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Pulp Fiction

Pulp Fiction

You won’t know the facts until you’ve seen the fiction.

1994154 minRMidcredits score: 99th percentile of all films
Director
Quentin Tarantino
Starring
John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman, Bruce Willis

A burger-loving hit man, his philosophical partner, a drug-addled gangster's moll and a washed-up boxer converge in this sprawling, comedic crime caper. Their adventures unfurl in three stories that ingeniously trip back and forth in time.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Pulp Fiction?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Pulp Fiction streaming on Paramount+, Pluto TV (free) and Prime Video and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Pulp Fiction?

Pulp Fiction earns 16 badges, led by Top 1% of films and Stood the test of time.

Show 8 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Content
  • Cast

Reception

Is Pulp Fiction worth watching?

Pulp Fiction's Midcredits score is the 99th percentile of all films, from 7.2M ratings across 6 sources. 93% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

99th percentile

Better received than 99% of films

99th percentile among Crime99th percentile among 1990s
Acclaim (how much people like it)99th
Approval (how many liked it)99th

87 /100

99th percentile of all films

99th percentile among Crime99th percentile among 1990s

Critics 95 · Audience 86

Critics liked it more than audiences did.

Rating distribution

Ratings pile up at 9–10 with almost no detractors — near-universal love.

93% liked it

99th percentile of all films

99th percentile among Crime99th percentile among 1990s
93% rated it 7–107% rated it 1–6

Critics 92% · Audience 96%

On Rotten Tomatoes, critics and audiences approve at similar rates.

Awards

1 Oscars won · 6 Oscar noms · 43 wins / 52 noms overall

  • WonAcademy Awards· Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen
  • NominatedAcademy Awards· Best Actor in a Leading Role

99th percentile

7.1M ratings across platforms

99th percentile among Crime99th percentile among 1990s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 18% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$8M
Opening weekend$9.3M
Domestic gross$108M
Worldwide gross$214M

Returned 26.7× its budget — 98th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

The film is a stylish, dialogue-driven crime comedy with an unconventional narrative structure and memorable characters.

Fans praised

  • Dialogue is genius and memorable, with every character having a distinct voice
  • Nonlinear structure is innovative and makes the film more engaging on rewatch
  • Characters are memorable and well-developed through ordinary conversations

Detractors panned

  • Lack of coherent plot and structure, feeling like scattered, disconnected scenes
  • Characters are dehumanized and unlikable, with questionable moral framing
  • Overrated and not worthy of its 'masterpiece' status

What stands out

Dialogue95

Witty, memorable, true-to-life conversations that define the film; highlighted by both camps

OriginalityDivisive90

Praised as a tribute to pulp with a fresh, unconventional take; detractors see it as a mess of clichés

AtmosphereDivisive90

Lived-in world that feels larger than presented; detractors see it as a world of violence and dehumanization

Acting90

Bright actors-stars bring characters vividly to life; cast praised for chemistry

Sound and music90

Imaginative music selections praised for fitting scenes perfectly

Plot and storyDivisive88

Nonlinear structure praised for coherence and propelling story; detractors see no coherent framework

Characters88

Characters humanized through everyday chat; detractors find them dehumanized and uncaring

HumorDivisive88

Black humor and witty dialogue praised; detractors find it off-putting or misplaced

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 2 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 1 point apart
  • Critics vs users even
  • US vs non-US even

Watch experience

What is Pulp Fiction like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Feel-good: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you can give it your full attention, and you want something that leaves you smiling.

It is intense and funny, swings between moods and leaves you entertained. Skip it when you can only half-watch or you want every question answered.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Your full attention and a taste for open questions.

What it feels like

Feel-good.

Moods
TenseAbsurdContemplative
Heaviest: late
Dark humor
Register
Wry · 7% of films: Amused and slightly dry about it.Sardonic · 1% of films: Mocking with a bitter edge.
Told as
Nonlinear · 6% of films: Events shown out of chronological order.Chaptered · 1% of films: Told in titled chapters or clearly separate parts.Multiple perspectives · 2% of films: The same events retold from different characters' points of view.
ToneThe film treats its pulp crime material with cool, ironic detachment — witty digressive dialogue and knowingly stylish filmmaking undercut the violence, inviting the audience to savour the craft rather than feel the weight.
The rideThe mood swings sharply between casual banter and sudden violence, with the diner standoff providing the most charged stretch.
StructureThe defining device is the out-of-chronological-order telling, broken into titled chapters, with some events (the diner hold-up) framed from different points of view and overlapping sequences.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Entertained.

