Quentin Tarantino Unveils His Top 10 Films Since 2000

Quentin Tarantino has shared his picks for the best films released since the turn of the millennium, and his choices might surprise a few punters. The celebrated director sat down for a chat on The Brett Easton Ellis Podcast, where he rattled off his top flicks from the last quarter-century. The first half of his list, covering numbers 20 through 11, was revealed earlier, featuring titles like Battle Royale, Moneyball, and Spielberg’s take on West Side Story. But now, Tarantino has let slip his top ten, and it’s a line-up that’s sure to get film buffs talking.

Leading the pack is Ridley Scott’s 2001 war epic, Black Hawk Down. Tarantino didn’t hold back in his praise, calling it a “masterwork” and highlighting its relentless energy and visual punch. In his words:

I think it’s a masterwork, and one of the things I love so much about it is […] this is the only movie that actually goes completely for an Apocalypse Now sense of purpose and visual effect and feeling, and I think it achieves it.

He went on to say,

It keeps up the intensity for two hours 45 minutes, or whatever it is, and I watched it again recently. My heart was going through the entire runtime of the movie; it had me and never let me go, and I hadn’t seen it in a while. The feat of direction is beyond extraordinary.

Animated Gems and Indie Darlings

Not far behind on Tarantino’s list is Toy Story 3, which he described as “almost a perfect movie” that really hit him in the feels. He didn’t mince words, saying it “ripped my fucking heart out.” Sofia Coppola’s Lost in Translation also made the cut, with Tarantino joking about how much he adored the film—and its director.

I fell so much in love with Lost in Translation that I fell in love with Sofia Coppola and made her my girlfriend.

His selections show a real mix of genres and styles, from big-budget blockbusters to more understated fare. It’s clear he’s got a soft spot for films that pack an emotional punch, whether they’re animated adventures or moody indie dramas.

Action, Comedy, and a Dash of Nostalgia

Further down the list, Tarantino’s taste for action and offbeat humour comes through. Mad Max: Fury Road, a high-octane Aussie classic, gets a nod, as does the British comedy Shaun of the Dead. Midnight in Paris rounds out the top ten, showing his appreciation for films that blend nostalgia with a bit of whimsy.

Here’s how Tarantino’s top ten films of the 21st century stack up:

1. Black Hawk Down
2. Toy Story 3
3. Lost In Translation
4. Dunkirk
5. There Will Be Blood
6. Zodiac
7. Unstoppable
8. Mad Max: Fury Road
9. Shaun of the Dead
10. Midnight in Paris

A Director’s Eye for Standouts

Tarantino’s choices reflect a keen eye for storytelling, direction, and emotional impact. Whether it’s the relentless pace of a war epic, the bittersweet charm of an animated sequel, or the quirky humour of a British zombie flick, his list covers a lot of ground. It’s a reminder that even the most acclaimed directors are still fans at heart, keen to celebrate the films that have left a mark on them over the years.