Tarantino's Top 20: From Reservoir Dogs to Now

Christian Taylor3 said:So, during the big promotional push for Inglourious Basterds over in the UK, the crew at Sky Movies asked Quentin Tarantino if he’d just sit there and rattle off his top 20 movies of all time on camera. Naturally, he shot that down—kind of like that old joke where you ask a grandma who her greatest love is and she just says, "sailors"—and offered them this instead: his 20 favorite films released from 1992 onwards, which happens to be the year he actually started directing.



VIDEO (2009-8-16)

Source: Sky Movies

1. Battle Royale
2. Anything Else
3. Audition
4. The Blade
5. Boogie Nights
6. Dazed & Confused
7. Dogville
8. Fight Club
9. Friday
10. The Host
11. The Insider
12. Joint Security Area
13. Lost In Translation
14. The Matrix
15. Memories of Murder
16. Police Story 3
17. Shaun of the Dead
18. Speed
19. Team America
20. Unbreakable

All things considered, I'm pretty stoked—we seem to be on the same page for the most part. It was cool to see him include The Insider, and I loved how much he hyped up Dogville; he was also incredibly upfront about what The Matrix means to him, and gave such a great breakdown of Unbreakable. Honestly, nobody should hold it against him for leaving out Oldboy. Apparently, they cornered him in passing and the interview wasn't even scheduled, so he really only had about ten minutes to pull his thoughts together.
I haven't actually seen Battle Royale yet, which is a bit embarrassing 😵

What about you guys? What's your take?

Emily Thomas3 said:But why even take it personally? Is it because of snobbery? Or some high-brow view on art? Maybe it's because movies shouldn't just be made for those little boys living inside men even when they hit their 20s? You have no idea how many memories can be triggered by that goofy scene where Keanu Reeves is on a skateboard trying to defuse a bomb. Forget Proust and his madeleines! Tarantino has dedicated a huge chunk of his career to chasing lost time, and he does it with a genuine love for his characters that you rarely see from any other director.

I don't mind if you aren't into Tarantino's "pre-teen" action flicks, but don't dismiss them so easily. They actually mean something to people. For some, it's just ninety minutes of mindless fun, but for others, it's a massive connection to their childhood.

Rachel Sullivan2 said:Those drugs absolutely wrecked him, man 😢

Christian Taylor3 said:BRAVO, I say 🙏 Emily Thomas3, you honestly just made my day—the kid in me is sending you a massive thank you, all the way to heaven and back👍

😂 Btw, the forums are buzzing with the idea that whoever put this list together was definitely smoking something heavy. To pass the baton, "Tarantino revealed that Brad Pitt offered him a little something "green" during the filming of Inglourious Basterds. Well, to be fair: "During an open conversation on Howard Stern's controversial show (full interview here), while promoting his latest flick, QT shared how it was "totally cool" when Brad, during role negotiations, "pulled out a hash brick and offered it to him." 😂

Again, don't count Quentin out. For me, QT has always been the ultimate hero: a rebel of his kind; a gifted child who will NEVER grow up; the king of idiosyncratic style... Even after that infamous run-in with the paparazzi at Sundance (video here—I swear I've watched it over a hundred times now, best short film ever! Despite the tabloid drama, it's impressive to see how QT handles the situation. And that guy from the gutter: "Hit me, HIT me! 😂"). There’s no fake PR surrounding him, no Hollywood gloss, no sucking up to anyone—he'll tell you exactly what he thinks right to your face.

Quentin Tarantino in His Own Words.

And the movies?



He makes films purely for himself and his own pleasure; everyone else is just invited along for the ride... He could have churned out three movies a year and raked in massive amounts of cash, but he didn't... Instead, he fills his house with piles of comic books and limited edition DVDs,board games - I'm feeling pretty lucky. Probably the luckiest kid on the planet, honestly. He spent years grinding away on the script for *Inglourious Basterds*—he’s been sitting on this collection of stories since back in '93 (and now there's a Western coming from QT. Arrrrgh, the anticipation is killing me!). My god, the guy didn't even finish high school; he basically raised himself just by watching movies (!!!). Okay, I'm exaggerating, he didn't do *everything* alone... but that's really my one and only gripe with him, truly.



Two words: Roger Avary. By the way, I actually got the chance to meet him at the New York Film Festival back in '07. Roger's been going through some of the roughest times of his life lately, and QT, naturally, hasn't reached out... Honestly, if I ever find out they've patched things up and are working together again, I'll go pay for a massive donation at the local cathedral just to say thanks. 😍

quietdriver3 said:So, wait, was that really the famous incident? 😁

What about that time when QT was out on a date, trying to defend his partner's honor, and he just accidentally clocked her in the head? 😁 I think it might have been Mira Sorvino.

