3. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Tarantino’s most recent film is also one of his most unusual. In almost 3 hours, he tells more about an era than an actual story. It focuses on the Hollywood of the 1960s, fading glamour, the counter-movement of the hippies, and not least the cult leader Charles Manson and his fanatical followers.
For a long time, the film is told quietly, highlighting the friendship between actor Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his stuntman (Brad Pitt). Up until the bloody finale, the film creates a convincing atmosphere in which one can nostalgically indulge. Tarantino has subverted expectations and shown that he can do more than just chaos. Thus, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood becomes a rather mature and thoughtful film for Tarantino.
2. Inglourious Basterds
Basically, this film is also a Spaghetti Western, although it is set in World War II and features an eclectic mix of characters fighting against and with each other at various locations. At its core, it is a revenge narrative that alters historical narrative – as only cinema can.
Christoph Waltz as an SS officer is particularly impressive, although the rest of the star-studded cast surrounding Brad Pitt, Diane Kruger, and Mélanie Laurent holds its own. Rarely has it been so much fun to watch a gang execute their plan. The ending has remained in people’s minds, just like the bar scene – seldom has a Tarantino script been so well written. Even though subtlety could be approached differently.
1. Pulp Fiction
I admit, Inglourious Basterds is a film I like just a little more than Pulp Fiction, but Tarantino’s second film deserves the top spot. Alone due to its impact, it is one of the most significant films of the 90s and influenced many other directors.
Pulp Fiction tells a classic gangster story, but plays with narrative levels, time, and is incredibly stylish. Many scenes have become iconic, just think of the dance between John Travolta and Uma Thurman. Alongside Samuel L. Jackson, Bruce Willis also shines in one of his best films.
Even individual lines are quoted to this day (“Royal with cheese”). Pulp Fiction represents Tarantino in essence and has been imitated countless times. It is regarded as one of THE cult films par excellence, and its popularity ensured that the famous poster hung on the walls of numerous youth rooms or shared apartments. So, do you feel called out?
This was our ranking of Quentin Tarantino’s films. Feel free to share your thoughts on the placements in the comments and what your personal list looks like. For more rankings, feel free to check out MeinMMO: All 13 films about Batman ranked – which is the best?
