Quentin Tarantino Critiques Modern Cinema and Shares His Recent Movie Preferences

Quentin Tarantino, the acclaimed director known for “Pulp Fiction,” has expressed his dissatisfaction with the current state of cinema. At 63, Tarantino wrote an essay for Sight & Sound magazine discussing his views on modern films. He shared that he rarely finds new movies that he completely loves. According to Variety, he remarked, “Flaws, implausibilities, audience pandering, miscast performers or plain stupid issues usually destroy every new movie emerging from what used to be Hollywood.”

These comments reflect his broader frustration with films today, suggesting that the concept of a movie often invites contempt rather than appreciation. He compares recent productions unfavorably to those from past decades, stating that the movies of the last six years make the ’80s seem like the ’30s.

Although he has criticized the 1980s as one of the worst periods for cinema, Tarantino admits to occasionally finding gems. He mentioned movies such as “West Side Story” (2021) and “Horizon: An American Saga” Chapter 1 and 2 (2024) as enjoyable, yet none truly captivated him like films once did. He longed for the magical enjoyment that used to draw him to the art form.

Tarantino did find one recent film he admires: “The Rip,” a 2026 Netflix release. He described the film as an “exciting cop thriller” with a clever premise that succeeded in engaging him throughout. He praised its direction, cast, cinematography, and screenplay.

Despite his enthusiasm for this movie, Tarantino hasn’t directed a new film since “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” (2019). He plans to direct one more film before retiring, although he hasn’t rushed to make this last project. His frustration with the industry’s practices, such as movies quickly transitioning from theaters to home viewing, influences his hesitation.

Tarantino voiced these sentiments at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, questioning what defines a movie today. He lamented the “diminishing returns” from token theater releases followed by immediate television availability, indicating this shift wasn’t his vision for movie-making.

Despite his overall critique, Tarantino has recognized a few modern films he enjoyed. On the “ReelBlend” podcast in 2022, he shared his appreciation for “Top Gun: Maverick,” qualifying it as a “true cinematic spectacle.” He compared this experience to Spielberg’s “West Side Story,” both offering remarkable visual engagement.

In a podcast with Bret Easton Ellis last year, Tarantino discussed his top 20 films of the 21st century. Spielberg’s “West Side Story” was the only entry from the 2020s in his list.

Further exploring other creative pursuits, Tarantino announced a West End play titled “The Popinjay Cavalier,” described as a “swashbuckling comedy.” Although he scrapped plans for a film dubbed “The Movie Critic,” his screenplay for a “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” sequel is set for Netflix release soon. Directed by David Fincher, the project stars Brad Pitt as Cliff Booth.