Samuel L. Jackson is one of the most recognizable and versatile actors in Hollywood, boasting a career that spans over four decades with more than 150 films to his name. Known for his distinct voice, commanding screen presence, and ability to seamlessly move between different genres, Jackson has become a cultural icon. Whether he’s portraying complex, morally ambiguous characters in Quentin Tarantino’s films or delivering memorable one-liners in blockbuster franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Jackson’s performances are always compelling. His range is vast, from intense dramas and thrillers to action-packed adventures and even animated features. This list highlights 15 of his best movies, showcasing the full breadth of his talent and the impact he’s made on the film industry. Each film offers a unique perspective on Jackson’s skill, from his ability to play powerful authority figures to his portrayal of deeply flawed, but unforgettable characters.
1. Pulp Fiction (1994)
One of Samuel L. Jackson’s most iconic roles, Pulp Fiction marked the beginning of his long-standing collaboration with Quentin Tarantino. Jackson plays Jules Winnfield, a hitman with a philosophical bent and a penchant for quoting the Bible before killing his targets. His performance is full of intensity, humor, and gravitas, particularly in the scenes where he contemplates redemption and vengeance. The “Ezekiel 25:17” monologue is one of the most memorable in film history, and Jackson’s delivery helped solidify his status as a cultural icon. His performance in Pulp Fiction earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor and remains one of his defining roles.
2. Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995)
In Die Hard with a Vengeance, Jackson plays Zeus Carver, an ordinary Harlem shopkeeper who is unwillingly thrust into a citywide terrorist plot alongside Bruce Willis’ John McClane. Jackson’s character provides a perfect foil for Willis, with his sharp wit, no-nonsense attitude, and palpable frustration at being pulled into a life-or-death situation. His chemistry with Willis is electric, and his performance adds a layer of humor and intensity that revitalized the Die Hard franchise. Die Hard with a Vengeance gave Jackson a chance to flex both his action and comedic muscles, making it one of his most beloved action roles.
3. Jackie Brown (1997)
In Quentin Tarantino’s Jackie Brown, Jackson plays Ordell Robbie, a ruthless gun runner who manipulates everyone around him to stay ahead of the law. Jackson’s portrayal of Ordell is chilling and charismatic, blending his trademark cool with an undercurrent of menace. His ability to transition from charm to threat in the blink of an eye makes Ordell one of Tarantino’s most memorable villains. Jackson’s performance is multi-layered, with moments of humor and violence, demonstrating his versatility as an actor. Jackie Brown may not be as flashy as Pulp Fiction, but Jackson’s portrayal of Ordell remains one of his most nuanced and compelling roles.
4. Unbreakable (2000)
In Unbreakable, directed by M. Night Shyamalan, Jackson plays Elijah Price, a comic book dealer with a rare condition that makes his bones extremely fragile. Jackson’s character, who becomes obsessed with the idea that he has a superhero counterpart, delivers a quiet yet powerful performance, unraveling with calm precision as the film progresses. The twist ending, where Elijah is revealed as the villain, highlights Jackson’s ability to play deeply complex characters with a sinister edge. His portrayal of Elijah, also known as Mr. Glass, is haunting and thought-provoking, setting the stage for his return to the role in Glass (2019). Unbreakable remains one of Jackson’s most compelling performances, as it showcases his ability to blend vulnerability with menace.
5. Shaft (2000)
In Shaft, Jackson steps into the role of John Shaft, the nephew of the original detective from the 1970s blaxploitation classic. Jackson brings his own swagger and intensity to the character, combining elements of the original Shaft with his modern interpretation. He plays the role with confidence, humor, and a sense of justice, embodying the tough, street-smart detective who doesn’t shy away from taking matters into his own hands. Jackson’s performance revitalized the Shaft franchise for a new generation, with his cool demeanor and undeniable screen presence making it a fan favorite. His portrayal of Shaft is a perfect example of his ability to reinvent iconic characters while making them distinctly his own.
