Quentin Tarantino is a world renowned movie director, screenwriter, producer, author, film critic and actor. Phew, that was some mouthful. He is beloved by many and is responsible for some of the critically-acclaimed greats that have hit our screens. Many have become glorified in cinematic folklore. Some of the films are iconic; if a film has Tarantino’s name on it, there is no doubt that more people than not will flock to see it. His films are known for their dark humor, warped storylines, stylized violence and incredible twists on pop culture references. He is also known for providing alternate-history. We have analyzed all his films and determined which we believe are the top 5.
Where’s Bill? Au Revoir, Shoshana? D-J-A-N-G-O, Django? Find out below.
5. The Hateful Eight
This film just scrapes the top 5. It has to be said, this film is dangerously underrated. The film boasted a solid budget of $45 Million and received generally favorable reviews. Additionally, there is an all star cast lead by Samuel L. Jackson, but also starring Kurt Russel and Jennifer Jason Leigh to name a few. The film follows the story of bounty hunter/civil war veteran Marquis Warren (Sam L. Jackson). The plot essentially centers around a lodge, with a sort of ‘who-dunnit’ Wild-West theme. Obviously since this is Tarantino however, there is a lot more to the story. It is amazing that a film this long can keep you hooked for so long. Only Tarantino. For real, give it a chance.
4. Kill Bill: Vol 1
It feels so harsh putting a film as iconic as ‘Kill Bill’ this far down a list. Unfortunately Beatrix ‘The Bride’ Kiddo, is purely a victim of Tarantino releasing even greater films within the 18 years that followed. Kill Bill essentially follows the story of a bride whom survives a deadly attack, only to seek revenge on all the enemies that wronged her. She is a strong character who will take no prisoner. Using iconic effects, dark comedy and sound effects, Tarantino really hit it out of the park with Kill Bill. Kill Bill II was just as good to be honest, we are only sad and disappointed that he never made a third. It seems like Uma Thurman was born to play this role. We will never forget the scene where Kiddo takes on O-Ren’s squad of elite fighters. Phenomenal.
3. Django Unchained
Django Unchained honestly blew us away when it was released back in 2012. Any of the top 3 or 4 films here really could have taken top spot, and it seems like any of the ones below the first have been hard done by. Django follows Jamie Foxx as Django Freeman, a recently freed slave by Dentist-Bounty Hunter, Christoph Waltz. Waltz and Foxx perform fantastically in this movie in perhaps their best ever on screen roles. The winner of many awards, the screenplay itself won an Academy Award, a Golden Globe and a BAFTA. The heart-warming story follows Django and his dentist friend search for Django’s wife, who they believe is being held at Calvin Candies’ (Leonardo DiCaprio) ‘Candyland’ plantation. The series of events is a great whirlwind full of twists and turns. This film will go down as one of the all time greats, that’s for sure.
2. Inglorious B*sterds
Just edging ahead of Django Unchained, marginally, Inglorious B*sterds was an incredible portrayal of alternate history. There are some true elements however. There was actually a group of Jews who named themselves ‘The B*sterds’ who would go around hunting Nazis. Tarantino certainly uses the comedy well with them too. However, the final scene where Hitler is killed? Not quite true, even though we wish it was. We become very attached to some of the characters we follow, as people try to evade Nazis and ultimately topple the Nazi regime. This is another example of Christoph Waltz bringing in a phenomenal performance, where he won numerous awards for this portrayal of Colonel Hanz Landa. Landa is a fictional character however, but there is character roles for real WWII villains, like Goebbels and Hitler. The film actually grossed less than Django, but it is so iconic, for us it just edges it. Though they are essentially as great as each other.
1. Pulp Fiction
Undoubtedly Tarantino’s greatest ever movie, this is one of the best movies of all time and it will take something truly mind-blowing to dethrone this cult-following classic. Sam L. Jackson, John Travolta, Bruce Willis, Tim Roth, Ving Rhames and Uma Thurman are the big names that steal our attention in this movie. The film sees considerable attention given to monologues, casual conversations and much perspective. This paired with some very exciting scenes really grasp our attention. Some of these scenes are iconic, and imprinted in our minds forever. Whether it is Sam L. Jackson and his hamburger, John Travolta and his dancing or Bruce Willis and his boxing. Enjoy this movie, for it is surely Tarantino’s best, and one of the best ever released on the big screen.
