Top Quentin Tarantino Films Ranked

Following a surprising change of heart, Quentin Tarantino has decided to cancel his eleventh film, The Movie Critic. This unexpected move leaves fans speculating about what the renowned director's next—and possibly final—project might be. As we eagerly await news of Tarantino's future endeavors, now is the perfect time to indulge in a Tarantino-athon. We've ranked his 10 feature-length films below, focusing solely on those directed by him. Note that this list excludes the segments he contributed to Sin City and Four Rooms.

It's worth mentioning that Tarantino has yet to make a truly bad film; some are just less exceptional than his masterpieces. Keep this in mind as you explore our rankings. Even Tarantino's least acclaimed works often outshine the best efforts of many other filmmakers.

Here's our ranking of the best Quentin Tarantino films. We encourage you to share your thoughts and create your own Tarantino tier list 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

Death Proof may not be as thrilling as Planet Terror, but it stands out as a smart tribute to B-movies. It feels like a project crafted by a talented, confident filmmaker with friends over a weekend, backed by a major production and a sharp script. The story revolves around Stuntman Mike and his deadly car, revitalizing Kurt Russell's career and delivering nearly 40 minutes of engaging dialogue before the action-packed climax. While polarizing, Death Proof remains a rare, studio-free gem in today's film landscape, especially appealing to fans of fast-talking, stylish characters and intense car chases.

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

The Hateful Eight combines vicious humor with an intense narrative, offering a brutal look at race relations and human nature in the Wild West. Tarantino blends western and mystery genres, delivering a character-driven story and a homage to 70mm filmmaking. Set post-Civil War, the film tackles contemporary issues with nuance and depth. While some elements may echo Tarantino's previous works, the overall impact and storytelling prowess make The Hateful Eight a compelling watch.

8. Inglourious Basterds (2009)

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 theatrical than his other works, resembling a series of plays. Each segment is filled with stellar performances and Tarantino's signature dialogue-driven suspense. However, the film's lengthy conversations often overshadow the brief action sequences. Christoph Waltz's portrayal of Colonel Hans Landa is exceptional, while Brad Pitt's Lt. Aldo Raine adds depth to an initially flat character. Though the film's parts don't always coalesce into a cohesive whole, the individual pieces are strongly crafted.

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 continues The Bride's quest for vengeance, focusing more on dialogue and character development than its predecessor. Uma Thurman delivers a powerful performance, showcasing a wide emotional range. The film delves deeper into The Bride's backstory, providing context and motivation for her actions. The intense fight with Elle Driver is a highlight, offering a mix of violence and humor. Volume 2 may be Tarantino's most dialogue-heavy film, but it remains engaging and insightful.

6. Jackie Brown (1997)

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

Initially seen as a stumble following Pulp Fiction, Jackie Brown has since been recognized as one of Tarantino's strongest works. Adapted from Elmore Leonard's Rum Punch, the film showcases Tarantino's skill in character-driven storytelling. Pam Grier's performance as the titular character is compelling, as she navigates a complex plot involving Samuel L. Jackson's gun runner and Robert Forster's bail bondsman. The dense yet accessible plot is elevated by the strong ensemble cast, including Michael Keaton and Robert De Niro.

5. Django Unchained (2012)

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 crowd-pleasing spaghetti western. The film strikes a balance between absurd humor and brutal realism, showcasing the casual racism of the era. With standout performances from Jamie Foxx, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Christoph Waltz, Django Unchained is both a thrilling ride and a poignant commentary on American history.

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 latest film, Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood, offers a compelling alternate history set in 1969. It follows an aging actor and his stunt double as they navigate the changing film industry and inadvertently cross paths with the Manson Family. The film is both emotionally resonant and crowd-pleasing, featuring standout performances from Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Margot Robbie. With its nostalgic vibe and intense moments, it stands as one of Tarantino's most captivating works.

3. Reservoir Dogs (1992)

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

Reservoir Dogs is Tarantino's shortest yet tightest film, packed with essential plot development and character building. The film's fast pace and creative direction transform a one-location story into a gripping epic. Tim Roth, Steve Buscemi, and Michael Madsen deliver breakout performances, while Harvey Keitel's role elevates the film's intensity. Reservoir Dogs not only redefined crime cinema but also set a new standard for filmmaking, inspiring countless others to emulate Tarantino's style.

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

Kill Bill: Volume 1 is a blood-soaked tribute to revenge films, following The Bride's quest after waking from a four-year coma. Uma Thurman's portrayal of The Bride is iconic, delivering both Tarantino's sharp dialogue and intense action sequences. The film's perfect casting and thrilling narrative make it a standout in Tarantino's oeuvre, capturing the essence of a true action hero.

1. Pulp Fiction (1994)

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. Its non-linear storytelling and instantly quotable dialogue have left an indelible mark on cinema. The film's eclectic mix of characters, from Bible-quoting hitmen to leather-clad gimps, along with its dynamic soundtrack, showcases Tarantino's unique vision. Pulp Fiction not only redefined what films could achieve but also set a new benchmark for storytelling and style.

And that's our list of the best Quentin Tarantino movies. Do you agree with our rankings, or would you arrange them differently? Share your thoughts in the comments below or create your own Tarantino tier list using our tool above.