Every Quentin Tarantino Movie Ranked And In Order

Quentin Tarantino stands out in the film industry as a trailblazer in directing, scriptwriting, and producing his own brand of cinema. Tarantino's films are known for their unique storytelling, often featuring out-of-sequence plots, sharp satire, and a stylized approach to violence that marked a bold, influential shift in cinema. And each film has built such a legacy that, when it comes to ranking them … it can feel near impossible to do. Each movie has its flaws, for sure, but at this point Tarantino has made so many classics that his filmography’s weakest moments seem inconsequential in comparison. So choosing the “best” in this situation is quite the task—and I suspect many will find my rankings controversial.

As we look at each of Tarantino's movies, I’ll also talk about his early life and what shaped him before he became a big Hollywood director. Then I’ll review his entire legendary filmography in chronological order, just before ranking each and every one of those films. I hope this provides a great blueprint for anyone looking to get into Tarantino’s body of work, as well as challenge seasoned Tarantino fans with some of my more out-there takes.

Who is Quentin Tarantino? Life and Career Synopsis

Born into the vibrant rhythms of Knoxville, Tennessee, on March 27, 1963, Quentin Tarantino soon found his backdrop in the sprawling cityscape of Los Angeles, where he cultivated his now-celebrated cinematic craft. A self-taught filmmaker, Tarantino did not attend college but developed a deep passion for cinema at an early age. He began his journey in the film industry in the late 1980s and has directed ten movies to date.

Working at a video store, Tarantino soaked up films of all sorts like a sponge, feeding his budding artistic vision. This early dive into the world of film was crucial, as it shaped Tarantino's unique approach to directing, blending various genres and styles. His first notable step into filmmaking was in 1987 with the production of My Best Friend's Birthday, the groundwork for his future cult classic True Romance.

Renowned for his distinct directorial style, Tarantino is celebrated for non-linear storylines, richly developed characters, and extended dialogue-heavy scenes. Tarantino's films deftly mix homage with pastiche, drawing on a variety of influences from the golden era of cinema in the 1960s and ‘70s. Tarantino's signature blend of sharp wit and narrative complexity has earned him both critical cheers and a legion of followers.

As a writer, Tarantino's style is equally distinctive. Tarantino masterfully weaves tight narratives and razor-sharp wit, blending the grim with the comic in his signature storytelling approach. In Tarantino's hands, complex narratives and multifaceted characters dance together seamlessly, often punctuated by a blend of sharp dialogue and unexpected violence. Tarantino's knack for crafting lines that stick in our memories has made him a powerhouse in the world of film writing.

In What Order Were Quentin Tarantino’s Films Released?

Here is every film directed by Quentin Tarantino, in order of release.

• Reservoir Dogs (October 23, 1992): Tarantino's directorial debut, a heist film that quickly became a cult classic for its raw style and innovative narrative structure.
• Pulp Fiction (October 14, 1994): This groundbreaking crime film, known for its non-linear storyline and eclectic dialogue, brought Tarantino widespread acclaim, including an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.
• Jackie Brown (December 25, 1997): An adaptation of Elmore Leonard's novel, this film showcases Tarantino's storytelling prowess, blending crime elements with a homage to 1970s blaxploitation films.
• Kill Bill: Volume 1 (October 10, 2003): The first part of his epic martial arts film, it’s a revenge saga that pays tribute to grindhouse cinema, including martial arts, samurai, and spaghetti western genres.
• Kill Bill: Volume 2 (April 16, 2004): Concluding the story begun in Volume 1, this film continues the bride's quest for vengeance with a deeper exploration of character backgrounds and motivations.
• Death Proof (April 6, 2007): A part of the double feature "Grindhouse," this movie is a tribute to muscle cars and slasher films, known for its realistic car stunts and unique narrative style.
• Inglourious Basterds (August 21, 2009): A war film set in Nazi-occupied France, it's lauded for its revisionist history storytelling, memorable characters, and standout performances.
• Django Unchained (December 25, 2012): This western film set in the Antebellum South combines the spaghetti western and blaxploitation genres, acclaimed for its unflinching portrayal of slavery and revenge theme.
• The Hateful Eight (December 25, 2015): A western mystery film, known for its limited setting, strong character development, and trademark Tarantino dialogue.
• Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (July 26, 2019): A historical comedy-drama that pays homage to the final moments of Hollywood's golden age, renowned for its rich narrative, dynamic character arcs, and an alternate take on historical events.

