The 15 Best Movies Like Pulp Fiction

In 1994, following the success of his critically-acclaimed first film “Reservoir Dogs,” Quentin Tarantino introduced his second movie. This film, a collection of intertwining narratives about gangsters, assassins, fighters, and seductresses, rapidly became one of the most sought-after films that year. It wasn’t long before it was not only hailed as one of the best films from the 1990s but also recognized as a highly impactful movie in film history.

After experiencing “Pulp Fiction” for the first time, you could be left spellbound by its potent mix of humor, surprise elements hidden around every bend, and raw power. You might even find yourself eagerly seeking out similar films, delving into more of Tarantino’s masterpieces or other crime dramas from the same epoch that evoke a comparable atmosphere. To satiate your newfound interest, here are 15 must-watch movies reminiscent of “Pulp Fiction”. Ranging from British heist flicks to high-speed chase movies to tales of bungling assassins, these films will surely captivate you.

Baby Driver

As a gaming enthusiast, let me tell you about two standout aspects that make “Pulp Fiction” an unforgettable experience. Firstly, the movie takes a fresh, humorous approach to the crime genre, adding a unique charm to its gritty storyline. Secondly, the way Quentin Tarantino masterfully weaves music into his films is truly remarkable. His diverse taste in pop music and skillful soundtrack creation have left an indelible mark on cinema, inspiring countless other filmmakers to do the same.

In a similar vein to “Pulp Fiction,” Edgar Wright’s “Baby Driver” offers a humorous, exhilarating take on the traditional crime narrative. The protagonist, played by Ansel Elgort, is a skilled getaway driver yearning to exit the criminal world. However, he finds himself in deeper trouble when he clashes with a ruthless crime lord (Kevin Spacey) and develops feelings for a captivating waitress (Lily James).

What sets “Baby Driver” apart is its outstanding 30-track soundtrack that spans genres from vintage rhythm and blues to the anthemic rock of Queen and T. Rex. These songs serve as the backbone for Wright’s high-octane car chases, transforming the 2017 film into a symphony of synchronized movements where cars become the dancers and the consequences are extremely high.

The Boondock Saints

Pulp Fiction” is a film that showcases characters who are familiar and endearing, even though they find themselves tangled in criminal situations. At times we admire them for their humor and intelligence, while at other times we sympathize with them because they’re making wrong choices for the right motives. Characters like these, along with the movie’s emphasis on a pair of stylish assassins, may not have been the immediate influence behind Troy Duffy’s “The Boondock Saints,” but there’s certainly a resemblance between the two.

1999 saw the debut of this movie amidst the surge of post-“Pulp Fiction” crime films. It focuses on two working-class Irish brothers, Sean Patrick Flannery and Norman Reedus, who are given a divine mission to avenge the innocent by eliminating evil-doers. As they transform into hitmen with a strict rulebook to only target the unjust, they find themselves at odds with both the Russian mafia and a cunning FBI agent (Willem Dafoe), who recognizes the unique nature of their case. Similar to “Pulp Fiction,” it’s characterized by humor, violence, and numerous references to past action heroes and cinematic icons. Despite its initial box office failure, its resonance with crime movie enthusiasts transformed it into one of those rare cult classics.

Fargo

It can be persuasively claimed that “Pulp Fiction” stands out as the most impactful crime movie of the ’90s, yet it’s not the only potential champion. Two years following the premiere of Quentin Tarantino’s masterpiece, Joel and Ethan Coen unveiled their own crime production, boasting a distinct setting and atmosphere, but sharing the same longevity.

1996’s movie “Fargo,” partly inspired by real events and set in Minnesota and North Dakota, follows the misfortune of a struggling car salesman named William H. Macy. In an attempt to solve his financial woes, he devises a scheme involving his wife’s kidnapping by two bungling criminals, Steve Buscemi and Peter Stormare. However, this seemingly simple plan triggers a series of escalating, darkly humorous, and lethal events that soon spiral out of control.

Similar to how “Pulp Fiction” was warmly received by critics and even won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, so too did “Fargo.” Much like Tarantino’s film two years prior, it showcases a unique brand of humor and offers a fresh, dark take on crime genre tropes.

Get Shorty

During the time when “Pulp Fiction” was popular, Quentin Tarantino frequently mentioned that Elmore Leonard, a renowned American crime writer, greatly influenced his work. In fact, Tarantino’s creations encouraged many people to read Leonard’s novels, and the surge of new adaptations based on Leonard’s works in the 1990s can be attributed to him as well.

