Pulp Fiction: The Definitive Correct Order of Events in Quentin Tarantino’s Masterpiece That Broke Hollywood

Here's a guide to help viewers understand Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction.

Pulp Fiction: The Definitive Correct Order of Events in Quentin Tarantino’s Masterpiece That Broke Hollywood

SUMMARY

  • Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction was formatted in a non-linear way to make the story more compelling.
  • The list contains the chronological order of events in the movie to help viewers understand the context.
  • All three stories within two-and-a-half hours are intertwined and spanned over two days.
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The unique style of storytelling in Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction made the movie even more artistic, compelling, and full of substance. The director’s choice to narrate the plot in a non-linear format is not merely a random choice but a way to make the viewers realize that each part of it is equally important to paint the whole picture.

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There’s no denying that this two-and-a-half-hour masterpiece shaped the cinema and catapulted Tarantino to fame. It may be difficult to make sense of it all, but here’s a guide to help you understand the context.

ALSO READ: “I wasn’t evolved enough to actually realize that”: Keanu Reeves’ Matrix Co-Star Laurence Fishburne Turned Down Quentin Tarantino’s $213M Cult-Classic for Extreme Violence Against Black Men

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What’s The Correct Order Of Events In Pulp Fiction?

Prelude To Gold Watch

prelude to gold watch pulp fiction
Prelude to Gold Watch

Viewers witness a young Butch Coolidge, played by Bruce Willis, meeting Captain Koons, portrayed by Christopher Walken in a flashback scene set in the 1960s. After Coolidge’s father passes away, Captain Koons retrieves the valuable gold watch and gives it to him, accompanied by a striking monologue. The watch is a treasured item for generations.

Prelude To Vincent Vega And Marsellus Wallace’s Wife

prelude to vincent vega and marsellus wallace’s wife
Prelude To Vincent Vega And Marsellus Wallace’s Wife

John Travolta’s and Samuel L. Jackson’s characters, Vincent and Jules, appeared to be in service under gang leader Marsellus Wallace. A casual drive and conversation turned into a violent confrontation when they reached Marsellus’ debtor’s apartment.

The Bonnie Situation

the bonnie situation
The Bonnie Situation

After a hostage situation occurred, Vincent and Jules were left soaking in blood. They decided to go to Quentin Tarantino’s Jimmie to have the car cleaned by professionals and to get them a new wardrobe.

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ALSO READ: “I wish I could achieve that kind of slow motion effect”: Not Christopher Nolan, Pulp Fiction Director Inspired Masashi Kishimoto Into Making Legendary Series

Prologue — The Diner

prologue the diner
Prologue — The Diner

The scene takes place in the Hawthorne Grill diner where Pumpkin and Honey Bunny contemplate their illegal activities, including considering less risky stores than liquor shops. In the end, they decided to rob the restaurant, and to the viewers’ surprise, Vincent and Jules were also in the same location.

Epilogue — The Diner

epilogue the diner
Epilogue — The Diner

Jules spoke with the robbers and made a deal to offer them money instead of taking Marsellus Wallace’s briefcase. All’s well that ends well as Pumpkin and Honey Bunny leave the vicinity with their cash and the briefcase safe with Vincent and Jules.

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The Present-Day Prelude To The Gold Watch

the present-day prelude to the gold watch
The Present-Day Prelude To The Gold Watch

The audience sees Butch wakened from a dream in which Captain Koons hands him the precious gold watch. He is reminded of his family’s honor and dignity as soldiers, which leads to a change in his plan. But instead, he accidentally kills his adversary.

ALSO READ: “His conduct could mislead others”: Quentin Tarantino Was Sued by Harvey Weinstein’s Miramax After Director Tried to Make Some Profit from $213M ‘Pulp Fiction’

Vincent Vega And Marsellus Wallace’s Wife

vincent vega and marsellus wallace’s wife
Vincent Vega And Marsellus Wallace’s Wife

While Marsellus had some business to do, Vincent accompanied his wife Mia to a diner where she overdosed on heroin. He quickly brought her to a drug dealer to seek help, eventually giving Mia an adrenaline shot and bringing her home.

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The Gold Watch

the gold watch
The Gold Watch

After Butch executed his enemy, he planned to hide with his girlfriend. Unfortunately, she forgets to take the watch so Butch had to go back to retrieve it. He sees Vincent on the toilet and has to kill him as well in self-defense. Butch rescues Marsellus and agreed to never speak of the incident. He and his girlfriend leave town.

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Written by Ariane Cruz

Articles Published: 1958

Ariane Cruz, Senior Content Writer. She has been contributing articles for FandomWire since 2021, mostly covering stories about geek pop culture. With a degree in Communication Arts, she has an in-depth knowledge of print and broadcast journalism. Her other works can also be seen on Screen Rant and CBR.