Every Quentin Tarantino Movie Ranked And In Order Of Release
Quentin Tarantino stands out in the film industry as a pioneer in directing, writing, and producing his own brand of films. Tarantino's films are known for their unique storytelling, often varying storylines, sharp satire, and a stylized approach to violence, marking a bold and influential shift in the world of cinema. And each film has such a legacy that ranking them is nearly impossible. Of course, every film has its flaws, but Tarantino has created so many classics at this point that the weakest moments in his filmography seem pale in comparison. Therefore, choosing the “best” in this situation is a real challenge and I suspect many people will find my ranking controversial.
As I review each Tarantino film, I will also talk about his beginnings and what shaped him before he became a major Hollywood director. Next, I will go through his entire legendary filmography in chronological order before ranking each of these films. I hope this is a good template for those looking to get started with Tarantino's work, and also for seasoned Tarantino fans looking to challenge some of my oddball choices.
Who is Quentin Tarantino? Life and career summary
Born on March 27, 1963, in bustling Knoxville, Tennessee, Quentin Tarantino quickly found his roots in sprawling urban Los Angeles, where he developed his now renowned filmmaking skills. A self-taught director, Tarantino did not attend college but developed an interest in film early on. He began his career in the film industry in the late 1980s and has directed ten films so far. Fans are also eagerly awaiting Tarantino's next (and possibly last) film, The Film Critic , which is rumored to be shot and released in 2024 .
While working in a video studio, Tarantino absorbed all kinds of films like a sponge, feeding his nascent artistic vision. This first foray into the world of cinema was significant as it established Tarantino's unique approach to filmmaking by combining different genres and styles. He made his first significant steps in the film industry in 1987 with the production of My Best Friend's Birthday , which became the basis for his future cult classic film , Love Actually .
Known for his unique directing style, Tarantino is known for his non-linear plots, well-developed characters, and lengthy dialogue scenes. Tarantino's films skillfully balance reverence and craftsmanship, drawing on influences from the golden age of cinema in the 1960s and 1970s. Tarantino's signature combination of wit and complex storytelling has earned him critical acclaim and a large following.
As a writer, Tarantino's style is no less original. Tarantino masterfully combines tight storytelling and wit, blending the dark and the comic in his signature approach to storytelling. In Tarantino's hands, complex narratives and multifaceted characters flow harmoniously, often punctuated by a mix of sharp dialogue and unexpected violence. Tarantino's talent for delivering memorable dialogue has made him a force in the world of filmmaking.
In what order are Quentin Tarantino's films released?
Here's the release order for Quentin Tarantino's films.
- Reservoir Dogs (October 23, 1992): Tarantino's directorial debut, a heist film that quickly became a cult classic thanks to its dark style and innovative narrative structure.
- “Pulp Fiction” (October 14, 1994). This innovative detective film, known for its non-linear plot and varied dialogue, earned Tarantino widespread acclaim, including the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
- Jackie Brown (December 25, 1997): Based on the novel by Elmore Leonard, this film showcases Tarantino's storytelling skills by combining crime elements with homages to 1970s blaxploitation films.
- Kill Bill: Volume 1 (October 10, 2003): The first installment of his martial arts epic. This revenge tale pays homage to grindhouse cinema, including martial arts, samurai, and spaghetti westerns.
- Kill Bill: Volume 2 (April 16, 2004): This film concludes the story begun in Volume 1 and continues the Bride's quest for revenge with a deeper exploration of the character's backstory and motivations.
- “Death Proof” (April 6, 2007): Part of the “Grindhouse” double feature, this film pays homage to the famous muscle car and slasher films with its realistic car action and unique storytelling style.
- Inglourious Basterds (August 21, 2009): A war film set in Nazi-occupied France known for its revisionist historical narrative, memorable characters, and excellent acting.
- “Django Unchained” (December 25, 2012): Set in the wartime South, this western film combines the spaghetti western and blaxploitation genres and is known for its vivid depiction of slavery and revenge.
- The Hateful Eight (December 25, 2015): A western mystery noted for its limited action, strong character development, and signature Tarantino dialogue.
- Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (July 26, 2019): A historical comedy that pays homage to the final moments of Hollywood's Golden Age, known for its rich stories, dynamic characters, and alternative perspectives on historical events.
Quentin Tarantino movie ratings
And finally, a review of Tarantino's films. And the most important thing I can emphasize right now is that you remember that these rankings are based solely on my personal opinion. This may surprise some Tarantino fans, but I think this list is important for challenging conventional wisdom. I will discuss what I liked and didn't like about each film and provide context for general cultural opinions where my personal opinions differ.
10. Death Proof (2007)
In 2007, Quentin Tarantino's version of the muscle car and slasher film Death Proof featured a speed ride as part of a Grindhouse double feature . In a film that still feels small due to its format, Tarantino combines the raw energy of a classic car chase with intense slasher action to create a thrilling ride. Kurt Russell stars as a terrifying stuntman turned killer who turns his supposedly indestructible car into a deadly tool. And he stars alongside such incredible talents as Rosario Dawson, Rose McGowan, and Mary Elizabeth Winstead. Although written and directed by Tarantino, the film may be less impressive in its compact form adapted to the double feature format. The film's car chases and stunts are laudable, but Death Proof doesn't achieve the complex narrative depth found in Tarantino's other works.
You can watch “Death Proof” here.
9. The Hateful Eight (2015)
Unfortunate Eight is a western crime film that offers an interesting experience at first glance. It showcases Tarantino's dual role in crafting the narrative and directing the show, adding depth to the dialogue and characters. Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, and Jennifer Jason Leigh truly shine under his direction, bringing dynamic characters to life with dialogue that literally jumps off the screen. Ranked ninth only due to the reduced number of repetitions. The film initially grabs your attention with its twists, but these elements lose their luster after you've seen it once, making the film a little less interesting than your average Tarantino. After a few viewings, this film starts to feel less timeless and special than Pulp Fiction .
You can watch The Hateful Eight here.
8. Reservoir Dogs (1992)
Tarantino's first major success as a writer and director, "Reservoir Dogs," attracted attention for its dark charm and inventive plot structure and established itself in the cultural canon. Despite its status as a cult classic and stellar cast including Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, and Steve Buscemi, its relative simplicity and rawness, especially when compared to later films, places it lower on my list. . . While I like that some of these rough edges may not be my personal experience, there's no denying that Reservoir Dogs was a precursor to Tarantino's dark directorial style. The importance of Tarantino's career cannot be denied.
You can stream Reservoir Dogs here.
7. Django Unleashed (2012)
Django Unchained , a great blend of the spaghetti western and exploitation genres, showcases Quentin Tarantino's unique style of depicting the pre-Civil War South. The film features stellar performances from Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, and Leonardo DiCaprio, offering a gripping tale of slavery and revenge, respectively. While the film's main cast is top-notch and the story is interesting, the occasional comedic moments detract from the dramatic moments. But the confidence and unique style that demands attention and shows Tarantino's evolution as a master director cannot be ignored.
You can stream Django Unchained here.
6. Crime Scene (1994)
Now we come to a film that shook the entire film industry. Directed and written by Quentin Tarantino, Pulp Fiction comes to life with bold storytelling and unforgettable performances from John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Samuel L. Jackson, Bruce Willis... the list goes on. Despite his immense influence and legendary status, in my personal opinion, he ranks a little lower in the Tarantino pantheon, as I think Tarantino's later films actually better showcase his accomplished skills. While Pulp Fiction may not top the list of Tarantino's greatest hits, its impact on the world of cinema is deep and far-reaching.
You can watch Pulp Fiction here.
5. Jackie Brown (1997)
Jackie Brown celebrates Quentin Tarantino's significant creative evolution. Taken straight from the pages of Elmore Leonard, this much-underrated film combines Tarantino's avant-garde aesthetic with an elegant, casual atmosphere with a touch of sophistication. Starring Pam Grier, Robert Forster, Samuel L. Jackson and Robert De Niro, “Jackie Brown” showcases Tarantino's mature vision by combining crime elements with homages to the blaxploitation films of the 1970s. Here, Tarantino delivers subtle, serene textures, and his energetic vision shines through. Her aesthetic seems more confident and poised, having abandoned the elegant and powerful independence of her previous films. The peak of Tarantino's work in the 90s showed his work as a director.
