Quentin Tarantino is one of the most iconic and polarizing filmmakers of the modern era. Known for his razor-sharp dialogue, nonlinear storytelling, and unapologetic love of grindhouse cinema, Tarantino has carved out a unique place in Hollywood history.
With a filmography that includes cult classics, Oscar-winning masterpieces, and divisive deep cuts, ranking every Quentin Tarantino movie is no easy feat. But that’s exactly what we’re here to do. Below is a comprehensive, SEO-optimized ranking of all ten Tarantino-directed films, including his most recent release, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just getting acquainted with the director’s work, this guide offers insights into what makes each film tick and where it stands in the Tarantino canon.
More Read: Ranking Every Transformers Movie
Death Proof (2007)
Starring: Kurt Russell, Rosario Dawson, Zoe Bell
Tarantino’s entry into the Grindhouse double feature with Robert Rodriguez, Death Proof is a homage to 1970s exploitation films. While it features some of his signature elements — extended dialogue sequences, stylized violence, and memorable characters — it ultimately lacks the narrative drive and emotional punch of his other works. Kurt Russell shines as the sadistic stuntman Mike, but the film’s structure and pacing leave it feeling uneven.
Why It Ranks Low: Though fun in parts, it’s Tarantino at his most indulgent. Death Proof feels more like a love letter to a niche genre than a fully realized film.
The Hateful Eight (2015)
Starring: Samuel L. Jackson, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Kurt Russell
A claustrophobic Western set in a snowbound cabin, The Hateful Eight boasts a powerhouse cast and lush cinematography — especially in its 70mm Roadshow version. However, its deliberately slow pacing and bleak tone made it one of Tarantino’s most divisive films.
Why It Ranks Here: Visually stunning and rich in tension, but it lacks the narrative urgency and emotional resonance of his best work.
Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004)
Starring: Uma Thurman, David Carradine, Michael Madsen
The second half of Kill Bill pivots away from the blood-soaked action of Volume 1 in favor of introspection, character development, and dialogue-heavy scenes. It’s a bold choice that pays off, but it may leave action fans wanting more.
Why It Ranks Lower: As a standalone film, it feels incomplete without Volume 1, and its slower pace can be jarring.
Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)
Starring: Uma Thurman, Lucy Liu, Vivica A. Fox
A vibrant, high-octane revenge saga, Kill Bill: Vol. 1 is a stunning blend of martial arts, anime, and spaghetti Western influences. The Bride’s quest for vengeance is exhilarating and bloody, delivering some of Tarantino’s most visually arresting sequences.
Why It’s Not Higher: While it’s a thrill ride, it lacks the thematic depth and character exploration found in his top-tier work.
Jackie Brown (1997)
Starring: Pam Grier, Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Forster
An adaptation of Elmore Leonard’s Rum Punch, Jackie Brown is Tarantino’s most mature and restrained film. With a soulful performance from Pam Grier and an Oscar-nominated turn by Robert Forster, it’s a film that rewards patient viewers.
Why It Stands Out: A nuanced, character-driven story that showcases Tarantino’s ability to work within — and elevate — genre conventions.
Django Unchained (2012)
Starring: Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio
Tarantino’s revisionist Western-slash-slavery epic is equal parts brutal and brilliant. Django Unchained blends revenge fantasy with historical commentary, creating an explosive mix that earned Christoph Waltz his second Oscar.
Why It’s Here: Ambitious, provocative, and deeply entertaining, though not without controversy.
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019)
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie
A love letter to 1960s Hollywood, this film is both elegiac and sharply funny. DiCaprio and Pitt deliver standout performances, and Tarantino crafts a rich tapestry of an era on the brink of change.
Why It Ranks High: A late-career masterpiece filled with affection, detail, and one of Tarantino’s most surprising climaxes.
Reservoir Dogs (1992)
Starring: Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen
Tarantino’s debut made an instant impact, thanks to its sharp dialogue, nonlinear storytelling, and unforgettable ear-cutting scene. Reservoir Dogs is a masterclass in doing a lot with a little.
Why It’s Top-Tier: Laid the foundation for Tarantino’s career; raw, stylish, and revolutionary.
Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Starring: Brad Pitt, Christoph Waltz, Melanie Laurent
An alternate-history World War II epic, Inglourious Basterds is audacious, suspenseful, and darkly humorous. Christoph Waltz’s performance as Hans Landa is one of the most iconic villainous turns in modern cinema.
Why It’s Almost the Best: Bold storytelling, career-defining performances, and one of the best opening scenes of any film — ever.
Pulp Fiction (1994)
Starring: John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Samuel L. Jackson
The film that redefined independent cinema and cemented Tarantino as a cultural force. Pulp Fiction is endlessly quotable, structurally daring, and full of unforgettable moments.
Why It’s #1: A pop culture phenomenon that hasn’t lost its edge. It’s the film by which all other Tarantino movies are measured.
Frequently Asked Question
What is considered Quentin Tarantino’s best movie?
Most rankings, including ours, place Pulp Fiction (1994) at the top. It redefined independent cinema, introduced a nonlinear storytelling style, and remains one of the most influential films of the 1990s.
Why is Death Proof often ranked last in Tarantino’s filmography?
While Death Proof has cult appeal, many fans and critics consider it Tarantino’s most self-indulgent film. Its slow pacing and dialogue-heavy structure lack the impact and cohesion of his other works.
Is Kill Bill considered one movie or two separate films?
Tarantino himself has said he views Kill Bill Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 as one film, though they were released separately. Most rankings split them for clarity, but the full story arc is best appreciated as a single narrative.
Which Quentin Tarantino movie won the most awards?
Inglourious Basterds and Django Unchained are among Tarantino’s most awarded films, each earning multiple Oscars, including Best Supporting Actor wins for Christoph Waltz in both.
Has Quentin Tarantino ever directed a sequel?
Not exactly. While Kill Bill Vol. 2 continues the story of Vol. 1, it’s the only multi-part narrative in his filmography. Despite fan speculation, no direct sequels to his other films exist as of 2025.
What makes Once Upon a Time in Hollywood different from other Tarantino films?
It’s more reflective and nostalgic than violent or revenge-driven. The film is a love letter to 1960s Hollywood, blending fictional characters with real-life history — a stylistic shift from his earlier, bloodier work.
Will Quentin Tarantino direct more movies?
Tarantino has said he plans to retire after his 10th film. With Once Upon a Time in Hollywood being his ninth, fans eagerly await his final project — expected to be a cinematic sendoff to his legendary career.
Conclusion
Ranking Quentin Tarantino’s movies is about more than just fan service — it’s a way to trace the evolution of one of cinema’s most distinctive voices. From the gritty minimalism of Reservoir Dogs to the nostalgic grandeur of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Tarantino has continuously reinvented himself while staying true to his vision. Whether you agree with this ranking or not, one thing is undeniable: Tarantino’s impact on filmmaking is indelible. With one final movie supposedly on the horizon, fans can only hope he goes out with the same bang that’s defined his legendary career.