Renowned filmmaker Quentin Tarantino, known for his passionate takes on cinema, has shared his official top picks for the 21st century’s best films, shining a new spotlight on his favorite movies. During a recent appearance on Bret Easton Ellis’ podcast, Tarantino presented his carefully chosen list, generating excitement among fans eager to discover which titles made his cut for the very best in modern filmmaking.
Tarantino’s Approach to Picking His Favorite Films
Famed for directing cinematic classics such as Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs, Quentin Tarantino took a thoughtful approach in assembling his list by choosing only one movie per director. This unique rule led to unexpected selections and a broad representation of directors. Tarantino’s list, unveiled on Ellis’ podcast, included well-known blockbusters as well as cult classics, and his commentary sparked lively discussion across social media.
The Director’s Definitive Top 20 Movie List
In reverse order, Tarantino’s personal ranking offers a diverse survey of recent film history. His chosen titles not only reflect his varied taste but also celebrate directors and genres from all corners of the filmmaking world. The entire top 20 list reads as follows:
20. West Side Story, directed by Steven Spielberg
19. Cabin Fever, directed by Eli Roth
18. Moneyball, directed by Bennett Miller
17. Chocolate, directed by Prachya Pinkaew
16. The Devil’s Rejects, directed by Rob Zombie
15. The Passion Of The Christ, directed by Mel Gibson
14. The School Of Rock, directed by Richard Linklater
13. Jackass: The Movie, directed by Jeff Tremaine
12. Big Bad Wolves, directed by Aharon Keshales and Navot Papushado
11. Battle Royale, directed by Kinji Fukasaku
10. Midnight In Paris, directed by Woody Allen
9. Shaun Of The Dead, directed by Edgar Wright
8. Mad Max: Fury Road, directed by George Miller
7. Unstoppable, directed by Tony Scott
6. Zodiac, directed by David Fincher
5. There Will Be Blood, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson
4. Dunkirk, directed by Christopher Nolan
3. Lost In Translation, directed by Sofia Coppola
2. Toy Story 3, directed by Lee Unkrich
1. Black Hawk Down, directed by Ridley Scott
Why Black Hawk Down Tops Tarantino’s List
Tarantino’s decision to name Black Hawk Down—directed by Ridley Scott and starring Josh Hartnett—as his foremost film surprised many, marking it above celebrated movies like Toy Story 3 and Dunkirk. On the podcast, the director elaborated on the reasons behind his choice, explaining how his appreciation for the war film deepened with time. He shared his initial impressions openly:
“I liked it when I first saw it, but I actually think it was so intense that it stopped working for me, and I didn’t carry it with me the way that I should’ve,”
Quentin Tarantino, Kill Bill director
Reflecting on the film’s sustained impact over repeated viewings, Tarantino further praised Scott’s work:
“Since then, I’ve seen it a couple of times, not a bunch of times, but I think it’s a masterwork, and one of the things I love so much about it is how this is the only movie that actually goes completely for an Apocalypse Now sense of purpose and visual effect and feeling, and I think it achieves it.”
Quentin Tarantino, Kill Bill director
The Influence of Tarantino’s List on Modern Cinephiles
The unveiling of Quentin Tarantino’s favorite movies has stirred renewed interest in both his own films and the works he admires. Directors named on his list, including David Fincher, Sofia Coppola, George Miller, and Christopher Nolan, are receiving fresh attention from movie lovers exploring Tarantino’s recommendations. As discussions continue about Tarantino’s selections, his ranking encourages current and aspiring cinephiles to revisit these standout titles and discover what makes each one memorable in his eyes. With his enthusiastic endorsement, these films are certain to find new audiences and continue shaping conversations about excellence in 21st-century cinema.
