Quentin Tarantino's decision to cancel his eleventh film, The Movie Critic, has left fans eager to see what the acclaimed director's next, and possibly final, project will be. In the meantime, what better way to celebrate his legacy than by diving into a Tarantino-athon? We've ranked all ten of his feature-length films, focusing solely on those he directed in their entirety. Keep in mind, Tarantino hasn't made a truly bad film; even his lesser works often outshine many other filmmakers' best efforts. 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 Films | Stars: Kurt Russell, Rosario Dawson, Vanessa Ferlito | Release Date: April 6, 2007 | Review: IGN's Death Proof review
While Death Proof may not match the sheer fun of Planet Terror, it stands out as a smart homage to B-movies. Imagine a talented filmmaker crafting a thrilling, rapid-fire script over a few weekends, backed by a major studio. The story follows Stuntman Mike, played by Kurt Russell, who targets beautiful, chatty women with his "death-proofed" car. The film boasts nearly 40 minutes of engaging dialogue before erupting into blood-pumping action. Though polarizing, Death Proof remains a unique, studio-free work of art in today's film industry. Its climactic chase scene, fueled by revenge and pure adrenaline, is a must-see for 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
Quentin Tarantino's The Hateful Eight blends vicious humor with a gripping story, tackling race relations and human nature with brutal honesty. Set in the post-Civil War era, the film weaves together western and mystery elements with dark humor, serving as both a character study and a tribute to classic 70mm filmmaking. While it may echo some of Tarantino's previous work, like Reservoir Dogs, The Hateful Eight remains a nuanced exploration of contemporary issues, showcasing the director's ability to balance entertainment with social commentary.
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
Tarantino's nod to The Dirty Dozen, Inglourious Basterds, unfolds as a series of theatrical vignettes rather than a cohesive whole. Each segment boasts stellar performances and Tarantino's signature suspenseful dialogue. Christoph Waltz's chilling portrayal of Colonel Hans Landa stands as one of the director's most memorable villains, while Brad Pitt's Lt. Aldo Raine adds layers to what could have been a one-dimensional role. Although the film excels in its parts, it sometimes struggles to connect them into a seamless narrative.
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 follows The Bride (Uma Thurman) as she seeks vengeance against the remaining members of her hit list: Elle Driver (Daryl Hannah), Budd (Michael Madsen), and Bill (David Carradine). This volume leans more into Tarantino's classic style, with a focus on slick dialogue and character development over action. The film delves into The Bride's backstory, adding depth and motivation to her quest. The violent yet beautiful confrontation between The Bride and Elle Driver in Budd's trailer is a highlight, showcasing Tarantino's flair for dramatic storytelling.
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
Initially seen as a stumble after the success of Pulp Fiction, Jackie Brown has since been recognized as one of Tarantino's most restrained and character-driven works. Adapted from Elmore Leonard's Rum Punch, the film follows Pam Grier's titular character as she navigates a complex plot involving $500,000 and various characters played by Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Forster, and Michael Keaton. The dense but engaging storyline showcases Tarantino's ability to let actors shine within his unique world.
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
In Django Unchained, Tarantino confronts the horrors of slavery while delivering a thrilling, violent homage to spaghetti westerns. The film strikes a balance between absurd humor and brutal depictions of life in the antebellum South, offering a crowd-pleasing experience that doesn't shy away from the era's harsh realities. With standout performances and memorable moments, Django Unchained is a must-watch for its entertainment value and thought-provoking narrative.
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
Tarantino's most recent film, Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood, is a masterful blend of alternate history and emotional storytelling. The film follows an aging actor (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his stunt double (Brad Pitt) as they navigate the changing film industry, with their paths crossing the Manson Family. Featuring stunning performances, iconic needle drops, and intense moments, this Academy Award-winning film is a captivating time capsule of 1969 Hollywood.
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
Tarantino's debut feature, Reservoir Dogs, is a tightly knit, fast-paced film that revolutionized crime cinema. Despite its limited setting, the film feels epic, with pop-cultural digressions enhancing essential plot and character development. Standout performances from Tim Roth, Steve Buscemi, and Michael Madsen, coupled with Tarantino's innovative direction, created an instant classic that defined 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 follows The Bride (Uma Thurman) on her quest for revenge after being left for dead by her ex-lover Bill and their former associates. This ultra-violent epic is a blood-soaked tribute to action films, with perfect casting and standout performances, especially from Thurman. Her delivery of Tarantino's dialogue and her transformation into a formidable action hero make this film unforgettable.
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 stands as Tarantino's magnum opus, reshaping pop culture with its non-linear narrative and instantly quotable dialogue. The film's blend of dark humor, violence, and memorable characters, like the Bible-quoting hitman Jules (Samuel L. Jackson) and his partner Vincent (John Travolta), created a cinematic experience that transcended its time. Tarantino's use of source music and his innovative storytelling techniques set a new standard for films, inspiring countless imitations and solidifying his place in cinema history.
The best Quentin Tarantino movies
And that's it for our ranking of the best Quentin Tarantino movies. Do you agree with our list, or do you have a different order in mind? Let us know in the comments or create your own Tarantino tier list using our handy tool above.
