Quentin Tarantino is one of the most well-known directors of modern cinema. Very few filmmakers can say they have hit after hit, yet Tarantino manages to continually create cinematic masterpieces that become pop culture phenomenons! He’s not without controversy, of course. Many say his films are graphic and full of expletives, but he never shies away from showing some of the grittier parts of life.
His movies are fantastical and over the top in all the best ways. He has a signature style fans can easily recognize, even if they know nothing about the movie. Quentin Tarantino has won numerous awards, crafting pieces that redefined cinema. He’s mentioned throughout the years that he plans to retire after making his tenth film, which he’s already done. Whether or not his career continues remains to be seen. But in the meantime, let’s look back at his impressive filmography.
1. “Reservoir Dogs” (1992)
“Reservoir Dogs” was Quentin Tarantino’s debut flick and would go on to redefine independent film forever! Because Tarantino was an up-and-coming director, he received no studio support during the production. Originally, the director wanted to film the movie with his friends for a measly budget of $30,000. However, the script was so good that he raised $1.5 million in funding.
Tarantino proved himself with “Reservoir Dogs.” It was a beautifully shot, well-thought-out film without studio backing, and it was a big hit among indie film buffs and critics alike.
The movie is about a group of criminals who participate in a bank robbery gone wrong. It tells the story in a nonlinear fashion, and Tarantino’s love of French New Wave cinema is on full display.
2. “Pulp Fiction” (1994)
“Pulp Fiction” is arguably one of Quentin Tarantino’s most well-known films. Many regard it as among the most influential films of the past several decades. It continues to inspire filmmakers to this day. The movie stars many well-known actors, including John Travolta and future frequent collaborators Uma Thurman and Samuel L. Jackson.
The movie is about is nonlinear, like “Reservoir Dogs.” It also takes a unique approach to storytelling, following three interrelated stories featuring two hitmen.
The movie was a cultural phenomenon, earning tons of praise, countless awards and buckets of money at the box office. Its unique script and narrative make it a modern masterpiece.
3. “Jackie Brown” (1997)
Many consider “Jackie Brown” a big departure for Quentin Tarantino. It still has his signature style but is tamer than his two previous films. It’s also the only Tarantino project based on an existing book. The inspiration behind the story comes from “Rum Punch,” a novel by Elmore Leonard.
The story of “Jackie Brown” involves a flight attendant who smuggles weapons for an arms dealer. After getting caught, she cuts a deal to become an informant. The movie is more dialed back than others in Quentin’s filmography, featuring less gore and violence.
It’s also a surprisingly emotional movie that earned star Pam Grier a Golden Globe nod.
4. “Kill Bill Volume 1” (2003)
Quentin Tarantino took substantial time to craft his next masterpiece, but it was well worth the wait! “Kill Bill” is a two-film story. Originally, Tarantino planned it as a single film, but the run time would have exceeded four hours. Thus, “Kill Bill Volume 1” was born.
Tarantino developed the character of The Bride with Uma Thurman. The story depicts a story of revenge, with Thurman playing an ex-assassin who was brutally attacked and left for dead by her former lover and partners. The movie shows The Bride executing each backstabber with exceptional fashion!
The first movie is a master class in inspiration. Quentin Tarantino shot the film to mimic old-school exploitation movies, kung fu movies, Italian Giallo films and more. There’s even an entire section of Japanese anime!
5. “Kill Bill Volume 2” (2004)
“Kill Bill Volume 2” hit cinemas a year after the first part, completing the revenge story. Like the first movie, the second part was brilliant! It features impressive martial arts, swordplay and plenty of drama. The conclusion is an emotional roller coaster and a fine ending to a four-hour saga.
The two-part story earned significant praise. Both parts were blockbusters, earning millions at the box office and countless rewards. Some of the film’s imagery remains in pop culture today, proving the story’s staying power and Quentin Tarantino’s brilliant directorial skills.
6. “Death Proof” (2007)
“Death Proof” is an interesting addition to Quentin Tarantino’s filmography. Many say it’s his weakest film, but it’s full of impressive cinematography nonetheless.
Tarantino partnered with Robert Rodriguez to create a double-feature project dubbed “Grindhouse.” Rodriguez’s film was a unique take on old-school zombie flicks called “Planet Terror.” Tarantino’s was “Death Proof,” an exploitation-style film inspired by classic B-movies.
The movie is about a former stuntman who goes on a killing spree. He preys on young women in vintage muscle cars that keep just the driver safe during an accident.
Many critics panned “Death Proof,” citing its tedious pacing, dialogue and story. But if you’re a fan of Tarantino, it’s certainly a must-watch.
7. “Inglorious Basterds” (2009)
“Inglorious Basterds” was a controversial film years in the making. Tarantino reportedly spent over a decade writing it. It was a return to form for the renowned writer and director. Unlike “Death Proof,” which received much criticism, “Inglorious Basterds” was an award-winning film praised for its story and writing.
It’s a fictional story set during World War II. “Inglorious Basterds” features two assassination attempts on Hitler. The movie is gripping and full of suspense. Many praise the dialogue and captivating characters. Like previous works, this film is full of gore, profane language and a great cast.
8. “Django Unchained” (2012)
Throughout his career, Quentin Tarantino paid homage to Spaghetti Westerns of the past in some way. It’s evident in the “Kill Bill” movies the most, but the director never went full-on with the genre. That is, however, until “Django Unchained.”
This movie tells the story of a rescued slave who becomes a successful bounty hunter. After becoming a skilled gunslinger, the main character (Django) goes to save his wife from a crazy plantation owner. Featuring performances from Jamie Foxx, Leonardo DiCaprio and other famed actors, it’s not hard to see why this movie was a hit!
It was a controversial movie depicting the horrors of racism in the past. But even with that controversy, “Django Unchained” became Tarantino’s highest-grossing movie.
9. “The Hateful Eight” (2015)
Tarantino continues his foray into Western films with “The Hateful Eight.” This film is set in a post-Civil War era. A cast of strangers gets trapped in a remote cabin where tensions rise. It’s a thrilling movie that will have you on the edge of your seat. Despite the claustrophobic nature, “The Hateful Eight” is full of action, twists, turns and surprises.
Interestingly, Tarantino almost didn’t make this movie. The script leaked online early, which enraged the director. However, a live table read of the script occurred in Los Angeles, and the reception was positive. That encouraged him to film the movie.
10. “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” (2019)
Tarantino’s latest flick is “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” a movie that depicts the final years of Hollywood’s “Golden Age” of filmmaking. It stars Leonardo Dicaprio, Brad Pitt and other silver screen icons. The movie is a highly stylized project that dives into the New Hollywood movement of the late 1960s.
It’s a dramatic film that touches on some real-life events, including the Charles Manson murders. Tarantino did a fantastic job portraying the transition from the free-loving 60s to the paranoia-filled 70s.
“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” received widespread acclaim. It’s one of his most praised films to date, with many comparing it to Pulp Fiction’s success.
What Will Tarantino Do Next?
Fans of Quentin Tarantino are clamoring for another project. “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” marks his tenth film, and it’s a fantastic project that allows the famed director to go out with a bang. But many believe there’s much more to come from this cinematic genius. Whether that’s a third “Kill Bill” film that many have wanted or a brand-new IP that pulls inspiration from the cinema of the past like “Django Unchained,” all we can do is hope that Quentin Tarantino has something great in the works.