Top Quentin Tarantino Films Ranked

Following a 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. In the meantime, it's the perfect opportunity to embark on a Tarantino-athon. We've ranked all 10 of his feature-length films below, focusing solely on those he directed from start to finish. Note that we're excluding his segments in Sin City and Four Rooms.

It's worth mentioning that even Tarantino's least acclaimed films are often considered superior to many other directors' best works. So, while some entries may rank lower, they're still worth watching. Let's dive into our ranking of the best Quentin Tarantino films. We encourage you to share your thoughts and personal 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)

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

Death Proof might not be as fun as Planet Terror, but it's undoubtedly the smartest homage to B-movies out there. It feels like a project crafted by a talented filmmaker and friends over a series of weekends, albeit with substantial backing and a sharp script. The tale of Stuntman Mike and his deadly car showcases Kurt Russell's career revival and includes nearly 40 minutes of dialogue before the action kicks in. While polarizing, Death Proof stands out for its lack of studio interference, making it a rare gem in today's film industry. The film's climax, a thrilling chase fueled by revenge, is sure to satisfy even the skeptics.

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 is a masterclass in blending vicious humor with intense storytelling. This film delves into race relations and human nature, set against the backdrop of the Wild West. Tarantino merges the western and mystery genres, delivering a character study wrapped in glorious 70mm filmmaking. The post-Civil War setting allows for an exploration of contemporary issues, making it one of his most nuanced works. While some elements may feel familiar to Tarantino fans, the overall tale remains compelling and thought-provoking.

8. Inglourious Basterds (2009)

Stars: 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 feels more theatrical than his other works, akin to Reservoir Dogs. Each segment is packed with stellar performances and suspenseful dialogue, but the lengthy conversations can overshadow the brief action sequences. Christoph Waltz's portrayal of Colonel Hans Landa is unforgettable, while Brad Pitt brings depth to Lt. Aldo Raine. Though the film struggles to unify its parts into a cohesive whole, it remains a testament to Tarantino's writing prowess.

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 on the remaining members of her hit list. Tarantino promised a shift towards his signature style of dialogue and character development, and he delivered. This sequel is notably more dialogue-heavy than its predecessor, showcasing Thurman's emotional range. The film delves deeper into The Bride's backstory, providing context and depth to her mission. The intense showdown with Elle Driver is a highlight, blending violence with storytelling in a way only Tarantino can.

6. Jackie Brown (1997)

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

Jackie Brown received positive reactions upon release, though it was initially seen as a stumble after Pulp Fiction. As Tarantino's only adaptation, it took him out of his comfort zone, yet it remains one of his strongest and most restrained films. The plot, centered around a $500,000 cash heist, is dense yet engaging. Pam Grier's performance as the titular character, alongside Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Forster, and Michael Keaton, brings Tarantino's world to life in a captivating way.

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 harsh realities of slavery, yet it's a crowd-pleaser filled with over-the-top violence and humor. The film masterfully balances comedy with the brutal depiction of life in the antebellum South. Tarantino's storytelling prowess shines through, making Django Unchained a must-watch for its blend of entertainment and historical reflection.

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, is a standout for its alternate history narrative and emotional depth. The story of an aging actor and his stunt double navigating the changing film industry, set against the backdrop of the Manson Family, is both captivating and poignant. The performances by Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Margot Robbie, combined with the film's time-capsule feel and intense moments, make it a must-see.

3. Reservoir Dogs (1992)

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

Reservoir Dogs is Tarantino's shortest and tightest film, packed with essential plot development and character-building. The film's lightning-fast pace and star-making performances by Tim Roth, Steve Buscemi, and Michael Madsen, along with Harvey Keitel's elevating presence, make it a classic. Tarantino's creative directing transforms a one-location story into a cinematic epic, redefining crime cinema and influencing a generation of filmmakers.

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 epic centered around The Bride's quest for revenge. Uma Thurman's portrayal of The Bride is flawless, delivering both Tarantino's dialogue and action heroics with equal prowess. The film's perfect casting and intense action sequences make it a standout in Tarantino's filmography.

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 a cultural phenomenon that reshaped cinema. Its non-linear narrative, iconic dialogue, and memorable characters have left an indelible mark on pop culture. From the Bible-quoting hitman to the five-dollar milkshakes, Tarantino's second film changed how movies are made and what audiences expect from them. It's a testament to his unique vision and storytelling ability.

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 interactive tool.