Quentin Tarantino recently unveiled his top 20 films of the 21st century, and the list is as bold and eclectic as you'd expect from the mastermind behind Pulp Fiction. But here's where it gets controversial: Ridley Scott’s Black Hawk Down takes the top spot, a choice that’s sure to spark debate among cinephiles. And this is the part most people miss: Tarantino’s list isn’t just about blockbuster hits—it’s a deep dive into what makes a film truly unforgettable, from animation to horror, and everything in between.
The lineup includes Pixar’s Toy Story 3 (a tearjerker that Tarantino calls ‘almost perfect’), Sofia Coppola’s Lost in Translation (which he jokingly claims made him fall in love with Coppola), and Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk (a film he initially didn’t like but grew to admire after multiple viewings). Other highlights are Paul Thomas Anderson’s There Will Be Blood, Edgar Wright’s Shaun of the Dead, and Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story—each chosen for their unique impact on Tarantino’s cinematic worldview.
Controversy alert: Tarantino doesn’t hold back his opinions, even when they’re divisive. He praises Black Hawk Down for its relentless intensity, comparing it to Apocalypse Now in its ambition and execution. But he’s equally blunt about flaws, like his criticism of Paul Dano’s performance in There Will Be Blood, calling it ‘weak sauce’ and suggesting Austin Butler could’ve done better. Thought-provoking question: Is it fair to dismiss an actor’s performance when the film itself is a masterpiece? Let’s discuss in the comments.
Here’s a closer look at some of his picks:
‘Black Hawk Down’ (2001)
Tarantino admits the film’s intensity was almost too much for him initially, but over time, he’s come to see it as a ‘masterwork.’ He praises its ability to sustain tension for nearly three hours, calling the direction ‘beyond extraordinary.’‘Toy Story 3’ (2010)
The emotional climax of this animated gem left Tarantino in tears. He calls it ‘the greatest end of a trilogy,’ comparing it to The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of animated films.‘Lost in Translation’ (2003)
Tarantino’s love for this film is so deep he jokingly claims he ‘courted and wooed’ Sofia Coppola in public. He calls it a ‘girlie movie’ in the best possible way, praising its charm and execution.‘Dunkirk’ (2017)
Initially overwhelmed by its intensity, Tarantino grew to appreciate the film’s mastery after multiple viewings. He describes it as ‘gobsmacking’ and a testament to Nolan’s skill.‘There Will Be Blood’ (2007)
While he admires Daniel Day-Lewis’s performance and the film’s old Hollywood craftsmanship, Tarantino harshly criticizes Paul Dano’s role, calling it a ‘giant flaw.’ Controversial take: Could the film have been even better with a different actor? Share your thoughts below.‘Zodiac’ (2007)
Tarantino initially found the film underwhelming but grew to love it after repeated viewings. He now calls it a ‘mesmerizing masterwork’ that rewards patience.‘Unstoppable’ (2010)
Tarantino hails this as one of the best ‘monster movies’ of the century, with the train itself becoming the ultimate villain. He praises its pure action aesthetic and rewatchability.‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ (2015)
Reluctant to watch it without Mel Gibson, Tarantino was eventually blown away by the film’s greatness. He calls it a masterpiece of filmmaking with limitless resources.‘Shaun of the Dead’ (2004)
Tarantino loves this zombie comedy for its genuine homage to the Romero universe. He calls it ‘not a spoof, but a real zombie movie,’ and praises its quotable script.‘Midnight in Paris’ (2011)
Despite initially disliking Owen Wilson, Tarantino grew to appreciate his performance, eventually focusing solely on him during later viewings. Question for you: Can an actor’s performance grow on you over time?
Tarantino’s list is a testament to his eclectic taste and willingness to challenge conventions. Whether you agree with his picks or not, one thing’s for sure: this list will spark conversations and debates for years to come. What’s your take? Do you think Tarantino’s choices hold up, or did he miss some 21st-century gems? Let us know in the comments!
