Quentin Tarantino Movies: Ranked, Reviewed, Explained

Quentin Tarantino Movies: Ranked, Reviewed, Explained

1. Pulp Fiction – 9.5

2. Kill Bill – 9.1 

3. Reservoir Dogs – 9.0 

4. Django Unchained – 9.0 

5. Inglourious Basterds – 8.9 

6. The Hateful Eight – 8.8

7. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood – 8.7

8. Jackie Brown – 8.5 

T&T Tarantino Social Media highlights: 

• Overall Rankings on Letterboxd

• TikTok Montage

• Insta Montage

• Beauty of Tarantino, Part 2

• Tarantino N Word Controversy

• Samuel L Jackson dispels the racist Tarantino rumors

• The Quentin Detestfest Method

• Young Tarantino on Bravado

Pulp Fiction – 9.5

Release Year: 1994

Time: 2h 45m

Rating - R

Streaming: Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Netflix, Youtube, GooglePlay, AppleTV

Genre: Crime, Thriller

Director: Quentin Tarantino

Cast: John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman, Bruce Willis, Tim Roth, Ving Rhames, Christopher Walken

• Tarantino’s era-defining mosaic of LA is largely regarded as his magnum opus for good reason; Pulp Fiction reinvents the crime genre with its unique narrative structure, snappy dialogue, nonlinear plot and iconic performances as it weaves together interlocking stories of Los Angeles underworld figures, including a philosophical hitman, a boxer on the run, and a mob boss’s wife. Like many Taratino masterpieces, Pulp features iconic scenes and endless quotable dialogue – the witty yet philosophical discourse between Travolta (Vincent Vega) and Jackson (Jules Winnfield) throughout is what elevates this film from another Tarantino classic to one of the best movies of all time. The two’s complementary chemistry anchors the film as the charistically verbose mob enforcers are confronted with surreal experiences (ranging from dance competitions to accidental homicides), catalyzing the film’s cool, edgy vibe. Pulp is a wildly original, genre-defying masterpiece that intertwines the lives of an ensemble cast of eccentric characters, brought to life by Q money’s signature blend of razor-sharp wit and stylized violence. Grab a Royale with Cheese and buckle up for a rollercoaster ride of dark humor, unforgettable dialogue, and toe-tapping tunes.

Expert Quotes

• "From the iconic dance sequence to Samuel L. Jackson's 'Ezekiel 25:17' monologue, Pulp Fiction is a treasure trove of memorable moments and lines that have become ingrained in pop culture."

• "Tarantino’s ability to create profound, character-driven stories within the framework of a crime film is unmatched, making Pulp Fiction a must-watch for any cinema enthusiast. The film's non-linear narrative not only challenges conventional storytelling but also enhances the depth and rewatchability of the story, making each viewing a unique experience."

• “This movie is s tier because of the consistently intriguing conversations between Travolta and Jackson. The two of them bounce off of each other in a way that only happens once every few decades in film making… McConnaughey, Harrelson True Detective Season 1 type of vibe comparison. Pulp is a masterful stroke by big Q and a gentle reminder that Chatability is the best ability.”

• "That injection scene with Mia Wallace remains an all-timer - the combination of danger and odd domesticity as she mistakes heroin for coke still gives me chills. Uma Thurman's performance is just as unforgettable, particularly in the dance sequence with Travolta. Pulp is quite simply a cultural phenomenon”. 

• “Tarantino’s stylized writing and directing took arthouse and indie cinema fully mainstream, cementing himself as an auteur for the ages”. 

• “As a guy that’s watched every Tarantino movie three times, Pulp is the best and it’s not particularly close. Reservoir Dogs, Kill Bill, Inglorious, Django, The Hateful Eight and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood are all great films, but none of them touch Pulp”. 

