10 Fantastic Movies in the Style of Tarantino You Should Watch

      Casey Chong shares a collection of films that embody the Quentin Tarantino style and are definitely worth experiencing…

      Whether you love him or dislike him, it’s undeniable that Quentin Tarantino's films, especially his early works, Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction, have left a significant mark on many filmmakers aiming to replicate his distinct approach. His hallmark features, including signature non-linear narratives, exaggerated violence, vibrant characters, and plentiful pop-culture references, are now common in many films that aspire to capture a Tarantino-esque vibe. Here are ten standout examples…

      **Blood, Guts, Bullets and Octane (1998)**

      It's often overlooked that Joe Carnahan started his journey by creating a low-budget indie film. His first feature, Blood, Guts, Bullets and Octane, was produced for an astonishingly low $7,300 and he made it work. Although the film is a bit rough around the edges, Carnahan's skills as a filmmaker are evident as he takes on multiple roles including writing, producing, editing, and acting as one of the main characters, a used car salesman.

      The narrative is a comedic whirlwind with Carnahan effectively utilizing his limited budget. The Tarantino influence is glaring, particularly in its dialogue filled with pop culture, reminiscent of Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction. The opening scene is a standout, featuring two used car salesmen (Sid French, played by Carnahan, and Bob Melba, played by Dan Leis) employing every trick in the book to persuade customers to purchase their cars. Drawing inspiration from Oliver Stone’s cinematic style, Carnahan employs rapid editing, handheld shots, and black-and-white intercuts, all tightly packed into just 90 minutes.

      **Grosse Pointe Blank (1997)**

      In Grosse Pointe Blank, hitman Martin Blank (John Cusack) exclaims “Popcorn!” leading to a chaotic scene that is anything but pretty. Casting John Cusack as a hitman in the '90s was a bold move, but his effortlessly cool and charismatic performance makes it work. The film blends various comedic styles, infusing dark humor with action and a touch of romance between Cusack’s Martin and his high-school sweetheart Debi, portrayed by Minnie Driver.

      The dialogue is sharp, and George Armitage, renowned for Miami Blues, artfully strikes a balance between the film's dark and lighthearted moments. The film also features a lively Dan Aykroyd as Martin’s rival hitman, with action scenes reminiscent of John Woo's dynamic style, particularly in the gripping gunfight set in a convenience store.

      **Go (1999)**

      Doug Liman began his career with comedies in the '90s, and his third film, Go, remains one of his most notable. This fast-paced and clever crime comedy channels a Tarantino-esque flair, centered on three narratives: Ronna (Sarah Polley), desperate for cash to avoid eviction; her co-worker Simon (Desmond Askew), whose Vegas trip goes awry; and two aspiring criminals (Scott Wolf and Jay Mohr) who pose as ecstasy buyers to help a detective (William Fichtner) apprehend a dealer.

      The interwoven plots are briskly paced, filled with clever dialogue and dynamic characters encountering various dilemmas. Liman injects youthful energy into the movie, combining genuine humor with violence for an exhilarating cinematic experience from start to finish.

      **Freeway (1996)**

      Matthew Bright's feature debut provides a twisted reality of the Little Red Riding Hood tale seen through a contemporary lens. The first half follows 14-year-old Vanessa Lutz (Reese Witherspoon, delivering one of her standout early performances) as she faces turmoil from her mother and stepfather's arrest to evading her social worker, leading to a darker turn when she hitches a ride with a seemingly kind driver (Kiefer Sutherland).

      What starts as a simple road trip evolves into something much darker, with Sutherland’s character revealed as a wanted serial killer, serving as a modern-day big bad wolf, aptly named Wolverton. Interestingly, while Vanessa is initially portrayed as naive, she gradually reveals her strength and resilience, transforming from a victim to a bold anti-heroine.

      **2 Days in the Valley (1996)**

      While comparisons to Pulp Fiction are easy to draw for 2 Days in the Valley, especially lacking its non-linear storytelling, writer-director John Herzfeld’s ensemble crime comedy offers its own unique charm. The plot revolves around a variety of characters and how their paths intersect. It begins with two hitmen (James Spader and Danny Aiello), who display distinct personalities: one cold and sadistic, the other more lenient.

      After a murder sparks events within San Fernando Valley, the story unfolds, involving a panicked former Olympian (Teri Hatcher), a depressed TV director (Paul Mazursky), a pair of cops (