When it comes to identifying cinematic masterpieces, few voices carry as much weight as Quentin Tarantino's. But his latest list of the top 20 movies of the 21st century might just surprise you—and spark some heated debates. Known for his own groundbreaking films like Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs, Tarantino recently shared his personal favorites on the Bret Easton Ellis podcast, and the results are as eclectic as they are thought-provoking. Among his picks? Animated gems like Toy Story 3, zombie comedies like Shaun of the Dead, and intense war dramas like Dunkirk. But here's where it gets controversial: Tarantino's list also includes lesser-known titles like Battle Royale and The Devil's Rejects, alongside blockbusters like Mad Max: Fury Road and Zodiac. And this is the part most people miss—his number one choice isn't a Tarantino-esque crime thriller or a stylish action flick. It's Black Hawk Down, a war film directed by Ridley Scott that Tarantino admits grew on him over time. 'I think it’s a masterwork,' he said, praising its Apocalypse Now-level intensity and visual mastery. Is Black Hawk Down truly the film of the century so far? That's a bold claim—and one that's sure to divide cinephiles.
Tarantino's rules for his list were simple: only one movie per director, ensuring a diverse range of voices. Here’s the full rundown, from 20 to 1, with a few highlights to chew on:
- West Side Story (dir. Steven Spielberg) – A modern reimagining of a classic musical.
- Cabin Fever (dir. Eli Roth) – A gritty take on the horror genre.
- Moneyball (dir. Bennett Miller) – A sports drama that’s as much about data as it is about heart.
- Chocolate (dir. Prachya Pinkaew) – A Thai action film that packs a punch.
- The Devil's Rejects (dir. Rob Zombie) – A polarizing horror sequel that’s not for the faint of heart.
- The Passion of the Christ (dir. Mel Gibson) – A controversial yet visually stunning religious epic.
- School of Rock (dir. Richard Linklater) – A feel-good comedy that rocks in more ways than one.
- Jackass: The Movie (dir. Jeff Tremaine) – A chaotic celebration of absurdity.
- Big Bad Wolves (dir. Aharon Keshales, Navot Papushado) – A dark Israeli thriller that’s both brutal and brilliant.
- Battle Royale (dir. Kinji Fukasaku) – A Japanese cult classic that predates The Hunger Games.
- Midnight in Paris (dir. Woody Allen) – A nostalgic journey through time and art.
- Shaun of the Dead (dir. Edgar Wright) – A perfect blend of comedy and horror.
- Mad Max: Fury Road (dir. George Miller) – A high-octane masterpiece of action cinema.
- Unstoppable (dir. Tony Scott) – A tense thriller that’s as relentless as its title suggests.
- Zodiac (dir. David Fincher) – A gripping true-crime mystery.
- There Will Be Blood (dir. Paul Thomas Anderson) – A sprawling epic about ambition and greed.
- Dunkirk (dir. Christopher Nolan) – A wartime survival story told with Nolan’s signature style.
- Lost in Translation (dir. Sofia Coppola) – A quiet, introspective look at connection and loneliness.
- Toy Story 3 (dir. Lee Unkrich) – An animated tearjerker that’s as emotionally resonant as it is visually stunning.
- Black Hawk Down (dir. Ridley Scott) – Tarantino’s unexpected top pick, a war film that’s grown on him over the years.
So, what do you think? Is Tarantino’s list a stroke of genius, or does he miss the mark with Black Hawk Down as his number one? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take on this century’s cinematic greats!
