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 embark on 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 works. Keep this in mind as you peruse our list. Even Tarantino's least acclaimed films often outshine the best efforts 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 at the bottom 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

Death Proof may not be as fun 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 put together with friends over a series of weekends, albeit with major production funding and a rapid-fire script. The story of Stuntman Mike targeting beautiful, chatty women with his death-proofed car is a thrilling ride that revitalizes Kurt Russell's career. It's a film that demands patience with nearly 40 minutes of dialogue before the action kicks in. While polarizing, Death Proof is a rare gem in today's studio-dominated landscape, offering a raw, unfiltered experience. The climactic death chase, fueled by revenge and sheer excitement, is sure to satisfy 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 is a brutal exploration of race relations and human nature, wrapped in a western mystery with a heavy dose of gallows humor. The film serves as both an intense character study and a tribute to classic 70mm filmmaking. Set in the post-Civil War era, it delves into contemporary issues with nuance and maturity. While some elements may feel familiar to Tarantino aficionados, the film's overall narrative and thematic depth overshadow any minor quibbles.

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

Inglourious Basterds is Tarantino's homage to The Dirty Dozen, featuring a character-heavy, man-on-a-mission narrative. The film is more theatrical than his previous works, resembling a series of brief plays and a short film. Each segment is filled with top-notch performances and suspenseful dialogue, though the lengthy conversations can overshadow the brief bursts of action. Christoph Waltz's Oscar-winning performance as Colonel Hans Landa is one of Tarantino's most memorable villains, while Brad Pitt's portrayal of Lt. Aldo Raine adds depth to an otherwise one-dimensional character. Despite its strengths, the film struggles to coalesce into a unified whole.

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 revenge on the remaining members of her hit list: Elle Driver (Daryl Hannah), Budd (Michael Madsen), and Bill (David Carradine). This volume shifts focus to Tarantino's signature style of slick dialogue, pop culture references, and compelling characters, with less emphasis on action. 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 is a highlight, showcasing Tarantino's flair for violent beauty and dramatic tension.

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

Jackie Brown was initially seen as a stumble following the groundbreaking Pulp Fiction, but it has since been recognized as one of Tarantino's strongest and most restrained character-driven films. An adaptation of Elmore Leonard's Rum Punch, it showcases Tarantino's ability to work outside his comfort zone. The plot revolves around Pam Grier's titular character, who navigates a complex web involving Samuel L. Jackson's gun runner, Robert Forster's sympathetic bail bondsman, and Michael Keaton's no-nonsense ATF agent. The film's dense yet engaging plot and the performances of its cast make it a standout in Tarantino's oeuvre.

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 is a bold and bloody homage to spaghetti westerns that doesn't shy away from the horrors of slavery. The film balances absurd comedy with brutal depictions of life in the antebellum South, delivering a crowd-pleasing experience filled with over-the-top violence and humor. The casual racism portrayed is both shocking and historically accurate, making Django Unchained a compelling and essential watch.

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 not only one of his best but also his second major alternate history project after Inglourious Basterds. The film follows an aging actor and his loyal stunt double navigating the changing landscape of Hollywood in 1969, while also intersecting with the Manson Family. With its emotional depth, magnificent performances, and satisfying moments of intensity, the movie is a time capsule that captures the era brilliantly. Brad Pitt's Oscar-winning performance adds to the film's allure.

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 tightest film, blending essential plot development with character-building and pop-cultural references. The film's lightning-fast pace and star-making performances from Tim Roth, Steve Buscemi, and Michael Madsen, along with the contributions of seasoned actors like Harvey Keitel, elevate it beyond mere pulp fiction into a gritty masterpiece. Tarantino's creative direction transforms a one-location story into a minor epic, revolutionizing crime cinema and influencing 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 is a blood-soaked homage to The Bride Wore Black, following The Bride (Uma Thurman) on her quest for revenge after being left for dead by her ex-lover Bill and his cohorts. The film is a testament to Tarantino's ability to craft compelling characters and action sequences. Uma Thurman's portrayal of The Bride is both cool and commanding, delivering memorable lines and action heroics that resonate with audiences.

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 a non-linear epic that has left an indelible mark on pop culture. The film's rock-and-roll energy, instantly quotable dialogue, and eclectic mix of characters and scenarios have made it a touchstone for filmmakers and fans alike. From the Bible-quoting hitman to the five-dollar milkshake, Pulp Fiction is a masterclass in storytelling and direction. It not only changed the way movies were made but also raised the bar for what audiences expect from cinema.

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.