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 likely final—project will be. As we await his next move, it's the perfect time to indulge in a Tarantino-athon. Below, we've ranked all ten feature-length films that Tarantino has directed, focusing solely on his full-length works and excluding segments from Sin City and Four Rooms.

It's worth noting that Tarantino has yet to make a truly bad film; some are simply not as stellar as his best. Keep this in mind as you explore our list. Even his least impressive efforts often outshine the best of many other filmmakers.

Here's our definitive ranking of Quentin Tarantino's films. We invite you to share your thoughts and personal rankings in the comments section below!

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 entertaining as Planet Terror, but it stands as a smart homage to B-movies. The film feels like a project crafted by a talented and confident filmmaker over a series of weekends, complete with a rapid-fire script. The story follows Stuntman Mike as he targets beautiful, chatty women with his death-proofed car. Despite its polarizing nature and nearly 40 minutes of dialogue before the action kicks in, Death Proof revitalized Kurt Russell's career and remains a rare, studio-free work. The climactic death chase, fueled by revenge and pure adrenaline, should win over 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

The Hateful Eight is a brutal exploration of race relations and human nature, set against the backdrop of the Wild West. Tarantino blends western and mystery genres with dark humor, crafting an intense character study and a tribute to classic 70mm filmmaking. The film delves into post-Civil War race issues, making it one of Tarantino's most nuanced and mature works. While some elements might feel familiar to fans, the film's overall narrative and execution are compelling.

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

Tarantino's homage to The Dirty Dozen, Inglourious Basterds feels more like a theatrical experience, akin to Reservoir Dogs. The film is divided into distinct sections, each filled with stellar performances and suspenseful dialogue. Christoph Waltz's portrayal of Colonel Hans Landa is one of Tarantino's finest villains, while Brad Pitt's Lt. Aldo Raine adds depth to an otherwise one-dimensional character. Though the film's segments are well-crafted, they don't quite 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 continues The Bride's (Uma Thurman) quest for vengeance against the last three targets on her list: Elle Driver (Daryl Hannah), Budd (Michael Madsen), and Bill (David Carradine). Volume 2 emphasizes Tarantino's signature dialogue and character development over action, making it one of his most dialogue-heavy films. The Bride's backstory adds depth to her motivations, culminating in a memorable confrontation with Elle Driver.

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

Initially seen as a stumble following Pulp Fiction, Jackie Brown has since been recognized as one of Tarantino's most restrained and character-driven films. Based on Elmore Leonard's Rum Punch, it follows the title character (Pam Grier) as she navigates a complex plot involving $500,000. The film showcases strong performances and a dense yet engaging plot, proving Tarantino's versatility outside his usual style.

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 blends the horrors of slavery with the thrills of a spaghetti western, delivering a crowd-pleasing yet poignant film. Tarantino skillfully balances humor and brutality, showcasing the casual racism of the era. Despite its dark themes, the film remains a fun 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

Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood is Tarantino's second alternate history project, following Inglourious Basterds. The film follows an aging actor and his stunt double navigating the film industry in 1969, intersecting with the Manson Family. With captivating performances, particularly from Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt, the movie serves as a time capsule of the era, blending emotional depth with Tarantino's signature ultra-violence.

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. The film's brisk pace and compelling performances from Tim Roth, Steve Buscemi, and Michael Madsen, along with the veteran presence of Harvey Keitel, elevate it to a classic. Tarantino's creative direction transforms a one-location story into a cinematic epic, defining 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 follows The Bride (Uma Thurman) on her quest for revenge after being left for dead. The film is a blood-soaked homage to action cinema, with perfect casting and standout performances, particularly from Thurman. Her delivery of Tarantino's dialogue and her action-hero prowess make this volume a standout.

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 transformed cinema with its non-linear storytelling and instantly quotable dialogue. It's a rock and roll film that changed the expectations of what movies can achieve. From the Bible-quoting hitman to the iconic wallet, the film established Tarantino as a revolutionary filmmaker, influencing countless others and reshaping the industry.

The best Quentin Tarantino movies

That concludes 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 tool above.