Samuel L. Jackson is one of the most prolific and acclaimed actors of his generation, with over 150 films to his credit. From his breakout role in 1991’s Oscar-winning drama, Jungle Fever, to his numerous action-packed performances in films like Die Hard with a Vengeance and Pulp Fiction, Jackson has consistently wowed audiences with his thoughtful and engaging performances.
Whether he is playing the menacing villain or a wise-cracking sidekick, you can always count on Jackson to bring his own unique energy to any role. Here are some of his top films that you won’t want to miss.
- Pulp Fiction (1994)
This classic film from the mind of Quentin Tarantino follows two talented hitmen as they go about their business of crime-solving. However, their mission takes a chaotic turn as they cross paths with some of the city’s most notorious characters. Jackson’s role as “Jules” is one that he will always be remembered for. As the philosophical hitman, he serves up an unforgettable mix of coolness, confidence and raw street attitude.
- Unbreakable (2000)
In this superhero-drama, Jackson is cast as Elijah Price, an unconventional comic book art dealer who suspects that Bruce Willis’ character is actually indestructible. From the very first scene, Jackson is captivating and his scenes with Willis remain intense and thought-provoking.
- Django Unchained (2012)
Set in the pre-Civil War South, Django Unchained, is the story of a daring slave who teams up with an eccentric outlaw, bounty hunter, played brilliantly by Jackson. His character, Stephen, is a complex character, and it is his dry sense of humor and sharp tongue, that gives Django a chance at freedom.
- The Hateful Eight (2015)
The Hateful Eight is quintessential Tarantino. Jackson plays Major Marquis Warren, an ex-union soldier, who is stuck on a stagecoach with a group of ruthless criminals and bounty hunters. As the story progresses, he finds himself at the center of several outrageous and thrilling events. Jackson’s performance is top-notch and his character is one of the best parts of the film.
- Captain Marvel (2019)
In this Marvel Comics adaptation, Jackson plays a younger version of his Marvel Cinematic Universe character, Nick Fury. His comedic and witty quips, so often reminiscent of his earlier performances, make his scenes a pleasure to watch.
- Shaft (2000)
This crime comedy sees Jackson as the third protagonist in the Shaft series. He plays the titular character’s nephew, a highly-trained detective who decides to team up with him to solve a cold case. Jackson’s character oozes wit and charisma and his chemistry with the old school John Shaft (played by Richard Roundtree) is mesmerizing. Together, they make for quite a dynamic duo.
- The Incredibles (2004)
In this animated classic, Jackson is the voice of Marvel hero, Frozone. He delivers the perfect wisecracks and quips in a South Bronx accent to perfectly fit the character and offer a break of comic relief in key moments. He is easily one of the highlights of the film.
- Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)
I know what you’re thinking, how did Samuel L. Jackson end up in a Star Wars film? Well, in this seventh installment of the franchise, Jackson plays the role of Mace Windu. He has a brief but important cameo that shows how some of the characters from the original trilogy have grown to become legend within the series.
- Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014)
Kingsman features Jackson as the conniving tech-billionaire, Richmond Valentine, who sets out to eradicate most of the world’s population. While dastardly schemes aren’t his usual cup of tea, Jackson’s engaging performance makes Valentine an interesting character to watch.
- Oldboy (2013)
Jackson’s menacing performance as the mysterious villain, Mr. DiVito, parallels his chilling performance in The Hateful Eight. In this film, he plays a crooked underworld kingpin who has hired the main characters to pursue their mission.
Samuel L. Jackson has had a wide variety of roles throughout his career, but these are some of his best and most interesting performances. From crime drama to sci-fi, he has always had the ability to make any character come to life in the most unique and creative way. If you haven’t seen any of these films yet, I would highly recommend them. They are sure to provide you with an unforgettable cinematic experience.
