Quentin Tarantino Picks His Top 10 Movies of the 21st Century

Quentin Tarantino, renowned filmmaker, recently shared his top 20 films of the 21st century on the Bret Easton Ellis podcast. Displaying his unique tastes, Tarantino included a diverse range of movies, emphasizing his approach of selecting only one film from each director.

Quentin Tarantino’s Top 20 Films of the 21st Century

The list features a mix of genres and styles, showcasing Tarantino’s broad cinematic appreciation. Below is the rundown of his selections, presented in reverse order:

1. Black Hawk Down (dir. Ridley Scott)
2. Toy Story 3 (dir. Lee Unkrich)
3. Lost In Translation (dir. Sofia Coppola)
4. Dunkirk (dir. Christopher Nolan)
5. There Will Be Blood (dir. Paul Thomas Anderson)
6. Zodiac (dir. David Fincher)
7. Unstoppable (dir. Tony Scott)
8. Mad Max: Fury Road (dir. George Miller)
9. Shaun Of The Dead (dir. Edgar Wright)
10. Midnight In Paris (dir. Woody Allen)
11. Battle Royale (dir. Kinji Fukasaku)
12. Big Bad Wolves (dir. Aharon Keshales, Navot Papushado)
13. Jackass: The Movie (dir. Jeff Tremaine)
14. The School Of Rock (dir. Richard Linklater)
15. The Passion Of The Christ (dir. Mel Gibson)
16. The Devil’s Rejects (dir. Rob Zombie)
17. Chocolate (dir. Prachya Pinkaew)
18. Moneyball (dir. Bennett Miller)
19. Cabin Fever (dir. Eli Roth)
20. West Side Story (dir. Steven Spielberg)

Notable Mentions and Insights

Among his choices, Tarantino expressed particular appreciation for “Black Hawk Down.” He described it as a film that has grown on him over time. Initially, the intensity of the movie made it hard for him to resonate with it completely. However, after multiple viewings, he came to regard it as a masterwork.

He highlighted its ambition to achieve an “Apocalypse Now” level of purpose and visual impact, setting it apart from other movies this century. The director’s eclectic list includes classics like “Toy Story 3,” horror films like “Cabin Fever,” and cult favorites such as “Battle Royale.”

Through this list, Tarantino demonstrates his expertise and discerning eye for noteworthy cinema in this century. His selections reflect a mix of critical acclaim and personal favorites, and they contribute to ongoing discussions about cinematic excellence.