Quentin Tarantino has revealed part of his much-anticipated Quentin Tarantino 21st-century film list, drawing strong reactions from movie fans. Announced on Bret Easton Ellis’ podcast, the selection of films showcases Tarantino’s personal taste, spanning both cult favorites and Oscar-nominated works, and underscores his enduring influence in discussions about contemporary cinema.
Unconventional Titles Define Tarantino’s Modern Canon
Tarantino’s criteria are simple: only feature films released from 2000 onward, with a single title allowed per director. His choices for places 11 through 20 stand out for their bold range, including movies like Jackass: The Movie, School of Rock, and The Passion of the Christ. He also includes Moneyball and Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story, reflecting a balance between his affection for niche genres and respect for major studio productions.
The full 11–20 lineup consists of Battle Royale, Big Bad Wolves, Jackass: The Movie, School of Rock, The Passion of the Christ, The Devil’s Rejects, Chocolate, Moneyball, Cabin Fever, and West Side Story. The selection moves fluidly from genre thrillers to blockbuster musicals, illustrating Tarantino’s wide-ranging admiration for eclectic filmmaking.
Personal Connections Influence the List
Some entries make immediate sense to those familiar with Tarantino’s career and network. He has often been outspoken in his praise for filmmakers like Richard Linklater and Eli Roth, whose works School of Rock and Cabin Fever appear on the list. These picks seem less about strict ranking and more about acknowledging the artistry of directors in his orbit, such as Linklater’s energetic comedy and Roth’s gritty early 2000s horror.
The inclusion of Jackass: The Movie also stands out; Tarantino cites it as the film that has made him laugh the hardest in the past twenty years. He went so far as to hold a screening for the Kill Bill crew during its production, suggesting a personal as well as artistic resonance. In contrast, The Passion of the Christ features not for its religious themes, but for what Tarantino sees as its relentless, almost punishing display of violence, which he describes as provoking a reaction akin to perverse laughter.
Critical Acclaim and Industry Favorites
Amid the more unusual choices, traditional cinematic accomplishments like Moneyball and West Side Story offer a nod to established industry successes. Tarantino has commended Bennett Miller’s baseball story for its strong screenplay and Brad Pitt’s understated performance, while he calls Spielberg’s West Side Story
“the most exciting film of the century so far.”
He even compares this film favorably against Martin Scorsese’s recent output, despite Scorsese’s acclaimed Wolf of Wall Street from 2013.
Tarantino’s Taste and Industry Connections
When considered as a whole, the films from numbers 11 to 20 on the Quentin Tarantino 21st-century film list may seem confounding for anyone looking for a conventional canon. However, they create a clear picture of what continues to attract and excite Tarantino as a viewer and filmmaker. The mix covers sadistic genre experiments, transgressive horror, unabashed comedies, and big-budget studio films, all of which reflect Tarantino’s varied influences, connections, and ongoing love for daring cinema.
The 21st-Century Film List: Tarantino’s Picks 11-20
Below is the full list of Quentin Tarantino’s choices ranked 11 to 20, representing his unique perspective on modern movie excellence:
11. Battle Royale
12. Big Bad Wolves
13. Jackass: The Movie
14. School of Rock
15. The Passion of the Christ
16. The Devil’s Rejects
17. Chocolate
18. Moneyball
19. Cabin Fever
20. West Side Story
Anticipation Grows for the Remaining Selections
This initial segment of Tarantino’s canon has reignited conversations across film circles and online communities about what defines modern cinematic greatness. With the director known for his forthright opinions and eclectic taste, expectations are now high for the release of the top ten titles on Bret Easton Ellis’ podcast. Audiences and critics alike are eager to see how Quentin Tarantino will continue to shape the 21st-century film conversation.