Pulp Highlights: 

• The Best Tarantino Movie colorized

• The Path of the Righteous Man all time scene

• The Greatness of Pulp

• Vincent Vega & Jules Winnfield Duo

• Tarantino on designing Pulp

Kill Bill – 9.1

Release Year: Vol I - 2003, Vol II - 2004 

Runtime: Vol 1 - 1h 51m, Vol 2 - 2h 17m

Rating: RStreaming: Showtime, AMC+, Youtube, AppleTV, GooglePlay, Amazon Prime

Genre: Action, Crime, ThrillerDirector: Quentin Tarantino

Cast: Uma Thurman, David Carradine, Michael Madsen, Lucy Liu, Michael Madsen, Daryl Hannah, Sonny Chiba, Chiaki Kuriyama

• Kill Bill might be the most Tarantino movie of all. The two-part martial arts epic is a dazzling homage to grindhouse cinema, blending samurai films, spaghetti westerns, and revenge thrillers into a unique cinematic tapestry. The blood-soaked revenge saga follows The Bride on her ruthless quest to kill the team of assassins who betrayed her, led by the ultra enigmatic Bill. Her journey culminates in battles with adversaries possessing distinct sensational styles, from a deadly ballerina to a vicious yakuza boss; Big Q’s passion for stylized violence and reverence to martial arts classics complement his signature style of nonlinear storytelling in this thrilling, darkly funny and fiercely feminist epic. The scenes are both visually striking and crafted with meticulous detail – a combo that elevates the films to a form of high art. 

Expert Quotes

• “Uma Thurman delivers a career-best turn fueled by conviction in pursuit of vengeance against lover turned mortal enemy. Tarantino constructs lavish set-pieces weaponizing different film styles from anime to grindhouse befitting each sensational opponent with panache. Transcending pastiche, Kill Bill ultimately resonates as a saga of survival and female empowerment through sheer force of will”. 

• “Although they are two different movies, it’s really just one four hour movie which is what makes it so great. I recommend watching back to back for an optimal viewing experience”. 

• Kill Bill is a testament to the power of a well-told story, driven by a strong female lead and a director at the peak of his creative powers. #WiggleYourBigToe #The5PointPunch

• "Uma Thurman's delivery of 'It's mercy, compassion, and forgiveness I lack; not rationality,' encapsulates The Bride's journey in 'Kill Bill,' defining her character's relentless pursuit and unwavering resolve." 

• “Kill Bill is without a doubt the most underrated Tarantino movie – I have it ranked second all time behind Pulp although that two seed is perpetually tied with Django, Inglorious and Reservoir”. 

• “KB is as much about its dialogue as its action, with lines like 'Silly Caucasian girl likes to play with Samurai swords' showcasing Tarantino's unique blend of humor and cultural pastiche." 

• "The line 'revenge is never a straight line. It's a forest, and like a forest, it's easy to lose your way... to get lost... to forget where you came in' speaks volumes about Tarantino's non-linear narrative approach in KB, drawing the audience into a maze of vengeance and redemption." 

Kill Bill Highlights: 

• Tarantino & Thurman's plot

• Why Tarantino and Thurman had a major rift

• Thurman's training regimen

• The Bride vs Vernita Green

• Kill Bill montage highlight

• Tarantino's favorite movie

Reservoir Dogs – 9.0

Release Year: 1992

Runtime: 1h 39m

Rating - R

Streaming Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube, AppleTV

Genre: Crime, Thriller

Director: Quentin Tarantino

Cast: Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, Steve Buscemi, Chris Penn, Quentin Tarantino, Lawrence Tierney 

• Quentin Tarantino's explosive indie debut, Reservoir Dogs, assembles a motley crew of criminals for a high-stakes heist that goes disastrously wrong. The film is a raw, gritty, and stylistically bold take on the heist genre, with a unique twist – the heist itself never appears on screen. Instead, Tarantino focuses on the aftermath, as the characters, portrayed by an ensemble cast including Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, and Michael Madsen, grapple with suspicion and betrayal. With tensions mounting and paranoia setting in, the line between friends and foes begins to blur, making for a masterclass in pressure and narrative structure.The dialogue is sharp and laden with Tarantino's signature wit, while the nonlinear storytelling keeps the audience gripped. Reservoir Dogs stands as a landmark film in independent cinema, showcasing Tarantino’s flair for combining vivid character studies with violent, yet captivating, storytelling.

