Pulp Fiction tattoos have become popular this year due to the memorable performances and timeless subject matter. A classic film that will never go out of fashion. From the iconic Twist dance scene to Mia Wallace’s beautiful face, fans have a variety of scenes to choose from for their tattoo.
Pulp Fiction is one of my favorite films to date. In university, I took a lot of inspiration for my hair and outfits from Mia Wallace, so I decided to jump into the wonderful world of Pulp Fiction tattoos:
1. Realistic Comic Strip
This tattoo is a great example of a realistic tattoo done right. I really like all of the different scenes that the artist chose from the film, showcasing the main characters in their most vulnerable state.
The extremely fine line work used in the hair is exceptional, and the texture of the needle marks is so effective in creating shades and shadows. The artist really understands where to place their highlights, and the composition is perfect for this tattoo.
2. Pulp Fiction Sleeve
I like the story that this tattoo tells, from start to finish. I often see realism sleeves that look cluttered and chaotic, but this one flows beautifully throughout. I like the liberal use of open skin and soft dark shading. This artist took into consideration how this tattoo would age.
3. Cigarettes
This is a less obvious Pulp Fiction reference – only if you’ve seen the film would you know it was one! I love the very thick line work and the dark, saturated whip shading. This is a very bold and clean tattoo, and I like the placement a lot!
4. Mia as Mary
Throughout the film, director Quentin Tarantino makes biblical references, and this artist perfectly captures that in this tattoo.
The color work in Mia’s face is executed beautifully, and the dot work shading is soft and delicate. I love the composition and placement of this tattoo as well as the addition of the halo.
5. Pulp Fiction Couple Tattoo
This is a common couple’s tattoo, and I can see why! It’s such an iconic part of the film.
I love the little bare feet and the textures created on the fabric. This artist got the figure’s proportions correct and captured the movement so well!
6. Milkshake
This tattoo caught my attention for its creativity.
I especially like the glittery effect in the clouds and the milkshake. The portrait has very minimal shading, which works perfectly with the darkness in the hair. I also like the bubblegum color choice, and the bold, clean line work. The placement is perfect!
7. Traditional Mia
I am a huge fan of traditional tattoos, and this one just had to be included!
I like that the artist chose to go with a smaller line weight than what is usually used for traditional tattooing. I love how the artist chose to illustrate Mia’s nose, hair, and eyes with soft and simple shading. The smoke is so flowing and clean, and the rose ends this tattoo beautifully
8. Be Cool
This is such a cute and clean tattoo!
I like that it is a gentle reference to the film without being too obvious. All of the text looks clean and solid, and the lace detailing around the heart is concise and bold. An extremely well-executed tattoo
9. Dancing Cats Tattoo
This is such a cool rendition of the Twist dance scene. I love that the artist turned them into dancing cats.
They got the cat’s facial expression spot-on to that of the original characters. I like the dot work shading and the gentle use of white in the cat’s face. The little tails are just a perfect little touch!
10. Simple Mia
This tattoo stood out to me because of the stark contrast between the line-work and the solid black hair.
The application of this tattoo is very clean, and I really enjoy the addition of rams horns on Mia’s head – this could speak to the religious undertones of the film. I like the small attention to detail at the end of the cigarette and the necklace.
11. I Said Goddamn
The first thing that stood out for me about this tattoo is the size – this client must really love Pulp Fiction! I adore the use of whip shading throughout the tattoo, and the composition is beautiful.
I really like the subtle use of grey in the flowers, and the font choice is perfect. I also appreciate the heavy use of black in the leaves, which brings the whole tattoo forward.
12. Pulp Fiction Mash-up Shoulder Tattoo
This is such a bright and bold tattoo. Even though it is so filled with the film subject matter, the composition reads extremely well.
My favorite part is how the artist captured the bright fluorescent lights shining onto Mia’s face. The text is nice and bright, and Mia’s facial expression is captured perfectly. I would love to see the rest of this sleeve!
13. Dancing Mushroom Heads
I absolutely LOVE this tattoo – it’s such an awesome take on this commonly seen tattoo. It’s as if the artist knew exactly which mushrooms to use to symbolize the two characters.
The color choices are perfect, and the attention to detail is phenomenal. I’d be very interested to see this tattoo in 10 years’ time to see how it holds up, but for now it really is a work of art!
If you’re looking for more mushroom tattoos, we’ve got you covered.
14. Realism meets Pop Art
This is such a cool mash-up of realism and Pop Art. I love the dotted texture used on the bottom of Mia’s face and the fine lines in her hair.
I usually don’t like pink and purple together, but it works really well in this tattoo. The Pop Art elements have very clean lines and the pink is very well-saturated. A very striking tattoo, and it reminds me of some selections in our blade runner tattoos article.
15. Traditional Mia Wallace Tattoo
I love this pin-up rendition of Mia so much because of its simplicity! The artist took the iconic image of Mia dancing and created a clean and striking traditional tattoo.
I love the use of grey in her shirt and the highlights left in her hair. I also like the choice of a simple bunch of flowers at the bottom of the tattoo and the tiny red fingernails!
16. One Line Mia
These single-line tattoos have gained popularity, especially this year.
They are a very effective way to capture the essence of the image without complicating it too much! I especially like the highlight left in the hair and the white highlights in the eyes. This tattoo ends in such a cool way with the straight line on the right and fits the arm perfectly
17. Colour Realism
I really enjoy this take on a color realism tattoo. The artist has stylized it in an effective manner which will help with its longevity.
I love the color palette and the addition of the text lit up behind Mia’s face. the placement and size is perfect for this tattoo, and I like the extra detail in her pursed lips and strands of hair
18. Pulp Fiction Poster Tattoo
This tattoo is amazing just because of the sheer amount of detail put into such a small piece. I am not sure how well it will hold up over the next 10 years, but it is impressive, non the least.
I like the extra addition of the shelf with a plant, a picture and some books on it. This artist really understands how to work with different colors, tones, and textures.
19. Mia Wallace Balloon Head
This is a really fun take on a Pulp Fiction tattoo! I love how even though it’s a balloon, we can all tell that that is definitely Mia’s haircut. We can assume that the use of a balloon is in reference to the heroine from the film.
I appreciate the soft dot work used for shading in this tattoo and the absence of solid line work. I really like the extra detail put into the end of the balloon and the parting of the fringe. A cool homage to a classic film.
20. Royale With Cheese Tattoo
I really like this take on a portrait tattoo. The artist took an iconic line from the film and placed it on top of Jule’s face where his mouth and nose would be.
I like the whip shading in this tattoo and the light source left in the hair. The line work is beautifully done, and the facial expression is perfect for this character.
21. Bad Mother F*cker
How’s this for style? There is so much contrast with the vibrant colors set on the dark background that it almost jumps off the skin.
