Reelixa Logo

Reelixa

Your source of reviews and news about movies

Ranking the best tarantino movies and films he wrote

Dive into the world of Quentin Tarantino with a look at his most iconic films and screenplays. Prepare for sharp dialogue and unforgettable characters.

Reservoir Dogs
Django Unchained
Kill Bill: Vol. 1

Quentin Tarantino burst onto the scene with Reservoir Dogs, immediately establishing himself as a master of cool, witty dialogue, and non-linear narratives. But it was Pulp Fiction that truly cemented his status as a cinematic force, revitalizing independent cinema and earning him an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.

Tarantino's work is instantly recognizable: a deep love for pop culture references, stylized violence, non-chronological storytelling, and unforgettable soundtracks. He often works with a repertory of actors and pays homage to various film genres, from martial arts in Kill Bill to spaghetti westerns in Django Unchained.

Beyond directing, his distinctive voice is also present in screenplays he wrote for others, like the chaotic energy of Natural Born Killers or the romantic crime story of True Romance. His films aren't just stories; they're experiences built on sharp exchanges, unexpected twists, and a palpable passion for movies themselves, making any ranking a lively debate among fans.

14. Sin City (2005)

Sin City, directed by Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller, is a visually stunning adaptation of Miller's neo-noir graphic novels. While primarily Rodriguez and Miller's work, Tarantino received a special 'Guest Director' credit for one shot during the sequence with Clive Owen and Benicio del Toro. This credit reportedly came from Tarantino helping Rodriguez for a day on set for a symbolic fee of $1 to maintain his DGA membership. It's a stylized, brutal dive into a dark underworld, but Tarantino's involvement is minimal. A visual feast with a tiny Tarantino connection.

Sin City

13. Four Rooms (1995)

Four Rooms is an anthology film where four directors each helmed a segment centered around a hapless bellhop (Tim Roth) on New Year's Eve. Tarantino directed the final segment, 'The Man from Hollywood,' a loose adaptation of a Roald Dahl story. His part involves a bet, a challenge, and a very sharp hatchet, featuring Bruce Willis (in an uncredited role) and himself. While the film as a whole is uneven, Tarantino's segment is a fun, dialogue-heavy piece that fits his style. A quirky footnote in his filmography.

Four Rooms

12. Natural Born Killers (1994)

Quentin Tarantino wrote the original screenplay for Natural Born Killers, but Oliver Stone heavily revised it, leading Tarantino to disown the final film (though he retains a story credit). The movie follows Mickey (Woody Harrelson) and Mallory (Juliette Lewis), a pair of serial killers who become media sensations. Stone's hyperkinetic, multi-media visual style is a far cry from Tarantino's usual approach. It's a controversial and provocative film that explores themes of violence and media glorification through a chaotic lens. A fascinating look at a script's evolution.

Natural Born Killers

11. From Dusk Till Dawn (1996)

Another film written by Tarantino but directed by someone else (Robert Rodriguez), From Dusk Till Dawn starts as a crime thriller and takes a hard left turn into supernatural horror. George Clooney and Tarantino play the Gecko brothers, criminals on the run who take a family hostage to cross the border, only to end up in a bar filled with vampires. It's a wild, genre-bending ride that became a cult phenomenon thanks to its over-the-top gore, dark humor, and Salma Hayek's iconic snake dance. Expect the unexpected.

From Dusk Till Dawn

10. True Romance (1993)

While not directed by him, True Romance features a screenplay by Quentin Tarantino that is instantly recognizable for its sharp, witty dialogue and unique characters. Directed by Tony Scott, the film follows Clarence (Christian Slater) and Alabama (Patricia Arquette) as they go on the run after stealing a suitcase of cocaine from Alabama's pimp. It's a stylish, violent, and surprisingly romantic road movie featuring a killer supporting cast (Dennis Hopper, Christopher Walken, Brad Pitt, James Gandolfini, and more). A cult classic with Tarantino's fingerprints all over it.

True Romance

9. The Hateful Eight (2015)

The Hateful Eight is a sprawling, character-driven western that feels like a stage play brought to the screen (it was shot in glorious 70mm). Stranded by a blizzard, a group of unsavory characters—bounty hunters, a prisoner, a sheriff, a Confederate general, and more—take refuge in a haberdashery. As they are snowbound, paranoia and suspicion mount, leading to explosive results. It's a claustrophobic mystery box filled with incredible dialogue and performances, particularly from Kurt Russell, Samuel L. Jackson, and Jennifer Jason Leigh. A tense, talky, and brutal ensemble piece.