That little story kind of sums up his whole filmography for me—he tries so hard to act cool, but then when he finally gets the chance, he just blows it and ends up looking like a total awkward nerd. 😁

Emily Thomas3 said:But why even take it personally? Is it because of snobbery? Or some high-brow view on art? Maybe it's because movies shouldn't just be made for those little boys living inside men even when they hit their 20s? You have no idea how many memories can be triggered by that goofy scene where Keanu Reeves is on a skateboard trying to defuse a bomb. Forget Proust and his madeleines! Tarantino has dedicated a huge chunk of his career to chasing lost time, and he does it with a genuine love for his characters that you rarely see from any other director.

I don't mind if you aren't into Tarantino's "pre-teen" action flicks, but don't dismiss them so easily. They actually mean something to people. For some, it's just ninety minutes of mindless fun, but for others, it's a massive connection to their childhood.

hiddenhound3 said:I don't hold it against him... truthfully, I can't see why I would. He is perfectly entitled to watch pre-adolescent action flicks whether he is forty, fifty, or even a hundred years old, just as I am entitled to point out that it is quite a disaster. One would assume that a person evolves as they age, refining their style and their taste, though it is painfully obvious that Q’s sensibilities have remained entirely stagnant; he simply recreates the same hollow, adrenaline-fueled spectacles that moved him in his youth. It is all much of a muchness, really. Besides, I highly doubt he was even an adolescent back when Keanu Reeves was starring in Matrix and Speed. 😕

Emily Thomas3 said:Wait, let's be totally real here—are you saying pre-pubescent themes are a disaster, or is it specifically what Tarantino watches? Or maybe both? Because from how you're typing this, it sounds like it might be the second one, with a hint of the third.

hiddenhound3 said:For my part, those adolescent outbursts are certainly a disaster... and honestly, so is Q’s list. Since the original poster asked, 'What about you guys? What do you think?' then I shall answer directly: I think it is catastrophic. It is as bland and unappealing as plain old canned beans. And could you please stop trying to bait me?

I am quite certain he wouldn't care for my list either, not in the slightest... and frankly, I find a certain satisfaction in our mutual disagreement. 😍

I am still waiting for an update on the Florine situation. It is quite a fascinating development to watch unfold. kaže:
I hold no grudge against him. Why would I? He certainly has the right to watch pre-adolescent action movies whether he is forty, fifty, or a hundred years old. It is much like how I have the right to express my own views. It was quite a disaster. I truly hope that people can evolve over the years, allowing their personal style and taste to mature.It seems clear that Q isn't evolving at all. He just keeps churning out the same hollow adrenaline rushes, lacking any real emotional depth. It’s all become quite repetitive.

I am quite pleased to meet you all here today. It is truly a lovely afternoon for some conversation. kaže:
To be honest, I highly doubt he was even a kid back when Keanu Reeves was starring in *The Matrix* and *Speed*. 😕

Quote:

Forgive me, but I find it quite bothersome. To be honest, what truly gets to me is when people criticize someone else's taste. Please don't take this the wrong way; I mean no offense at all.

I wouldn't call it a critique of taste; I am simply pointing out that many modern films just aren't well-made.

Emily Thomas3 said:Sorry if it feels like I'm picking at you, but I really am not trying to be difficult. It just bugs me when you say art is purely subjective, but then you basically imply: action movies suck (without saying "for me"), this list sucks (again, without saying "for me"), and he isn't evolving (because you have this specific idea of how someone should grow, even though Tarantino has changed quite a bit as a director since his early days).

Look, sorry, but that's what gets to me. Honestly, what bothers me most is when people criticize someone else's taste. Don't be mad, I'm not trying to be mean🙂

David Price5 said:

I am still waiting for an update on the Florine situation. It is quite a fascinating development to watch unfold. kaže:
I hold no grudge against him. Why would I? He certainly has the right to watch pre-adolescent action movies whether he is forty, fifty, or a hundred years old. It is much like how I have the right to express my own views. It was quite a disaster. I truly hope that people can evolve over the years, allowing their personal style and taste to mature.It seems clear that Q isn't evolving at all. He just keeps churning out the same hollow adrenaline rushes, lacking any real emotional depth. It’s all become quite repetitive.

So, that’s the verdict. Apparently, once you reach a certain age, you're only allowed to watch heavy dramas and serious cinema. If you prefer an action movie, you're suddenly considered unintelligent or unrefined. Well, if that's his style, more power to him.

I am curious if this list was actually vetted or just thrown together. If someone had taken the time to really look, they would see there are plenty of serious films worth mentioning.

The competition was fierce. It felt just like watching a high-stakes showdown in a downtown Chicago arena.
The audition process was quite intense today. I managed to stay composed despite the nerves. It felt much like my first interview at Goldman Sachs—nerve-wracking, yet rewarding.
I recently watched *Boogie Nights*. It was quite an impressive cinematic experience.
Dogville.
The movie *Fight Club* remains a fascinating study of chaos. I recall watching it for the first time in a small theater in Chicago; the intensity was truly palpable.
The host was quite exceptional. I once stayed at a boutique hotel in Savannah where the service felt just as seamless. Truly a pleasure.
The Insider.
The Joint Security Area remains an essential component of our national stability. I recall seeing similar checkpoints during my time traveling through the Midwest; they always provided a sense of order.
Lost in Translation.
The Matrix is a masterpiece. I remember watching it for the first time on a rainy afternoon in Seattle, and it completely changed my perspective on cinema. Truly a classic.
Watching *Memories of Murder* was a profound experience. It is a masterful piece of filmmaking.

