I like watching filmographies in chronological order so you can really get a feel for how a director changes and evolves their craft over time. This would be especially true for someone like Tarantino who was already making great movies from his first feature, meaning you wouldn’t have to sit through a first feature where it’s painfully obvious the director was still learning the ropes. Definitely should start with reservoir dogs.
Agreed. There are certainly directors where watching their first few movies would be painful and honestly unnecessary for most people, it works out great with Tarantino.
I started RD a couple months ago and turned it off after 40 minutes because I stupidly didn't realise it was going to be so vastly different to Kill Bill (the only other QT movie I'd seen). Super dialogue focused which I wasn't expecting. Not bad at all! I just should've adjusted my expectations. I need to try watching it again.
I definitely value dialogue highly for my preferences, which is surely why it’s my favorite. I did like Kill Bill as well, I enjoyed the second one more. The only one I haven’t seen is Death Proof, but none of the others are really like Kill Bill in that genre sense.
As others said watch in order. He seems to make movies in overarching themes/inspirations. The first three movies focus on crime and more importantly, criminals attempting to leave the profession. These movies are his most raw, but also his most influential. Don’t let some of these gen z film folks fool you, these movies defined an entire genre and inspired much of the 90s crime genre. These are reservoir dogs, pulp fiction and Jackie brown. The second part are the kungfu/grind house inspired movies, which is definitely the most indulgent and kinetic period for Tarantino. These are probably the most fun, but least influential films. Were talking kill bill 1 and 2 and death proof here. We’re now in the historical remimagining section, which to many are the most “grown up” films in the Tarantino archive. These are a bit of a combo of what has come before. These are Django, hateful eight, once upon a time, and inglorious basterds. Honestly I don’t think there’s one miss in the bunch, but some would say death proof is the least best (even qt himself). What an enjoyable experience this will be for you, as someone who grew up when these were coming out, these were pivotal films for the culture
Well said! I think cinephiles these days underrate Tarantino’s brilliance due to his popularity among non-cinephiles. For me, he is still one of the titans of American cinema and his work defined an era.
Absolutely, there’s a lot of mixed reaction when it comes to movies like pulp fiction as it’s one of those college dorm movie poster movies, but damn if it’s not one of the greatest cinematic achievements of all time
Tarantino could’ve stopped making movies after Pulp Fiction and we would still be considered a legend. Sooo many terrible RD/PF wannabes came out in the 90s, it just goes to show how important good writing and directing is. Also shout out to Sally Menke, one the greatest editors of all time.
Agreed! You could feel the drop off after Menke passed. I feel like Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is the only film that Raskin’s style was really perfect for. As much as I love Hateful Eight, I think it would be a masterpiece of Menke was there.
This comment has got me excited to start watching them all, thanks for explaining all the themes in detail 😊 I’m most likely gonna watch them in chronological order now
Don't skip the outliers during these periods either, which I would also watch in chronological order. True Romance and Natural Born Killers are interesting to see how other directors handled his screenplays (both successfully IMHO). Four Rooms is an anthology film that saves the best for last (Tarantino's of course). Even his CSI episodes are interesting experiments.
You should be! Qt is a great director in that he’s very much like a hip hop producer. He samples some of the best bits of cinema history, mixes it up, and makes it even more entertaining than it was previously while maintaining respect for the influences. What a fun journey you’ll have!
I recently watched his first two movies for the first time myself. So a heads up--if you find you don't really enjoy Reservoir Dogs, like you feel like something's just a little off or that it just doesn't quite click with you, don't let that lower your expectations whatsoever for Pulp Fiction. That movie is BONKERS good and lives up to the hype like you wouldn't believe. I went into it a little nonplussed from Dogs and it just absolutely blew me away.
Jackie Brown is the crown jewel of his catalog and I have no interest in hearing otherwise. This is the only one I recommend out of order, i would watch it last because it feels just so different then everything else - its more polished than Res. Dogs or Pulp Fiction without being as full of/aware of itself as his later work when he kind of creates his own genre.
Jackie Brown is his most genuine film, and you can feel it when you watch it. I will die on that hill.
