Quentin Tarantino Reveals His Top Three Perfect Horror Movies

Quentin Tarantino is widely regarded as one of the most influential filmmakers in modern history, but his brilliance doesn’t just come from his skill behind the camera. He is also a world-class student of cinema, possessing a massive mental library that spans everything from silent-era gems to the most obscure horror flicks.

Tarantino often credits his early days working at a video rental store for this deep knowledge, famously describing his mind as a high-functioning archive. His obsession with the craft means that when he offers a recommendation, film lovers everywhere pay attention.

Tarantino once explained his process of absorbing inspiration by saying, My head is a sponge. I listen to what everyone says, I watch little idiosyncratic behaviour, people tell me a joke, and I remember it. This unique ability to collect details and stories is exactly what makes his own scripts feel so grounded in reality, even when they are incredibly stylised.

During a memorable appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the director was asked to name the films he considers to be “perfect.” Tarantino noted that while everyone has their own personal taste, certain movies are so well-made that they manage to appeal to almost any aesthetic.

He eventually narrowed his list down to three iconic horror films that he believes stand as flawless examples of the genre. The first on his list is Tobe Hooper’s 1974 masterpiece, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.

This film introduced the world to the terrifying Leatherface and fundamentally changed the landscape of horror by inspiring future hits like Halloween and Friday the 13th. Tarantino has always admired its raw, gritty energy and the way it traps a group of teenagers in a nightmare that feels disturbingly real.

His second choice is Steven Spielberg’s 1975 classic, Jaws. While some argue whether it is a true horror movie or a thriller, Tarantino considers it a perfect piece of filmmaking. The story of a small coastal town terrorised by a Great White shark changed cinema forever, creating the very idea of the summer blockbuster while leaving audiences terrified of the ocean for decades to follow.

Rounding out his trio is William Friedkin’s The Exorcist. Often cited as the scariest movie ever made, it tells the haunting story of a young girl possessed by a demon and the priests who struggle to save her.

Tarantino’s appreciation for these films highlights his love for directors who aren’t afraid to push boundaries and create visceral, unforgettable experiences for their viewers. As of this year, the 62-year-old filmmaker is keeping fans on their toes regarding his next move.

While he famously abandoned his plans for The Movie Critic last year, he hasn’t been idle. He recently wrote the screenplay for The Adventures of Cliff Booth, a sequel to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood that premiered a surprise teaser during Super Bowl 60 earlier this month. The film is being directed by David Fincher for Netflix and stars Brad Pitt, Elizabeth Debicki, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II.

Tarantino is also currently making headlines for his return to acting in the indie drama Only What We Carry, where he plays a publisher named John Percy. The film, which features a first-look image released just last week, co-stars Simon Pegg and Sofia Boutella.

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