Top Quentin Tarantino Films Ranked

Following a change of heart, Quentin Tarantino has canceled his eleventh film, The Movie Critic, leaving fans eager to know what the director's next (and possibly final) project will be. As we await his next move, what better time than now to embark on a Tarantino-athon? Below, we've ranked all ten of his feature-length films, excluding his segments in Sin City and Four Rooms.

It's worth noting that Tarantino's filmography doesn't contain any truly bad movies, just some that don't reach the heights of his masterpieces. Keep this in mind as you peruse our list. Even Tarantino's less acclaimed works often outshine many other directors' best efforts.

Here are the best Quentin Tarantino films, ranked. We'd love to hear your thoughts! Feel free 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 Films
Stars: Kurt Russell, Rosario Dawson, Vanessa Ferlito | Release Date: April 6, 2007 | Review: IGN's Death Proof review

Let's be clear: Death Proof may not be as thrilling as Planet Terror, but it stands as a clever homage to B-movies. The film feels like a weekend project by a talented and audacious filmmaker, complete with a rapid-fire script and major studio backing.

The tale of Stuntman Mike's deadly car pursuits against unsuspecting women is a brisk, engaging watch. It revitalized Kurt Russell's career and, despite its lengthy dialogue, delivers a satisfying payoff with its action-packed climax. Death Proof is polarizing, yet its lack of studio interference makes it a rare gem in today's film industry. Even if the initial dialogue-heavy scenes aren't your cup of tea, the thrilling chase and revenge sequences are bound to captivate.

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 combines vicious humor with an intense narrative, exploring race relations and human nature with the same ferocity it depicts violence and the Wild West. The film merges western and mystery elements with a touch of gallows humor, offering a compelling character study and a tribute to classic 70mm filmmaking.

Set post-Civil War, The Hateful Eight delves into contemporary issues through its historical lens, making it possibly Tarantino's most nuanced and mature work. While fans might recognize some familiar elements from Tarantino's previous works, the film's overall narrative and character depth more than compensate for any perceived repetition.

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 homage to The Dirty Dozen, Inglourious Basterds, is more akin to a series of theatrical vignettes than a single film. Each segment is packed with stellar performances and the tension-filled dialogue Tarantino is known for. However, the film's structure, with its extended conversations leading to brief action sequences, can feel disjointed.

Christoph Waltz's portrayal of Colonel Hans Landa is both captivating and chilling, easily ranking among Tarantino's best villains. Brad Pitt's portrayal of Lt. Aldo Raine adds depth to an otherwise straightforward character. Despite its episodic nature, Inglourious Basterds remains a compelling watch, albeit one that doesn't fully coalesce into a unified 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). True to Tarantino's promise, Volume 2 focuses more on dialogue and character development than action, making it one of his most dialogue-heavy films.

The film provides a deeper look into The Bride's backstory, offering context and motivation that enriches the overall narrative. The confrontation between The Bride and Elle Driver is a highlight, showcasing Tarantino's flair for intense, beautifully choreographed violence. Uma Thurman's performance continues to anchor the film, delivering a wide range of emotions that captivate audiences.

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 overshadowed by Pulp Fiction, Jackie Brown has since been recognized as one of Tarantino's strongest character-driven films. Based on Elmore Leonard's Rum Punch, the movie follows the titular character (Pam Grier) as she navigates a complex web involving Samuel L. Jackson's gun runner, Robert Forster's bail bondsman, and Michael Keaton's ATF agent.

While it was Tarantino's only adaptation, Jackie Brown showcases his ability to work outside his usual comfort zone. The plot is intricate yet accessible, and the film benefits from the strong performances of its ensemble cast, particularly Grier and Jackson. It's a testament to Tarantino's versatility and his knack for bringing out the best in his actors.

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 doesn't shy away from the brutal realities of slavery while delivering a thrilling, violent homage to spaghetti westerns. The film is designed to entertain, offering a mix of humor and over-the-top action that captivates audiences.

Tarantino masterfully balances the film's tone, shifting between absurd comedy and the stark brutality of the antebellum South. The depiction of casual racism is both shocking and historically accurate. Despite its darker themes, Django Unchained is a fun and essential watch, showcasing Tarantino's ability to blend entertainment with social commentary.

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. Following an aging actor and his stunt double in 1969, the film offers a nostalgic look at Hollywood's past while intersecting with the Manson Family.

The performances by Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Margot Robbie are exceptional, with Pitt earning an Oscar for his role. The film is a time capsule, filled with memorable needle drops and moments of intense drama. Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood not only entertains but also resonates on a deeper level, making it one of Tarantino's most impactful works.

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 knit film. It blends pop-cultural references with essential plot developments, moving at a breakneck pace that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The performances by Tim Roth, Steve Buscemi, and Michael Madsen are standout, while Harvey Keitel and Lawrence Tierney elevate the material to new heights.

Tarantino's directorial style transforms a one-location story into a cinematic epic, reshaping crime cinema and influencing a generation of filmmakers. Reservoir Dogs is an instant classic that launched Tarantino's career and set the standard for his unique, postmodern approach to filmmaking.

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 The Bride Wore Black, following The Bride (Uma Thurman) as she seeks revenge against her former lover Bill (David Carradine) and his associates. After waking from a coma, The Bride embarks on a global quest for vengeance.

The film is a testament to Tarantino's ability to craft action sequences, with Uma Thurman delivering a powerhouse performance as both a dialogue-driven character and a fierce action hero. The casting is impeccable, and the film's blend of violence and style has made it a cult classic.

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 not just a film; it's a cultural phenomenon. Competing against Forrest Gump for the Best Picture Oscar, Pulp Fiction left an indelible mark on cinema with its non-linear storytelling, iconic dialogue, and eclectic mix of characters and scenes.

From the Bible-quoting hitman Jules to the leather-clad gimp and the infamous five-dollar milkshake, Pulp Fiction is a rollercoaster of humor, violence, and unforgettable moments. Tarantino's direction, combined with his use of source music, set a new standard for cinematic storytelling. The film not only changed how movies were made but also raised the bar for what audiences expect from film.

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