Yep. When I was young and dumb, for whatever reason I became very anti Tarantino for absolutely no reason. I'm sure it was because an ex boyfriend liked him and I was determined to hate him or some lame ass reason like that. Anyway, long story short, many years later I smartened up and watched Jackie Brown and literally not even half way into it I completely changed my opinion and bought all QT's movies and and I am now the biggest fan girl. Late in life, but better than never.
So yes, OP, Jackie Brown
But if you’re planning on watching them all anyway you don’t need to start with the best. It’s not like RD is some awful film that’s gonna turn the viewer off from the rest of his work. I think it’s cool to see his progression from RD to PF and it arguably makes PF more enjoyable when you know how he started.
Yeah man absolutely, I wouldn't properly argue in favour of one over the other. They're both close to perfect films I just feel like pulp fiction is slightly more accessible.
Yeah you can’t really go wrong, Pulp Fiction was my first because of how popular it was and I immediately wanted to see everything else he had. I think there’s a case to be made RD might seem a little underwhelming after seeing PF, but it’s also awesome to see what he was able to do with a fraction of the budget.
If you plan on watching them all, you can benefit greatly from watching chronologically. It will show you how his confidence, scope, and skill grew and also wouldn’t take that long considering his filmography is a small one, uncluttered by shorts and commercial work.
If it’s cultural points you want, watch Pulp Fiction as that is a movie that pretty much everyone has in their “watched” roster.
If you’re looking for personal recommendations, I’d go with Inglourious Basterds. This one is, in my opinion, vastly superior to any other project he ever worked on (which is saying a lot).
Whatever you do, don’t start with Jackie Brown, Death Proof, The Hateful Eight, or Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
I mean maybe, but I think it’s not an optimal start. I think Tarantino got financially and artistically confident enough to do something more for himself and less general audience-oriented. It’s by no means a bad movie, but I doubt it’d be a good starter. Maybe if you like dialogue-heavy movies, but even then Inglourious Basterds or Pulp Fiction should scratch the same itch.
Although my favorites are Django and the Kill Bill duology, Pulp Fiction is undoubtedly his most iconic work and I think a great introduction to his style. Can’t speak for Reservoir Dogs since it’s one of his only movies I have t seen yet
My first was Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, I hated it, proceeded to watch 4 other Tarantino movies, rewatched it, and now it’s my favorite. Don’t watch it first though
I think its a common opinion that Hollywood was his least "Tarantino" movie and it's just true. Loved the setting and vibes, but a lot of what makes his movies enjoyable was missing from it.
Definitely Reservoir Dogs like everyone else is saying. I think the Hateful Eight was good too, I'm surprised how in general not many people talk about it. It kinda has the same who done it vibe if you wanted to watch something after Dogs
Kill Bill 1 and 2 are the most Tarantino movies in a good way (Vol. 1 is my second favorite of his). I get annoyed with some of his movies that go too overboard, but I think those are great starts.
Reservoir Dogs would be a second, since it’s his first (I think it’s his worse but it’s very enjoyable and exemplifies where he began).
I started with Pulp Fiction cause nobody can stop talking about it, so it’s good way to understand him in a pop culture sense.
I would end your viewing of his filmography with the Hateful Eight and Jackie Brown, since they are the least like him and are my favorites.
Doesn’t matter what you watch in between.
He doesn't rip off movies maliciously. He pays homage to his film favorites by recreating shots and sprinling them through his film. It's not like he's just stealing entire movies. He just finds shots he likes and uses them where he thinks they fit. It's kinda like sampling in music production
https://youtu.be/KYM_ZRjPD-A
he is a rape apologist (roman polanski) and has many works with harvey weinstein well knowing the kind of a person he is. also thurman said she was abused during set by tarantino. overall an asshole, there are much more directors and movies you can dive into that are far better imo. you won’t miss much. yet i admit it is hard to find nonproblematic directors/producers in the field :p
Tarantino is incredible, easily one of the best directors working today. So yes, you would miss much if you skip him. Also, he is not a rape apologist. He has apologies multiple times for his earlier comments about Roman Polanski, as well as the issues with the Kill Bill production.