Expert Quotes

• "Tarantino displays savage wit examining loyalty amongst thieves unraveling after a failed heist soaked in blood - his razored dialogue reveals solidarity's ugly limits through characters etched in moral complexity."

• "The infamous torture scene still gnaws with savage power - Michael Madsen's chillingly jaunty menace paired with the helpless policeman's anguish makes for an agonizing portrait of inhumanity normalized."

• "Keitel grounds the volatile desperation as veteran Joe tries keeping wayward trigger fingers in line, betraying paternal weariness rather than hardened crime boss composure."

• Quentin Tarantino explodes onto the indie scene, deconstructing a failed diamond heist aftermath revealing loyalty's ugly limits between thieves when things go bloody. With razor dialogue, moral complexity, and torture turned tension-release tool, he examines violent male bonds with simultaneous visceral grit and wry panache. It remains a pulpy gritty powerhouse and landmark crime cinema arrival.

• Tarantino reinvents the heist genre, using his razor-sharp dialogue and non-linear narrative to craft a film that is as psychologically engaging as it is stylistically bold."

• "Harvey Keitel's Mr. White is a nuanced portrayal of loyalty and desperation, serving as the moral center in a world of chaos and violence in 'Reservoir Dogs.'" 

• "The opening diner scene of 'Reservoir Dogs' sets the stage for Tarantino's unique style, blending pop culture references with a tense undercurrent of impending doom." 

• "'Reservoir Dogs' not only marked the arrival of Tarantino as a significant force in cinema but also redefined what an independent film could achieve with its raw energy and unique storytelling." 

Reservoir Highlights: 

• How Tarantino wrote Reservoir in three weeks

• How Harvey Weinstein tried to cut the best scene

• Why Tarantino didn't put any women in the movie

• The greatest heist movie of all time

Django Unchained – 9.0

Release Year: 2012

Time: 2h 45m

Rating - R

Streaming: Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, AppleTV

Genre: Drama, Western

Director: Quentin Tarantino

Cast: Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kerry Washington, Samuel L Jackson, Quentin Tarantino, Don Johnson

• Django Unchained, Quentin Tarantino's audacious take on the spaghetti western set in the antebellum Deep South, stands as a masterful exploration of America's darkest history. The film is a visceral, unapologetic journey into this heart of darkness, where Quentin Tarantino rewrites history with a vengeance. Led by Jamie Foxx's powerful transformation from a broken slave to a vengeful hero and Christoph Waltz's charming yet deadly Dr. King Schultz, the picture delves into the brutality of slavery with Tarantino-esque blade-sharp dialogue, cathartic justice and pitch-black humor. Leonardo DiCaprio's portrayal of the charismatic but psychopathic slave owner Calvin Candie adds a layer of tension and complexity as Django’s long lost lover resides on his plantation.  The deliciously wicked, mandingo-loving Dicaprio elevates this film from good to great during its climax at the precarious CandyLand. Visually stunning and underscored by a perfectly eclectic soundtrack, the film is an ingrained and emotionally charged journey, blending over-the-top action with a poignant narrative of love, revenge, and liberation. Django is a prime, blood-spattered, revenge-infused Tarantino odyssey, delivering a cinematic experience that's as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.

Expert Quotes

• "Leonardo DiCaprio's Calvin Candie is a villain you love to hate; he brings a chilling charisma to the role, making every scene that he's in crackle with tension." 

• “Foxx brings palpable catharsis as Django tearing through oppressors as he seeks retribution for his bride, while Waltz shines brilliantly as Dr. King Schultz, blending his unique charm with a lethal edge. Django’s powerhouse embodiment of vengeance and heart, bringing to life a character who is as complex as he is compelling, and Waltz’s witty badassery makes for an unforgettable duo that stands as one of Tarantino's finest creations. Django Unchained is both Jamie Foxx and Chris Waltz’s best respective performances ever". 