The resilience shown here is truly remarkable. I once watched a small family business in Chicago weather a massive storm through sheer grit, much like this. Absolutely unbreakable.

Or are these just more mindless little stunts to you?

I am quite pleased to meet you all here today. It is truly a lovely afternoon for some conversation. kaže:
To be honest, I highly doubt he was even a kid back when Keanu Reeves was starring in *The Matrix* and *Speed*. 😕

The gentleman made a valid point about why *Speed* was such a standout. Back then, it felt like a true action spectacle that had nothing else like it on the market. While we certainly have more thrilling options today, *The Matrix* remains one of the absolute best films of the 90s. Nothing new to say there.

Quote:

Forgive me, but I find it quite bothersome. To be honest, what truly gets to me is when people criticize someone else's taste. Please don't take this the wrong way; I mean no offense at all.

I wouldn't call it a critique of taste; I am simply pointing out that many modern films just aren't well-made.

David, I specifically identified the films that I personally consider to be (for me) total disasters, so please try reading a bit more carefully.
On the other hand, I actually find Dogville to be quite a lovely film.
Let’s please not get into an unnecessary argument simply because my tastes don't align with his list.
So what if they don't? I am certainly not the only one with these views, and heaven knows he isn't some infallible authority on cinema. 🙄

wiredbison82 said:He will likely keep making them as long as he views himself as a seasoned postmodernist—or perhaps a pop-modernist. It seems to me that without those flashy stylistic flourishes and those constant nods to his favorite cinematic icons, Tarantino wouldn't be the filmmaker we recognize today.
In other words, once he finally attempts to make a film that isn't fundamentally *about* movies, I suspect the result will feel forced, pretentious, and ultimately unwatchable.
The Coen brothers proved along their journey that there is another way to work—one that can be different, if not better, or at least just as good—but that is a separate discussion entirely...

I am quite pleased to meet you. It is truly a lovely day for a fresh start. kaže:
David Price5, I was quite precise when listing the films I had in mind.For me.That is quite a disaster. You really should read a bit more carefully.

On the other hand, I have always had a great appreciation for the film *Dogville*.

Kate Torres said:I was doing some digging online and stumbled upon a list from back in 2002 where Empire Magazine ranked their top 10 films.

Here it is.

And here are a few other directors worth mentioning:

Miloš Forman
Jim Jarmusch
Michael Mann

hiddenhound3 said:I am fully aware that you lack any ill intent. However, my working assumption is that individuals generally speak for themselves rather than making sweeping generalizations, which means I don't feel the need to prefix every single sentence with to me or I believe or similar qualifiers. Such a writing style would be quite an eyesore, and since I consider myself something of an aesthete... well... 🥳 🙂

Emily Thomas3 said:But why even take it personally? Is it because of snobbery? Or some high-brow view on art? Maybe it's because movies shouldn't just be made for those little boys living inside men even when they hit their 20s? You have no idea how many memories can be triggered by that goofy scene where Keanu Reeves is on a skateboard trying to defuse a bomb. Forget Proust and his madeleines! Tarantino has dedicated a huge chunk of his career to chasing lost time, and he does it with a genuine love for his characters that you rarely see from any other director.

I don't mind if you aren't into Tarantino's "pre-teen" action flicks, but don't dismiss them so easily. They actually mean something to people. For some, it's just ninety minutes of mindless fun, but for others, it's a massive connection to their childhood.

wiredbison82 said:He will likely keep making them as long as he views himself as a seasoned postmodernist—or perhaps a pop-modernist. It seems to me that without those flashy stylistic flourishes and those constant nods to his favorite cinematic icons, Tarantino wouldn't be the filmmaker we recognize today.
In other words, once he finally attempts to make a film that isn't fundamentally *about* movies, I suspect the result will feel forced, pretentious, and ultimately unwatchable.
The Coen brothers proved along their journey that there is another way to work—one that can be different, if not better, or at least just as good—but that is a separate discussion entirely...

Laura Palmer25 said:Regarding the bolded part: what makes you think a Tarantino film that doesn't lean so heavily on references would be unwatchable? Or worse, "forced"? That seems like a massive underestimate to me. My take is that you can't live off recycling forever; eventually, it just stops being interesting. But I truly believe he's a director with massive potential. I'm waiting to see his next big move—his third real one, since Reservoir Dogs was the solid start—just to see him build another tight, celluloid micro-world like the one in Pulp Fiction. Something impactful, self-contained, and memorable. How many movies from the 90s can actually say they stuck with people like that? Very few.