Top Quentin Tarantino Films Ranked

Following a change of heart, Quentin Tarantino has canceled his eleventh film, The Movie Critic, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what the iconic director's next—and possibly final—project will be. While we wait, it's the perfect time to dive into a Tarantino-athon. We've ranked each of the 10 feature-length films he's directed below, focusing solely on these full-length masterpieces and setting aside his contributions to Sin City and Four Rooms.

It's worth noting that Tarantino's films are all exceptional in their own right; even his least acclaimed works are often better than many other filmmakers' best efforts. Here's our ranking of the best Quentin Tarantino films. We invite 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

Death Proof may not be as thrilling as Planet Terror, but it stands as a clever tribute to B-movies. The film feels like a project crafted by a group of talented friends over a series of weekends, yet it's backed by a major studio and boasts a sharp, fast-paced script. Stuntman Mike's tale of targeting chatty, beautiful women with his death-proofed car is a thrilling ride that rejuvenates Kurt Russell's career. It's a film that requires patience, with nearly 40 minutes of dialogue before the action kicks in. While polarizing, Death Proof is a unique, unadulterated vision from Tarantino that's a must-watch in today's studio-dominated landscape. The climactic chase scene, fueled by revenge and adrenaline, is sure to captivate 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

The Hateful Eight combines vicious humor with an intense narrative, offering a brutal look at race relations and human nature set against the backdrop of the Wild West. This fusion of western and mystery genres, punctuated by dark humor, serves as both a character study and a tribute to traditional 70mm filmmaking. Set in the post-Civil War era, the film delves into contemporary issues around race, making it one of Tarantino's most mature works. While some elements might feel familiar to fans, The Hateful Eight is a compelling narrative that showcases Tarantino's skill in weaving complex stories.

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

An homage to The Dirty Dozen, Inglourious Basterds is structured more like a series of theatrical plays than a single film. Each segment is packed with top-notch performances and Tarantino's signature dialogue-driven suspense. Christoph Waltz's Oscar-winning portrayal of Colonel Hans Landa is chillingly brilliant, while Brad Pitt's Lt. Aldo Raine adds depth to what could have been a one-dimensional role. Though the film's lengthy conversations can overshadow its action sequences, Inglourious Basterds remains a compelling, if somewhat fragmented, cinematic experience.

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 continues The Bride's (Uma Thurman) quest for vengeance, focusing on her encounters with Elle Driver (Daryl Hannah), Budd (Michael Madsen), and Bill (David Carradine). This installment is notably dialogue-heavy, showcasing Tarantino's knack for slick conversations and pop culture references. The Bride's backstory is explored in depth, adding layers to her motivations and making her final showdowns even more impactful. The film's emotional depth and character development make it a standout in Tarantino's oeuvre.

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

Initially seen as a stumble after Pulp Fiction, Jackie Brown has since been recognized as one of Tarantino's most restrained and character-driven films. An adaptation of Elmore Leonard's Rum Punch, it follows Pam Grier's Jackie Brown as she navigates a complex plot involving Samuel L. Jackson's gun runner, Ordell, and Robert Forster's sympathetic bail bondsman. The film's dense yet accessible plot, coupled with strong performances, makes it a compelling watch and a testament to Tarantino's versatility.

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 is a bold, violent tribute to spaghetti westerns that doesn't shy away from the horrors of slavery. Balancing absurd humor with stark depictions of life in the antebellum South, the film delivers a crowd-pleasing experience with standout performances from Jamie Foxx, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Christoph Waltz. Its blend of entertainment and social commentary makes it a must-see.

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

Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood is not only one of Tarantino's best works but also a poignant "What If...?" exploration of history, akin to Inglourious Basterds. The film follows an aging actor (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his stunt double (Brad Pitt, who won an Oscar for his role) as they navigate the changing landscape of Hollywood in 1969, intersecting with the Manson Family. With its emotional depth, stellar performances, and iconic soundtrack, this film stands as a testament to Tarantino's storytelling prowess.

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 is Tarantino's shortest and most tightly constructed film. It blends essential plot development with character-building and pop-cultural references, all delivered at a breakneck pace. The performances by Tim Roth, Steve Buscemi, and Michael Madsen are career-defining, while Harvey Keitel elevates the material to new heights. Tarantino's direction transforms a single-location story into a cinematic epic, reshaping crime cinema and influencing a generation of filmmakers.

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: Volume 1 review

Kill Bill: Volume 1 is a blood-soaked tribute to revenge films, following The Bride (Uma Thurman) as she seeks vengeance against her former lover Bill and his associates. The film's perfect casting and Thurman's commanding performance as The Bride make it a standout. Her delivery of Tarantino's dialogue and her transition to a full-fledged action hero are highlights that have cemented this film as a cult classic.

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

Pulp Fiction redefined cinema with its non-linear narrative and instantly quotable dialogue. It's a film that blends rock and roll energy with a fanzine sensibility, featuring unforgettable characters like the Bible-quoting hitman Jules (Samuel L. Jackson) and his less righteous partner Vincent (John Travolta). The film's impact on pop culture and filmmaking is undeniable, setting new standards for what movies can achieve. Tarantino's direction and use of music as a storytelling tool make Pulp Fiction a timeless masterpiece.

And that's our ranking of the best Quentin Tarantino movies. Do you agree with our list, or do you have a different ranking in mind? Share your thoughts in the comments below or create your own Tarantino tier list using our handy tool above.