The legendary director Quentin Tarantino recently released his list of the 20 best films of the 21st century. He includes everything from intense thrillers to bold international cinema, reflecting his wide‑ranging love for film. Whether it’s a gritty action flick or an indie gem, Tarantino’s picks are a curated guide to modern cinema — and a must‑watch checklist for any movie fan.
Tarantino Just Shared His 20 Favorite 21st‑Century Films
Tarantino’s list reflects his tastes and passions as a filmmaker and film lover. Recently, he revealed the first half of his list (ranks 11–20), and teased that the rest will follow soon. What stands out is how diverse the choices are — cut across genre, geography, and tone.
Here are the 10 films he has revealed (positions 11–20), in descending order:
- West Side Story (2021, directed by Steven Spielberg)
- Cabin Fever (2002, directed by Eli Roth)
- Moneyball (2011, directed by Bennett Miller)
- Chocolate (2008, directed by Prachya Pinkaew)
- The Devil’s Rejects (2005, directed by Rob Zombie)
- The Passion of the Christ (2004, directed by Mel Gibson)
- School of Rock (2003, directed by Richard Linklater)
- Jackass: The Movie (2002, directed by Jeff Tremaine)
- Big Bad Wolves (2013, directed by Aharon Keshales & Navot Papushado)
- Battle Royale (2000, directed by Kinji Fukasaku)
Tarantino described West Side Story as “the one where Spielberg shows he still has it,” praising the revival of a director he deeply respects. And he called Battle Royale a major influence — a film he admits he “wished he had made.”
Why This List Matters — A Window into Tarantino’s Cinematic Soul
Wide-ranging tastes, beyond Hollywood
Tarantino doesn’t stick to one style or region. From Thai martial arts dramas to British horror‑comedies to Hollywood blockbusters — the list shows his love for global cinema.
A mix of entertainment and art
Whether it’s horror (Cabin Fever, The Devil’s Rejects), gritty drama (Moneyball), dark thrillers (Big Bad Wolves), or musical‑based re‑imagining (West Side Story) — his picks balance between crowd‑pleasers and films that challenge viewers.
A reflection of his influences — and hopes for film watchers
Tarantino’s selections almost feel like a film‑lover’s bucket list. They echo what influenced him as a director — and what he recommends for the next generation of filmmakers and movie fans.
What’s Already Generating Buzz
The announcement has stirred a lot of excitement:
- Unexpected picks like Jackass: The Movie and School of Rock show Tarantino values humour and pop‑culture shock as much as prestige cinema.
- Cross‑genre representation — horror, action, comedy, drama — highlights a non‑elitist view of “great filmmaking.”
- International cinema love — films outside Hollywood, from Asia and Europe, proving Tarantino’s respect for global storytelling.
Fans and critics alike are now speculating about what the top 10 will reveal when released.
What to Watch (and Rewatch) From Tarantino’s Picks
If you’re building a modern‑era movie watchlist — or rediscovering great films — Tarantino’s list is a great place to start. Here are a few standouts:
- Battle Royale — a brutal, influential thriller that inspired many films and series worldwide.
- Moneyball — a smart, emotionally grounded sports drama that transcends its genre.
- West Side Story (2021) — a bold reimagining of a classic musical, blending modern sensibility with grand cinematic vision.
- Big Bad Wolves — a tense, award‑winning crime thriller that proves foreign films can match Hollywood in grit and impact.
- School of Rock — Tarantino’s nod to fun, irreverent comedies: proof that great films aren’t always serious.
What We Still Wait To See — The Top 10
Tarantino has yet to release films ranked 1–10 on his list. Given the range already shown, expectations are high. Will more international films appear? Perhaps more genre-bending picks?
Already, this partial list has sparked online debate — with some fans predicting classics like Mad Max: Fury Road, Dunkirk, or Inception might make the cut. Others hope for more indie or art‑house fare — Tarantino’s taste leaves many possibilities open.
FAQs
Why did Tarantino limit his picks to 21st‑century films?
He wanted to highlight movies made after 2000 — a tribute to newer cinema and recent filmmaking.
Are all his picks serious dramas and thrillers?
No — the list includes comedies, horror, musicals, and even provocative cult films, showing his diverse appreciation for all kinds of cinema.
Does this list reflect what Tarantino thinks are “best” movies or “favourites”?
They are his “favourite” films — meaning his personal likes, not necessarily what he calls objectively the “best.”
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Can non‑Hollywood films make the list?
Yes. Tarantino has already included non‑Hollywood films, showing his respect for international cinema and storytelling from around the world.
When will the rest of the list (top 10) be revealed?
He has announced they will be revealed in a future episode of the podcast — fans are eagerly waiting.
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