. The film feels like a project crafted by one of the most talented and audacious filmmakers during a series of weekends, backed by a major studio and fueled by a rapid-fire script. The story follows Stuntman Mike as he targets beautiful, chatty women with his "death-proofed" car, delivering a film that revitalizes Kurt Russell's career. While the movie requires patience through nearly 40 minutes of dialogue before the action kicks in, it's a polarizing yet unique cinematic experience. The climactic car chase, fueled by revenge and sheer excitement, will satisfy even the most skeptical viewers.

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 is a brutal blend of humor and intense storytelling, offering a deep dive into race relations and human nature set against the backdrop of the Wild West. Tarantino masterfully combines western and mystery elements with dark humor, creating a film that serves as both a character study and a tribute to 70mm filmmaking. The film's post-Civil War setting allows for a nuanced exploration of contemporary issues, making it one of Tarantino's most mature works. While some elements may feel familiar to fans, the overall narrative is compelling and thought-provoking.

8. Inglourious Basterds (2009)

Image credit: The Weinstein Company
Stars: Brad Pitt, Eli Roth, Christoph Waltz | Release Date: May 20, 2009 | Review: IGN's Inglourious Basterds review

Inglourious Basterds is Tarantino's homage to The Dirty Dozen, characterized by its theatrical structure and character-driven narrative. The film unfolds as a series of interconnected segments, each filled with first-rate performances and suspenseful dialogue. Christoph Waltz's Oscar-winning portrayal of Colonel Hans Landa is one of Tarantino's most memorable villains, while Brad Pitt's Lt. Aldo Raine adds depth to an otherwise one-dimensional role. Despite its strengths, the film struggles to coalesce into a cohesive whole, leaving viewers with a series of well-crafted, if over-written, pieces.

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 shifts focus from action to character development, delivering on Tarantino's promise of a more dialogue-driven sequel. The film delves into The Bride's backstory, providing motivations and context that enrich the narrative. Uma Thurman's performance is captivating, showcasing a wide range of emotions. The confrontation between The Bride and Elle Driver in Budd's trailer is a highlight, offering a blend of violence and dark humor that is quintessentially Tarantino.

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, an adaptation of Elmore Leonard's Rum Punch, initially received mixed reactions as a follow-up to Pulp Fiction. Over time, however, it has been recognized as one of Tarantino's strongest and most restrained efforts. The film follows Pam Grier's title character as she navigates a complex plot involving Samuel L. Jackson's gun runner, Robert Forster's bail bondsman, and Michael Keaton's ATF agent. The dense yet engaging plot allows Tarantino's actors to shine, delivering memorable performances in a character-driven narrative.

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 violent homage to the spaghetti western, tackling the horrors of slavery head-on while delivering a crowd-pleasing narrative. Tarantino masterfully balances the film's tone, shifting between absurd comedy and harrowing depictions of life in the antebellum South. The film's blend of over-the-top violence and humor, combined with its unflinching portrayal of racism, makes it a must-see cinematic experience.

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 a masterful blend of alternate history and emotional depth, marking Tarantino's second foray into "What If...?" storytelling. The film follows an aging actor and his stunt double as they navigate the changing landscape of Hollywood in 1969, intersecting with the Manson Family. With standout performances from Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Margot Robbie, the film captures the era's essence while delivering a satisfying and intense narrative.

3. Reservoir Dogs (1992)

Image credit: Miramax Films
Stars: Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Steve Buscemi | Release Date: January 21, 1992 | Review: IGN's Reservoir Dogs review

Reservoir Dogs is Tarantino's shortest and most tightly constructed film, blending essential plot development with character-building and pop-cultural references. The film's lightning-fast pace and compelling performances from Tim Roth, Steve Buscemi, and Michael Madsen, along with veteran actors like Harvey Keitel, elevate the material into a cinematic classic. Tarantino's creative direction transforms a one-location story into a minor epic, revolutionizing crime cinema and influencing a 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: Volume 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 delivers a standout performance, seamlessly transitioning from delivering Tarantino's iconic dialogue to becoming a formidable action hero. The film's perfect casting and relentless action sequences make it a thrilling cinematic experience.

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 reshaped the landscape of cinema in the 1990s. Tarantino's non-linear storytelling, coupled with instantly quotable dialogue and eclectic characters, created a film that continues to influence pop culture. From the iconic wallet that says "Bad Mutherf@#%er" to the unforgettable performances by John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson, Pulp Fiction is a testament to Tarantino's innovative direction and storytelling prowess. It not only changed how movies were made but also set new expectations for what films can achieve.

The best Quentin Tarantino movies

And that concludes our list of the best Quentin Tarantino movies. Do you agree with our rankings, or do you have a different order in mind? Share your thoughts in the comments below or create your own Tarantino tier list using our interactive tool above.