The one Netflix series Tarantino calls “the best, no competition”

Tarantino: Last of the Streaming Holdouts?

The rise of streaming has transformed the film industry. Each year, the number of celebrated directors declining to work for platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, or Apple TV+ has shrunk. Tarantino, however, has made clear he won't be among them—even if his career were to continue beyond his announced intentions to retire after one more movie.

Though he has reportedly said he only plans to direct one more film, there’s little chance it will be made for any streaming service. Still, Tarantino has worked with streaming giants in other ways. Notably, he allowed Netflix to premiere an extended, four-part miniseries version of his film The Hateful Eight. He’s also known to have accepted significant payment related to David Fincher’s reported sequel to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

Directors like David Fincher, Martin Scorsese, Alfonso Cuarón, the Coen brothers, Bong Joon-ho, Wes Anderson, and Ron Howard have all created original films or series for major streaming services. But Tarantino remains steadfast: he won’t make original works for these platforms. He has even questioned whether many original Netflix films—especially those starring Ryan Reynolds—qualify as “real movies” in the cultural conversation.

A Reluctant Relationship With Netflix

Tarantino does not ignore Netflix’s influence or pretend it does not exist. But he has struggled to understand why audiences would choose to watch brand-new releases at home or on their phones, instead of heading to a theater. Despite his reservations, he keeps tabs on what’s popular and recognizes standout work.

The Netflix Series Tarantino Loves

Despite his skepticism, Tarantino has singled out one Netflix original as his undisputed favorite. With Netflix’s subscriber base having exceeded 300 million globally in recent years, it wouldn’t be surprising if one of those accounts belonged to the Tarantino household.

“My favourite series, with no competition, is The Haunting of Hill House,”

he stated. His praise for Mike Flanagan’s atmospheric and meticulously crafted supernatural drama puts it among the streaming platform’s most acclaimed titles. Flanagan himself expressed surprise at the endorsement from someone known for his high standards and influence, saying simply:

“Well, damn.”

Mike Flanagan’s five Netflix horror series have attracted attention, but many agree none top The Haunting of Hill House, including The Haunting of Bly Manor, Midnight Mass, The Midnight Club, and The Fall of the House of Usher.

One More Streaming Favorite

Tarantino has named just one other Netflix original among his personal favorites: Scott Frank’s The Queen’s Gambit. With only two straight-to-streaming series making his shortlist amid the hundreds released each year, Tarantino’s rare endorsement carries extra weight—especially from a director famously resistant to streaming’s rise.