Quentin Tarantino is gearing up for his return to the spotlight with The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth, a sequel to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood that he wrote and David Fincher directed. But before that hits theaters and Netflix, the legendary filmmaker made headlines last year with a surprising revelation: his favorite movie of the 2000s isn't a Tarantino classic or even a Nolan epic—it's Ridley Scott's Black Hawk Down.
Now, that 2001 war thriller has found a new streaming home on Fawesome, a free, ad-supported platform that's often overlooked. If you've been meaning to see why Tarantino ranks it above all others from that decade, this is your chance to watch it without spending a dime.
Why Tarantino Loves 'Black Hawk Down'
Tarantino has never been shy about his eclectic tastes, but naming Black Hawk Down as his top pick of the 2000s raised eyebrows. He's previously praised Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk as the best WWII film of that era, but it was Scott's visceral depiction of the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu that took the crown. The film stars Josh Hartnett, Ewan McGregor, and Tom Sizemore, and it's known for its relentless, immersive action and gritty realism.
Despite its critical acclaim—it won two Oscars for editing and sound—Black Hawk Down wasn't a massive box office hit, grossing $172 million worldwide against a $92 million budget. But its reputation has only grown, and Tarantino's endorsement has given it a new lease on life.
What's 'Black Hawk Down' About?
Set in 1993, the film follows U.S. special forces sent to Somalia to capture a warlord and deliver humanitarian aid. When two Black Hawk helicopters are shot down, the soldiers find themselves trapped in a hostile city, fighting for survival against overwhelming odds. It's a harrowing, unflinching look at modern warfare, and it's widely considered one of Scott's best films.
If you're new to the movie, you can stream it on Apple TV or catch it for free on Fawesome. And if you're a Tarantino fan, you might also want to revisit his other favorites, like the thriller 'The Psychic', which is also streaming free.
Tarantino's Return to the Big Screen
While Black Hawk Down is a must-watch, Tarantino's own upcoming project is generating buzz. The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth is set for a limited IMAX release in November before hitting Netflix in December. It's a sequel to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and while Tarantino didn't direct, his script and Fincher's direction promise a unique blend of styles. For more on the original film, check out our analysis of why it's a masterpiece.
Until then, you can catch Black Hawk Down on Fawesome and see what all the fuss is about. It's a gripping, intense experience that proves why Tarantino considers it the best of its decade.