You can stream Jackie Brown here.
4. Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003)
Kill Bill: Volume 1 is a captivating cinematic experience. “The Bride's Relentless Revenge” skillfully blends martial arts drama, the stoic elegance of a samurai film (brought to chaotic life by the team at “Mad 88”) and the brutal style of a spaghetti western. Tarantino's deft direction, along with Uma Thurman's powerful performance - and not forgetting an unforgettable cast like Lucy Liu, Vivica A. Fox, and Chiaki Kuriyama - create a film that captures both the eye and the heart while exploring a variety of Genres that come together in a captivating cinematic tapestry and resonate. The first volume is one of the best cinematic experiences ever and showcases Tarantino's ability to write gripping and compelling stories about characters we care about.
You can watch Kill Bill: Volume 1 here.
3. Kill Bill: Volume 2 (2004)
Kill Bill: Volume 2 from 2004 came in third and was the perfect conclusion to the bride's tumultuous journey. The film delves deep into the souls of its characters, revealing their complex emotional journeys and what motivates them. Tarantino skillfully combines emotional action with careful character development. Uma Thurman leads a cast including legends like David Carradine, Daryl Hannah and Michael Madsen who absolutely shine with a performance full of intensity and subtlety. Kill Bill: Volume 2 is a masterclass in storytelling that combines chaos and calm in a story that is as emotional as it is visually stunning. The ending closes the landing, giving us a lively and exciting conclusion to the bride's epic tale.
You can watch Kill Bill: Volume 2 here.
2. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019)
A charming homage to Hollywood's past, Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood combines sharp humor, raw emotion, and sharp social vision with the director's signature storytelling skills. With an intense mix of fiction and history through real and fictional Hollywood icons brought to life by Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt (who won an Oscar for his performance) and Margot Robbie, Tarantino's is a wonderful tribute to the United States. in the 60s, a combination of nostalgic memories and sharp cultural commentary. While some of his films need time and space to breathe, the director's love letter to Hollywood immediately feels like a timeless experience. Tarantino's style seems to have finally matured, offering an interesting mix of social commentary, wit, violence, comedy and compassion.
You can watch “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” here.
1. Undignified Bastard (2009)
More than just a showcase of cinematic prowess, “Inglourious Basterds” is a captivating experience that completely redefines what we expect from Hollywood. Tarantino's bold reimagining of historical events combines with his signature storytelling flair to create a film that is not only captivating but also thought-provoking. Brad Pitt, Christoph Waltz, Mélanie Laurent and Michael Fassbender bring first-class performances to the screen that not only captivate, but also leave an unforgettable impression. This film really grabs you, mixing laughs with serious moments and keeping you on the edge of your seat non-stop. Simply put, this may be the most exciting film ever made. You are so invested in the people and their situations that you can't imagine how deep and thoughtful the commentary will be when Tarantino actually castigates Hitler with his character. Inglourious Basterds is unstoppable.
You can watch Inglourious Basterds here.
Tarantino's upcoming films
Quentin Tarantino is known to be continuing his career. He has stated several times that he wants to make a total of ten films. He has only directed nine films so far (Tarantino, contrary to the ranking above, claims that Kill Bill is among them). “Directors don't get better with age,” Tarantino told Playboy in 2012. “Usually the worst films in his filmography are the last four films at the end.” By limiting his filmography to ten films, he believes he can reduce the chances of leaving with a bad record.
This means there is only one film left and the announced details of this project are quite limited. However, we do have a title: Film Critic . Tarantino told Deadline that the story is based on the true story of a film critic who worked at a still-untitled "porn magazine."
“He writes about popular films and criticizes them a little,” Tarantino said. “I think he is a very good critic. He is very cynical. The review is a mix of early Howard Stern and what Travis Bickle would be like if he were a film critic.
There is currently no release date or production schedule for the film, but The Film Critic is expected to wrap it up in late 2024. Casting has not been announced, although Tarantino has stated that the main character will not be a male star. by, say, Brad Pitt or Leonardo DiCaprio. “[The actor] will definitely be a new lead for me,” the director said.