1995’s “Get Shorty” followed closely on the heels of “Pulp Fiction,” released in the same year. Similar to Tarantino’s movie, it stars John Travolta, but this time as Chili Palmer, a Florida gangster who ventures into Hollywood, where his love for movies leads him into a film deal and complications. The star-studded cast includes Rene Russo, Danny DeVito, Gene Hackman, Dennis Farina, and Delroy Lindo, much like “Pulp Fiction.” However, unlike the former, “Get Shorty” under the direction of Barry Sonnenfeld has a slightly more comedic and lighter tone. Upon its release, it was warmly received and is still considered an essential crime film from the 1990s, not to mention one of John Travolta’s finest performances.

Go

Before becoming renowned for huge action films like “The Bourne Identity” in 2002, director Doug Liman first gained fame with smaller but equally exciting comedies. In 1999, following the success of “Pulp Fiction,” he joined the ranks of other filmmakers who produced a crime caper reminiscent of Quentin Tarantino’s style.

In the writing of John August, “Go” follows the intricate storytelling approach that made “Pulp Fiction” stand out, by weaving together three distinct narratives that are ultimately connected through a disastrous drug deal. The journey commences with a character named Ronna, who works at a supermarket, and her decision to buy ecstasy as a means to quickly cover her rent. As the story progresses, it frequently jumps back in time to flesh out the backstories of various characters connected to Ronna, enriching the plot and leading up to an exhilarating finale.

If you’re a fan of “Pulp Fiction,” you might find many similarities in this piece, expressed in a modern, millennial style, echoing Quentin Tarantino’s movie in terms of its interwoven narratives and gradual world-building process. Notably, like the iconic film, it boasts an unforgettable soundtrack that you might find yourself playing non-stop for a week.

In Bruges

In Pulp Fiction,” viewers are initially drawn into its narrative by following two hitmen with distinct personalities who encounter various complications while carrying out their assignments. They engage in thought-provoking conversations about their existence and cross paths with a demanding boss. If you’re fond of stories featuring unconventional hitmen, “In Bruges” is a must-see for you.

2008’s film “In Bruges,” penned and helmed by Martin McDonagh (who earned an Oscar nomination for his script), chronicles the tale of two hitmen – Ray, played by Colin Farrell, who’s reckless and on edge, and Ken, portrayed by Brendan Gleeson, a veteran in their line of work. After a botched job, they find themselves in Bruges, Belgium, where they cross paths with an assortment of peculiar characters, party deep into the night, grow restless, land in trouble, and ultimately grapple with a moral quandary that neither can easily resolve.

Similar to “Pulp Fiction,” this work offers a captivating exploration of the life of a professional assassin. Much like many films by Martin McDonagh, it is not only engaging but also wickedly humorous in its dark humor. This movie is an essential addition to any hitman film marathon, and it holds a special place as the film where Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson’s on-screen friendship first blossomed.

Jackie Brown

Previously, we discussed Quentin Tarantino’s affection for Elmore Leonard’s work, and following “Pulp Fiction”, he translated this admiration into action by adapting a book penned by another author as his first and only such project to date.

Based on Leonard’s novel “Rum Punch,” the 1997 film “Jackie Brown” features Pam Grier, a renowned actress from the ’70s, in the leading role as a flight attendant entangled in a conflict involving an arms dealer, a bail bondsman, federal officers, and a complex money transaction. Released as Quentin Tarantino’s highly anticipated sequel to “Pulp Fiction,” “Jackie Brown” didn’t match the success of its predecessor. However, with time, it has been widely recognized as one of Tarantino’s least appreciated films.

As a dedicated gamer of cinema, if you can’t get enough of the brilliant storytelling and style in “Pulp Fiction,” then you’ll definitely want to check out more from the mastermind behind it – Quentin Tarantino. Beyond his signature filmmaking techniques, this movie offers some unique Tarantino touches that are worth seeking out.

For instance, the cast is a stellar ensemble featuring Robert De Niro, Bridget Fonda, and the inimitable Robert Forster. Moreover, Samuel L. Jackson delivers an electrifying performance as a villain that you won’t want to miss. And let’s not forget about the amazing soundtrack that ties everything together.

In short, if you’re a die-hard “Pulp Fiction” fan like me, this film is an absolute must-watch!

