Quentin Tarantino Names 20 Best Films of the 21st Century
Quentin Tarantino reveals his personal top 20 films of the 21st century, mixing blockbuster favorites with hidden gems in a bold, subjective picks list.
Filmmaker Quentin Tarantino sat down with host Bret Easton Ellis to reveal his personal selection of the 20 best films released in the 21st century. He followed one simple rule: no director may repeat across the list, making these picks uniquely his.
The selection blends widely acclaimed blockbusters with lesser-known gems, illustrating Tarantino's fearless taste and his appreciation for bold storytelling, energy, and craft across diverse genres and eras.
Top 20 Picks
- Black Hawk Down (2001)
- Toy Story 3 (2010)
- Lost in Translation (2003)
- Dunkirk (2017)
- There Will Be Blood (2007)
- Zodiac (2007)
- Unstoppable (2010)
- Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
- Shaun of the Dead (2004)
- Midnight in Paris (2011)
- Battle Royale (2000)
- Very Bad Things (1998)
- Jackass: The Movie (2002)
- School of Rock (2003)
- The Passion of the Christ (2004)
- The Devil's Rejects (2005)
- Chocolat (2000)
- Moneyball (2011)
- Cabin Fever (2003)
- West Side Story (2021)
These picks reveal Tarantino’s broad cinematic palate, from intense dramas and inventive thrillers to offbeat comedies and daring genre films.
Expert perspective
Film critic Anna Lee notes that Tarantino’s list demonstrates a versatile taste, balancing mainstream crowd-pleasers with niche titles. The diversity of choices highlights how modern cinema can blend big moments with intimate storytelling.
Summary
Tarantino’s personal top 20 list offers a distinctive map of acclaimed and overlooked films from the 21st century, reflecting his unique sensibilities as a filmmaker. The selection encourages viewers to explore a wide range of styles and narratives. For English learners, these titles also provide exposure to varied storytelling and cultural references across different eras.
“The list captures Tarantino’s instinct for films that burst with energy and fearless storytelling, selected purely from personal impact—not popularity.”