6. The Hateful Eight (2015)
In Quentin Tarantino’s The Hateful Eight, Jackson plays Major Marquis Warren, a former Union soldier turned bounty hunter. Warren is a deeply complex character, carrying the scars of both his time in the Civil War and his life as a black man in post-war America. Jackson brings a simmering intensity to the role, commanding the screen with his presence and delivering some of the film’s most memorable monologues. His portrayal of Warren is nuanced, blending humor, anger, and cunning in equal measure. The character’s confrontations with the other inhabitants of the cabin in the snowbound wilderness are filled with tension, and Jackson’s performance anchors the film’s narrative. His collaboration with Tarantino once again showcases Jackson’s ability to bring depth to even the most morally ambiguous characters.
7. A Time to Kill (1996)
In A Time to Kill, Jackson plays Carl Lee Hailey, a father who takes justice into his own hands by killing the men who brutally assaulted his young daughter. Jackson’s portrayal of a man pushed to the edge of despair is both heartbreaking and powerful. His performance is filled with raw emotion, particularly during the courtroom scenes, where he expresses the pain and anger of a father who feels failed by the justice system. Jackson’s work in A Time to Kill earned him widespread critical acclaim and showcased his ability to deliver performances of emotional depth and moral complexity. The film’s intense subject matter is elevated by Jackson’s gripping portrayal of a man torn between the law and his own sense of justice.
8. Coach Carter (2005)
In Coach Carter, Jackson plays Ken Carter, a real-life high school basketball coach who takes a hardline approach to instill discipline and academic achievement in his players. Jackson’s portrayal of Coach Carter is inspiring, commanding respect both on and off the court. His performance is both tough and compassionate, showing the challenges of being a mentor and role model to a group of young men facing adversity. Jackson’s ability to balance the stern disciplinarian with the caring father figure gives the film its emotional core. Coach Carter is one of Jackson’s more grounded roles, and his portrayal of the titular coach is motivational and heartfelt, reminding audiences of the importance of education and responsibility.
9. The Avengers (2012)
As Nick Fury, the director of S.H.I.E.L.D. and the mastermind behind the Avengers Initiative, Jackson plays a pivotal role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). His portrayal of Fury is calm, authoritative, and laced with dry wit, providing the glue that holds the superhero team together. Jackson’s performance across the MCU films, beginning with Iron Man (2008) and leading up to The Avengers, helped to define the character of Nick Fury as a central figure in the Marvel universe. His commanding presence and iconic eye patch have made Fury one of the most beloved characters in the franchise. Jackson’s ability to balance action, humor, and leadership in his portrayal of Fury has been a key element in the success of the MCU.
10. Kong: Skull Island (2017)
In Kong: Skull Island, Jackson plays Lieutenant Colonel Preston Packard, a hardened military leader leading an expedition to the mysterious island. Jackson brings a commanding intensity to the role, portraying Packard as a man obsessed with taking down Kong after losing many of his men to the creature. His character’s growing madness and thirst for revenge become one of the driving forces of the film. Jackson’s performance is both menacing and tragic, as he portrays a man who cannot let go of his need for control and dominance in the face of nature’s overwhelming power. His portrayal of Packard is a standout in this action-packed monster movie, providing a human antagonist who is as compelling as the giant ape himself.
11. The Negotiator (1998)
In The Negotiator, Jackson plays Danny Roman, a police negotiator who is framed for murder and takes hostages to prove his innocence. Jackson’s performance as Roman is gripping, as he expertly balances the character’s desperation with his skills as a negotiator. His on-screen chemistry with Kevin Spacey, who plays the negotiator called in to defuse the situation, is electric, with both actors delivering tense and emotionally charged performances. Jackson’s ability to convey both vulnerability and strength makes The Negotiator a compelling thriller, and his portrayal of a man fighting to clear his name while maintaining control of a volatile situation is one of his most memorable roles from the late 1990s.
