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 likely final) movie will be. As we await his next move, it's the perfect time to indulge in a Tarantino-athon. Below, we've ranked each of the 10 feature-length films the filmmaker has directed. Note that we're focusing on "feature-length" films, so we're not including the segments he directed for Sin City and Four Rooms.

It's worth mentioning that Tarantino hasn't made a truly bad film yet; some are just not as stellar as his best efforts. Keep this in mind as you peruse our list. Even Tarantino's least acclaimed works often outshine the best of many other filmmakers.

Here are the best Quentin Tarantino films, ranked. We encourage you to share your thoughts and your own rankings in the comments section below!

Ranking the Movies of Quentin Tarantino

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10. Death Proof (2007)

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

Let's address the elephant in the room: Death Proof may not be as fun as Planet Terror, but it's undoubtedly the smartest homage to B-movies ever crafted. The film feels like a project that one of the most talented and confident filmmakers put together with friends over a series of weekends, albeit with a major production budget and a rapid-fire script.

The story of Stuntman Mike targeting beautiful, chatty women with his death-proofed car is a thrilling ride. It revitalizes Kurt Russell's career and features nearly 40 minutes of dialogue before the action kicks in. While polarizing (unless you're a Cannes regular), Death Proof stands out as a rare, unfiltered work in today's studio-dominated landscape. The film's climactic death chase, fueled by revenge and sheer excitement, should win over even the most skeptical viewers.

9. The Hateful Eight (2015)

Stars: Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, Jennifer Jason Leigh | Release Date: December 7, 2015 | Review: IGN's The Hateful Eight review

With its vicious humor and intense narrative, The Hateful Eight delves deeply into race relations and human nature, all while showcasing the brutality of the Wild West. This film masterfully blends western and mystery genres with a touch of gallows humor, offering both a gripping character study and a tribute to classic 70mm filmmaking.

Set in the post-Civil War era, The Hateful Eight tackles contemporary issues with nuance and maturity, making it arguably Tarantino's most sophisticated work. While some elements may feel familiar to Tarantino enthusiasts, with echoes of Reservoir Dogs, these similarities don't detract from the overall impact of the story. The film's exploration of race and human nature remains its strongest asset.

8. Inglourious Basterds (2009)

Stars: Brad Pitt, Eli Roth, Christoph Waltz | Release Date: May 20, 2009 | Review: IGN's Inglourious Basterds review

Tarantino's self-described homage to The Dirty Dozen, Inglourious Basterds is more akin to a series of theatrical plays than a single film. It's his most theatrical work since Reservoir Dogs, featuring standout performances and dialogue that builds suspense. However, the film's structure, with long conversations leading to brief bursts of action, can feel disjointed.

Christoph Waltz's Oscar-winning portrayal of Colonel Hans Landa is one of Tarantino's most memorable villains—brutal, charming, and cunning. Brad Pitt's performance as Lt. Aldo Raine adds depth to a potentially one-dimensional character. While the individual segments are well-crafted, Inglourious Basterds struggles to coalesce into a unified narrative.

7. Kill Bill: Volume 2 (2004)

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). Tarantino promised a shift towards his signature style of slick dialogue and pop culture references, and Volume 2 delivers on that promise, becoming one of his most dialogue-heavy films.

The film delves deeper into The Bride's backstory, providing context and motivation that enrich the narrative. The confrontation between The Bride and Elle Driver in Budd's trailer is a highlight, showcasing Tarantino's flair for violent beauty. Uma Thurman's performance is exceptional, displaying a wide range of emotions and cementing her as the heart of the film.

6. Jackie Brown (1997)

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

Upon its release, Jackie Brown received positive reviews but was seen as a step down from the groundbreaking Pulp Fiction. As Tarantino's only adaptation, based on Elmore Leonard's Rum Punch, it took him out of his comfort zone. However, over time, Jackie Brown has been reevaluated as one of Tarantino's strongest and most restrained character-driven films.

The plot revolves around Pam Grier's titular character, who becomes entangled with Samuel L. Jackson's gun runner, Robert Forster's sympathetic bail bondsman, and Michael Keaton's no-nonsense ATF agent. The dense yet accessible plot, combined with the joy of seeing actors like De Niro and Keaton thrive in Tarantino's world, makes Jackie Brown a compelling watch.

5. Django Unchained (2012)

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 horrors of slavery while delivering a wild, bloody, and crowd-pleasing homage to spaghetti westerns. The film strikes a balance between absurd comedy and the brutal realities of life for slaves in the antebellum South, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.

The casual racism depicted is shocking yet historically accurate, adding depth to the narrative. Despite its dark themes, Django Unchained remains a fun and essential watch, showcasing Tarantino's ability to blend genres and tones seamlessly.

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

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 not only one of his best but also his second major "What If...?"-style alternate history project after Inglourious Basterds. The film offers a crowd-pleasing "course correction" ending while exploring deeper emotional themes, all while maintaining Tarantino's signature ultra-violence.

Set in 1969, the story follows an aging actor and his loyal stunt double as they navigate the changing film industry and cross paths with the Manson Family. With standout performances from Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt (who won an Oscar for his role), and Margot Robbie as Sharon Tate, the film serves as a time capsule of the era, complete with memorable music and intense moments.

3. Reservoir Dogs (1992)

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

As Tarantino's shortest film, Reservoir Dogs is also his tightest. Every digression into pop culture is matched with essential plot development or character building, resulting in a lightning-fast pace that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Tim Roth, Steve Buscemi, and Michael Madsen deliver star-making performances, while seasoned actors like Lawrence Tierney and Harvey Keitel elevate the material to new heights.

Tarantino's creative direction transforms a one-location story into a minor epic, revolutionizing crime cinema and influencing a generation of filmmakers. In just 100 minutes, Tarantino created an instant classic, established his name, and defined a new style of filmmaking.

2. Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003)

Stars: Uma Thurman, Lucy Liu, Daryl Hannah | Release Date: October 10, 2003 | Review: IGN's Kill Bill: Vol. 1 review

Tarantino's two-part homage to The Bride Wore Black follows The Bride (Uma Thurman) as she seeks revenge against her former lover Bill (David Carradine) and his cohorts after they massacre her wedding party. After waking from a four-year coma, The Bride embarks on a global quest for vengeance.

Volume 1 is a blood-soaked spectacle, with perfect casting across the board. Uma Thurman's portrayal of The Bride is particularly noteworthy, seamlessly delivering Tarantino's dialogue and transitioning into a formidable action hero when the film shifts to action.

1. Pulp Fiction (1994)

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

In 1995, Pulp Fiction was pitted against Forrest Gump for the Best Picture Oscar. While Forrest Gump took home the award, many believed Pulp Fiction deserved the win. Few films have had the cultural impact that Tarantino's non-linear epic has, influencing pop culture with its rock-and-roll energy, fanzine sensibility, and instantly quotable dialogue.

The film features a Bible-quoting hitman, his less-than-righteous partner, leather-clad gimps, hidden watches, and five-dollar milkshakes. Tarantino's direction and use of source music elevate the storytelling, setting the stage for numerous imitators. Pulp Fiction not only changed the way movies were made but also reshaped our expectations of what cinema can achieve. Not bad for a second film.

The best Quentin Tarantino movies

And that's 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 below or create your own Tarantino tier list using our handy tool above.