Few directors have the same name recognition or consistent fan and critical acclaim as Quentin Tarantino. The director rose to prominence in the early 1990s as a leading figure in the independent scene, then revolutionized the industry with the 1994 release of his classic Pulp Fiction. What followed was a successful film career that helped Tarantino cement himself as an auteur and provocateur.
Tarantino’s films are long, brutal, disruptive, and demanding. They usually feature winding, sprawling, nonlinear plots splattered with blood, profanity, and pop culture references. His dialogue is vivid and fast-paced, his images striking and unapologetic, his narratives hyperviolent and cathartic. Tarantino’s name has become synonymous with quality; his résumé includes many of modern cinema’s most recognizable films, some of which have become enduring parts of American culture.
With the news that Tarantino’s upcoming film, The Critic, might be his last, it’s time to reflect on his acclaimed career and determine which of his celebrated films reigns supreme. Here is a ranking of all of Quentin Tarantino’s movies, from worst to best:
10. Death Proof (2007): Kurt Russell leads an impressive ensemble in Tarantino’s 2007 ode to exploitation films, Death Proof. The film is fun, fast-paced, and endlessly entertaining, but it is also wildly uneven. The witty dialogue that Tarantino is known for feels out of place and clumsy in Death Proof, making it his most overlooked film.
9. The Hateful Eight (2015): The Hateful Eight gathers two of Tarantino’s best collaborators, Samuel L. Jackson and Kurt Russell, and combines them with a stellar supporting cast. While the film has a lot to love, it is not as tightly crafted as other Tarantino efforts and can feel overwhelming at times.
8. Kill Bill: Volume 2 (2004): The second installment of the Kill Bill duology is longer, talkier, and a tad more self-important than its predecessor. While it showcases strong performances, especially from Uma Thurman, it feels strangely incomplete and leaves the door open for a third volume that never came.
7. Django Unchained (2012): Django Unchained is among Tarantino’s bloodiest, boldest, and most striking films. It challenges the Western genre while still approaching it with a loving gaze. While the film is overlong and the third act can feel like a chore, Django Unchained is a passionate and provocative effort.
6. Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood (2019): Tarantino’s latest film defies genres and conventions, refusing to be pinned down as only one thing. It is a love letter to cinema and offers a sprawling narrative set in 1960s LA. While it is overlong and demands a lot from its audience, it is ultimately rewarding and cathartic.
5. Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003): Kill Bill: Volume 1 is an unadulterated effort from Tarantino, showcasing his signature style and flair. Uma Thurman delivers a career-best performance as the Bride, and the film proves that style can be just as important as substance.
4. Jackie Brown (1997): Jackie Brown is an ode to the talents of Pam Grier, with Grier delivering a career-defining performance. The film has all the makings of a great Tarantino movie, with witty dialogue, explosive sequences, and a distinctive visual style. Considered a misunderstood classic, Jackie Brown is now recognized as one of Tarantino’s all-time best.
3. Reservoir Dogs (1992): A milestone of independent filmmaking, Reservoir Dogs was a turning point in American cinema. With its ensemble cast and gripping story, the film solidified Tarantino’s reputation as a visionary director.
2. Inglourious Basterds (2009): Inglourious Basterds is a tour de force that combines history and revenge in a unique and provocative way. Christoph Waltz delivers a stellar performance that earned him an Academy Award. The film is a masterclass in tension and subversion, making it one of Tarantino’s finest works.
1. Pulp Fiction (1994): Pulp Fiction remains Tarantino’s most iconic and influential film. The nonlinear narrative, memorable characters, and quotable dialogue have become enduring parts of American culture. Pulp Fiction solidified Tarantino as an auteur and revolutionized the industry.
While Quentin Tarantino’s films may divide opinion, there is no denying his impact on cinema. With his unique style and uncompromising vision, Tarantino has created a body of work that will continue to be celebrated for years to come. As he potentially gears up to release his final film, it is clear that his legacy as one of modern cinema’s most recognizable and talented directors is set in stone.
