Quentin Tarantino’s impact on cinema began in the 1990s with his strong writing and directing work, especially notable in Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction. However, his influence also extends to several films he wrote but did not direct, including the upcoming The Adventures of Cliff Booth, penned by Tarantino but directed by David Fincher and set for release in 2026. This marks the first time in roughly 30 years that a Tarantino screenplay will be brought to the screen without him directing, highlighting the rare but intriguing category of Quentin Tarantino written movies that he did not direct.
Fincher and Tarantino both began their directing careers in 1992, evolving their styles in subsequent films. While Tarantino prepares what he has said will be his final directorial feature, a handful of his screenplays without his own direction remain significant. These include known titles from the 1990s, either credited solely as writer or with a “story by” credit. This article ranks these films to explore how Tarantino’s unique storytelling manifests even when another director is at the helm.
Evaluating the 1994 Film “Natural Born Killers”
Among the Quentin Tarantino written movies not directed by him, Natural Born Killers stands out because Tarantino only received a “story by” credit; the screenplay was written by David Veloz, Richard Rutowski, and Oliver Stone, with Stone also directing the film. As a result, the film bears a stronger mark of Oliver Stone’s directorial style rather than Tarantino’s signature voice, something Tarantino himself has publicly criticized for diverging significantly from his original concept.
Natural Born Killers is a divisive film: it’s uneven, flawed, and far from a critical darling, yet it has amassed a moderate and polarized fanbase. The movie’s style is emblematic of the 1990s, mixing vivid visuals and social commentary on crime and media sensationalism—particularly how the media glorifies violent criminals instead of condemning them. This satirical edge, though patchy, still resonates in some measure today. The story follows a couple who love each other and murder, provoking media frenzy that blurs the line between infamy and celebrity. Oliver Stone’s ambitious direction leads to a film that only occasionally succeeds, with many sequences feeling overreaching rather than precise.
Despite its imperfections, Natural Born Killers has notable performances, especially from Tommy Lee Jones and Robert Downey Jr., which contribute to its enduring, if controversial, legacy. While Tarantino has distanced himself from the final product, the film remains a cultural artifact reflecting 1990s societal tensions about violence and media portrayal.
The Enduring Appeal of “True Romance” (1993)
True Romance more clearly reflects Quentin Tarantino’s distinctive writing style, despite being directed by Tony Scott. This film marries Tarantino’s penchant for sharp, gritty dialogue and complex characters with Scott’s dynamic directorial touch, producing a road movie featuring a couple on the run. Unlike the chaotic nihilism present in some of Tarantino’s other works, True Romance offers a mix of brutality and charm, with criminals and heroes alike inhabiting morally ambiguous spaces, though the protagonists remain relatively sympathetic.
The film stands out not only for its narrative but also for its exceptional cast, including Christian Slater, Patricia Arquette, Val Kilmer, Gary Oldman, Brad Pitt, Samuel L. Jackson, James Gandolfini, Christopher Walken, and Dennis Hopper. Scott’s direction delivers tension and momentum throughout, while the script showcases Tarantino’s knack for memorable lines and dramatic interactions. Notably, the scene between Christopher Walken and Dennis Hopper stands as a highlight worthy of special recognition for its intensity and craftsmanship.
Although True Romance contains elements that date it to the 1990s, these feel more like nostalgic flourishes than problematic content. The film remains compelling, combining Tarantino’s visceral storytelling with Tony Scott’s kinetic style, creating a movie that successfully holds its place as one of the best Quentin Tarantino written movies he did not direct.
The Unique Genre Blend of “From Dusk Till Dawn” (1996)
From Dusk Till Dawn is perhaps the most well-known example of a Quentin Tarantino screenplay realized by another director, Robert Rodriguez. This film starts firmly in crime thriller territory, featuring criminals who take a family hostage, but then pivots dramatically into horror territory halfway through—a twist that surprises the audience and reinvigorates the story’s energy. This genre shift distinguishes the film and makes it harder to categorize.
The first half of the film bears all the hallmarks of a Tarantino crime story, with morally gray characters, sharp dialogue, and mounting tension. However, once the story enters its sudden horror phase, it transforms into something emblematic of Rodriguez’s style—unpredictable, wild, and blood-soaked. This transition has been polarizing: some viewers embrace the creative gamble that elevates the film beyond its initial setup, while others find it disruptive to the tone established at the outset.
Regardless, From Dusk Till Dawn remains entertaining, buoyed by strong performances from a cast of character actors. However, Tarantino’s acting in a key role has received less enthusiasm than his writing. Ultimately, the film’s hybrid approach is a unique entry among Quentin Tarantino written movies, showcasing how his storytelling can fuel diverse genres when interpreted by another filmmaker.
What to Expect with the Upcoming “The Adventures of Cliff Booth”
Looking ahead, The Adventures of Cliff Booth is slated to continue this rare trend of Quentin Tarantino writing a screenplay while another director takes the helm—in this case, David Fincher, set to handle directing duties for Tarantino’s script focused on Brad Pitt’s character from Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. This collaboration is notable not only because Fincher and Tarantino share the same directorial debut year, 1992, but also because Fincher is known for his successful work with Pitt, including acclaimed films like Se7en and Fight Club.
This upcoming film highlights how, despite Tarantino’s tendency to direct his own scripts, there is space for other directors to bring his writing to life. The release of The Adventures of Cliff Booth may rejuvenate interest in the subset of Quentin Tarantino written movies that he doesn’t direct, drawing fresh attention to the unique dynamics when these two visionary talents intersect. It also marks a significant moment, bridging the three decades since Tarantino last penned a film without directing it.
The Lasting Influence of Tarantino’s Screenplays in Others’ Hands
The movies Quentin Tarantino wrote without directing reveal a fascinating spectrum: from the chaotic and controversial Natural Born Killers to the balanced and iconic True Romance, and the genre-bending From Dusk Till Dawn. Each reflects different aspects of his storytelling, altered and complemented by the vision of the directors who took the reins.
For fans and film scholars alike, these films provide insight into how Tarantino’s voice resonates even when filtered through others’ directorial lenses. His sharp writing has fueled some memorable cinema, and with projects like The Adventures of Cliff Booth on the horizon, this tradition continues, expanding the impact and reach of Quentin Tarantino written movies beyond his own direction.