• "While the final shootout in 'Django Unchained' is a masterclass in choreography and direction, it’s so absurd that it tips into the category of unrealistic, and it’s so long that it feels a little dragged out. The scene shows Tarantino's flair for the dramatics and it’s certainly a memorable ending, but Django would have been even better if Tarantino cut the film 15 mins and took 20% off the dramatic flair”. 

• "The juxtaposition of ruthless violence and dark humor in 'Django Unchained' is handled with the skill of a maestro by Tarantino, making the film an instant classic in his impressive repertoire. I continue to marvel at his ability to wield violence with both visceral grit and perfectly timed dark humor”. 

• "Django Unchained is a film that will stay with you long after you've seen it. It's a powerful and moving film that will make you think about the horrors of slavery and the fight for freedom." 

• Politically Correct Slavery: Having to wear pants at clubs is more politically correct than the long-standing suit and tie to work tradition #ifitshotwearshorts #commoncents

• Is corporate America just politically correct slavery?

  • Except the master is money instead of Calvin candie #django #notabadmastertho

Django Highlight: “you gotta be a slave”

Inglourious Basterds – 8.9

Release Year: 2009

Runtime:  2h 33m

Rating - R

Streaming Platforms: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, Vudu, YouTube, AppleTV

Genre: Action, War

Director: Quentin Tarantino

Cast: Brad Pitt, Mélanie Laurent, Christoph Waltz, Eli Roth, Michael Fassbender, Daniel Bruhl, BJ Novak, Diane Kruger

• Inglourious Basterds is Quentin Tarantino's audacious take on World War II – a masterful blend of history and fantasy that defies genre conventions. In Nazi occupied France, a group of Jewish U.S. Nazi hunters brutally seek vengeance behind enemy lines led by a bold Brad Pitt (Lt. Aldo Raine). Concurrently, a Jewish refugee (Laurent) plots her own revenge scheme to assassinate Hitler at a propaganda film premiere and Christoph Waltz delivers a chilling performance as the cunning SS officer Hans Landa, a character both magnetic and menacing. No filmmaker toys with history's horrors quite like Tarantino, simultaneously conjuring meticulous period detail alongside gruesome symbolic revenge on totalitarian villains otherwise indelibly imprinted; he unleashes revisionist catharsis, boldly rewriting war atrocities with violent poetic license. The film is a thrilling, high-octane ride through an alternate reality of various schemes to take down the Third Reich; put simply, it’s a Tarantino spectacle that plays fast and loose with history, yet captivates with its bold storytelling and unforgettable characters.

Expert Quotes

• "When Lt. Aldo Raine says, 'I think this just might be my masterpiece,' it almost feels like Tarantino is speaking about 'Inglourious Basterds' itself – a bold reimagining of history with his trademark cinematic flair."

• “A blood-spattered, brutally satisfying alternate history that brings together an ensemble of colorful characters, united by their desire to wreak havoc on the Third Reich. Expect wit, style, and Tarantino's trademark penchant for violence in this thrilling, genre-bending WWII saga”

• "The deliberate misspelling in the title 'Inglourious Basterds' is quintessential Tarantino – it's a playful nod to the film's revisionist take on history and its departure from conventional war movie narratives." 

• "Waltz’s delivery of 'That’s a bingo!' is not just memorable for its delivery, but it encapsulates the unnerving charm of Colonel Hans Landa, a villain who is as polite as he is ruthless." 

• "The line 'We're in the Nazi killin’ business and cousin, business is a-boomin',' uttered by Brad Pitt, perfectly captures the irreverent, audacious spirit of his character. Inglorious sneaky might be his best performance ever… it’s certainly up there with Fight Club, 12 Monkeys, Seven, Oceans 11, and World War Z as his top act”. 

• "Christoph Waltz deservedly won his first Oscar as sophisticated yet merciless Jew Hunter Landa - his calm erudite barbarism still terrifies."