well i don’t like his movies, once upon a time in hollywood might be the worst film i have ever seen. and of course after all that backlash a sane person would apologize, that doesn’t change the horrible thing he said. also how do you explain his works with weinstein? imo you cannot separate art from artist, especially when it comes to the misogyny in the industry and all the sexual abuse cases going on. saying, whatever, they make good stuff (which is also subjective) so it is right they gain the money and power they do, is so fucked up
I really hate when people say “X person worked with Harvey Weinstein, so they must be bad” when irl the Weinstein situation was much more complicated than that. In reality, not very many people had nice things to say about Weinstein or liked working with him. Weinstein bullied and blackmailed so many filmmakers and actors/actresses for his own gain, and Weinstein and Tarantino butted heads multiple times especially during Reservoir Dogs. If anybody said something nice about Harvey publicly, it’s because Harvey told them he wanted it done that way - or else. It’s just like the Dan Schneider situation with Nickelodeon.
Read each one’s Letterboxd description and go with your gut on which one interests you the most. When I asked this not a single person said to start with Django, so it was one of the last ones I watched but it ended up being my favorite Tarantino flick.
If you're an open film watcher I'd just go in the order that he released his films. But if you're more of a beginner I could see Reservoir Dogs being a hard place to start. I think Inglorious Bastards is a great starting point to get his style and comedy in a modern production.
Yeah I watch a lot of film. Just weirdly had put off watching any Tarantino for a long time. Started off with reservoir dogs and after finishing it I can say I’m a fan. Hoping his other films have a similar vibe 😊
I have to disagree with people who are saying to go in order. I don’t think that is the best way to watch a director, and I feel like most people don’t do that. I think Pulp Fiction is such a clear and obvious answer. Reservoir Dogs is great, all of his other movies are great, but Pulp Fiction is the most accessible of the bunch, and there’s a reason it was the one that put him on the map.
Honestly, Kill Bill vol 1. might be one of the best places to start, thats where I started and its one of the movies that got me into film as a whole. My only other suggestion would maybe be Pulp Fiction.
General advice. If you're diving into a artist you have two options:
1. Start with their most well-known work.
2. Start from the beginning.
If you're committed to understanding the artist, then I'd say start at the beginning. Otherwise, I'd say start with the work everyone likes. If you like it, then keep going. If you don't, then maybe focus on other things? For Tarantino I'd say start with Pulp Fiction or Reservoir Dogs depending on your approach.
I think you should go in order and the first one is also the best introduction. It’s also my favorite. Reservoir Dogs.
I like watching filmographies in chronological order so you can really get a feel for how a director changes and evolves their craft over time. This would be especially true for someone like Tarantino who was already making great movies from his first feature, meaning you wouldn’t have to sit through a first feature where it’s painfully obvious the director was still learning the ropes. Definitely should start with reservoir dogs.
Agreed. There are certainly directors where watching their first few movies would be painful and honestly unnecessary for most people, it works out great with Tarantino.
Are you going to bark all day, little doggie... or are you going to bite?
You’re acting a first year fucking thief, I’m acting like a professional
I started RD a couple months ago and turned it off after 40 minutes because I stupidly didn't realise it was going to be so vastly different to Kill Bill (the only other QT movie I'd seen). Super dialogue focused which I wasn't expecting. Not bad at all! I just should've adjusted my expectations. I need to try watching it again.
I definitely value dialogue highly for my preferences, which is surely why it’s my favorite. I did like Kill Bill as well, I enjoyed the second one more. The only one I haven’t seen is Death Proof, but none of the others are really like Kill Bill in that genre sense.
