Top Quentin Tarantino Films Ranked

Following a surprising change of heart, Quentin Tarantino has decided to cancel his eleventh film, "The Movie Critic," leaving fans curious about what the director's next—and possibly final—project will be. As we eagerly await his next move, it's the perfect time to embark on a Tarantino-athon. Below, we've ranked all ten of his feature-length films, focusing solely on those he directed from start to finish. Note that we're not including his segments from "Sin City" and "Four Rooms" in this list.

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

Here's our definitive ranking of Quentin Tarantino's films. We encourage you to share your thoughts and your own rankings in the comments section below!

Ranking the Movies of Quentin Tarantino

11 Images10. Death Proof (2007)

Image credit: Dimension FilmsStars: 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 entertaining as "Planet Terror," but it stands as the smartest homage to B-movies ever crafted. The film feels like a project that one of the most talented and audacious filmmakers might whip up with friends over a few weekends, albeit with major studio backing and a razor-sharp script.

The tale of Stuntman Mike and his deadly car chase against a group of chatty, stylish women is a thrilling ride. It revitalizes Kurt Russell's career and delivers nearly 40 minutes of dialogue before the action kicks in. While polarizing (unless you're a Cannes regular), "Death Proof" remains a unique, studio-free work in today's cinematic landscape. The film's climactic chase, fueled by revenge and sheer excitement, should win over 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

Quentin Tarantino's "The Hateful Eight" is a masterclass in vicious humor and intense storytelling. It delves deeply into race relations and human nature, set against the backdrop of a brutal Wild West. The film 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. While Tarantino fans might notice familiar elements from his previous works, such as echoes of "Reservoir Dogs," these similarities don't detract from the film's overall impact. The story's depth and Tarantino's enjoyment of the material shine through, making it a compelling watch.

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 "Inglourious Basterds" is his homage to "The Dirty Dozen," featuring a character-driven, mission-focused narrative. The film is more theatrical than his previous works, resembling a series of interconnected plays rather than a single cohesive story. Each segment is packed with top-notch performances and Tarantino's signature dialogue-as-suspense.

Christoph Waltz's Oscar-winning portrayal of Colonel Hans Landa is one of Tarantino's most memorable villains—charming, brutal, and cunning. Brad Pitt's Lt. Aldo Raine, initially a one-dimensional character, gains depth through Pitt's terrifying yet hilarious performance. While the film excels in its individual parts, it struggles to form a unified whole, making it a collection of brilliant but disjointed 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" follows The Bride (Uma Thurman) as she seeks revenge 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 classic 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 violent yet beautiful confrontation between The Bride and Elle Driver in Budd's trailer is a highlight, showcasing Tarantino's flair for intense action sequences. 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)

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

Upon its release in 1997, "Jackie Brown" received positive reviews but was seen as a step back 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 recognized as one of his strongest and most restrained character-driven films.

The film follows Jackie Brown (Pam Grier) as she navigates a complex plot involving Samuel L. Jackson's gun runner, Ordell, Robert Forster's sympathetic bail bondsman, and Michael Keaton's no-nonsense ATF agent. The dense yet engaging plot allows Tarantino to showcase his ability to let actors like De Niro and Keaton shine within his unique cinematic world.

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" doesn't shy away from the brutal realities of slavery while delivering a wild, bloody, and entertaining homage to spaghetti westerns. The film is designed to be a crowd-pleaser, and it succeeds with its over-the-top violence and humor.

Tarantino masterfully balances the film's tone, shifting between absurd comedy and harrowing depictions of life in the antebellum South. The casual racism portrayed is both shocking and historically accurate. Despite its dark themes, "Django Unchained" remains a fun and essential watch.

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

Tarantino's latest film, "Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood," is not only one of his best but also his second major alternate history project after "Inglourious Basterds." The film offers a crowd-pleasing "what if" scenario while exploring deeper emotional themes, all while maintaining Tarantino's signature ultra-violence.

Set in 1969, the story follows an aging actor (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his loyal stunt double (Brad Pitt, who won an Oscar for his role) as they navigate the changing film industry and cross paths with the Manson Family. Featuring standout performances, iconic music, and intense moments, the film is a captivating time capsule that resonates with audiences.

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," Tarantino's shortest film, is also his most tightly constructed. Every scene serves a dual purpose, advancing the plot while building character, all at a breakneck pace. The film features star-making performances from Tim Roth, Steve Buscemi, and Michael Madsen, with seasoned actors like Harvey Keitel elevating the material to new heights.

Tarantino's creative direction transforms a single-location story into a cinematic epic, revolutionizing crime cinema and influencing a generation of filmmakers. His postmodern style has been imitated but never replicated, cementing "Reservoir Dogs" as an instant classic and a defining work in his oeuvre.

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

This first volume 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 iconic dialogue and transitioning into a formidable action hero. The film's second half, with its sparse dialogue, showcases her prowess as a relentless avenger.

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

In 1995, "Pulp Fiction" faced off against "Forrest Gump" for the Best Picture Oscar, with "Gump" ultimately taking the prize. However, many believed "Pulp Fiction" deserved the win, given its profound impact on pop culture.

Few films from the 1990s—or any era—have had the ripple effect that Tarantino's non-linear epic has. It's a cinematic rock and roll experience, filled with instantly quotable dialogue, memorable characters, and a unique use of source music. From Bible-quoting hitmen to five-dollar milkshakes, "Pulp Fiction" set a new standard for storytelling and inspired countless imitators. It not only changed how movies were made but also raised our expectations for what cinema can achieve. Not bad for a second film.

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 below or create your own Tarantino tier list using our interactive tool above.