12. Jungle Fever (1991)
In Spike Lee’s Jungle Fever, Jackson plays Gator Purify, a crack-addicted brother who becomes a source of pain and tragedy for his family. Jackson’s portrayal of Gator is raw and heartbreaking, capturing the destructive effects of addiction on both the individual and their loved ones. His performance is both intense and deeply sympathetic, as Gator’s charm and humor gradually give way to desperation and hopelessness. Jackson won the Best Supporting Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival for his portrayal of Gator, and the role remains one of his most critically acclaimed performances. His ability to humanize a character in the throes of addiction while also depicting its devastating impact is a testament to his depth as an actor.
13. Snakes on a Plane (2006)
While Snakes on a Plane might not be the most critically acclaimed film on this list, it has become a cult classic largely thanks to Jackson’s performance. Playing FBI agent Neville Flynn, Jackson delivers his trademark blend of humor, intensity, and deadpan seriousness in the face of the film’s outrageous premise. The film’s most famous line, “I have had it with these motherf* snakes on this motherf* plane,” became an instant meme, cementing Jackson’s status as a pop culture icon. Snakes on a Plane showcases Jackson’s ability to elevate even the most absurd material with his charismatic screen presence and undeniable star power. While the film’s plot may be over-the-top, Jackson’s commanding performance keeps it entertaining, proving that he can carry a film with pure energy and personality. His portrayal of Agent Neville Flynn is a masterclass in how to have fun with a role while still giving it the necessary intensity to make the film engaging.
14. Django Unchained (2012)
In Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained, Jackson takes on the role of Stephen, a house slave to Leonardo DiCaprio’s character, Calvin Candie. Stephen is manipulative, shrewd, and terrifyingly loyal to his cruel master, making him one of the most complicated and controversial characters in Jackson’s career. His portrayal of Stephen is layered with a mix of menace, servility, and cunning intelligence, offering a disturbing look at the dynamics of power and race within the brutal system of slavery.
Jackson’s performance is remarkable in its subtlety, contrasting the overt villainy of DiCaprio’s Candie with his quiet control behind the scenes. Despite being a supporting character, Jackson’s Stephen plays a crucial role in the film’s tension and ultimate climax. His ability to make a seemingly subservient character one of the most powerful figures in the story is a testament to his skill as an actor. Django Unchained showcases Jackson’s ability to bring depth to morally ambiguous roles, making Stephen both repellent and fascinating.
15. The Incredibles (2004) & Incredibles 2 (2018)
In Pixar’s The Incredibles and its sequel Incredibles 2, Jackson voices the character Frozone, a superhero with the ability to control ice. Though Frozone is not the central character, Jackson’s voice acting gives the character a distinct charm and energy that stands out even in an ensemble cast. His iconic line, “Where is my super suit?” became an internet sensation, demonstrating the impact of Jackson’s vocal performance.
Jackson’s portrayal of Frozone brings a cool, laid-back attitude to the superhero genre, which contrasts well with the more high-strung personalities of the other characters. His humor and the natural charisma of his voice elevate the character from a supporting role to a fan favorite. The Incredibles films highlight Jackson’s versatility, proving that even in animation, his unique voice and comedic timing can steal the show.
Conclusion
Samuel L. Jackson’s career is one of the most prolific in Hollywood, with a wide array of roles that span across genres and styles. From intense dramas to action-packed blockbusters and even animated features, Jackson has proven time and again that he can bring charisma, depth, and energy to any role he takes on. His collaborations with directors like Quentin Tarantino and Spike Lee have produced some of the most memorable characters in modern cinema, while his long-standing role as Nick Fury in the Marvel Cinematic Universe has cemented his place in popular culture.
Whether he’s delivering monologues in Tarantino films, playing heroes and villains, or even voicing animated characters, Jackson brings an intensity and authenticity to each role that keeps audiences captivated. His ability to balance humor, menace, and emotional depth is what makes him one of the most versatile actors of his generation. These 15 films highlight the range of Jackson’s talents, showing why he remains a must-watch actor for film lovers across the world.