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New on Netflix today is Inglourious Basterds, Quentin Tarantino‘s twisted tale of Nazi-occupied Germany and the group of American soldiers who teamed up with a Jewish cinema owner to take out Adolf Hitler. In addition to notorious violence and profanely brilliant repartee, Tarantino’s films also carry with them distinct soundtracks that add their own personality to his narratives, as well as specific scenes. We’ve listed a definitive ranking of Tarantino’s filmography based on its powerful soundtracks and even highlighted a couple of our favorite scenes that just wouldn’t be the same without their musical accompaniment.
'Kill Bill Vol. II' (2004)
The intensity of the musical build in moments like the one above are delightfully campy, yet send us for a loop when all of a sudden, they come to a halt (and then someone has their eyeball ripped out of its socket). [Where to stream Kill Bill Vol. II]
'Django Unchained' (2012)
Western-style guitar strums and cymbal strokes slowly build to a lonely whistle as Django (Jamie Foxx) watches the Candyland plantation explode and burn to the ground before trotting away on horseback with his bride, Broomhilda (Kerry Washington). The whistle is a constant throughout Django’s vengeful journey, but Tarantino worked in everything from Rick Ross’ “100 Black Coffins” to classic Spaghetti Western howls reminiscent of Sergio Leone fare. [Where to stream Django Unchained]
'Inglourious Basterds' (2009)
From heavy metal rock ballads to B-sides David Bowie covering creepy club croons, the soundtrack to Inglourious Basterds accomplishes both the war comedy Tarantino anticipated as well as the surreal elements that tend to surround his historical reimaginings. [Where to stream Inglourious Basterds]
'Death Proof' (2007)
When Arlene (Vanessa Ferlito) slinked up to Stuntman Mike (Kurt Russell), we knew he was in for the lap dance of his life and were treated with one of the best music moments of the film: one that slowed down the action and resulted in a ton of tension with The Coasters’ “Down in Mexico.” [Where to stream Death Proof]
'Kill Bill Vol. I' (2003)
The director’s bleak opening paired with Nancy Sinatra’s sultry “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)” introduces the audience to the roots of this dark revenge tale led by The Bride. This is another one of Tarantino’s endeavors that uses the simpler variations of instrumental hits, juxtaposed against brutally imagery. [Where to stream Kill Bill Vol. I]
'Reservoir Dogs' (1992)
It’s impossible not to think of “the ear” scene in Reservoir Dogs when Stealers Wheel’s “Stuck in the Middle With You” comes over the radio or at a bar. Watching a man have his ear sliced off then sung into wouldn’t necessarily be construed as comedic or entertaining in most situations, yet Michael Madsen’s dance moves paired with the dark humor of it all makes for one hell of a movie moment. [Where to stream Reservoir Dogs]
'Jackie Brown' (1997)
When we meet Tarantino’s post-Pulp muse, Jackie Brown (played perfectly by Pam Grier), she’s on her way to work as a flight attendant, staring straight ahead on the human conveyor belt. Something about Grier’s expression paired with Bobby Womack’s “Across 110th Street,” immediately develops her character in a strong but subtle manner. [Where to stream Jackie Brown]
'Pulp Fiction' (1994)
After a legendary cold open, Tarantino’s sophomore feature kicks off with Dick Dale’s “Miserlou” surf ballad immediately followed by Kool and the Gang’s “Jungle Boogie” to take us through the credits before meeting Vince and Jules. Later, the director throws in Al Green, Chuck Berry, and more classic funk and soul to complete the greatest soundtrack to his most notorious film. [Where to stream Pulp Fiction]
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