Killing Zoe

While Quentin Tarantino is widely recognized for “Pulp Fiction,” it’s important to note that he didn’t work on it alone. In fact, the screenplay was a collaborative effort between Tarantino and Roger Avary. Interestingly enough, in the same year that “Pulp Fiction” premiered, 1994, Avary also released his own crime film.

Directed by Avary and produced by Tarantino, “Killing Zoe” stars Eric Stoltz, who played a supporting role in “Pulp Fiction”, blending crime genre conventions with unexpected humor. The movie centers around Zed (Stoltz), a safecracker, who travels to Paris for a bank heist, but ends up falling for a captivating French prostitute named Zoe (Julie Delpy). As it turns out, she’s connected to the job in ways that Zed is unaware of. From the start, Zed finds himself in over his head due to his own apprehensions and the chaotic nature of the job, and things only become more chaotic as the plot unfolds.

If you appreciate how Avary, as a co-writer of “Pulp Fiction,” creatively twists crime elements such as a boxer fixating his fight or hitmen disposing a corpse, then you’d probably take pleasure in the way “Killing Zoe” manipulates heist themes. It’s one of those less recognized spin-offs from the broader family tree of “Pulp Fiction,” that deserves more recognition.

Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels

If there’s an English equivalent to Quentin Tarantino in terms of influencing the crime genre significantly within a decade, it’s undeniably Guy Ritchie. Just as Tarantino solidified his status as one of America’s top crime storytellers during the ’90s, Ritchie achieved the same feat in England, commencing with “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” in 1998.

On a shoestring budget, Ritchie’s initial directorial effort delivers an edgy blend of humor and suspense, brimming with noir undertones. It revolves around a gang of associates, whose ill-fated gambling escapade leads them to contemplate a daring heist on the neighboring criminal outfit, who are also planning a heist. In the background, a ruthless crime lord seeks two vintage shotguns. Unbeknownst to everyone, these weapons become part of the impending robbery plot.

In a fresh and frequently amusing manner, Guy Ritchie intertwines these characters into a complex plot, many of whom unknowingly contribute to a larger criminal scheme. This unique aspect makes “Lock, Stock” an ideal match for “Pulp Fiction”. The cast is equally impressive, comprising Jason Flemyng, Dexter Fletcher, along with the early film appearances of Jason Statham and Vinnie Jones. Essentially, “Lock, Stock” can be considered as London’s equivalent to “Pulp Fiction.

Out of Sight

Quentin Tarantino is considered one of the most thrilling directors to debut in ’90s cinema; however, he’s not the only talented filmmaker from that period. Steven Soderbergh was another significant breakthrough director during this era, and in 1998, he released a crime film that serves as a fantastic companion piece to “Pulp Fiction” and Quentin Tarantino’s body of work as a whole.

Similar to “Jackie Brown” and “Get Shorty,” the movie “Out of Sight” is adapted from a novel by acclaimed author Elmore Leonard. In this instance, it revolves around a cunning bank robber (portrayed by George Clooney) who unexpectedly falls in love with an FBI agent (Jennifer Lopez), trying to unravel his secrets. While George Clooney’s performance was significant in saving his career, “Out of Sight” is not just a brilliant platform for him; it’s a humorous, thrilling masterpiece that cleverly reimagines familiar thriller elements. The talented cast includes stars such as Don Cheadle and Michael Keaton, who returns to the role of ATF Agent Ray Nicolette from Tarantino’s “Jackie Brown.

Sexy Beast

As a game enthusiast diving into cinematic experiences, “Pulp Fiction” left an unforgettable impression. It wasn’t just the genre-bending twists, the hilarious moments, or the killer soundtrack that made it stand out – it was the intense character development. Characters like Vincent Vega, Mia Wallace, Winston Wolf, and many others are etched in our minds because of their depth and complexity. If you’re a fan of this aspect of “Pulp Fiction” and crave another crime film that follows suit, I’d recommend giving “Sexy Beast” a watch.

In this movie, Ray Winstone plays a former criminal who has decided to hang up his boots, but his peaceful life is disrupted when an old acquaintance reappears, attempting to coerce him into participating in a bank heist. Ben Kingsley delivers a powerful performance as the relentless associate.

Under the guidance of director Jonathan Glazer, this movie delves deeply into the depths of human survival instincts, exploring just how much strain we can endure before someone finally breaks. Winstone delivers a powerful performance as the protagonist, but it’s Kingsley who truly captivates, embodying what a Quentin Tarantino character might look like if his stories took place in London instead of America.

