Quentin Tarantino has surprised many film fans by naming the 2010 movie Unstoppable, starring Denzel Washington and Chris Pine, among his most admired recent films. Known for his appreciation of classic cinema, Tarantino’s endorsement adds a new dimension to discussions about his movie preferences, especially when it comes to his favorite movies.
Tarantino Picks a Modern Action Thriller as a Favorite
While Quentin Tarantino is widely associated with gritty, pulp favorites from decades past and is known for drawing inspiration from filmmakers such as Sergio Leone and Martin Scorsese, he also holds a deep appreciation for contemporary works. The acclaimed director, whose own films like Pulp Fiction have influenced cinema, singled out Unstoppable during a 2020 interview when he was asked about the best movies of the previous ten years. The film, directed by Tony Scott, stands out in Tarantino’s top 10 from the previous decade despite not achieving massive box office returns.
About Unstoppable and Its Impact
Unstoppable was the last film directed by Tony Scott before his passing in 2012. The film is based on the real-life incident of a runaway freight train in 2001. Denzel Washington stars as a seasoned railroad engineer, while Chris Pine plays a young conductor. Together, their characters race against time to prevent a disaster when a train carrying hazardous chemicals threatens numerous lives.
Scott, who had previously directed hits like Top Gun, Beverly Hills Cop II, and Enemy of the State, returned to collaborate with Washington in this suspenseful story. Although the movie did not become a major commercial blockbuster upon release, it was well received by audiences and critics alike for its tense and thrilling narrative.
Recognition from Tarantino and the Critical Response
When reflecting on Unstoppable, Tarantino did not hold back his admiration.
It just blew me away so much,
Quentin Tarantino, Director, shared on The Rewatchables podcast. He elaborated on what impressed him in particular about Tony Scott’s work:
Both the combination of — just the movie that’s on the screen, the movie that is there — and the idea that it’s one of the last great movies from one of the last great directors of all time, at the height of his powers, doing what he does,
Quentin Tarantino, Director. Even though he originally ranked the movie near the bottom of his top 10, after a recent re-watch he decided,
after watching it again for this [podcast], it should be higher.
Quentin Tarantino, Director.
It’s easy to see why Tarantino, who also counts tension-filled classics like William Friedkin’s Sorcerer and John Sturges’s The Great Escape among his favorites, was struck by Unstoppable’s suspense. Critics, including those at Hot Press, praised the film’s nerve-wracking style, calling it
the most exhilarating thriller of the year.
Hot Press. The movie also ranked as one of the standout entries among Tony Scott’s entire filmography, according to Slashfilm.
What Tarantino’s Appreciation Means for Movie Fans
Tarantino’s embrace of Unstoppable as one of his favorite movies highlights the lasting influence of directors like Tony Scott and actors such as Denzel Washington and Chris Pine. His recognition serves to encourage movie fans to revisit or discover overlooked thrillers, and reminds audiences—and critics alike—that exceptional filmmaking endures beyond initial box office performance. The admiration for Unstoppable suggests its reputation might continue to grow, cementing its place as a modern action classic.
