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 possibly final) project will be. As we await his next move, there's no better time than now to embark on a Tarantino-athon. We've ranked each of his 10 feature-length films, focusing solely on his directorial efforts and excluding segments from Sin City and Four Rooms.

It's worth noting that even Tarantino's least celebrated films are often superior to many other filmmakers' best works. As you dive into our rankings, keep in mind that this list reflects our opinion, and we encourage you to share your own rankings in the comments below.

Ranking the Movies of Quentin Tarantino

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10. Death Proof (2007)

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

While Death Proof may not be as entertaining as its companion piece, Planet Terror, it stands as a smart and unique homage to B-movies. The film feels like a weekend project by one of the most talented and confident filmmakers, yet it benefits from a major studio's backing and Tarantino's signature rapid-fire dialogue. The story revolves around Stuntman Mike and his deadly car, revitalizing Kurt Russell's career with a blend of dialogue-heavy scenes and thrilling action. Though polarizing, especially outside of Cannes, Death Proof remains a rare gem in today's studio-dominated landscape, culminating in a satisfying, high-octane chase fueled by revenge.

9. The Hateful Eight (2015)

Image credit: The Weinstein CompanyStars: 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 is a fierce blend of humor and intense storytelling, delving deep into race relations and human nature against a Wild West backdrop. The film masterfully combines western and mystery genres with a touch of gallows humor, delivering a gripping character study and a tribute to traditional 70mm filmmaking. Set post-Civil War, the narrative explores contemporary issues in a nuanced manner, making it one of Tarantino's most mature works. While some elements may echo Reservoir Dogs, these familiarities do not detract from the powerful story at its core.

8. Inglourious Basterds (2009)

Image credit: The Weinstein CompanyStars: 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, crafted as a series of theatrical segments that showcase the director's penchant for dialogue-driven suspense. Each section is filled with stellar performances, especially Christoph Waltz's Oscar-winning portrayal of Colonel Hans Landa, a chilling yet charming villain. Brad Pitt's Lt. Aldo Raine brings depth to what could have been a flat character. However, the film's episodic nature, with its long conversations punctuated by brief bursts of action, can make it feel disjointed, though each part remains compelling in its own right.

7. Kill Bill: Volume 2 (2004)

Image credit: Miramax FilmsStars: 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 (Uma Thurman) quest for vengeance, focusing on her final targets: Elle Driver, Budd, and Bill. True to Tarantino's style, this volume leans heavily on dialogue, pop culture references, and character development, offering less action than its predecessor. Thurman's performance is captivating, displaying a wide range of emotions. The film provides deeper insight into The Bride's backstory, culminating in a memorable confrontation with Elle Driver in Budd's trailer, showcasing Tarantino's flair for violent storytelling.

6. Jackie Brown (1997)

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

Initially seen as a step down from Pulp Fiction, Jackie Brown has since been recognized as one of Tarantino's most restrained and character-driven films. Based on Elmore Leonard's Rum Punch, it showcases Tarantino's ability to work outside his usual comfort zone while still delivering a compelling narrative. The film follows Pam Grier's Jackie Brown as she navigates a complex plot involving Samuel L. Jackson's gun runner, Ordell, and Robert Forster's sympathetic bail bondsman, all chasing a significant sum of money. The dense yet engaging plot, combined with strong performances, makes Jackie Brown a standout.

5. Django Unchained (2012)

Image credit: The Weinstein CompanyStars: Jamie Foxx, Leonardo DiCaprio, Christoph Waltz | Release Date: December 11, 2012 | Review: IGN's Django Unchained review

Django Unchained is a bold and entertaining homage to spaghetti westerns that doesn't shy away from the brutal realities of slavery. Tarantino balances the film's tone expertly, blending absurd humor with stark depictions of life in the antebellum South. The movie's crowd-pleasing moments of violence and humor are balanced by its unflinching portrayal of racism, making it both a fun and thought-provoking experience.

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

Image credit: Sony PicturesStars: 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 and a poignant "What If...?" alternate history, following the lives of an aging actor and his stunt double as they navigate the changing landscape of Hollywood in 1969. The film's emotional depth and crowd-pleasing finale, coupled with its ultra-violent scenes, make it a standout. Featuring exceptional performances by Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt (who won an Oscar for his role), and Margot Robbie, the movie serves as a nostalgic time capsule and a testament to Tarantino's storytelling prowess.

3. Reservoir Dogs (1992)

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

Reservoir Dogs is Tarantino's shortest yet most tightly crafted film, blending pop-cultural references with essential plot and character development. The film's brisk pace keeps viewers engaged from start to finish, with standout performances by Tim Roth, Steve Buscemi, and Michael Madsen. Harvey Keitel and Lawrence Tierney elevate the narrative to poetic heights. Tarantino's innovative direction transforms a single-location story into a cinematic landmark, influencing crime cinema and filmmaking as a whole.

2. Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003)

Image credit: Miramax FilmsStars: Uma Thurman, Lucy Liu, Daryl Hannah | Release Date: October 10, 2003 | Review: IGN's Kill Bill: Volume 1 review

Kill Bill: Volume 1 follows The Bride's quest for revenge after her wedding party is massacred. The film is a blood-soaked tribute to action cinema, with Uma Thurman delivering an iconic performance as The Bride. Her seamless blend of Tarantino's dialogue and action-hero prowess makes her character unforgettable. The film's perfect casting and thrilling action sequences cement its place as a beloved entry in Tarantino's oeuvre.

1. Pulp Fiction (1994)

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

Pulp Fiction redefined cinema with its non-linear storytelling and instantly quotable dialogue. The film's impact on pop culture is undeniable, featuring iconic scenes from a Bible-quoting hitman to a five-dollar milkshake. Tarantino's direction and use of source music elevated the movie to legendary status, inspiring countless imitators. Pulp Fiction not only changed how films were made but also raised expectations for what cinema could achieve, cementing its place as Tarantino's magnum opus.

And that's our ranking of the best Quentin Tarantino movies. Do you agree with our list, or do you have a different ranking? Let us know in the comments below or create your own Tarantino tier list using our handy tool.