Quentin Tarantino Reveals His Top 10 Films of the 21st Century
As the first quarter of the 21st century comes to a close, Quentin Tarantino decided to take a step back and look at the movies that actually stayed with him. During appearances on The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast, Quentin laid out his top 10 films of the era. All of them say something about how he watches (and rewatches) movies.
Black Hawk Down
Credit: IMDb
The film that ended up at the very top is Ridley Scott’s Black Hawk Down, a war film that grew on Quentin over time. He claimed that the intensity initially worked against it by making the experience almost overwhelming on first viewing. Years later, repeat watches changed everything. The extended cut of 2 hours and 32 minutes never let up, and Quentin praised Scott’s control of momentum and scale. He compared its immersive feel to Apocalypse Now, which is high praise coming from him.
Toy Story 3
Credit: IMDb
An animated sequel landing this high raised eyebrows, but Toy Story 3 earned its place. Quentin described it as almost perfect and focused heavily on its final moments. The ending hit him so hard that he said talking about it still makes him emotional. The movie’s themes of growing up and closure clearly carried more weight than its Pixar label.
Lost in Translation
Credit: IMDb
Quentin acknowledged that this movie falls outside his usual taste, yet he connected deeply with its tone. The film’s ability to stay long after it ends helped secure its spot. And of course, Bill Murray’s performance stood out for its subtlety.
Dunkirk
Credit: IMDb
Time changed everything for Dunkirk. When Christopher Nolan’s World War II film first arrived in 2017, Quentin felt overwhelmed rather than impressed. The structure and sensory overload made it hard to process. After watching it several more times, appreciation kicked in. He now sees mastery in how the film controls tension and perspective.
There Will Be Blood
Credit: IMDb
This one is controversial. There Will Be Blood earned its ranking largely due to Daniel Day-Lewis’ towering performance, which Quentin has consistently praised. His criticism focused on Paul Dano’s dual role, which he felt weakened the film. The comment sparked backlash, though Quentin clarified he did not think the performance was outright bad.
Zodiac
Credit: IMDb
David Fincher’s 2007 thriller refuses to rush toward resolution and instead leans into obsession and uncertainty. Quentin has long respected films that trust viewers to stay engaged without constant payoff. The mood and restraint carried more importance than spectacle here.
Unstoppable
Credit: IMDb
Straightforward filmmaking can still leave a mark, and Unstoppable proves that point. Directed by Tony Scott, the 2010 thriller keeps things moving without unnecessary complexity. Quentin has repeatedly expressed admiration for Scott’s ability to control pace. The film’s clarity and energy helped it stand out among bigger productions.
Mad Max: Fury Road
Credit: IMDb
George Miller’s 2015 film relies heavily on visual storytelling and practical stunts. Quentin’s ranking shows respect for how clearly the movie communicates through movement alone. Dialogue takes a back seat, but momentum stays front and center.
Shaun of the Dead
Credit: IMDb
Shaun of the Dead earned its place through sharp writing and genre awareness. Edgar Wright’s 2004 film balances laughs with genuine affection for zombie movies. Quentin’s appreciation for filmmakers who understand their influences shows up clearly here. The movie never feels dismissive of the genre.
Midnight in Paris
Credit: IMDb
Closing out the list is Midnight in Paris, a film built on nostalgia and creative longing. Released in 2011, it feels lighter than many of Quentin’s other picks. The contrast likely helped it stand out. The romantic comedy’s charm and reflective tone left an impression strong enough to secure a spot among his favorites.