Quentin Tarantino finally revealed his ultimate cinema rankings for the modern era. The legendary director joined the Bret Easton Ellis podcast to unveil his top ten films of the 21st century. His eclectic choices range from gritty war epics to animated tearjerkers and romantic dramas. The number one pick is a violent masterpiece that Tarantino claims is the best directed film of our time.
Ridley Scott War Epic Takes Top Honors
The director placed Ridley Scott’s Black Hawk Down at the very top of his list. This 2001 war film depicts the intense Battle of Mogadishu. Tarantino admitted that he did not fully appreciate the movie during his first viewing. The sheer intensity of the combat sequences overwhelmed him at the time.
He later revisited the film and realized its brilliance. Tarantino called the movie a masterwork that stands alone in modern cinema. He compared its visual purpose and feeling to Apocalypse Now. The director believes no other contemporary film captures the chaos of war quite like this one.
His praise for Ridley Scott was incredibly high. He noted that his heart raced through the entire runtime during recent rewatches. The technical achievement of managing such a massive production impressed him deeply. It is a feat of direction that goes beyond extraordinary in his eyes.
Quentin Tarantino movie ranking list top ten film choices
Animation and Romance Make the Cut
The second spot on the list went to a surprising animated classic. Toy Story 3 claimed the runner up position in this prestigious ranking. Tarantino has often praised the storytelling ability of Pixar. He specifically highlighted the third installment as a perfect conclusion to the saga.
He felt the movie offered genuine heartbreak and emotional depth. The film manages to balance comedy with profound themes of growing up and letting go. It is rare for a sequel to surpass the original in such a definitive way.
Third place reveals a softer side of the filmmaker. Lost in Translation by Sofia Coppola sits comfortably in the bronze medal spot. Tarantino confessed that he fell in love with the film instantly. This deep appreciation for the movie even led to a real life romance with the director.
He described the movie as deliciously “girlie” in the best possible way. He discussed this aspect with fellow director Pedro Almodóvar. They both agreed that its delicate tone was a rare cinematic achievement. The chemistry between Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson clearly resonated with him.
Action Thrillers Dominate Middle Spots
Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk landed at number four. This choice mirrors his experience with his top pick. Tarantino initially felt gobsmacked and confused by the pacing of the World War II thriller. The sensory overload made it hard for him to grasp the design on the first try.
He needed to watch it three times to unlock its mastery. The director finally saw how Nolan crafted a purely visual experience without relying on heavy dialogue. The immersive sound design and practical effects eventually won him over completely.
Paul Thomas Anderson also made the list with There Will Be Blood at number five. This inclusion is less surprising given the critical acclaim the film holds. Tarantino has long admired Anderson as a peer and competitor. He views the Daniel Day Lewis performance as one of the greatest in history.
David Fincher’s Zodiac followed closely at number six. This slow burn serial killer drama has grown on Tarantino over the years. He noted that television reruns helped him appreciate its genius. The meticulous detail and obsessiveness of the film match his own passion for cinema.
Tony Scott’s Unstoppable came in at number seven. This selection honors his late friend and mentor. Tarantino considers this runaway train thriller to be a perfect B movie. He argues that Tony Scott elevated a simple premise into a kinetic monster of a film.
Comedy Classics Finish the List
George Miller’s Mad Max: Fury Road secured the eighth position. Tarantino almost skipped this movie entirely out of loyalty to Mel Gibson. He could not imagine the franchise without the original star. Positive word of mouth finally pushed him into a theater seat.
He was immediately blown away by the practical stunts. He described the film as a visionary getting the resources to stage the inside of his head. The movie stands as a testament to old school filmmaking techniques executed at the highest level.
Edgar Wright’s Shaun of the Dead took the ninth spot. This horror comedy blends genres in a way Tarantino famously loves. He appreciates how the film balances genuine zombie scares with British wit. It remains a cult classic that has clearly stayed with him.
Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris rounded out the top ten. This time travel fantasy offers a nostalgic look at the artistic legends of the past. It serves as a lighthearted conclusion to a list filled with heavy drama and violence.
The full list showcases the director’s wide ranging taste.
- Black Hawk Down (Ridley Scott)
- Toy Story 3 (Lee Unkrich)
- Lost in Translation (Sofia Coppola)
- Dunkirk (Christopher Nolan)
- There Will Be Blood (Paul Thomas Anderson)
- Zodiac (David Fincher)
- Unstoppable (Tony Scott)
- Mad Max: Fury Road (George Miller)
- Shaun of the Dead (Edgar Wright)
- Midnight in Paris (Woody Allen)
Quentin Tarantino has once again proven that his taste is as bold as his filmmaking. This list invites cinephiles to revisit these modern classics with fresh eyes. It challenges us to find the artistic merit in everything from war zones to toy boxes.
We want to hear your thoughts on this ranking. Do you agree with Black Hawk Down taking the crown? Share your opinion in the comments below or join the conversation on social media using #TarantinoTop10.
