Top Quentin Tarantino Films Ranked

Quentin Tarantino's decision to cancel his eleventh film, The Movie Critic, has left fans eagerly anticipating what might be his final cinematic masterpiece. As we await his next move, it's the perfect time to indulge in a Tarantino-athon. Below, we've ranked all 10 of his feature-length films, keeping in mind that even Tarantino's "worst" films often surpass many other directors' best efforts. Feel free to share your own rankings in the comments section!

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

Death Proof may not match the thrill of Planet Terror, but it stands out as a smart homage to B-movies. The film feels like a project crafted by a talented and confident filmmaker over a series of weekends, albeit with a major studio's backing and a rapid-fire script. The tale of Stuntman Mike targeting beautiful, chatty women with his "death-proofed" car is a brisk, engaging movie that revitalizes Kurt Russell's career. While it requires patience through nearly 40 minutes of dialogue before the action begins, the film's unique style and lack of studio interference make it a must-watch. The climactic chase, driven by revenge and sheer excitement, should satisfy even the most skeptical viewers.

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

The Hateful Eight combines vicious humor with an intense story, offering a brutal look at race relations and human nature in the Wild West. Blending western and mystery genres with a touch of gallows humor, the film serves as both a character study and a homage to classic 70mm filmmaking. Set post-Civil War, it delves into contemporary issues, making it one of Tarantino's most nuanced works. While some elements may feel familiar to fans, with echoes of Reservoir Dogs, the overall narrative remains compelling and impactful.

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

Tarantino's homage to The Dirty Dozen, Inglourious Basterds, feels like a theatrical production with its character-driven segments and suspenseful dialogue. Each section boasts exceptional performances, especially Christoph Waltz's Oscar-winning role as Colonel Hans Landa, one of Tarantino's most memorable villains. Brad Pitt's portrayal of Lt. Aldo Raine adds depth to what could have been a one-dimensional character. However, the film's long, sprawling conversations sometimes overshadow its brief bursts of action, making it feel more like a series of strong but disconnected pieces.

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 shifts focus to The Bride's (Uma Thurman) quest to eliminate the remaining members of her hit list: Elle Driver (Daryl Hannah), Budd (Michael Madsen), and Bill (David Carradine). True to Tarantino's promise, this volume emphasizes dialogue, pop culture references, and character development over action. Thurman delivers a powerful performance, showcasing a wide range of emotions. The film delves deeper into The Bride's backstory, providing context and depth, culminating in a memorable and violent confrontation with Elle Driver.

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 overshadowed by the success of Pulp Fiction, Jackie Brown has since been recognized as one of Tarantino's strongest and most restrained films. An adaptation of Elmore Leonard's Rum Punch, it showcases Tarantino's ability to work outside his comfort zone while still delivering a compelling narrative. The film follows Jackie Brown (Pam Grier) as she navigates a complex plot involving Samuel L. Jackson's gun runner, Ordell, and a $500,000 cash heist. The dense yet engaging plot and the performances of actors like Robert De Niro and Michael Keaton make it a standout in Tarantino's oeuvre.

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 fearlessly addresses the horrors of slavery while delivering a thrilling and violent crowd-pleaser. A homage to spaghetti westerns, the film balances absurd comedy with the brutal realities of the antebellum South. Jamie Foxx, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Christoph Waltz deliver standout performances, making the film a must-see for its mix of humor, violence, and historical context.

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 not only ranks among Tarantino's best but also serves as a poignant "What If...?" alternate history, similar to Inglourious Basterds. The film follows an aging actor (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his stunt double (Brad Pitt) as they navigate the changing Hollywood landscape in 1969, intersecting with the Manson Family. With stellar performances, memorable music, and intense moments, the film captures the era beautifully and offers a satisfying emotional depth.

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 and tightest film, with every scene packed with essential plot or character development. The film's rapid pace and compelling performances by Tim Roth, Steve Buscemi, and Michael Madsen, along with seasoned actors like Harvey Keitel, elevate it to a classic. Tarantino's innovative direction transforms a single-location story into a cinematic epic, 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: Vol. 1 review

Kill Bill: Volume 1 is a blood-soaked tribute to revenge cinema, focusing on The Bride (Uma Thurman) as she seeks vengeance against her former allies. The film is a testament to Tarantino's ability to blend action and dialogue, with Thurman delivering iconic lines and showcasing her prowess as an action hero. The casting is impeccable, and the film's energy and style make it a standout.

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 remains Tarantino's magnum opus, a non-linear epic that redefined pop culture in the 1990s. With its iconic dialogue, memorable characters, and innovative storytelling, the film set new standards for cinema. From the Bible-quoting hitman to the infamous five-dollar milkshake, Pulp Fiction continues to influence filmmakers and captivate audiences worldwide.

The best Quentin Tarantino movies

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