Top 10 Best Films by Director Quentin Tarantino

Following the success of the Grindhouse horror double feature, which Quentin Tarantino co-directed with Robert Rodriguez, the standalone film Death Proof emerged as a separate release.

The movie centers on Mike, a suave and successful man who drives a car named Death Proof, using it to lure young women into dangerous, flashy adventures. However, this is all part of a sadistic plot, with the car serving as a deadly instrument of violence. For over 90 minutes, Death Proof keeps viewers on edge with its thrilling chase sequences, while also exploring the psychology and methods of its ruthless antagonist. Tarantino proves yet again his mastery of suspenseful storytelling, delving deep into the mind of a killer. In addition to the high-speed car chases, audiences also get to witness Tarantino’s own acting skills as he plays a role in the film.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2007

Genre: Horror, Thriller

Director: Quentin Tarantino

Cast: Kurt Russell, Zoe Bell, Rosario Dawson, Quentin Tarantino

IMDb Rating: 7.0

Although Quentin Tarantino didn’t direct Sin City himself, his unique influence can still be felt in this gripping film. Adapted from Frank Miller's graphic novel of the same name, Sin City is directed by Miller himself alongside Robert Rodriguez. Tarantino makes a special cameo in this visually stunning noir crime drama.

The film weaves together several intertwining stories set in the corrupt, violent world of Sin City. Most of the characters inhabit the criminal underworld, where moral lines are blurred and everyone seems to be fighting against unspeakable evil forces. Sin City brings to life three distinct tales from Miller’s graphic novels. The first story, “The Hard Goodbye,” features Mickey Rourke as Marv, a monstrous yet tender-hearted thug seeking revenge for the murder of his beloved prostitute. In “The Big Fat Kill,” Clive Owen plays Dwight McCarthy, a photographer who inadvertently kills a corrupt cop, leading to a deadly showdown. Finally, in “That Yellow Bastard,” Bruce Willis portrays a righteous cop, John Hartigan, who sacrifices everything to protect a young stripper. These seemingly disconnected tales converge in a surprising conclusion that will leave audiences stunned.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2005

Genre: Crime, Action, Thriller

Directors: Frank Miller, Quentin Tarantino, Robert Rodriguez

Cast: Mickey Rourke, Clive Owen, Bruce Willis, Michael Clarke Duncan, Benicio Del Toro

IMDb Rating: 8.0

Kill Bill Vol. 1+2 is another iconic film often associated with the Quentin Tarantino brand. These two parts, released in 2003 and 2004, are an essential part of any discussion about his best works. Kill Bill stands out as one of the few films to maintain a consistent level of quality across both parts. Despite the differences in style between the two volumes, they still embody the essence of 1970s Chinese martial arts films, fused with modern Western cultural elements.

Kill Bill follows a former assassin, known as The Bride, who is betrayed by her own team of killers, leading to the death of her fiancé. She embarks on a relentless quest for vengeance, targeting not only the assassins who turned on her but also Bill—the mastermind behind the plot. Bill is a powerful figure, controlling a network of dangerous assassins. Both volumes of Kill Bill achieved commercial success, and fans are eagerly awaiting the release of the third installment, which Tarantino is currently writing.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2003, 2004

Genre: Action, Crime

Director: Quentin Tarantino

Stars: Uma Thurman, David Carradine, Michael Madsen, Daryl Hannah

IMDb Rating: 8.2 (Vol 1), 8.0 (Vol 2)

Jackie Brown is a 1997 film by Quentin Tarantino, released three years after he won his first Oscar. It's an adaptation of Elmore Leonard's 1992 novel, Rum Punch, and stands as the only film Tarantino has ever adapted from a novel.

Jackie Brown follows the story of a middle-aged flight attendant working for a small Mexican airline. In addition to her regular job, Jackie also smuggles dirty money for a weapons kingpin in exchange for a cut. When she gets caught by the police during a transaction, she is forced to cooperate with them to track down $500,000 while also working to bring down the kingpin. However, Jackie has a plan of her own to walk away with all the money everyone is chasing. She becomes the center of a complex scheme involving an ATF agent, arms dealers, and a bail bondsman—none of whom realize who’s truly pulling the strings.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 1997

Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Director: Quentin Tarantino

Stars: Pam Grier, Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Forster

IMDb Rating: 7.5

Pulp Fiction is a highly acclaimed film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino in 1994. The film weaves together multiple storylines involving characters from the criminal underworld, most notably the hitmen Vincent and Jules. Pulp Fiction is quintessentially Tarantino—featuring sharp, witty dialogue, dark humor, and, of course, plenty of surprises and violence.

