Samuel L. Jackson’s Best Roles
Samuel L. Jackson is one of the most recognizable and prolific actors of his generation. With a career spanning decades and well over a hundred films, he has created a gallery of unforgettable characters that have become staples of popular culture. He moves effortlessly between blockbuster franchises and intense dramas, bringing a unique energy and authority to every part he plays. His commanding presence and distinctive voice make him a scene-stealer, whether he’s playing a hero, a villain, or someone in between.
His work with acclaimed directors has resulted in some of cinema’s most iconic moments and quotable lines. From his early breakout performances to his status as a global superstar, he has consistently delivered powerful and memorable portrayals. Jackson’s filmography showcases an incredible range, proving his ability to tackle complex roles that resonate with audiences everywhere. He has become a cultural icon whose influence on the film industry is simply undeniable.
‘Shaft’ (2000)
In this film, Samuel L. Jackson plays John Shaft, a tough and stylish NYPD detective. This character is the nephew of the original private eye from the 1970s films, continuing the family legacy of fighting crime with his own brand of justice. The story follows him as he goes after a wealthy real estate scion who committed a racially motivated murder and then fled the country to avoid prosecution.
When the suspect returns, Shaft becomes determined to see him put behind bars, even if it means bending the rules and risking his own badge. He navigates a corrupt system and dangerous underworld figures, teaming up with a witness who is also being targeted. The role allowed Jackson to create a modern action hero who was cool, charismatic, and completely uncompromising in his pursuit of justice.
‘Jungle Fever’ (1991)
Jackson’s portrayal of Gator Purify is widely regarded as his breakout performance. Gator is the drug-addicted older brother of the film’s main character, and he brings a chaotic and tragic energy to every scene he is in. He constantly pesters his family members for money to support his habit, which leads to intense and emotional confrontations, particularly with his devout parents.
This role was so powerful that the Cannes Film Festival jury created a special Supporting Actor award specifically to recognize his work. The performance showcases a man completely consumed by his addiction, highlighting both the character’s desperate charm and the heartbreaking reality of his situation. It was a raw and unflinching look at the impact of drugs on a family and a community.
‘Coach Carter’ (2005)
Based on a true story, this film features Jackson as Ken Carter, a former basketball star who returns to his old high school in Richmond, California, to coach the boys’ basketball team. He takes over a team of talented but undisciplined players with poor academic records. He implements a strict contract that requires them to maintain a certain grade-point average and attend all their classes.
When the players fail to live up to their academic commitments, Carter makes the controversial decision to lock the gym and forfeit games, despite their undefeated record. His actions draw criticism from the school and the community, but he stands firm in his belief that his players need to succeed as students before they can succeed as athletes. The role highlights a man dedicated to teaching young men about discipline, respect, and the importance of education.
‘Unbreakable’ (2000)
In this unique take on the superhero genre, Jackson plays Elijah Price, a comic book art dealer who lives with a rare genetic disorder that makes his bones extremely brittle. This condition has led him to be mockingly called “Mr. Glass” throughout his life. He spends his days confined to a wheelchair, searching for meaning in his constant suffering.
Elijah develops a theory that if someone like him exists at one extreme of the physical spectrum, then his polar opposite must also exist somewhere in the world. He believes he has found this person in David Dunn, a security guard who was the sole survivor of a catastrophic train wreck without a single scratch. Price becomes a mentor figure to Dunn, attempting to convince him that he is a real-life superhero with extraordinary abilities.
‘A Time to Kill’ (1996)
Jackson delivers a powerful performance as Carl Lee Hailey, a factory worker in Mississippi whose life is shattered when his ten-year-old daughter is brutally assaulted. Overcome with grief and rage, and believing the justice system will fail his family, he takes matters into his own hands and shoots the men responsible in the local courthouse.
His actions set the stage for a highly publicized and racially charged murder trial. Hailey is defended by a young lawyer who faces threats and intimidation from white supremacist groups. The character’s journey is at the center of the film’s exploration of justice, vengeance, and the deep racial tensions in the American South. Jackson portrays a father pushed to the absolute limit, forcing the audience to grapple with difficult moral questions.
‘Jackie Brown’ (1997)
As the menacing gun runner Ordell Robbie, Jackson creates one of his most memorable antagonists. Ordell is a smooth-talking and ruthless criminal who is trying to smuggle a large sum of money into the country. When the flight attendant he uses as a courier, Jackie Brown, gets caught by the authorities, he makes plans to eliminate her to ensure her silence.
Ordell’s character is a mix of charisma and unpredictable violence. He manipulates his associates with a calm demeanor that can quickly turn deadly if he feels he is being crossed. His interactions with the other characters, including his laid-back associate Louis Gara and his beach bunny girlfriend Melanie Ralston, drive much of the film’s suspenseful and twisting plot.
