Quentin Tarantino Has Started to Reveal His 20 Best Movies of the 21st Century

Acclaimed filmmaker Quentin Tarantino has famously curated a list of his favorite motion pictures released since the year 2000. The director recently unveiled the second half of his top twenty picks to provide insight into his eclectic cinematic tastes. This specific selection highlights a wide variety of genres including foreign thrillers and intense horror films. The following entries represent the movies ranked from twenty up to eleven on his celebrated list.

20. ‘West Side Story’ (2021)

Steven Spielberg directs this adaptation of the classic 1957 musical that explores forbidden love and gang rivalry in New York City. The story focuses on Tony and Maria as they navigate the volatile landscape between the Jets and the Sharks. Screenwriter Tony Kushner adds depth to the characters while preserving the beloved score by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim. The film features dynamic choreography and vibrant cinematography that breathe new life into the iconic tale.

19. ‘Cabin Fever’ (2002)

A group of college graduates rents a remote cabin in the woods to celebrate their final days of freedom. Their vacation turns into a nightmare when they contract a flesh-eating virus that spreads rapidly among them. Director Eli Roth delivers a gruesome blend of body horror and dark humor in his directorial debut. The characters turn against one another as paranoia and infection take hold in this gruesome survival story.

18. ‘Moneyball’ (2011)

Oakland A’s general manager Billy Beane attempts to assemble a competitive baseball team on a shoestring budget. He joins forces with Peter Brand to utilize computer-generated analysis to recruit undervalued players. The film highlights the clash between traditional baseball scouting methods and modern sabermetrics. Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill deliver grounded performances in this drama about innovation and the drive to win against the odds.

17. ‘Chocolate’ (2008)

A young autistic woman named Zen develops incredible martial arts skills by watching movies and observing the Muay Thai academy next door. She embarks on a violent quest to collect debts owed to her ill mother from local gangsters. Director Prachya Pinkaew showcases elaborate fight choreography and dangerous stunts performed by lead actress JeeJa Yanin. The action sequences utilize the environment creatively as Zen fights her way through various criminal underworld settings.

16. ‘The Devil’s Rejects’ (2005)

The Firefly family goes on the run from a vengeful sheriff after their house of horrors is raided. Otis and Baby joined by Captain Spaulding leave a trail of carnage across the country while engaging in sadistic acts of violence. Rob Zombie creates a gritty atmosphere that pays homage to exploitation cinema of the 1970s. The narrative focuses on the depravity of the protagonists as they hurtle toward a chaotic final confrontation with law enforcement.

15. ‘The Passion of the Christ’ (2004)

This biblical drama depicts the final twelve hours in the life of Jesus of Nazareth before his crucifixion. Director Mel Gibson presents an unflinching and graphic portrayal of the suffering endured during the Passion. The dialogue is spoken entirely in reconstructed Aramaic and Latin to enhance the historical authenticity of the setting. Jim Caviezel delivers an intense physical performance as he portrays the agonizing journey to Calvary.

14. ‘School of Rock’ (2003)

Dewey Finn is a struggling rock guitarist who impersonates a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. He discovers the musical talents of his students and forms a band to compete in a local Battle of the Bands. Jack Black brings high energy to the role as he teaches the children about rock history and self-confidence. Richard Linklater directs this heartwarming comedy that emphasizes the power of music and creative expression.

13. ‘Jackass: The Movie’ (2002)

Johnny Knoxville and his crew bring their outrageous television stunts and pranks to the big screen. The film consists of a series of dangerous and grotesque skits designed to shock and amuse audiences. The cast members willingly subject themselves to physical pain and humiliation without a traditional narrative structure. This chaotic production captures the raw energy and reckless spirit of the original reality series.

12. ‘Big Bad Wolves’ (2013)

A series of brutal murders puts three men on a collision course involving a vigilante cop and a vengeful father. The story unfolds as the father captures the suspected killer to extract a confession through torture. This Israeli dark comedy thriller balances tense horror elements with unexpected moments of humor. The narrative questions the morality of vengeance and the lengths a parent will go to for justice.

11. ‘Battle Royale’ (2000)

The Japanese government forces a class of ninth-grade students to fight to the death on a deserted island. Each student receives a random weapon and a collar that will explode if they break the rules or wander into danger zones. The film explores themes of authority and trust as the classmates form alliances or turn on each other for survival. Director Kinji Fukasaku delivers a violent and controversial satire that influenced the survival game genre.

Let us know in the comments which of these Tarantino picks surprises you the most.