Quentin Tarantino, the cinematic maestro known for his nonlinear storytelling, distinctive dialogue, and stylized violence, has directed nine films, each a bold and unforgettable statement. This number, however, is complicated by his involvement in writing, producing, and acting in countless other projects, blurring the lines of what truly constitutes a “Tarantino movie.”
Tarantino’s Core Nine: The Director’s Cut
While his total contribution to cinema is vast, Quentin Tarantino officially considers himself to have directed nine feature films. He initially planned to retire after his tenth directorial effort, but subsequently seems to have moved away from this commitment, but as of 2024, he has directed nine movies:
- Reservoir Dogs (1992): The indie classic that launched his career.
- Pulp Fiction (1994): A game-changer that redefined independent cinema.
- Jackie Brown (1997): An homage to blaxploitation films.
- Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003): A samurai action epic.
- Kill Bill: Volume 2 (2004): Completing the Bride’s revenge saga.
- Death Proof (2007): Part of the Grindhouse double feature.
- Inglourious Basterds (2009): A WWII revenge fantasy.
- Django Unchained (2012): A western exploring slavery and redemption.
- Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019): A nostalgic look at 1969 Hollywood.
These are the movies where Tarantino held the director’s chair, wielding ultimate creative control over the narrative and visual style. They are the films that firmly established his unique authorial voice. It is worth noting that although Kill Bill was released in two volumes, Tarantino considered them to be one single film.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tarantino’s Filmography
This section addresses common questions about Quentin Tarantino’s cinematic contributions beyond his core nine directorial efforts.
H3: What about films he wrote or co-wrote but didn’t direct?
Tarantino’s influence extends far beyond directing. He’s a prolific writer who has penned screenplays for several movies he didn’t direct, most notably:
- True Romance (1993): Directed by Tony Scott, based on a script Tarantino wrote early in his career.
- Natural Born Killers (1994): While heavily rewritten by director Oliver Stone, Tarantino received story credit.
- From Dusk Till Dawn (1996): Tarantino wrote and starred in this Robert Rodriguez-directed vampire action film.
While these films carry elements of Tarantino’s signature style, the directorial vision belongs to someone else. Consequently, they aren’t usually included in the “official” Tarantino film count.
H3: Does he consider Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair a separate film?
No, Quentin Tarantino considers Kill Bill: Volume 1 and Kill Bill: Volume 2 as two parts of one epic film. Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair is a longer, single-film version that was screened in some theaters, but it’s not considered a distinct directorial effort. He has said he always intended it to be one film originally.
H3: What is Grindhouse and why is Death Proof important?
Grindhouse (2007) was a double feature co-directed by Quentin Tarantino (Death Proof) and Robert Rodriguez (Planet Terror). Intended as an homage to the exploitation films of the 1970s, Grindhouse was a unique experiment. Death Proof, Tarantino’s contribution, while initially a commercial disappointment, is still considered part of his directorial body of work and an essential part of understanding his eclectic filmmaking style.
H3: Has Tarantino directed any TV shows?
Yes, Quentin Tarantino has directed television. Most notably, he directed the “Motherhood” episode of ER in 1995, which garnered critical acclaim. Although he has worked on other TV projects, his involvement is less extensive than with his feature films.
H3: What about his acting roles? Do they count towards his filmography?
While Quentin Tarantino is a talented actor, appearing in films like Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction, From Dusk Till Dawn, and Django Unchained, these roles don’t contribute to his directorial filmography. These are acting credits, separate from his directing endeavors. He often uses cameos to provide comic relief or further establish his authorial stamp, but his roles are purely acting performances.
H3: Why did he say he would retire after ten films?
Tarantino has often expressed the belief that directors tend to decline in quality as they age. He aimed to end his directorial career on a high note, preserving his legacy of exceptional films. He wanted to avoid the fate of directors who continue making films past their prime.
H3: Is he really retiring from directing?
The question of Tarantino’s retirement has become increasingly nuanced. While he initially stated his intention to retire after ten films, he has since suggested he might pursue other creative avenues, such as writing novels or plays. His retirement from directing is now more of a philosophical consideration than a strict, unwavering plan.
H3: What is The Hateful Eight and why isn’t it on the list above?
The Hateful Eight is a western directed by Tarantino released in 2015, and although his eighth film, it is not his ninth, and is therefore not included in the list of nine films above, which only included his final film thus far. The Hateful Eight is known for its ensemble cast, dialogue-driven narrative, and stylistic violence. It further solidified Tarantino’s reputation as a master of the western genre.
H3: What is The Movie Critic, and why is it important?
The Movie Critic was a project Tarantino had intended to be his tenth and, ostensibly, final film. It was reported to be set in the 1970s and loosely based on the life of a cynical film critic. After considerable development, Tarantino ultimately scrapped the project, choosing to move on to other ideas. The cancellation of The Movie Critic has further fueled speculation about his future directing career.
H3: Will he ever direct another Kill Bill sequel or spin-off?
While Tarantino has discussed the possibility of a Kill Bill 3 or a spin-off focused on Vernita Green’s daughter, Nikki (played by Ambrosia Kelley), nothing is currently in development. He has expressed interest in revisiting the world of Kill Bill, but any future installments remain speculative at this point.
H3: What is considered Tarantino’s best film?
The question of Quentin Tarantino’s best film is highly subjective and often sparks debate. Pulp Fiction is often cited as his masterpiece, due to its innovative narrative structure, memorable characters, and cultural impact. However, films like Reservoir Dogs, Inglourious Basterds, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood also have strong followings and are frequently contenders for the title of his best work.
H3: Where can I watch Quentin Tarantino’s movies?
Quentin Tarantino’s films are available on various streaming platforms, for rental and purchase on digital marketplaces, and on physical media (Blu-ray and DVD). Availability may vary depending on your region. Services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max often feature his movies at different times. Checking local listings and online databases like JustWatch can provide the most up-to-date information on where to find specific titles.
Beyond Directing: The Tarantino Touch
Ultimately, Quentin Tarantino’s influence on cinema extends far beyond the number of films he has directed. His unique voice, his passion for film history, and his commitment to pushing boundaries have made him one of the most important and influential filmmakers of his generation. Whether he directs one more film, or none, his contribution to the art form is already undeniable and lasting. The nine films he has helmed serve as a testament to his talent and a legacy that will continue to inspire generations of filmmakers and moviegoers.