Quentin Tarantinois one of the greatest filmmakers of all time. What makes Tarantino such a brilliant filmmaker is his ability to truly tap into the human psyche all across the board. From psychopaths, damsels in distress, and assassins, to femme fatales, Tarantino finds a way to incorporate society’s outcasts into his narratives to truly capture–and shock– audiences. Of course, some Tarantino characters stand out from the rest, earning their place among fan-favorite. Here are 20 of the best supporting characters in Quentin Tarantino’s movies.
20Michael Keaton as Agent Ray Nicolette - Jackie Brown (1997)
From Vulture inSpider-Man: Homecomingto Bruce Wayne in Tim Burton’sBatmanandBatman Returns,Michael Keatonhas proven that he can portray anything from the hero to villain, and inJackie Brown, a character in between. Ray Nicolette is an FBI agent with a knack for chewing gum, sporting his black leather jacket at all times, and not being particularly self-aware. Though he is only a minor role inJackie Brown, Keaton reprises his role once again inOut of Sight, another film adaptation from Elmore Leonard’s line of published books.
19Zoe Bell as Zoe - Death Proof (2007)
Zoe Bellis agreat inclusion to any action film; she’s a trained stuntwoman!Death Proofhas her character (who is also named after her), joining forces with her close friends, Kim and Aberthany running for their lives in a high-speed chase from another crazed, stuntman, Mike McKay. Zoe Bell is no damsel in distress, though, from hanging onto dear life as her friends fend off their assailant, to turning the tables on him and giving him the beating of a lifetime, but never losing her sense of humor during it. Zoe is one of Tarantino’s best action characters, while also serving as a great comedic relief in the film’s second and third act.
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18Vivica A. Fox as Vernita Green - Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003)
Vernita Green is one of Tarantino’s many anti-heroes, brought to life by theCity of Angelsstar,Vivica A. Fox. This member of the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad is one of the four assassins to target The Bride on her wedding day under Bill’s orders. Though Vernita attempts to turn over a new leaf by starting a family, The Bride is bent on revenge and finds her home one day, first engaging her in physical combat, and lastly fighting her in a baseball diamond. The Bride manages tostrike down Vernita with a knifeto the chest, claiming her revenge. Vernita’s death is one of the most chilling in theKill Billfranchise, as Vernita’s daughter walks to the sight of her mother’s lifeless body minutes after her death.
17Steve Buscemi as Mr. Pink - Reservoir Dogs (1992)
Steve Buscemiis one of the best character actors in the industry. From his work inCon AirtoBoard Walk Empire, Buscemi has left his mark in Hollywood as an acting gem in any production fortunate to count on him. InReservoir Dogs, Buscemi portrays Mr. Pink, who despite being a criminal, holds a softer side that believes in properly tipping servers for their hard labor. Just like the rest of his colleagues, he is dissatisfied with his codename, wishing for something less insulting instead. What makes Mr. Pink stand out from the rest ofReservoir Dog’scharacters is Buscemi’s nuanced performance; Mr. Pink is charismatic, astute, and when necessary, lethal. Mr. Pink actually avoids being killed during the film’s climax, hiding under a ramp as the rest of his colleagues get caught in the shootout. But in an unexpected plot twist, Mr. Pink loses his life only minutes before the credits roll, being gunned down by the police.
16Christopher Walken as Captain Koons - Pulp Fiction (1994)
Christopher Walkenis one of Hollywood’s most coveted, veteran actors. From his work inLast Man Standing, andThe Dear Hunter, toBatman Returns, Christopher Walken has given countless, note-worthy performances, even earning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor forThe Deer Hunter.Pulp Fiction’sCaptain Koons, while serving as a minor character, still leaves his mark in audiences' minds during his brief interaction with Butch, explaining the Golden Watch’s history. Safeguarding it for years, Koons explains the very…peculiar place he stored the watch, something that adds to the film’s dark comedy.
15Emile Hirsch as Jay Sebring - Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood (2019)
Unlike many of Tarantino’s fictional characters that are loosely inspired by a historical time period,Once Upon a Time… in Hollywoodcreates fictionalized versions of real-life celebrities, one being Jay Sebring. Portrayed byEmile Hirsch, this character is one of the most…interesting Tarantino creations. A hairstylist to many Hollywood celebrities of the ’60s and a close friend to his ex-wife, Sharon Tate, Sebring embodies all the Hollywood cynicism and egocentricity of the time, but he is still compelling due to Emile Hirsch’s complex performance. And as an added twist to his real-life inspiration, Sebring actually survives the attempted murder attack by the Manson family.
14Robert De Niro Louis Gara - Jackie Brown (1997)
Robert De Nirocan do no wrong when landing a film role. FromTaxi Driver,Silver Linings Playbook, to most recently,The Irishmen, De Niro takes any character he’s entrusted with and makes them flawed humans. InJackie Brown, De Niro portrays Louis Gara, a criminal who reunites with his old friend, Ordell, after serving an eight-year prison sentence. Little does Gara know that this overdue reunion is going to set him on the path to temptation, crime, and ultimately, death. Gara agrees to help with a heist involving Jackie Brown, but matters quickly complicate when Gara becomes entangled with Melanie, Ordell’s wife. Melaine joins the duo in their crime, but seals her fate when mocking Gara, leading him to kill her in a fit of rage. This proves Gara’s own downfall, as Ordell shoots him dead in revenge.
13Harvey Keitel as Winston Wolf - Pulp Fiction (1994)
Harvey Keitelhas given impressive performances throughout his long Hollywood career, from portraying The Lieutenant inBad Lieutenantto Sport inTaxi Driver. InPulp Fiction, Keitel portrays Winston, a member of the crime cartel who is as lethal as he is swift-thinking, always ready to give out deadly commands to his colleagues. Though his screen time inPulp Fictionis short, Winston comes across as a key player in disposing of Marvin’s dead body, quickly thinking of the best way to do so and clearing Vincent and Jules of any implication in the crime. Had Winston been given greater screen time, he would have proved as deadly as Marcellus Wallace himself.
In a movie where too many characters fall into the trope of damsels in distress or untouchable,Mary Elizabeth Winstead’s Lee is a nice change of pace inDeath Proof.Lee is the liberal, provocative, actress friend in Zoe, Aberthany, and Kim’s clique who provides a nice balance to the group of empowered women. Nevertheless, Lee is strong in her own right, pridefully owning her profession and unapologetically being herself. The real mystery behind Lee is her fate: she is never seen again as Zoe, Aberthany, and Kim drive off into the distance.
11Demián Bichir Señor Bob - The Hateful Eight (2015)
One of the several villains inThe Hateful Eight, Señor Bob is a deadly mercenary that won’t think twice before shooting his prey dead. From killing Dave and Minnie to almost doing the same to Charly by shooting him in the leg, Señor Bob is one of the most dangerous adversaries to cross paths with Marquis Warren and his allies. Most disturbing is Señor Bob’s sadistic demeanor in his killings, wearing a smile on his face every time he attacks. Señor Bob is one of Tarantino’s most chilling characters.
