Why Quentin Tarantino Says Jaws Is the Greatest Movie Ever Made

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Celebrities are frequently idolized in various ways, sometimes unfairly. Many fans perceive them as superhuman, but it’s crucial to remember that every celebrity – be it an actor, director, musician, or reality TV star – is a person with personal thoughts, beliefs, and unique perspectives. The recent popularity of “Letterboxd Top Four” videos has shed light on this aspect of stardom, as numerous famous individuals have been open about their favorite films, a practice that was once largely private. Although Letterboxd may have encouraged more stars to share their opinions, some celebrities have already been vocal about their views. In fact, one of the most influential filmmakers in history is also known for his candid and honest expressions.

To put it simply, Quentin Tarantino, the creator of movies like “Django Unchained“, freely expresses his thoughts without mincing words or tiptoeing around criticism. A notable quote from him that’s been generating buzz is his assertion that “Jaws” is “the best movie ever made.

Does Tarantino Really Think Jaws is the Greatest Movie Ever Made?

Although it may appear straightforward, Quentin Tarantino’s statement hides layers of meaning. Film enthusiasts often use “film,” “movie,” “flick,” and “picture” interchangeably, but to a creative mind like Tarantino, each term carries unique connotations. While he declared that Jaws is the best movie ever made, his full statement reveals a more comprehensive perspective.

In my opinion, Jaws stands as the top-notch movie ever produced. Granted, other films may compete for that title in terms of artistic merit. However, when it comes to sheer cinematic brilliance, nothing can surpass Jaws. It sets a standard that no subsequent film has been able to match. Prior movies appear rather poorly timed in comparison.

The renowned director’s differentiation is so delicate it borders on invisible, yet it holds profound significance. The feverish excitement for blockbusters is widespread and highly infectious, with even Hollywood not escaping its grasp. The current trend revolves around remakes, reboots, and sequels, and the roots of this pattern can gradually be traced back to Steven Spielberg’s 1975 film, “Jaws.” Premiering in the scorching heat of June, “Jaws” is frequently categorized as, or simply put, a “blockbuster movie.” The movie, boasting exceptional quality, was initially perceived as a spectacle or a snack-time flick, ultimately transforming into not just a film, but a cultural sensation.

The reason Tarantino believes that the release of Jaws was perfectly timed is because it capitalized on the public’s growing fear of sharks during summer vacation season. Released on June 20th, 1975, the film cleverly tapped into families’ preparations for their summer beach trips. The movie’s opening scene, showing a woman being attacked by an unseen great white shark, heightened the public’s existing apprehension towards sharks. Although people were aware of the threat before, Jaws successfully magnified this fear, causing many to develop a fear of beaches that still persists for some today.

Without a doubt, the influence of “Jaws” remains significant. If there were no “Lord of the Rings” trilogy or “Jurassic Park” series, it’s hard to imagine. The release of “Jaws” revolutionized and rejuvenated the concept of movie sequels. Since its premiere in 1975, every film has been striving, in one way or another, to recapture the spellbinding magic that captivated cinema-goers that summer.

Quentin Tarantino’s Taste in Movies Is Eccentric, to Say the Least

Quentin Tarantino stands out as one of the most exceptional filmmakers, both in contemporary and all-time cinema. His works span from the captivating “Reservoir Dogs” to the timelessly iconic “Kill Bill” series, up to his recent homage to his hometown titled “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.” The gifted screenwriter-director demonstrates unique filmmaking styles, yet he gracefully acknowledges and incorporates elements from his predecessors. It’s well-known that Tarantino cherishes classic spaghetti western directors such as Sergio Leone and Sergio Corbucci (a reverence that eventually led to his work with Ennio Morricone). However, many fans might be unaware of the fact that Tarantino openly expresses admiration for his contemporaries as well.

Some filmmakers can come off as aloof and give the impression that their work is a beacon of quality amidst a barren cinematic landscape. While Tarantino may seem this way at times, he has repeatedly demonstrated his appreciation for contemporary films, spanning from Paul Thomas Anderson’s and Woody Allen’s works to his personal favorites, such as Kinji Fukasaku’s Battle Royale.

As a movie buff, I can’t imagine discussing cinema from the ’70s to the present without Steven Spielberg coming up in conversation. Though Quentin Tarantino may have entered the Hollywood scene earlier, Spielberg has remained a force to be reckoned with throughout the ’90s, 2000s, and today. So, one wonders: What does the candid and straightforward Tarantino make of Spielberg’s body of work?

Tarantino has expressed admiration for certain Spielberg movies, such as calling West Side Story the best film of 2021 and considering Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom the best in the original Indy trilogy, while finding Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade “boring”. This straight-forward approach to criticism is consistent with Tarantino’s style. His use of the term “film” instead of “movie” in his Jaws quote might seem peculiar to some, but it holds significant value for those who are passionate about film history. Whether you view the abundance of sequels, reboots, and remakes as a good or bad thing, there’s no disputing that both Jaws and its sequel, Jaws 2, have left an indelible mark on the movie industry.

Jaws Is 1 of the Most Critically Acclaimed Movies of All Time

” has consistently been, is now, and will forever remain a significant box office success, with no additional endorsement from Quentin Tarantino required to reach this status. Since its debut, the film has earned the affection of both critics and viewers alike. The blockbuster was highly lauded and received numerous nominations at the 48th Academy Awards in the year of its release, triumphing in all categories except for Best Picture, which was awarded to Jack Nicholson’s classic, ““. The film garnered wins for Best Music (for John Williams’ iconic score), Best Sound, and Best Film Editing.

IMDb ScoreTomatometerPopcornmeterLetterboxd Score
8.1/1097%91%3.9/5

The 48th edition of the grand spectacle saw “Jaws” triumphantly receiving both critical acclaim and substantial financial success. Critically, the movie boasts an astounding 97% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, and a similarly impressive 91% approval from audiences. Financially, “Jaws” has amassed over $476.5 million at the box office, a figure that continues to grow as this timeless film is frequently re-released in cinemas. Remarkably, this blockbuster achieved all these impressive milestones on a mere budget of $9 million, making it one of the most financially lucrative films ever produced.

Tarantino’s claim that Jaws is the best movie ever isn’t just hyperbole; it offers a thought-provoking perspective on contemporary cinema. His debate between “movie” and “film” may seem pedantic to some, but when you look at the impact of Jaws‘s success, it becomes clear. This film wasn’t just successful; it fundamentally changed what a blockbuster could be. What’s even more impressive is that the movie remains relevant today, almost 50 years after its release.

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2025-05-17 22:09