Quentin Tarantino Names the Movie That Gets Better Every Time You Watch It

Quentin Tarantino has always been open about the filmmakers he respects, and Paul Thomas Anderson is high on that list. In a past interview with Sky Movies, the Pulp Fiction director spoke warmly about Anderson and his impact on modern cinema. He described him as my most contemporary and most friendly competitor and said he feels lucky to be working in the same era.

While Tarantino praised There Will Be Blood as one of the strongest films of the 2000s, he surprised some fans by saying it is not his favorite Anderson movie. Instead, he said Boogie Nights still sits at the top for him. He explained that even though the oil drama is powerful and beautifully made, he personally enjoys the energy and freedom of Anderson’s earlier work more.

What really stood out in the conversation was Tarantino’s take on There Will Be Blood as a viewing experience. He said it is not a movie you can fully take in the first time. According to him, the film is so intense that trying to talk about it right after watching it can feel pointless. He joked that any discussion after one viewing would probably sound like nonsense.

Tarantino also shared a story from his first conversation with Anderson after seeing the film. He told him he was surprised there were not many classic big moments or set pieces. Anderson laughed and replied with a simple thank you, then jokingly asked if the oil fire scene counted. At the time, Tarantino did not think much of that moment.

Everything changed when he watched the movie again. On the second viewing, Tarantino realized his first take was wrong. He admitted that the oil fire scene was actually an incredible set piece and a perfect example of Anderson’s skill. Seeing it again helped the movie fully click for him.

Both directors remain very active today. Paul Thomas Anderson is currently enjoying major success with One Battle After Another, released in late 2025. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, and Benicio del Toro, and has been a big awards favorite, including a Best Picture win at the Critics’ Choice Awards in January.

Tarantino, meanwhile, is still teasing fans with what comes next. Although he dropped the plans for The Movie Critic, his writing continues to make headlines. His new script, The Adventures of Cliff Booth, was directed by David Fincher and finished filming in January 2026. The Netflix film brings back Brad Pitt in his Oscar-winning role, joined by Elizabeth Debicki and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II.

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