Top Movies of Quentin Tarantino, Ranked from Good to Great

Quentin Tarantino is one of the most interesting directors of our time. He often tackles unexpected themes, embraces forgotten techniques, and quotes classics without hesitation. Yet, each of his films is unique in its own way. Learn about all the films the maestro has directed in our article.

Please note that this article contains films Quentin directed himself. This article does not include his early works, which could be considered his first experiments, or films for which he served as assistant director, screenwriter, or actor.

After Pulp Fiction, we expected another crime drama from Quentin Tarantino. And that's exactly what we got. However, despite the participation of Robert De Niro and Samuel L. Jackson, the film turned out to be boring. While the initial action seems interesting, it falters toward the middle. The ending seems downright banal.

In the mid-2000s, Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez decided to revive the grindhouse genre. Films of this genre were low-budget and devoid of meaning. They primarily featured erotica and violence. In the film "Death Proof," we follow a group of hot girls who meet stuntman Mike. Their chance encounter leads to tragic consequences.

I highly recommend this film to all fans of gory thrillers. Anyone else should check out Tarantino's more remarkable works.

These two films are a true ode to martial arts films and yakuza series. The charismatic lead actress played by Uma Thurman, the beautifully choreographed sword fights, the memorable characters, and the upbeat soundtrack — the list of the duology's strengths is endless. The only downsides are the predictable plot and the drawn-out running time.

The concept of Quentin Tarantino's first feature film is simple: after a less-than-successful robbery, the gangsters gather at a designated location and try to figure out which of them is the undercover cop. The events are accompanied by threats, accusations, and even torture, and the tension doesn't subside until the very end. In the author's opinion, Reservoir Dogs was Michael Madsen's best acting performance.

Judging by the comments, Inglourious Basterds managed to offend some people. Therefore, I would like to immediately clarify – This film shouldn't be taken seriously. Despite the presence of historical figures, it has no connection to reality. This is a spectacular action film with truly unexpected plot twists, invigorating action, and displays of unabashed brutality. It was thanks to Inglourious Basterds that the whole world learned about actor Christoph Waltz, who won an Oscar for his role as Hans Landa.

This film is dedicated to the cinema of the 1960s. At that time, famous American actors, before they retired, starred in Italian westerns, and all the stunts were performed live.They were the work of stuntmen, who often risked their lives. Tarantino also touched on other hallmarks of the era, such as hippie culture and the Charlie Manson "family," recalled actress Sharon Tate, and poked fun at Bruce Lee. As with Inglourious Basterds, the film's depiction of reality is not a mistake, but a conscious decision by the director. At the same time, Tarantino has created a wonderful snapshot of the era, instantly immersing us in the world of Hollywood in the second half of the 20th century.

The Hateful Eight is a bit reminiscent of Reservoir Dogs. Several armed men are trapped in a room, and the atmosphere is thick with mistrust, leading to unpleasant consequences. However, while Tarantino's first film was set in the then-current 1990s, this Western is set shortly after the end of the American Civil War. The characters fought on opposite sides of the barricades, so they clearly have much to discuss and argue about.

The title of this film is a clear reference to the cult spaghetti western by Sergio Corbucci. However, it is not a remake, but a standalone film. It explores racism and cultural differences, cruel laws, and a sense of justice that sometimes conflicts with the rule of law. The stunning performances of Christoph Waltz and Leonardo DiCaprio are noteworthy, as are the truly spectacular shootouts. In this author's opinion, Tarantino has created the best modern Western.

Legend has it that when a journalist pointedly asked, "Quentin, don't you think you've never made anything better than Pulp Fiction?" the director replied, "Who did?" There's some truth to this. Tarantino's second film remains the maestro's most striking and memorable. It features a wicked irony about the mafia world, the theme of rigged fights, botched robberies, random murders, signature Tarantino dialogue, and simply the worst gangster in cinema, who is truly fascinating to watch. Special praise goes to the excellent script and the terrific cast—Uma Thurman, Bruce Willis, John Travolta, and Christopher Walken, who appears in a brief but memorable scene.

Do you like Quentin Tarantino's films? Or do you prefer something completely different? Share your thoughts in the comments!