• "The climax intercutting the propaganda film premiere going up in flames with Hitler’s screaming descent remains peak cinematic catharsis - only Tarantino turns war crime machine guns literally into vehicles for revisionist art."

Tarantino on Colonel Landa

The Hateful Eight – 8.8

 Release Year: 2015

Runtime: 3h 7m

Rating - R

Streaming Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies & TV, iTunes, AppleTV

Genre: Western/Thriller

Director: Quentin Tarantino

Cast: Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Walton Goggins, Demián Bichir, Channing Tatum

• Quentin Tarantino's "The Hateful Eight" unfolds as a masterclass in suspense, dialogue, and character study, set against the stark, unforgiving backdrop of a post-Civil War Wyoming winter landscape. The film, marked by Tarantino's signature nonlinear storytelling and rich, detailed dialogue, gathers a collection of characters, each with their own secrets and agendas, in a single stage-like setting, Minnie's Haberdashery. As a blizzard traps these eight strangers together, the tension escalates with each passing moment, leading to a climactic explosion of violence and revelations. The ensemble cast, including Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and more, delivers performances that are as nuanced as they are powerful, bringing depth to the archetypal characters they portray. Jackson's Major Marquis Warren and Leigh's Daisy Domergue stand out for their complex interplay of moral ambiguity and raw survival instinct, embodying the film's themes of deception, vengeance, and the elusive nature of justice. The picture also serves as a commentary on the racial and political divisions of its period setting, which resonates with contemporary issues, making the film not only a period piece but a relevant exploration of American society's enduring conflicts. In essence, "The Hateful Eight" is not just a film about mistrust and betrayal, it's an intricate study of characters forced to confront their prejudices and pasts, set against the backdrop of a nation struggling to heal. 

Expert Quotes

• "The ensemble cast of 'The Hateful Eight' delivers performances that are as blistering as the Wyoming blizzard they’re trapped in, with each actor bringing layers of deceit and complexity to their roles." - Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times.

• "The ending of 'The Hateful Eight' is a symbolic reflection of the film's exploration of justice and morality. As the characters' fates intertwine in a final act of solidarity and retribution, Tarantino crafts a poignant commentary on the blurred lines between good and evil, and the complexities of seeking justice in a lawless land. This culmination, soaked in bloodshed and uneasy alliances, serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of hate and the potential for redemption, even among the most hateful of adversaries."

• Tarantino's use of the 70mm format enhances the claustrophobic setting and the isolation of the characters, making the haberdashery a pressure cooker of tensions waiting to erupt.

• "'The Hateful Eight stands as one of Quentin Tarantino's most underrated masterpieces, a film that marries his trademark dialogue-driven narrative with a suspenseful chamber piece setting. Unlike his more action-centric films, 'The Hateful Eight' unfolds through rich, character-driven dialogue that delves deep into the psyche of its ensemble cast, making it a slow-burn thriller that rewards patient viewers. Its nuanced exploration of themes such as justice, race, and betrayal, all set against the backdrop of a post-Civil War landscape, showcases Tarantino's storytelling prowess at its peak. This film's subtlety and depth are often overshadowed by its more flamboyant siblings in Tarantino's filmography, yet it remains a testament to Tarantino's ability to craft a compelling story within a confined space, using dialogue and character development as the primary drivers of the plot”

• A blizzard forces a cast of morally ambiguous characters to take refuge in a stagecoach stopover. As the storm rages outside, the tension inside intensifies. The Hateful Eight is a suspenseful, dialogue-driven western where trust is scarce, and everyone has something to hide.

• "Tarantino’s screenplay for 'The Hateful Eight' is a slow-burning fuse that leads to an explosive conclusion, filled with sharp wit and sudden violence, showcasing his unparalleled storytelling prowess." 

• "'The Hateful Eight' delves deep into the American psyche, exploring themes of betrayal, vengeance, and the elusive nature of justice, making it a thought-provoking reflection on the country’s historical sins." 

Highlight: The Beauty of the Hateful Eight