Suicide Kings

Among all suggestions here, this one might stir the most debate due to “Suicide Kings,” initially released in 1997, didn’t receive a stellar critical response at its debut. The film’s Rotten Tomatoes score typically lingers around the 30s, and it is frequently criticized for not meeting Quentin Tarantino’s more intelligent and provocative standards within the crime genre.

This film is reminiscent of 1990s crime cinema akin to “Pulp Fiction”, especially for those who appreciate such genre twists. It revolves around a band of companions who take the daring step to kidnap an ex-crime boss (portrayed by Christopher Walken) after one of their own sisters gets abducted. Assuming they could trade him for ransom money and escape unscathed, things don’t go as planned. Instead, viewers are treated to a complex, humorous, and sometimes dark narrative where Walken delivers an outstanding performance as a captive who consistently outsmarts his captors. If you’re a fan of Walken’s scene in “Pulp Fiction” and yearn for a similar cinematic experience, this movie is right up your alley!

Trainspotting

Other than the common theme of depicting intravenous drug use, “Pulp Fiction” and “Trainspotting” have little in common. They don’t feature the same actors, they belong to different subgenres, and their narratives take distinctly separate paths. However, both films are notable as groundbreaking works for their directors, and they are considered among the top movies produced during the 1990s.

Commencing with an outstanding inaugural scene, the 1996 movie “Trainspotting” portrays a band of heroin addicts residing in Edinburgh, Scotland. They grapple with drug addiction, poverty, parenthood, and assorted challenges under the guidance of director Danny Boyle. The film masterfully straddles the boundary between humor and sorrow, much like “Pulp Fiction,” boasting remarkable cinematography from its opening scene to a shot depicting Ewan McGregor leaping into a toilet as if it were an underground lake. Likewise, “Trainspotting” showcases the same impressive ensemble acting that characterized “Pulp Fiction,” with standout performances by McGregor, Kelly Macdonald, Jonny Lee Miller, and Robert Carlyle.

True Romance

Before his directorial works like “Reservoir Dogs” and the iconic “Pulp Fiction,” Quentin Tarantino had already written a screenplay for a movie titled “True Romance.” Although he didn’t direct the 1993 film, it serves as an important early work by the filmmaker, making for an excellent choice for fans of his style who are eager for more after watching “Pulp Fiction.

As a die-hard fan, I’d say that under the skillful direction of Tony Scott, this movie unfolds the tale of a man named Clarence (Christian Slater), who’s got a soft spot for kung fu flicks and finds himself smitten with Alabama (Patricia Arquette), a sex worker. In their quest to help Alabama escape her life and hit the road, they unknowingly grab a sack packed with cocaine. This innocent mistake propels them straight into the midst of dangerous criminals, severe repercussions, and the toughest test yet of their affection.

Due to being directed by Quentin Tarantino, the movie showcases numerous traits that are typical of his style, such as allusions to classic martial arts and underworld films, lengthy soliloquies, and intense, shocking violence scenes. However, even though a different director is at the helm, the film is masterfully made and boasts an ensemble cast filled with familiar faces from Tarantino’s work, including Christopher Walken, Samuel L. Jackson, Brad Pitt, and Chris Penn.

The Usual Suspects

1995 saw Quentin Tarantino and Roger Avary being honored with the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay due to their exceptional work on “Pulp Fiction.” The following year, Christopher McQuarrie clinched the same award for another gripping, immediate crime masterpiece that stands alongside “Pulp Fiction” and “Fargo” as one of the most remarkable productions from the ’90s.

The Usual Suspects”

Summary: This movie boasts an impressive ensemble cast consisting of Chazz Palminteri, Gabriel Byrne, Kevin Pollak, Benicio Del Toro, and Kevin Spacey. It delves into the intricate, non-linear narrative surrounding a shadowy character known as “Keyser Soze,” who is said to be the mastermind behind an extensive criminal empire that strikes fear in many. As the story unfolds through recollections, it both portrays Soze’s infamous reputation and leaves room for speculation about his true identity. The film culminates in a shocking twist ending that continues to be hailed as one of the greatest bad guy reveals in cinema history. Although not as visually stylish as “Pulp Fiction,” it is equally captivating, making it a must-watch if you’re interested in top crime films from that era.

2025-02-12 22:32