Quentin Tarantino's Movies Ranked

Finally, ranking Tarantino’s films. And the most important thing I can stress now is that you remember these rankings are based entirely on my personal opinion. This might rub some Tarantino fans the wrong way, but I think it's important for a list to challenge the standard opinion. I will discuss what I like and don’t like about each movie, as well as provide some context on the general cultural opinion whenever my personal views differ.

10. Death Proof (2007)

Quentin Tarantino's 2007 nod to muscle car and slasher flicks, Death Proof delivers a high-octane ride as part of the Grindhouse double bill. In this full-length film that still somehow feels small thanks to the format, Tarantino fuses the raw energy of classic car chases with slasher suspense, revving up for a pulse-pounding ride. Kurt Russell takes on the chilling role of a stuntman who morphs into a murderer, turning his supposedly indestructible car into a lethal tool. And he acts alongside some incredible talents, including Rosario Dawson, Rose McGowan, and Mary Elizabeth Winstead. While Tarantino both wrote and directed this film, it's arguably less impactful in its truncated form, designed to fit the double feature format. The film’s car chases and stunt work are commendable, but Death Proof falls short of the complex narrative depth found in Tarantino's other works.

Here’s where you can stream Death Proof.

9. The Hateful Eight (2015)

A western mystery film that initially offers an enthralling experience, The Hateful Eight showcases Tarantino's dual role in crafting the narrative and steering the performances, bringing a depth to both conversations and character arcs that stand out. Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell and Jennifer Jason Leigh truly shine under his direction, bringing a dynamic array of characters to life with dialogue that pops off the screen. Its ranking at number nine merely stems from its diminished rewatch value. At first, the movie captures your attention with unexpected plot turns, but these elements lose their shine after you've seen them once, leaving the film feeling a bit less evergreen than Tarantino's usual fare. After a few watches, it simply begins to feel less timeless, less special compared to works like Pulp Fiction.

Here’s where you can stream The Hateful Eight.

8. Reservoir Dogs (1992)

Tarantino's first big splash as a writer-director, Reservoir Dogs grabbed attention with its unpolished charm and inventive plot structure, firmly establishing him in the cultural canon. Despite its cult classic status and the presence of a stellar cast including Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, and Steve Buscemi, it ranks lower on my list due to its comparative simplicity and roughness around the edges, especially when pitted against Tarantino's later, more polished works. While I like some of those jagged edges may not be my personal cup of tea, it’s impossible to deny that Reservoir Dogs pioneered Tarantino's raw directorial style. Its importance in Tarantino's career is unquestionable.

Here’s where you can stream Reservoir Dogs.

7. Django Unchained (2012)

A film that masterfully combines the genres of spaghetti western and blaxploitation, Django Unchained showcases Quentin Tarantino's unique style in its portrayal of the Antebellum South. The movie, which is also a top Black film, features exceptional performances by Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz and Leonardo DiCaprio, each providing an audacious perspective on slavery and a compelling narrative of revenge. Though the film's stellar cast delivers and the story captivates, its occasional comedic relief might slightly lessen the punch of its dramatic moments. But you can't ignore the sheer confidence and unique style that demand attention, showcasing Tarantino's growth as a master filmmaker.

Here’s where you can stream Django Unchained.

6. Pulp Fiction (1994)

We’ve now reached the film that shook up the entire movie industry. Quentin Tarantino's direction and script brought to life Pulp Fiction, a film that stands out for its bold narrative style and memorable performances by the likes of John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Samuel L. Jackson and Bruce Willis … this list could go on and on. Despite its monumental impact and legendary status, my personal perspective places it slightly lower in the Tarantino pantheon, as I feel Tarantino's more recent films really show off his impeccable skills better. Although Pulp Fiction might not top my list as Tarantino's greatest hit, its mark on cinema is both profound and far-reaching.

Here’s where you can stream Pulp Fiction.

