Quentin Tarantino, one of the most influential movie directors in history, recently reflected on his body of work and identified his Quentin Tarantino best movies during an interview. Known for his distinctive style marked by intense violence, sharp dialogue, and inventive storytelling, Tarantino highlighted his top films, emphasizing why each holds a unique place in his career.
Making his mark in the early 1990s with landmark films like Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction, Tarantino has built an enduring legacy over several decades. In a recent episode of The Church of Tarantino podcast, he shared insights into how he views several of his standout projects, naming Inglourious Basterds as his best movie, Kill Bill as the ultimate Quentin Tarantino film, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood as his personal favorite.
How Tarantino Distinguishes Among His Top Films
During the conversation, Tarantino elaborated on why each of these movies occupies a different role in his creative journey. He described Kill Bill as the film that he was uniquely destined to make, crafted from his deepest imagination and passions.
“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is my favorite, Inglourious Basterds is my best. But I think Kill Bill is the ultimate Quentin movie, like nobody else could’ve made it. Every aspect about it is so particularly ripped, like with tentacles and bloody tissue, from my imagination and my id and my loves and my passion and my obsession. So I think Kill Bill is the movie I was born to make, I think Inglourious Basterds is my masterpiece, but Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is my favorite. […] I think Inglourious Basterds is my best script, and I think Hateful Eight and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood are right behind. But, there’s an aspect of Hateful Eight that I actually think is probably my best directing of my material, i.e., the material is written and it’s solid. So it’s not like I have to create it, like Kill Bill, it’s solid, it’s right there and I actually think it’s my best servicing [of] my material as a director.”
—Quentin Tarantino, Filmmaker
This statement underscores how Kill Bill reflects Tarantino’s unique imprint more than any other film, blending raw emotion, obsession, and creativity. Meanwhile, he views Inglourious Basterds not only as his best script but as his “masterpiece,” combining storytelling and execution in a perfect synthesis. Additionally, While Once Upon a Time in Hollywood holds the place of his personal favorite, Hateful Eight also ranks closely as a film that showcased his skills as a director bringing solid material vividly to life.
The Industry’s Recognition Mirrors Tarantino’s Views
Inglourious Basterds’ acclaim is supported widely beyond Tarantino’s own praise. The New York Times recently conducted a poll involving hundreds of film industry professionals aimed at ranking the best films of the 21st century. Inglourious Basterds emerged as the top Tarantino movie of the century and ranked 14th overall, signaling broad recognition from peers in Hollywood. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood also earned a spot on the list at number 44, confirming its strong standing within the director’s oeuvre.
This alignment between Tarantino’s self-assessment and the perspectives of industry experts highlights the lasting impact of these films. Their appeal spans both critical acclaim and professional respect, reinforcing the director’s unique position in contemporary cinema.
Understanding the Significance of Tarantino’s Choices
Tarantino’s reflections demonstrate a remarkable self-awareness about the distinct contributions of each film to his legacy. While Inglourious Basterds and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood frequently receive praise from critics and the film community, Kill Bill occupies a unique space as a work of spectacle and emotional intensity. Although it may not enjoy as much critical acclaim as some of Tarantino’s other titles, it remains an essential and defining part of his filmography.
As Tarantino appears to be approaching the end of his directorial career, his evaluations offer valuable insight into how his films will be remembered. Each project fulfills a different role—whether it be critical success, personal satisfaction, or artistic expression—together forming a comprehensive portrayal of his career.
Reflecting on Tarantino’s Cinematic Milestones
While some fans and critics might argue that Pulp Fiction remains Tarantino’s best movie—despite it being released before the 21st century—it makes sense that both the director and the Hollywood community highlight Inglourious Basterds among his most accomplished works. The declaration of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood as his favorite film reveals the deep personal resonance this recent project holds for him.
Kill Bill’s grandeur and melodrama differentiate it from his other films, embodying a style so singular that only Tarantino himself could have created it. This spectacle-driven film captures elements of his creative passion in a way that defies conventional praise but cements its place as a defining moment in his career.
Quentin Tarantino’s varied catalog continues to inspire debate and admiration, but his own candid reflections provide a clear lens through which to appreciate his artistic journey and the films that best represent his vision.