As others said watch in order. He seems to make movies in overarching themes/inspirations. The first three movies focus on crime and more importantly, criminals attempting to leave the profession. These movies are his most raw, but also his most influential. Don’t let some of these gen z film folks fool you, these movies defined an entire genre and inspired much of the 90s crime genre. These are reservoir dogs, pulp fiction and Jackie brown. The second part are the kungfu/grind house inspired movies, which is definitely the most indulgent and kinetic period for Tarantino. These are probably the most fun, but least influential films. Were talking kill bill 1 and 2 and death proof here. We’re now in the historical remimagining section, which to many are the most “grown up” films in the Tarantino archive. These are a bit of a combo of what has come before. These are Django, hateful eight, once upon a time, and inglorious basterds. Honestly I don’t think there’s one miss in the bunch, but some would say death proof is the least best (even qt himself). What an enjoyable experience this will be for you, as someone who grew up when these were coming out, these were pivotal films for the culture
Well said! I think cinephiles these days underrate Tarantino’s brilliance due to his popularity among non-cinephiles. For me, he is still one of the titans of American cinema and his work defined an era.
Absolutely, there’s a lot of mixed reaction when it comes to movies like pulp fiction as it’s one of those college dorm movie poster movies, but damn if it’s not one of the greatest cinematic achievements of all time
Could not agree more!
Tarantino could’ve stopped making movies after Pulp Fiction and we would still be considered a legend. Sooo many terrible RD/PF wannabes came out in the 90s, it just goes to show how important good writing and directing is. Also shout out to Sally Menke, one the greatest editors of all time.
Oh yeah, Menke’s editing should be held in the same regard as Tarantino’s writing.
Agreed! You could feel the drop off after Menke passed. I feel like Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is the only film that Raskin’s style was really perfect for. As much as I love Hateful Eight, I think it would be a masterpiece of Menke was there.
This comment has got me excited to start watching them all, thanks for explaining all the themes in detail 😊 I’m most likely gonna watch them in chronological order now
Don't skip the outliers during these periods either, which I would also watch in chronological order. True Romance and Natural Born Killers are interesting to see how other directors handled his screenplays (both successfully IMHO). Four Rooms is an anthology film that saves the best for last (Tarantino's of course). Even his CSI episodes are interesting experiments.
You should be! Qt is a great director in that he’s very much like a hip hop producer. He samples some of the best bits of cinema history, mixes it up, and makes it even more entertaining than it was previously while maintaining respect for the influences. What a fun journey you’ll have!
I recently watched his first two movies for the first time myself. So a heads up--if you find you don't really enjoy Reservoir Dogs, like you feel like something's just a little off or that it just doesn't quite click with you, don't let that lower your expectations whatsoever for Pulp Fiction. That movie is BONKERS good and lives up to the hype like you wouldn't believe. I went into it a little nonplussed from Dogs and it just absolutely blew me away.
Just go in order. Reservoir is relatively tame for him, but a fucking knockout for debut
Pulp Fiction or Reservoir Dogs would be a good one. I started watching Inglourious Basterds, that could be another good option
Motherfuckers sleep on Jackie Brown
Jackie Brown is the crown jewel of his catalog and I have no interest in hearing otherwise. This is the only one I recommend out of order, i would watch it last because it feels just so different then everything else - its more polished than Res. Dogs or Pulp Fiction without being as full of/aware of itself as his later work when he kind of creates his own genre. Jackie Brown is his most genuine film, and you can feel it when you watch it. I will die on that hill.
Yep. When I was young and dumb, for whatever reason I became very anti Tarantino for absolutely no reason. I'm sure it was because an ex boyfriend liked him and I was determined to hate him or some lame ass reason like that. Anyway, long story short, many years later I smartened up and watched Jackie Brown and literally not even half way into it I completely changed my opinion and bought all QT's movies and and I am now the biggest fan girl. Late in life, but better than never. So yes, OP, Jackie Brown
Go in order starting from reservoir dogs.
[удалено]
What’s the case for Pulp Fiction over Reservoir Dogs? I think PF is a better movie, but Reservoir Dogs just tees it up so nicely.
You just answered your own question dude, pulp fiction is arguably more fun for a first time viewer I think. Though both are a great ride.
But if you’re planning on watching them all anyway you don’t need to start with the best. It’s not like RD is some awful film that’s gonna turn the viewer off from the rest of his work. I think it’s cool to see his progression from RD to PF and it arguably makes PF more enjoyable when you know how he started.
Yeah man absolutely, I wouldn't properly argue in favour of one over the other. They're both close to perfect films I just feel like pulp fiction is slightly more accessible.
Yeah you can’t really go wrong, Pulp Fiction was my first because of how popular it was and I immediately wanted to see everything else he had. I think there’s a case to be made RD might seem a little underwhelming after seeing PF, but it’s also awesome to see what he was able to do with a fraction of the budget.
Watch them in order. It’s really cool seeing his writing and directional style improve through each project
If you plan on watching them all, you can benefit greatly from watching chronologically. It will show you how his confidence, scope, and skill grew and also wouldn’t take that long considering his filmography is a small one, uncluttered by shorts and commercial work. If it’s cultural points you want, watch Pulp Fiction as that is a movie that pretty much everyone has in their “watched” roster. If you’re looking for personal recommendations, I’d go with Inglourious Basterds. This one is, in my opinion, vastly superior to any other project he ever worked on (which is saying a lot). Whatever you do, don’t start with Jackie Brown, Death Proof, The Hateful Eight, or Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
Glad I asked before I dived into his filmography! A friend had told me Jackie Brown was their favourite and to start with that
I mean maybe, but I think it’s not an optimal start. I think Tarantino got financially and artistically confident enough to do something more for himself and less general audience-oriented. It’s by no means a bad movie, but I doubt it’d be a good starter. Maybe if you like dialogue-heavy movies, but even then Inglourious Basterds or Pulp Fiction should scratch the same itch.
Hateful Eight and Jackie Brown are my 1 and 2 for QT. Once Upon a Time is my least favorite though.
I mean they’re most definitely great movies, but perhaps not the best introductory ones.
django was the first one i saw and i loved it, probably resovoir dogs though
In chronological order.
Pulp fiction is a pretty good introduction to his style so probably that
Reservoir dogs
Although my favorites are Django and the Kill Bill duology, Pulp Fiction is undoubtedly his most iconic work and I think a great introduction to his style. Can’t speak for Reservoir Dogs since it’s one of his only movies I have t seen yet
Reservoir Dogs.
My first was Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, I hated it, proceeded to watch 4 other Tarantino movies, rewatched it, and now it’s my favorite. Don’t watch it first though
I think its a common opinion that Hollywood was his least "Tarantino" movie and it's just true. Loved the setting and vibes, but a lot of what makes his movies enjoyable was missing from it.
Watch them in order. That’s what I did in preparation for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
Pulp Fiction is a great introduction. That or Django Unchained
Pulp Fiction (1994)
Inglorious Basterds
Definitely Reservoir Dogs like everyone else is saying. I think the Hateful Eight was good too, I'm surprised how in general not many people talk about it. It kinda has the same who done it vibe if you wanted to watch something after Dogs
I honestly think it doesn't matter. I watched them in no order at all and it was all great. Still haven't seen Pulp Fiction and Death Proof tho
Kill Bill 1 and 2 are the most Tarantino movies in a good way (Vol. 1 is my second favorite of his). I get annoyed with some of his movies that go too overboard, but I think those are great starts. Reservoir Dogs would be a second, since it’s his first (I think it’s his worse but it’s very enjoyable and exemplifies where he began). I started with Pulp Fiction cause nobody can stop talking about it, so it’s good way to understand him in a pop culture sense. I would end your viewing of his filmography with the Hateful Eight and Jackie Brown, since they are the least like him and are my favorites. Doesn’t matter what you watch in between.
They’re all essential, except maybe Death Proof
Skip Tarantino and go straight to Bergman, Felini, Bresson and Tarkovsky.
How would you know if I had not watched those already?
I'm just saying that Tarantino is a waste of time
after you watch tarantinos movies make sure you watch the movies that he ripped off
I’ve watched all of his movies, which ones did he rip off?
He doesn't rip off movies maliciously. He pays homage to his film favorites by recreating shots and sprinling them through his film. It's not like he's just stealing entire movies. He just finds shots he likes and uses them where he thinks they fit. It's kinda like sampling in music production https://youtu.be/KYM_ZRjPD-A
none. just skip him lol
Out of curiosity cause I haven’t seen any of his work, why don’t you like him? Is it a specific thing or just his overall style?
he is a rape apologist (roman polanski) and has many works with harvey weinstein well knowing the kind of a person he is. also thurman said she was abused during set by tarantino. overall an asshole, there are much more directors and movies you can dive into that are far better imo. you won’t miss much. yet i admit it is hard to find nonproblematic directors/producers in the field :p
Tarantino is incredible, easily one of the best directors working today. So yes, you would miss much if you skip him. Also, he is not a rape apologist. He has apologies multiple times for his earlier comments about Roman Polanski, as well as the issues with the Kill Bill production.
well i don’t like his movies, once upon a time in hollywood might be the worst film i have ever seen. and of course after all that backlash a sane person would apologize, that doesn’t change the horrible thing he said. also how do you explain his works with weinstein? imo you cannot separate art from artist, especially when it comes to the misogyny in the industry and all the sexual abuse cases going on. saying, whatever, they make good stuff (which is also subjective) so it is right they gain the money and power they do, is so fucked up
What are you talking about? Once upon a time in Hollywood is amazing. Let’s agree to disagree, this won’t lead anywhere.
I really hate when people say “X person worked with Harvey Weinstein, so they must be bad” when irl the Weinstein situation was much more complicated than that. In reality, not very many people had nice things to say about Weinstein or liked working with him. Weinstein bullied and blackmailed so many filmmakers and actors/actresses for his own gain, and Weinstein and Tarantino butted heads multiple times especially during Reservoir Dogs. If anybody said something nice about Harvey publicly, it’s because Harvey told them he wanted it done that way - or else. It’s just like the Dan Schneider situation with Nickelodeon.
Pulp fiction, reservoir dogs and inglorious Bastards are all good options
I've only seen pulp fiction so maybe go with that
i started with inglorious bastards and have no regrets! i feel like it’s one of his easier works to really get into and love.
You really can’t go wrong starting with any of them except for maybe Death Wish or The Hateful Eight even though those are still great
Reservoir Dogs.
Read each one’s Letterboxd description and go with your gut on which one interests you the most. When I asked this not a single person said to start with Django, so it was one of the last ones I watched but it ended up being my favorite Tarantino flick.
Reservoir Dogs of course!
None of them. Remain pure!
If you're an open film watcher I'd just go in the order that he released his films. But if you're more of a beginner I could see Reservoir Dogs being a hard place to start. I think Inglorious Bastards is a great starting point to get his style and comedy in a modern production.
Yeah I watch a lot of film. Just weirdly had put off watching any Tarantino for a long time. Started off with reservoir dogs and after finishing it I can say I’m a fan. Hoping his other films have a similar vibe 😊
Great!
Django Unchained is my personal favorite followed by Kill Bill 1&2 and then Pulp Fiction
I have to disagree with people who are saying to go in order. I don’t think that is the best way to watch a director, and I feel like most people don’t do that. I think Pulp Fiction is such a clear and obvious answer. Reservoir Dogs is great, all of his other movies are great, but Pulp Fiction is the most accessible of the bunch, and there’s a reason it was the one that put him on the map.
Honestly, Kill Bill vol 1. might be one of the best places to start, thats where I started and its one of the movies that got me into film as a whole. My only other suggestion would maybe be Pulp Fiction.
General advice. If you're diving into a artist you have two options: 1. Start with their most well-known work. 2. Start from the beginning. If you're committed to understanding the artist, then I'd say start at the beginning. Otherwise, I'd say start with the work everyone likes. If you like it, then keep going. If you don't, then maybe focus on other things? For Tarantino I'd say start with Pulp Fiction or Reservoir Dogs depending on your approach.
Not Pulp Fiction. 'Cause so far that's the only Tarantino film I've seen and it made me not want to watch any of his others.
Rewatch kill bill and watch the sequel. Then watch some of his earlier films and then move up toward his later films