8) “Reservoir Dogs,” reviewed by Josephine Velo
Tarantino started off strong with “Reservoir Dogs,” a fast talking crime movie about a heist gone wrong. The only thing better than the gangster-esque dialogue that feels reminiscent of a trashy crime comic is young (and hot) Michael Madsen cutting a cop’s ear off. The movie is a classic and definitely deserves respect for cementing Tarantino’s style and bringing together an iconic lineup of male actors. However, the smaller budget and simple storyline bring “Reservoir Dogs” to eighth place.
7) “Jackie Brown,” reviewed by Alexander Houslander
Although very similar to “Pulp Fiction,” “Jackie Brown” is unique in so many ways. Pam Grier and Samuel L. Jackson mesh so well in their leading roles, and Pam especially adds to the many excellent female roles in Tarantino’s repertoire. The order of events folding together compares to “Pulp Fiction” but in a more simplistic way, with the relationships between the characters being closer together and less intricate. The little things like Ordell Robbie’s (Samuel Jackson’s) long hair and goatee that he rocks like no one else can and the funny but serious dialogue that ensures there is never a dull moment, makes this movie so loveable and easy to come back to.
6) “Django Unchained,” reviewed by Houslander
Jamie Foxx, as Django, is a freed slave in the 1800’s who is on an expedition to save his wife while meeting some of the most polarizing people along the way. His wingman throughout the movie, a bounty hunter by the name of Dr. King Shultz, is a rich man who is brimming with confidence and the desire to help Django in his quest. Leonardo DiCaprio, as the ultimate protagonist, gives an outstanding performance and is what truly makes the movie. The ridiculously violent and fast-paced end to the movie reminds you of what makes you love Tarantino and leaves you both satisfied and in shock. Tarantino is working out of his comfort zone by entering the western realm, but it still has that vulgar, violent, different feel that you want in a Tarantino film. Now despite working out of Tarantino’s comfort zone, this is now one of the most critically acclaimed westerns of all time and an instant classic.
5) “Kill Bill: Volume 1,” reviewed by Houslander
In Tarantino’s 4th movie, he presents an action film that is so strikingly different in the form of martial arts that it changes the way you look at Tarantino as a whole. In the first of two installments in the Kill Bill story, Uma Thurman checks off all but 2 enemies on her kill list. Her list includes all 49 members of the crazy 88: accumulating an insane body count by the end of the movie and starting a truly epic revenge story off with a bang. Although cruel and insanely violent, the comedic value and catchy phrases are also to die for, making Vol. 1 a fan favorite and bringing it to a high spot on the list.
4) “Death Proof,” reviewed by Velo
Despite the hate train that has barreled through “Death Proof” since its release in 2007, I am a die hard fan. Tarantino accidentally stumbled upon a feminist masterpiece in this stunt-filled slasher, as he referenced past exploitation films like “Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!” Everything that I love is woven wonderfully into “Death Proof”: old cars, hot women, bad quality gore and award winning stunts. Some might cringe while watching the first half of “Death Proof”: it certainly is painful to see a washed up Kurt Russell murder innocent women and get away with it. However, once the screen is no longer grainy, the fatal feminist rampage begins. Grab your popcorn ladies and gentlemen and hide your daughters because once they see this movie, murder and mad car chases are sure to follow.
3) “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” reviewed by Houslander
The Manson murders and more directly the murder of Sharon Tate is one of the more devastating events in American history. In this masterpiece, Tarantino sheds some light on the moment by changing the ending of the story, but also doing the original events justice. With 17 combined Oscar nominations between Leonardo DiCaprio, Margot Robbie, and Brad Pitt, the cast leaves absolutely nothing to be desired. This was the first R-rated movie I ever saw in the theaters, so it holds a special place in my heart as I constantly revisit it.
2) “Pulp Fiction,” reviewed by Houslander
This film has everything: hitmen, a boxer, a gangster and his wife, and bandits that are all on a collision course that determines their destiny. The movie doesn’t present the story in a chronological order, which makes the flow of the film especially unique. Not only is this one of his best, but it’s critically acclaimed and lives up to the hype. Like most every Tarantino cast, this one meshes perfectly. You have an up and coming actress in Uma Thurman, an actor making a comeback in John Travolta, and then two staples in Samuel L. Jackson and Bruce Willis. When it comes to first time watches, no experience truly matches this one.
1) “Kill Bill: Volume 2,” reviewed by Velo
There isn’t much to say, other than this movie is as bad as it gets, and that’s saying a lot, considering the lineup of Quentin Tarantino-style revenge films. Despite the lack of action compared to Volume 1, Tarantino packed in more thought and tied up loose ends flawlessly in Volume 2. The trailer battle between Elle Driver and Beatrix alone should win this movie first place, and after seeing that scene, I seriously considered going blonde.
By the end of the movie, you may even cry. Beatrix’s reunion with her daughter and subsequent revenge is as satisfying as it gets. And if you’re ever buried alive, you’ll be incredibly grateful you took the time to watch “Kill Bill.” It’s not over until your knuckles are bruised and bleeding.
Geoffrey Brainard • May 31, 2024 at 8:58 pm
Also, kill Bill is one movie.
Selina Kyle • Jun 3, 2024 at 3:12 pm
“Go home to your mother.”
Alex Houslander - A&E Editor • Jun 4, 2024 at 4:25 pm
Its not but uhh nice try i guess
Geoffrey Brainard • May 31, 2024 at 7:46 pm
Hateful 8 and inglorious bastards are missing
Alex Houslander - A&E Editor • Jun 4, 2024 at 4:24 pm
Not missing… excluded. Its his top 8, not all his movies ranked. Read the title.
Matt Porco • May 31, 2024 at 10:37 am
Res Dogs at 8 is outrageous. It put Tarantino on the map for a reason.
Selina Kyle • May 31, 2024 at 2:43 pm
Yes, despite my greatest efforts Houselander placed The Dogs at 8th… This is what happens when women try to speak up. We’re silenced.
Alex Houslander - A&E Editor • Jun 4, 2024 at 4:24 pm
I have so much respect for this comment, love you matt
Alexander Velo -Podcast Editor • May 31, 2024 at 10:33 am
Where’s inglorious bastards??????
Matt Porco • May 31, 2024 at 11:40 am
Off the list, as it should be. There are some amazing scenes in the movie but it falls apart at the end. The idiocy of their plan at the end and how quickly they were found out blows up the whole movie.
elwen • May 31, 2024 at 7:54 am
dude i cant overstate how good death proof is i only watched it cus josephine told me to and i was GAGGED. like go watch it yall its a masterpiece
Edward • May 30, 2024 at 10:11 am
YES, I loved this article!!!