Director Quentin Tarantino’s iconic film Kill Bill: Volume 1 is currently experiencing a surge in viewership on the Pluto streaming platform, captivating domestic audiences who are turning to the free service. This resurgence comes as Tarantino continues to explore creative avenues beyond his self-imposed limit of making only 10 feature films, highlighting the lasting impact of his work in popular culture.
On October 22 and 23, according to FlixPatrol data, Kill Bill: Volume 1 ranked as the fifth-most-watched movie on Pluto, trailing only behind Francis Ford Coppola’s timeless classic The Godfather. The film outperformed a varied slate of titles, including the young adult adaptation Divergent, the critically acclaimed sequel The Godfather: Part II, and the romantic comedy Hitch starring Will Smith.
Box Office and Critical Reception of Kill Bill
Released in 2003, Kill Bill: Volume 1 received laudatory reviews and was quickly followed by Volume 2 in 2004. Together, the two volumes amassed more than $300 million worldwide from a combined production budget of $60 million, with the first volume earning approximately $180 million globally. On Rotten Tomatoes, Volume 1 holds an 85% approval rating, slightly edging out its sequel’s 84% score. The website succinctly describes Kill Bill as
“admittedly little more than a stylish revenge thriller — albeit one that benefits from a wildly inventive surfeit of style.”
Centered on Uma Thurman’s portrayal of a determined bride seeking vengeance after being left for dead on her wedding day, the film showcases Tarantino’s exuberant and distinctive directing style at its peak. In a conversation on The Church of Tarantino podcast earlier this year, the filmmaker reflected on the film’s personal significance:
“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.” – Quentin Tarantino
Upcoming Theatrical Release of the Complete Kill Bill Experience
Fans of Tarantino’s work are eagerly anticipating the December theatrical release of Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair, a comprehensive edit that combines both volumes into a single narrative. This rare presentation offers an opportunity for audiences to experience the film as Tarantino originally envisioned it, enhancing its intensity and depth. Meanwhile, Kill Bill: Volume 1 continues to attract viewers on Pluto, reinforcing the title’s status as a cultural touchstone within streaming platforms.
Main Cast Bringing the Story to Life
The film’s success is bolstered by strong performances, particularly Uma Thurman as The Bride, whose relentless quest for vengeance drives the plot. Lucy Liu also delivers a memorable performance as O-Ren Ishii, one of the central antagonists, contributing to the film’s dramatic tension and rich character dynamics.