The answer rests on this: FunFeel-good
Why it leaves you this wayYou leave with a cool, buzzy grin — the style, wit and pop-culture digressions carry the day far more than the violence.
How it ends · evidence
Ambiguous ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22% (this title)

No archetype fits — true of 22% of films: ensemble pieces, satire, slice-of-life.

Why this archetypePulp Fiction is a deliberately fragmented ensemble of interlocking crime vignettes; each segment has its own story shape (a hit, an escort gone wrong, a flight from the mob), but no single Booker archetype governs the whole film, which refuses one protagonist journey.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4% (this title)
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16% (this title): Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% (this title) · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% (this title) · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Morality

Redemption · 6% of filmsLoyalty · 4% of filmsFate · 1% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeJules seeks to leave his violent life after a perceived miracle, while Butch earns a form of redemption by rescuing his enemy.
StanceThe film questions whether redemption is possible within a world of violence, without offering a clear answer.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanDomesticInstitutionalStylized realism
RockPopForeground music · licensed compilation
Setting1990s Los Angeles crime world with diners, apartments, and a pawnshop
MusicA curated mix of 1950s-70s surf rock, pop, and soul tracks that define each scene's tone.

Content guide

Is Pulp Fiction okay for kids?

R

Pulp Fiction is rated R: “Rated R for strong graphic violence and drug use, pervasive strong language and some sexuality” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at severe (91/100), sexual content at intense (66/100), language at severe (94/100), drug and alcohol content at severe (94/100) and frightening material at intense (72/100). Overall it is heavier than 98% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 35 other countries
  • UK18
  • Canada18A
  • AustraliaR 18+
  • Germany16
  • France12
  • Ireland18
  • New Zealand18
  • JapanR15+
  • South Korea19
  • Brazil18
  • Argentina18
  • Belgium18
  • CL18
  • Czechia18+
  • Denmark15
  • Finland18
  • Greece16
  • Hong KongIII
  • Hungary18
  • ItalyVM18
  • LTN-16
  • MexicoC
  • Netherlands16
  • Norway18
  • PE18
  • PhilippinesR-18
  • Poland15
  • PortugalM/16
  • Russia18+
  • SingaporeR21
  • Spain18
  • Sweden15
  • Switzerland16
  • TaiwanR-18
  • Türkiye16+
Overall
Severe · all five categories
Heavier than 99% of all filmsHeavier than 98% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 88%
Sex & Nudity
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 82%
Profanity
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 97%
Alcohol & Drugs
Severe
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 99%
Frightening / Intense
Intense · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 67%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Heavy almost across the board: language, drug and alcohol content, violence, frightening material, and sexual content.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Pulp Fiction have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Pulp Fiction?

Cast

3 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor; Samuel L. Jackson won the BAFTA for this film.

John Travolta
as Vincent Vega
Oscar nominee: Academy Award nomination — Best Actor in a Leading RoleTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Samuel L. Jackson
as Jules Winnfield
BAFTA win: BAFTA Award — Best Actor in a Supporting RoleTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Uma Thurman
as Mia Wallace
Oscar nominee: Academy Award nomination — Best Actress in a Supporting Role
Bruce Willis
as Butch Coolidge
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Ving Rhames
as Marsellus Wallace
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Harvey Keitel
as The Wolf
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Eric Stoltz
as Lance
Tim Roth
as Pumpkin
Amanda Plummer
as Honey Bunny
Maria de Medeiros
as Fabienne
Breakout: Their highest-reaching film role at the time, and they went on to a career at least 3 times their standing then.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Pulp Fiction?

Movies like Pulp Fiction include Jackie Brown (1997), Reservoir Dogs (1992) and Get Shorty (1995). Of the 5 closest matches, two are stories about gangsters, and most are films set in Los Angeles.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

Quentin Tarantino wrote and directed 3 of these 5. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Pulp Fiction?

445 other films share the rarest tag below, follows: hitman. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.