Quentin Tarantino has never been shy about wearing his influences on his sleeve. From the spaghetti Westerns that inspired Django Unchained to the gritty grindhouse flicks that shaped Death Proof, his love for cult cinema runs deep. But one film stands out as a particular obsession: Coffy, the 1973 blaxploitation classic starring the iconic Pam Grier.
Tarantino has called Coffy one of his "top 10 favorite movies" and one of the two greatest revenge films ever made. On The Plot Thickens podcast, he admitted the movie is "very amateurish" but insisted it's "one of the most entertaining movies ever made." He described the experience of watching it as a "hoot," noting the internal struggle audiences face in the first half-hour: "Am I laughing at the movie, or am I laughing with the movie?"
Now, thanks to MGM+, you can judge for yourself. The film follows Nurse Coffy (Grier), who goes on a vigilante rampage after her younger sister becomes hooked on heroin. Armed with a shotgun and a fierce sense of justice, she takes on the drug lords and corrupt politicians responsible. It's a raw, unapologetic slice of 1970s cinema that packs a punch even today.
Grier's performance is electric, cementing her status as a trailblazer for Black women in action roles. Coffy also launched a string of similar hits, including Foxy Brown, and paved the way for her later collaboration with Tarantino in Jackie Brown. That 1997 film, which also starred Samuel L. Jackson and Robert De Niro, revitalized her career and remains a fan favorite.
Tarantino's admiration for Grier is well-documented. He once said that if he could make a movie with her, he'd do it in a heartbeat—and he did. Jackie Brown was his love letter to the actress, but Coffy is where it all began. The film's influence can be seen in Tarantino's own work, from the strong female leads to the gritty, dialogue-driven revenge plots.
If you're a fan of Tarantino's style or just love a good revenge story, Coffy is essential viewing. It's a time capsule of an era when cinema was raw, rebellious, and unafraid to push boundaries. And with its arrival on MGM+, there's no better time to dive in.
For those who appreciate the pure fun of genre films, Coffy delivers in spades. It's a movie that doesn't take itself too seriously but still manages to be thrilling and empowering. Whether you're laughing with it or at it, you won't be bored.
So grab some popcorn, settle in, and let Pam Grier show you how it's done. Coffy is now streaming on MGM+—don't miss it.
