Quentin Tarantino Names His 20 Favorite Films of the 21st Century

Quentin Tarantino has unveiled his list of the top 20 films from the 21st century, with Ridley Scott’s acclaimed war film Black Hawk Down taking the coveted first position. This announcement comes as Tarantino promotes the re-release of Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair, which has recently hit cinema screens, alongside an animated short from the film featured in the popular video game Fortnite.

During a conversation on Bret Easton Ellis’s podcast, Tarantino shared his curated selection, highlighting a diverse array of genres and styles. The list showcases films that reflect his cinematic influences and personal tastes, with notable contributions from directors such as Christopher Nolan, Sofia Coppola, and Paul Thomas Anderson.

Tarantino’s Top 20 Films Ranked

Here is the complete ranking of Tarantino’s favorite films of the last 25 years:

20. West Side Story (2021)
19. Cabin Fever (2002)
18. Moneyball (2011)
17. Chocolate (2008)
16. The Devil’s Rejects (2005)
15. The Passion of the Christ (2004)
14. The School of Rock (2003)
13. Jackass: The Movie (2002)
12. Big Bad Wolves (2013)
11. Battle Royale (2000)
10. Midnight in Paris (2011)
9. Shaun of the Dead (2004)
8. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
7. Unstoppable (2010)
6. Zodiac (2007)
5. There Will Be Blood (2007)
4. Dunkirk (2017)
3. Lost in Translation (2003)
2. Toy Story 3 (2010)
1. Black Hawk Down (2001)

Tarantino expressed a deep appreciation for Black Hawk Down, stating that his respect for the film has grown over time. Initially, he found the film’s intensity overwhelming, but repeated viewings have led him to regard it as a masterwork, noting its ambition to achieve a similar sense of purpose and visual storytelling as Apocalypse Now. He highlighted the film’s unique approach to depicting the chaos of the Battle of Mogadishu, where the narrative unfolds around a helicopter shot down during the conflict.

In his discussion with Ellis, Tarantino remarked, “I liked it when I first saw it, but I actually think it was so intense that it stopped working for me, and I didn’t carry it with me the way that I should’ve. Since then, I’ve seen it a couple of times, not a bunch of times, but I think it’s a masterwork.”

As Tarantino continues to engage with audiences through various platforms, fans are eager to explore both the films he cherishes and the creative journey that has defined his career. For those interested in his filmography, there are numerous resources available on how to watch Quentin Tarantino’s movies in chronological order, offering insight into the evolution of his storytelling and stylistic choices.

With Kill Bill back in the spotlight and new projects on the horizon, Tarantino’s influence on contemporary cinema remains significant, inviting both admiration and debate among film enthusiasts around the world.