Quentin Tarantino has surprised film lovers by declaring Ridley Scott’s Black Hawk Down the best movie of the 21st century. During his recent appearance on The Easton Podcast, the iconic filmmaker unveiled his top 10 list, placing the gripping 2001 war drama at the very top. Tarantino praised the film for its powerful visuals, emotional depth, and extraordinary technical brilliance — even comparing its impact to the legendary Apocalypse Now.
Tarantino’s Top 10 Films of the 21st Century
1. Black Hawk Down (2001, Ridley Scott) – Tarantino calls it an Apocalypse Now-level achievement that gripped him completely on rewatch.
2. Toy Story 3 (2010, Lee Unkrich) – “Tore my heart out” with its emotional perfection.
3. Lost in Translation (2003, Sofia Coppola) – A “girlie film” that made him fall in love.
4. Dunkirk (2017, Christopher Nolan) – Bold filmmaking at its finest.
5. There Will Be Blood (2007, Paul Thomas Anderson) – Praised Paul Dano’s unforgettable role.
6. Zodiac (2007, David Fincher) – Masterful thriller craftsmanship.
7. Unstoppable (2010, Tony Scott) – High-octane entertainment done right.
8. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015, George Miller) – Pure cinematic adrenaline.
9. Shaun of the Dead (2004, Edgar Wright) – Zombie comedy perfection.
10. Midnight in Paris (2011, Woody Allen) – Grew on him through multiple viewings despite initial reservations about Owen Wilson.
Why Black Hawk Down is Tarantino’s #1
Tarantino explained that while he initially found Black Hawk Down overwhelming in its intensity, multiple viewings revealed its true brilliance. “This is the only film that truly embodies an ‘Apocalypse Now’ level of intention, visual impact, and emotion,” he said. The film maintained gripping intensity for nearly 2 hours and 45 minutes, with his heart racing throughout on recent rewatch. He praised Ridley Scott’s extraordinary direction as a masterwork that demanded full appreciation.
Tarantino highlighted the film’s courage in defying mainstream expectations and its pure entertainment value combined with irreverence. The choice surprised many, as the Josh Hartnett-led war epic rarely appears on such prestigious lists, but Tarantino’s endorsement underscores its technical achievements and visceral power.
Tarantino’s Bold Choices & Surprises
True to form, Tarantino’s list mixes expected masterpieces like Mad Max: Fury Road and There Will Be Blood with personal favorites like Unstoppable and Midnight in Paris. He admitted initial dislike for Owen Wilson in the Woody Allen film but came around after multiple viewings. Toy Story 3’s emotional devastation and Lost in Translation’s charm also earned high praise.
The director emphasized “bold filmmaking” across his selections, from Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk to David Fincher’s Zodiac and George Miller’s action masterpiece. His passionate reactions – from laughter at extreme violence to tears from Pixar’s storytelling – reveal why Tarantino remains one of cinema’s most influential voices.
