Quentin Tarantino is an American filmmaker whose movies have captivated viewers around the world. With their strong characters, innovative stories, and memorable soundtrack choices, Tarantino’s films have become renowned for their chameleon-like ability to blend different genres and styles. His works have given rise to numerous catchphrases and classics, defining cinema for generations to come.
With the upcoming release of his latest feature, ‘Once Upon A Time in Hollywood’, there’s no better time to look back at what makes a Quentin Tarantino movie great and rank the top ten films from his distinguished career.
Quentin Tarantino
Quentin Tarantino is an American film director, producer, and screenwriter. Regarded as one of the most iconic filmmakers of all time, Tarantino has achieved critical and commercial success with his unique blend of violence, black comedy and pop culture references. His influences span the film spectrum, from classic Hollywood to foreign cinema, and his movies have been nominated for numerous awards, including several Oscars.
Tarantino’s Career
The 1990s saw the emergence of a new film genre, characterized by imaginative story lines and stylistic flourishes. It was led by the likes of Ridley Scott, David Lynch and the ultimate king of this indie wave, Quentin Tarantino. His cult debut film, ‘Reservoir Dogs’, launched onto the scene in 1992 and earned Tarantino an unprecedented level of success for a first time director.
The success of Reservoir Dogs prompted Tarantino to team up with movie producer Lawrence Bender to form their own production company, A Band Apart. Michel Gondry, Robert Rodriguez and Gareth Evans are some of the other directors who had a hand in the projects produced by A Band Apart and greatly benefited from this association.
Since the 1990s, Tarantino has produced some of the most popular and influential contemporary films, including ‘Pulp Fiction’, ‘Kill Bill’ and ‘Inglourious Basterds’. With each successive film, Tarantino has experimented with the conventions of genre filmmaking to create unique works of art.
A Ranking of Quentin Tarantino’s Best Movies
As one of the most iconic figures in modern filmmaking, Quentin Tarantino has captivated audiences with his distinct blend of violence, pop culture references and black comedy. His tension-filled scenes, memorable characters and dialogue are as timeless as they are entertaining. Here is a ranking of Quentin Tarantino’s 10 best movies:
- The Hateful Eight (2015)
The Hateful Eight is a mystery western, set in post-Civil War Wyoming. The story centers on eight strangers who get stranded in a stagecoach during a blizzard, and the ensuing web of suspicion, betrayal and murder. Tarantino’s signature violence, stylistic flourishes, dialogue, and black comedy make The Hateful Eight an emotionally memorable experience for viewers.
- Jackie Brown (1997)
Jackie Brown is a crime-drama, featuring Pam Grier in her best role ever. The plot revolves around a flight attendant who is caught smuggling cash into the country and teams up with an ATF agent to make a deal. With its chilling performances and nail-biting set pieces, Jackie Brown takes viewers on a thrilling ride until its bittersweet ending.
- Django Unchained (2012)
Django Unchained is a revenge western, starring Jamie Foxx as the titular former slave seeking revenge against those who enslaved him. Despite the heavy subject matter, Tarantino’s script is packed with stylistic flourishes, pop culture referenecs and sharp dialogue. It is an exhilarating and tense viewing experience.
- Death Proof (2007)
Death Proof is Tarantino’s only film released as part of the ‘Grindhouse’ double bill. It follows a stuntman, played by Kurt Russell, who stalks and kills his victims with his ‘death proof’ car. While the plot may sound simple, the film itself is surprisingly complex and packs plenty of unexpected twists and turns.
- Kill Bill Vol. 1 & 2 (2003 & 2004)
Kill Bill Vol. 1 & 2 follow a former assassin (Uma Thurman) on a quest for revenge against her former colleagues, and the fateful betrayal that led to her almost being killed. From the opening showdown in a Tokyo restaurant to the thrilling conclusion, Kill Bill is an exciting and visually creative journey across Japan and America, filled with stylish fight scenes and vivid characters.
- Reservoir Dogs (1992)
Quentin Tarantino’s debut feature film follows a group of criminals as they plan a diamond heist that goes terribly wrong. While the plot is straightforward, the movie packs a punch, with engaging characters and a myriad of tense situations. It set the tone for all of Tarantino’s subsequent work and is the definition of an instant classic.
- Inglorious Basterds (2009)
Inglorious Basterds is a World War II revenge fantasy, starring Brad Pitt as the leader of a band of Jewish-American soldiers. It follows their mission to kill Nazi official Hans Landa and change the course of history. Tarantino delivers a unique take on the war genre, heavily influenced by Italy’s Spaghetti Westerns, with razor-sharp dialogue and a patchwork of grimy, intense and inventive set pieces.
- Pulp Fiction (1994)
Tarantino’s second effort, Pulp Fiction, is a crime-drama filled with gritty characters and dialogues to match. It follows the intertwining stories of two hitmen, a boxer, a gangster, his wife and his partner through a postmodern cityscape. The musically-driven scenes, nonlinear narrative and darkly comic outlook create a devastatingly original experience, and a movie that is as iconic as it is engrossing.
- Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019)
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is the latest film from Quentin Tarantino, and it is generating a lot of buzz. It stars Brad Pitt and Leonardi DiCaprio, and follows a fading television star and his stunt double on a journey through 1960s L.A. The movie is described as an ode to the golden age of Hollywood, and features an all-star cast and some of the same cinematic flourishes that made Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction and other Tarantino movies classics.
- Reservoir Dogs (1992)
At the top of the list, is the director’s breakout film, Reservoir Dogs. It is a hitman heist movie, following a group of criminals as they plan a diamond heist that goes completely wrong. With its signature nonlinear narrative, razor-sharp dialogue and memorable characters, Reservoir Dogs is essential Tarantino. It proves that sometimes the simplest concept can be the most effective, and is an essential title from one of the present master’s of filmmaking.
With the release of his latest masterpiece, ‘Once Upon A Time in Hollywood’, Quentin Tarantino is sure to prove once again why he’s one of the most iconic figures in modern filmmaking. His films have been entertaining and captivating audiences for decades, with their innovative stories and captivating characters. With this list, you can rank these movies from best-to-worst and decide which Quentin Tarantino movies are the very best.
