Where to start with Tarantino.

Quentin Tarantino has been pumping out high quality movies since before most of us were born and rarely has there been a dip in quality or style. This is partly due to the time in between each project and mostly due to the perfectionist nature found within Tarantino himself, constantly aiming for excellence and often reaching it. With intense action, riveting dialogue and powerhouse acting throughout his nine films there's never been a better time to get binging before his tenth, and supposedly final, film comes round the corner.

Unique, authentic and chillingly realistic, here's how to get started with the one and only, Quentin Tarantino.

First and foremost, there's a reason nearly every one of his films are intended for audiences over 18. If you're turned off by even the mention of anything related to gore, you should definitely stay away from this guy's work. Think you're brave enough? Then let's press on.

Tarantino is quite unique in the sense that it's impossible to call one of his films a fan favourite; nearly each one is adored by his fans and each one also carries a separate fan base, devoted to that particular movie. That being said, some do stand out from his catalogue. Either way, here's the best and worst films to introduce you to the legendary filmmaker.

The one's to start with:

Pulp Fiction (1994) - Amassing a cult following immediately after its release, Tarantino's second film showed off his directing chops, quite possibly better than any other of his films. Stylish, effortlessly cool and housing multiple narratives, Tarantino's second film is widely regarded as his masterpiece, with immense praise for its screenwriting and narrative structure. Wanna jump right in? This is the film for you.

Reservoir Dogs (1992) - A personal favourite of mine, this is where you want to start if you've decided to go through Tarantino's films chronologically. Funded by money he made off his screenplay 'True Romance', Tarantino's directorial debut is nothing short of historic and cemented him instantly as one of the greats. Be warned, however; although not quite his goriest flick, this might not be the film for you if you're just dipping your toe in and testing the waters.

Django Unchained (2012) - Containing quite a few profanities and housing stellar performances all round from Leonardo Di Caprio, Samuel L Jackson, Jamie Foxx and Christopher Waltz, this is not only one of Tarantino's most re-watchable but, oddly, one of his most heart warming. The characters are well fleshed out and the story is definitely his most straightforward. I'd have to recommend this for the casual introduction. Want to ease yourself in but still get a good estimate of his other films? This is the one.

Inglorious Basterds (2009) - God, if this ain't the most satisfying Tarantino film I don't know what is. The writings incredible, as usual and Brad Pitt's accent is deliciously awful. It's campy, has probable one of the best openings to a film in recent years and features a tremendous cast. Maybe a little too much for a first timer but if you want style, you got it.

Which to avoid watching first:

Kill Bill, Volumes 1 & 2 (2003/2004) - Downright stunning, with some of Tarantino's best cinematography, both of these films have stood the test of time remarkably well. However, despite 'Kill Bill' being one of my favourites, the gore, violence and truly blood-boiling dialogue between two men in a hospital, it's best to leave this one for later. Make sure you know what you're getting into before taking on these two excellent films. (Yep, the sequels just as good)

The Hateful Eight (2015) - A noticeable passion project of Tarantino, this western can come across a little self absorbed and lacking in any coherent plot from time to time but the ending alone is enough to make this a great film. Repeated viewing let this movie grow on me and some of the scenes are my favourite Tarantino scenes full stop but the long pacing and lack of sets stops this being a good introduction. You'll also appreciate this movie way more if you're familiar with Tarantino's previous work

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019) - A love letter to, not only the golden age of cinema, but Tarantino himself, this movie's a blast, with a downright awesome ending and engaging performances, particularly Brad Pitt. The sets are colourful and the lighting is great: this is definitely Quentin's most calming and relaxing movie. The world is effortlessly captivating and the film is filled with great scenes but it doesn't save it from being a definite no for this list. Albeit, one of my favourite films of all time it doesn't represent Tarantino's catalogue realistically and you may get the wrong impression of his films. This is an outlier amongst Tarantino's work, a great film but not the right one to start with.

Death Proof (2007) - Probably my least favourite Tarantino film. Its just too sadistic, the violence coming across to over the top at times it takes away from an already mediocre story. I understand the appeal and respect the films place in Tarantino's filmography but it couldn't be a worse pick to start enjoying Tarantino's work.

It's important to note that this is my take on the best and worst films to get into Tarantino with, but that doesn't mean any are better or worse than the other. You'll find your own favourites along the way. 'Reservoir Dogs' is still number one for me but 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood' comes in at a close second, narrowly beating 'Kill Bill' and 'Pulp Fiction'. Whatever you choose to start with, buckle in, cause there's no turning back.

Hi! I'm glad to see you made it to the bottom of this article. Wanna see more? Just head on over to my page to find similar analysis' and reviews of all your favourite media. Feel free to leave a like or even send a tip - Ciarán