5. Jackie Brown (1997)

Jackie Brown marks a significant artistic evolution for Quentin Tarantino. Drawn from Elmore Leonard's pages, this highly underrated film trades Tarantino's earlier edgy aesthetic for a sleek and calm vibe, with a touch of sophistication. Starring Pam Grier, Robert Forster, Samuel L. Jackson and Robert De Niro, Jackie Brown is a testament to Tarantino's maturing vision, blending crime elements with a homage to 1970s blaxploitation films. Here, Tarantino brings a polished, serene, glossy texture to his energetic vision. The aesthetic simply feels more realized and put together after abandoning the stylishly forceful autonomy of his earlier films. The highlight of Tarantino’s 90s output shows him leveling up as a director.

Here’s where you can stream Jackie Brown.

4. Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003)

Kill Bill: Volume 1 is an electrifying cinematic experience. The Bride's relentless pursuit of retribution masterfully melds martial arts drama, the stoic elegance of samurai films (brought to chaotic life by the Crazy 88 crew), and a rugged spaghetti western flair. Tarantino's deft direction, alongside Uma Thurman's intense performance—and let us not forget the unforgettable cast that includes Lucy Liu, Vivica A. Fox and Chiaki Kuriyama—forges a movie that captivates both the eyes and the heart as he seamlessly blends multiple genres, crafting a cinematic tapestry that captivates and resonates. Volume 1 grandly introduces one of the ultimate cinematic experiences, showcasing Tarantino's ability to craft a compelling and arresting narrative around a character we care for painfully.

Here’s where you can stream Kill Bill: Volume 1.

3. Kill Bill: Volume 2 (2004)

At number three, Kill Bill: Volume 2, released in 2004, provides a perfect conclusion to The Bride's tumultuous journey. The movie dives into the psyche of its characters, unraveling their intricate emotional journeys and what drives them. Tarantino adeptly blends visceral action with meaningful character study. Uma Thurman leads a cast—which includes legends like David Carradine, Daryl Hannah and Michael Madsen—that truly shines, offering up performances ripe with intensity and subtlety. Kill Bill: Volume 2 is a masterclass in storytelling, blending chaos and calm in a narrative that is as emotionally resonant as it is visually spectacular. The finale nails the landing, giving us a raw and riveting close to The Bride's epic tale.

Here’s where you can stream Kill Bill: Volume 2.

2. Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood (2019)

Quentin Tarantino's enchanting homage to the bygone era of Hollywood, Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood weaves together biting humor, raw emotion, and sharp social insights with the director’s signature storytelling flair. Touchingly mixing fiction and history through both real and made-up Hollywood icons—brought to life by the likes of Leonard DiCaprio, Brad Pitt (who won an Oscar for his performance), and Margot Robbie—Tarantino crafts a masterful homage to the United States in the 60s, blending wistful reminiscence with sharp cultural commentary. While some of his movies need time and room to breathe, the director’s love letter to Hollywood instantly felt like an immortalized experience. Tarantino's style has finally seemed to reach its full maturity, presenting an enthralling mix of social commentary, wit, savagery, comedy, and compassion.

Here’s where you can stream Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

1. Inglourious Basterds (2009)

Inglourious Basterds isn't just a showpiece of film excellence—it's an edge-of-your-seat experience that completely reimagines what we expect from Hollywood. Tarantino's bold reimagining of historical events, fused with his signature narrative flair, forges a movie that not only grips but also offers deep reflection. Brad Pitt, Christoph Waltz, Mélanie Laurent and Michael Fassbender bring their A-game to the screen with performances that not only grip you but also leave a lasting impression. The movie absolutely captivates you, mixing laughs with serious moments and keeping you on edge, all without missing a beat. Simply put: this may be the most entertaining movie ever made. You're so pulled in by the people and their situations that you don't even realize how deep and thoughtful the commentary is when Tarantino literally executes Hitler with his characters. Inglorious Basterds is simply unstoppable.

Here’s where you can stream Inglourious Basterds.

Upcoming Tarantino Movies

Famously, Quentin Tarantino has placed a self-imposed shelf life on his career. He has stated several times he only plans to make ten films. So far, he has only made nine (Tarantino states, contrary to the above rankings, that the Kill Bill films are a single entity). “Directors don’t get better as they get older,” Tarantino told Playboy in 2012. “Usually the worst films in their filmography are those last four at the end.” So by limiting his filmography to ten films, he thinks he’ll diminish his chances of going out on a low note.

Which means there is one movie left. For some time it appeared that Tarantino’s final film would be a project called The Movie Critic, but the director changed course in April, 2024 and announced that he will not make the movie. It remains to be seen what his last effort will be.