You know Samuel L. Jackson. He’s that actor who seems to be in every movie, playing characters that are loud, intense, and frequently pack a gun or two. But with over 150 acting credits to his name, not all of Jackson’s roles are created equal. If you want to see some of the best, most memorable performances in his decades-spanning career, here are 10 must-watch Samuel L. Jackson movies.
From his role in Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing to his recent turns in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and beyond, these films showcase the range, talent, and sheer watchability of an actor who has become one of the most prolific in Hollywood. So grab some popcorn, get comfortable, and enjoy Samuel L. Jackson at his scene-chewing, snake-hating, “hold onto your butts” best.
Pulp Fiction (1994)
Pulp Fiction is a crime film classic and one of Samuel L. Jackson’s most memorable performances. Released in 1994, Jackson plays Jules Winnfield, a philosophical hitman who works for Marsellus Wallace.
This darkly comedic film follows the intersecting storylines of two hitmen, a boxer, a gangster’s wife, and a pair of diner bandits. It’s a highly entertaining, twisty crime caper that revived John Travolta’s career and launched Samuel L. Jackson into stardom.
Goodfellas (1990)
Goodfellas is one of Scorsese’s finest gangster films and features Samuel L. Jackson in a memorable supporting role. As Stacks Edwards, Jackson is a menacing mobster who doesn’t take kindly to those who cross him.
When a young Henry Hill refuses to take a beating from Stacks, he proves he has what it takes to join the Lucchese crime family. Goodfellas is a great watch for anyone who is big on the crime genre.
Django Unchained (2012)
One of Samuel L. Jackson’s most memorable and re-watchable roles was as Stephen, a cunning and quick-witted slave in Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained. Set in 1858, the film follows Django, a freed slave, who teams up with a bounty hunter to rescue his wife from an evil plantation owner.
Stephen runs the day-to-day operations of Candyland, the plantation where Django’s wife is enslaved. At first, Stephen seems like the stereotypical “Uncle Tom” character. However, we soon realize he is extremely clever and manipulative. Stephen foils Django and Dr. Schultz’s plan to deceive Candy and the other slavers.
The Avengers (2012)
One of the most entertaining Marvel films, The Avengers (2012), showcases Samuel L. Jackson at his sassy and sarcastic best as Nick Fury, director of S.H.I.E.L.D.
As the man responsible for assembling the Avengers, Nick Fury has his hands full keeping their egos in check and getting these super-powered individuals to work together as a team. Jackson gets some of the wittiest lines in the movie, often poking fun at the heroes’ quirks and shortcomings in his signature no-nonsense style. His scenes mentoring a fledgling Black Widow and confronting Loki, the menacing villain who threatens Earth, highlight why Jackson was perfectly cast in this role.
Jurassic Park (1993)
Jurassic Park is one of the most iconic films of the ’90s, and Jackson’s small but memorable role as the park’s chief engineer Ray Arnold solidified him as an actor to watch.
When a tropical island’s cloning facility creates real dinosaurs, Arnold and the park staff get more than they bargained for. As the prehistoric beasts break free and run rampant, Arnold and the others must use their wits to survive and contain the chaos.
Die Hard: With a Vengeance (1995)
Die Hard: With a Vengeance is the third installment in the Die Hard franchise, and Jackson’s first role in the series as Zeus Carver, McClane’s reluctant partner. Set in New York City, the story follows McClane as he is forced to complete dangerous tasks by a mysterious terrorist named Simon, who is threatening to detonate bombs across the city. To solve Simon’s riddles and stop the bombs, McClane teams up with Zeus, an electrician and local shopkeeper.
Although initially at odds, McClane and Zeus eventually bond over their desire to outsmart Simon and save the city. With quick wit and humour, Zeus provides much-needed support for McClane as the challenges intensify. Jackson and Willis have perfect comedic chemistry, trading insults and jokes even as they navigate tense, life-threatening situations.
Unbreakable (2000)
Unbreakable is a superhero thriller that shows a different side of Samuel L. Jackson. In this M. Night Shyamalan film, Jackson plays Elijah Price, a comic book art gallery owner with a mysterious medical condition.
Price is obsessed with the idea of real-life superheroes. He comes to believe that security guard David Dunn may have special abilities. However, Dunn is reluctant to accept this and sees himself as an ordinary man.
The Incredibles (2004)
In The Incredibles, Samuel L. Jackson voices the character of Frozone, Mr. Incredible’s longtime superhero friend who can generate and manipulate ice and freezing temperatures. Even though Frozone is not one of the main superheroes focused on in the film, he plays an important supporting role and provides some comic relief with his witty banter with Mr. Incredible.
Samuel L. Jackson’s vocal performance helps bring Frozone to life and gives the character a sense of charisma and humour that fits right in with the tone of the movie. Although Frozone only has a supporting role, he is a memorable part of what makes The Incredibles such an incredible animated superhero film.
Coach Carter (2005)
Samuel L. Jackson delivers one of his most memorable performances in Coach Carter. Based on a true story, Jackson plays Ken Carter, a high school basketball coach who benches his entire team for their poor academic performance.
Coach Carter is determined to teach his players valuable life lessons beyond just basketball. When the team’s grades slip below a 2.3 GPA, Coach Carter locks the gym and cancels games until the team shows improvement in the classroom. The community and school board heavily criticise Carter for his extreme tactics. However, his players eventually step up to the challenge and raise their grades.
Do The Right Thing (1989)
Spike Lee’s Do The Right Thing is a must-see film starring Samuel L. Jackson in one of his earliest roles. Set in Brooklyn on the hottest day of the summer, racial tensions simmer and eventually boil over in this iconic 1989 film.
Jackson plays Mister Señor Love Daddy, a DJ for the local radio station, who provides commentary on the events unfolding in the neighbourhood. Using his radio show, he tries to preach empathy, understanding and nonviolence to the community. However, the heat and deep-seated prejudices prove too much for reason to prevail.
There we have it, 10 best movies featuring Samuel L. Jackson. What do you think about our picks? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below: