Most Underrated Quentin Tarantino Movies, Ranked

Quentin Tarantino is definitely one of the greatest of all time in directing. He’s essentially self-taught and draws from his own life and the films he admires, which gives his work a unique flair.

His movies are loaded with pop culture references and have been referenced in The Simpsons, Team America, Kung Fu Panda, and even Shrek. The co-existence of violence, style, and action has won Tarantino the adoration of teenage boys and critics alike.

While acceptance of his talent is far from universal, his cult following and success are surely the envy of every director in Hollywood. Curious to find out which underrated Tarantino classic stands out above the rest? Look no further!

Quentin Tarantino’s 5 Most Underrated Works

Here are 5 Quentin Tarantino‘s underrated movies that totally deserve more love but aren’t on everyone’s radar—definitely worth checking out!

Jackie Brown (1997)

Jackie Brown is straight-up iconic when it comes to storytelling and character development. It follows the story of the titular character (Pam Grier), a flight attendant who gets caught smuggling cash for her shady boss, Ordell Robbie (Samuel L. Jackson).

Facing serious jail time or worse, Jackie decides to play a double game. She teams up with Max Cherry (Robert Forster), a bondsman who finds himself drawn to her charm. The film is steeped in a laid-back yet tense vibe—it’s all about that middle-age hustle and the struggle of life.

Unlike Tarantino’s more chaotic flicks, Jackie Brown really takes its time, building a slow burn that focuses on dialogue and character depth. The soundtrack is amazing, and the performances are on point, showing off Tarantino’s skill at giving a nod to classic blaxploitation films. Honestly, this film deserves way more love than it got.

Four Rooms (1995)

Four Rooms is an anthology film structured around one crazy New Year’s Eve at a Los Angeles hotel, focusing on a bellhop named Ted (Tim Roth). Each room presents a different story—from a couple having a domestic dispute to a group of witches performing a ritual.

While the movie has mixed reviews—some appreciate its fresh take on storytelling, while others find it a bit all over the place—there’s no denying the performances, especially Roth’s. The film explores themes of class and the absurdity of our behavior, truly capturing the chaotic energy of modern life.

Each segment, directed by different filmmakers, brings its own vibe. It’s definitely a cult favorite, showing off Tarantino’s knack for blending genres and moods. Perfect for anyone who loves quirky cinema and wants something a little offbeat to watch!

Death Proof (2007)

Death Proof focuses on Stuntman Mike (Kurt Russell), a deranged stunt driver who uses his ‘death-proof’ car to stalk and kill young women. The movie’s got two parts: first, you see Mike going after a squad of girls, and then it flips to this awesome crew of friends who turn the tables on him. 

The dialogue is trademark Tarantino—snappy and engaging. The action scenes are raw and intense, with real stunts and practical effects that hit differently. What really makes this film stand out is its feminist angle.

Here the women are not mere victims but fierce and capable individuals who reclaim their power. The film is a blend of gnarly car chases and killer dialogue—definitely underrated for its feminist themes and slick cinematography.

Grindhouse (2007)

Grindhouse is a double feature that brings together Tarantino’s Death Proof and Robert Rodriguez’s Planet Terror. This ambitious project pays tribute to the exploitation films of the 1970s with grainy visuals, faux trailers, and a playful sense of absurdity. 

We have already talked about Death Proof, so let’s get going on Planet Terror. This movie stars Cherry (Rose McGowan), a go-go dancer who fights off a zombie apocalypse with a machine-gun leg. The film blends horror, action, and dark comedy in an over-the-top way.

Planet Terror has become a cult classic, loved for its outrageous storytelling and nods to the grindhouse era. Seriously, if you’re into this genre, it’s a must-watch!

Inglourious Basterds (2009)

Inglourious Basterds is a bold and inventive reimagining of World War II, packed with Tarantino’s signature style. It follows a squad of Jewish-American soldiers, led by Lt. Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt), on a mission to take down Nazis and strike fear into their hearts.

The story also weaves in Shosanna Dreyfus (Mélanie Laurent), a Jewish woman out for revenge against the Nazis who took her family. The film stands out for its unique narrative style and deep character development, especially with Christoph Waltz’s chilling turn as Hans Landa. He’s often seen as one of the greatest villains ever in film history!

With its dark humor, intense suspense, and memorable dialogue, Inglourious Basterds defies the conventions of war films. Even though the film got a ton of praise, it still feels a bit underrated when it comes to its deeper take on revenge and justice.

All the films are available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.