Critics widely praised the film, awarding it a 94 score on Meta Critics, and it received 7 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. While 1994's Best Picture went to Forrest Gump, many believe Pulp Fiction was the more deserving winner. Regardless, the film earned Tarantino his first Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. Not only is Pulp Fiction considered Tarantino's best work, but it also epitomizes his unique writing and directing style.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 1994

Genre: Crime, Drama

Director: Quentin Tarantino

Stars: Samuel L. Jackson, Bruce Willis, John Travolta, Uma Thurman

IMDb Rating: 8.9

Reservoir Dogs, directed by Quentin Tarantino in 1992, is one of his earliest films, following the much-criticized My Best Friend's Birthday, his debut project. The screenplay for Reservoir Dogs was conceived by Tarantino when he was just 18, and he began bringing it to life with the help of the independent film studio Miramax.

The story revolves around a group of eight criminals plotting a diamond heist, consisting of a mob boss, his son, and six others who go by aliases. Unbeknownst to them, one of the group members is a traitor. Upon release, Reservoir Dogs became a landmark film in the crime genre and marked a successful start to Tarantino's career. The film received widespread acclaim from critics and established its place as a pivotal piece in the rise of independent cinema.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 1992

Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Director: Quentin Tarantino

Stars: Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, Quentin Tarantino

IMDb Rating: 8.3

Four Rooms is a dark comedy film co-created by four directors: Allison Anders, Alexandre Rockwell, Robert Rodriguez, and Quentin Tarantino, inspired by Roald Dahl's short story for adults. The movie received mixed reviews from critics, who praised the segments directed by Rodriguez and Tarantino, but heavily criticized those by Anders and Rockwell. Despite the weaker first two stories, the film maintains an unpredictable and adventurous vibe throughout its runtime.

The film tells four separate tales, each set in one of the rooms of the fictional Hotel Mon Signor in Los Angeles on New Year's Eve. Tim Roth stars as Ted, a bellboy who experiences his first night on the job, encountering four wildly different guests. As Ted gets swept up in bizarre happenings, he unwittingly becomes part of their strange games. Tarantino directed the segment titled "The Man from Hollywood."

DETAILS:

Release Year: 1995

Genre: Comedy

Directors: Allison Anders, Alexandre Rockwell, Robert Rodriguez, Quentin Tarantino

Stars: Tim Roth, Antonio Banderas, Sammi Davis, Madonna

IMDb Rating: 6.7

The Hateful Eight is Quentin Tarantino's eighth film, marking his return to the director's chair. While it may not have made as big an impact as some of his previous works, The Hateful Eight remains a notable and compelling film.

Following Inglorious Basterds (2009) and Django Unchained (2012), The Hateful Eight continues Tarantino's exploration of historical contexts. Set a few years after the American Civil War, the film delves into the lingering tensions, racism, and Southern ideologies. The story kicks off during a brutal snowstorm in Wyoming, where bounty hunter John Ruth is escorting fugitive Daisy Domergue to the town of Red Rock to claim her bounty. They seek refuge at a remote roadhouse, where eight strangers find themselves trapped together, each with their own secrets.

Among the group are a self-proclaimed new sheriff, a bounty hunter, a cowboy, an old man, a former Confederate soldier, and the innkeeper. What starts as an ordinary stay soon escalates into a deadly game of deception, conspiracy, and murder.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2015

Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery

Director: Quentin Tarantino

Stars: Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, Jennifer Jason Leigh

IMDb Rating: 7.8

Django Unchained is the film that earned Quentin Tarantino his second Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. True to Tarantino's signature style, this is a violent yet captivating story, driven by a cast of memorable characters.

Set in 1858, two years before the American Civil War, the film takes viewers to a time when racism was rampant, and African Americans were still slaves. Django Unchained follows Django, a skilled marksman and former slave, who is freed by a German bounty hunter. The two team up to hunt down criminals, but Django must confront numerous high-ranking individuals with deeply ingrained racist ideologies who seek to harm him. The film features Leonardo DiCaprio in a rare villainous role, adding depth to the story with his portrayal of a cruel plantation owner.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2012
Genre: Western, Action, Drama

Director: Quentin Tarantino

Stars: Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio

IMDb Rating: 8.4

Inglourious Basterds is Quentin Tarantino's only film set during World War II. While the film takes place during the height of Nazi control over Europe, it draws strong inspiration from the Spaghetti Western genre of the 1960s. Additionally, the film pays homage to classic war films such as 'Guns of Navarone,' 'Where Eagles Dare,' and 'The Dirty Dozen.'

The film presents an alternate history, where two plans to assassinate high-ranking Nazi officials unfold: one led by Shosanna, a Jewish-French cinema owner, and the other by Lieutenant Aldo Raine, who leads a group of Jewish-American soldiers. True to Tarantino's trademark, the film features unexpected twists and turns. Tarantino earned two Oscar nominations for the film, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay, though he did not win either.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2009

Genre: War, Drama

Director: Quentin Tarantino

Stars: Brad Pitt, Diane Kruger, Eli Roth

IMDb Rating: 8.3