Top Quentin Tarantino Films Ranked

In a surprising turn of events, Quentin Tarantino has decided to cancel his eleventh film, The Movie Critic, leaving fans eager to know what his next—and potentially final—project will be. As we await further news, why not indulge in a Tarantino-athon? We've ranked all 10 of his feature-length films below, keeping in mind that even Tarantino's less acclaimed works outshine many other filmmakers' best efforts. Feel free to share your own rankings in the comments section at the end of the page!

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 start with Death Proof, which, while not as exhilarating as Planet Terror, remains a clever tribute to B-movies. This film feels like a weekend project by a talented and audacious filmmaker, supported by a major production but retaining a raw, rapid-fire script. The narrative follows Stuntman Mike as he targets beautiful, chatty women with his "death-proofed" car. The film revitalizes Kurt Russell's career and, after nearly 40 minutes of dialogue, delivers a thrilling explosion of action. While polarizing, Death Proof stands out for its unfiltered creativity and absence of studio interference, making it a must-watch in today's cinematic landscape. If the fast-talking, smart women don't captivate you, the climactic revenge-fueled chase certainly will.

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 an intense narrative, exploring race relations and human nature with brutal honesty. The film merges Western and mystery genres, seasoned with dark humor, making it a compelling character study and a tribute to classic 70mm filmmaking. Set post-Civil War, it delves into contemporary issues, arguably marking Tarantino's most mature work. Though it revisits familiar Tarantino tropes (reminiscent of Reservoir Dogs), the film's depth and storytelling prowess shine through, overshadowing any minor criticisms.

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, unfolds as a series of theatrical segments rather than a singular narrative. Each part is brimming with top-notch performances and dialogue-driven suspense that Tarantino fans cherish. However, the film's extensive conversations can overshadow its brief bursts of action. Christoph Waltz delivers an Oscar-winning, chilling performance as Colonel Hans Landa, while Brad Pitt's portrayal of Lt. Aldo Raine adds depth to what could have been a flat character. Despite its fragmented nature, Inglourious Basterds remains a collection of powerfully crafted scenes.

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

In Kill Bill: Volume 2, The Bride (Uma Thurman) continues her quest for vengeance against the remaining members of her hit list: Elle Driver (Daryl Hannah), Budd (Michael Madsen), and Bill (David Carradine). This installment shifts focus to Tarantino's signature slick dialogue and character development, with less emphasis on action. Thurman's performance is a highlight, showcasing a wide emotional range. The film delves into The Bride's backstory, culminating in a memorable confrontation with Elle Driver, a scene that blends violence and humor in quintessential Tarantino style.

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 step down from Pulp Fiction, Jackie Brown has since been recognized as one of Tarantino's strongest and most restrained works. An adaptation of Elmore Leonard's Rum Punch, it follows the titular character (Pam Grier) as she navigates a web of deceit involving Samuel L. Jackson's gun runner, Robert Forster's bail bondsman, and Michael Keaton's ATF agent. The plot is dense yet engaging, showcasing Tarantino's ability to let actors shine within his world, making Jackie Brown a compelling character-driven thriller.

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 boldly confronts the horrors of slavery while delivering a thrilling, violent homage to spaghetti westerns. Tarantino masterfully balances the film's tone, weaving absurd comedy with stark depictions of antebellum life. The film's blend of humor and horror, combined with standout performances from Jamie Foxx, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Christoph Waltz, make it both a crowd-pleaser and a poignant commentary on racism.

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 latest masterpiece, Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood, offers an alternate history narrative akin to Inglourious Basterds. This film not only entertains with its "what if" scenario but also delves deeper into its characters' emotional lives. Following an aging actor (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his stunt double (Brad Pitt, who won an Oscar for his role) navigating Hollywood in 1969, the story intertwines with the Manson Family saga. With stellar performances, iconic music choices, and intense moments, this film stands as a testament to Tarantino's storytelling prowess.

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 narrative that blends pop culture references with intense character development. Despite its single-location setting, the film feels epic, revolutionizing crime cinema and influencing a generation of filmmakers. The performances by Tim Roth, Steve Buscemi, and Michael Madsen, along with seasoned actors like Harvey Keitel, elevate the film to a level of gritty poetry. Tarantino's economic yet creative direction turns this into an instant classic, setting the stage for his future works.

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 kicks off The Bride's (Uma Thurman) quest for vengeance against her former allies who left her for dead. This blood-soaked epic is a tribute to action cinema, with perfect casting across the board. Thurman's portrayal of The Bride is both fierce and charismatic, delivering memorable lines that resonate with film enthusiasts. As the film shifts from dialogue-driven scenes to pure action, it showcases Tarantino's ability to craft a compelling revenge narrative.

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

In the race for the 1995 Best Picture Oscar, Pulp Fiction stood toe-to-toe with Forrest Gump, though the latter took home the prize. Yet, Pulp Fiction's impact on pop culture remains unmatched. Tarantino's non-linear storytelling, combined with unforgettable dialogue and eclectic characters, redefined cinematic expectations. From the Bible-quoting hitman Jules (Samuel L. Jackson) to the leather-clad gimps and five-dollar milkshakes, the film is a cultural phenomenon. It not only showcased Tarantino's directorial prowess but also influenced countless films that followed, cementing its place as a landmark in cinema history.

The best Quentin Tarantino movies

And there you have it—our definitive 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 below or create your own Tarantino tier list using our handy tool above.