The Hateful Eight

8. Jackie Brown (1997)

Based on Elmore Leonard's novel Rum Punch, Jackie Brown is often seen as Tarantino's most mature and character-driven film. Pam Grier delivers a fantastic performance as a flight attendant caught between the ATF and a dangerous arms dealer (Samuel L. Jackson). The film features a stellar cast, including Robert Forster (in an Oscar-nominated role), Robert De Niro, and Bridget Fonda. It's a cool, laid-back crime story with Tarantino's signature dialogue, but with a different rhythm than his other works. A smooth, sophisticated crime caper.

Jackie Brown

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

Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood is Tarantino's love letter to the golden age of Hollywood in 1969. It follows fading actor Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his stunt double Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt, in an Oscar-winning role) as they navigate a changing industry, with Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie) living nearby. It's a hangout movie filled with incredible period detail, pitch-perfect performances, and a sense of nostalgic melancholy. It builds towards a typically audacious Tarantino climax. A beautifully crafted and unique entry in his filmography.

Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood

6. Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004)

Picking up where the first volume left off, Kill Bill: Vol. 2 shifts gears slightly, delving deeper into The Bride's backstory and motivations. While still featuring incredible action, it incorporates more dialogue and character development, exploring the relationships between The Bride and her former colleagues, including Bill himself. The training sequence with Pai Mei is a highlight, and the final confrontation is both satisfying and surprising. It's the perfect, more contemplative counterpart to the first film's relentless energy.

Kill Bill: Vol. 2

5. Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)

Kill Bill: Vol. 1 is a pure, unadulterated adrenaline rush of martial arts, anime, and classic exploitation cinema. Uma Thurman is absolutely phenomenal as The Bride, a former assassin seeking vengeance against the team that betrayed her. The action choreography is stunning, the visual style is audacious, and the soundtrack is killer. From the Crazy 88 fight sequence to the iconic yellow tracksuit, this film is a stylish, action-packed spectacle that leaves you desperate for the conclusion. A modern action classic.

Kill Bill: Vol. 1

4. Django Unchained (2012)

Tarantino tackles the spaghetti western and exploitation genres head-on with Django Unchained. Jamie Foxx stars as the titular slave turned bounty hunter, teaming up with Christoph Waltz's charming Dr. King Schultz on a brutal quest for freedom and revenge. Leonardo DiCaprio delivers a chilling performance as the villainous Calvin Candie. The film is packed with Tarantino's signature wit, intense action sequences, and thought-provoking themes about America's past. It's a wild, bloody, and utterly compelling ride.

Django Unchained

3. Reservoir Dogs (1992)

Before Pulp Fiction blew the doors off, Reservoir Dogs announced Tarantino's arrival with a bang. This low-budget heist-gone-wrong flick is a masterclass in dialogue and character-driven tension. Most of the film takes place in one location, relying entirely on the sharp writing and electric performances from its ensemble cast, including Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, and Michael Madsen. The non-linear structure keeps you guessing, and yes, that ear scene is still shocking. An absolute must-watch for understanding the origins of a cinematic legend.

Reservoir Dogs

2. Inglourious Basterds (2009)

Inglourious Basterds is Tarantino doing what he does best: taking history and twisting it into something wholly his own. This isn't your standard WWII film. It's a high-tension game of cat and mouse featuring incredible performances, none more chilling than Christoph Waltz's Oscar-winning turn as Hans Landa. The opening scene alone is a masterclass in building suspense through dialogue. It's bold, audacious, and incredibly entertaining, blending gripping drama with bursts of stylized violence. A true cinematic event that demands your attention.

Inglourious Basterds

1. Pulp Fiction (1994)

Where do you even begin with Pulp Fiction? This isn't just a movie; it's a cultural reset button. Tarantino took non-linear storytelling, snappy dialogue, and a killer soundtrack and mixed them into a cinematic cocktail that changed everything. From the iconic dance scene with Uma Thurman and John Travolta to Samuel L. Jackson's unforgettable biblical quotes, every moment is meticulously crafted and endlessly rewatchable. It revived careers, launched new ones, and cemented Tarantino as a master filmmaker. It's the gold standard for cool, clever, and utterly captivating cinema.

Pulp Fiction

More related articles about recommended movies and TV shows