‘Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith’ (2005)
Jackson portrays Mace Windu, a formidable Jedi Master and a senior member of the Jedi Council during the final years of the Galactic Republic. He is known for his wisdom, his mastery of the lightsaber, and his unwavering commitment to the Jedi Order’s principles. Windu is one of the few who distrusts Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, sensing the darkness that surrounds him.
His character is famous for wielding a unique amethyst-bladed lightsaber, a personal request from Jackson himself. Windu plays a critical role in the prequel trilogy’s climax, as he leads a group of Jedi to confront Palpatine after discovering he is the Sith Lord Darth Sidious. This fateful confrontation is a pivotal moment that helps seal the fate of the Jedi and the entire galaxy.
‘Die Hard: With a Vengeance’ (1995)
In this action-packed sequel, Jackson plays Zeus Carver, a Harlem shop owner who gets unwillingly pulled into a madman’s elaborate revenge scheme. He first encounters detective John McClane when he saves him from a dangerous situation, and as a result, the bomber forces the two men to become partners in a series of twisted “Simon Says” games all across New York City.
Zeus is an intelligent and resourceful man who is deeply skeptical of McClane and law enforcement in general. The dynamic between the two reluctant heroes provides much of the film’s humor and tension as they race against the clock to prevent explosions and figure out the terrorist’s true motives. His character is far from a simple sidekick, serving as an essential and capable partner in the high-stakes adventure.
‘Kingsman: The Secret Service’ (2014)
Jackson takes on the role of Richmond Valentine, a quirky and lisping tech billionaire who is the film’s main villain. Valentine believes that humanity is a virus destroying the planet and that the only way to solve climate change is to cull most of the world’s population. He plans to achieve this by distributing free SIM cards that, when activated, will emit a signal that causes everyone to become violently aggressive.
Valentine presents himself as a philanthropic innovator, but beneath his eccentric exterior is a ruthless and determined eco-terrorist. He is squeamish about violence and abhors the sight of blood, which adds a layer of irony to his genocidal plot. His unique speech impediment and unusual fashion sense make him a distinct and memorable antagonist in the spy-comedy genre.
‘The Hateful Eight’ (2015)
Jackson portrays Major Marquis Warren, a former Union cavalry officer who has become a notorious bounty hunter in post-Civil War Wyoming. He is introduced while stranded in a blizzard with three dead bounties, hoping to hitch a ride to the town of Red Rock. He eventually finds shelter at a stagecoach stopover called Minnie’s Haberdashery along with a group of other dangerous and untrustworthy characters.
As the story unfolds within the confined space of the haberdashery, Warren uses his sharp intellect and cunning to navigate the tense situation. He carries a personal letter from Abraham Lincoln that earns him a degree of respect, but his past actions have also made him many enemies. He becomes a central figure in trying to unravel the deadly mystery that connects everyone trapped in the cabin.
‘The Incredibles’ (2004)
Jackson lends his voice to the cool and charismatic Lucius Best, a superhero better known by his alias Frozone. He is the best friend of Bob Parr, who was once the famous hero Mr. Incredible. Frozone has the power to create ice and freeze surfaces by manipulating the moisture in the air, which he often uses to glide around on a path of ice.
After superheroes are forced into retirement, Lucius adapts to civilian life but still fondly remembers the glory days with his friend Bob. He is often seen getting roped back into heroics, much to the chagrin of his wife, who is famously heard but never seen. His most memorable scene involves him frantically searching for his super suit while a giant robot attacks the city.
‘Jurassic Park’ (1993)
In this classic adventure film, Jackson plays Ray Arnold, the chief engineer of the dinosaur theme park. He works from the high-tech control room, confidently managing the park’s complex computer systems. He is often seen chain-smoking and has a pragmatic, no-nonsense attitude about his job and the park’s operations.
When a corporate spy sabotages the park’s security systems during a tropical storm, it’s up to Arnold to try and get everything back online. He is responsible for the critical decision to shut down the entire system in a last-ditch effort to reboot it, a choice that has disastrous consequences. His famous line, “Hold on to your butts,” has since become an iconic piece of movie history.
‘Django Unchained’ (2012)
Jackson delivers a chilling performance as Stephen, the elderly and deeply loyal head house slave at the Candyland plantation. Despite being a slave himself, Stephen has carved out a position of immense power and influence within the plantation’s hierarchy. He is a shrewd and observant man who is fiercely devoted to his master, Calvin Candie.
Stephen is the main antagonist who sees through the ruse put on by Django and Dr. King Schultz. His intelligence and manipulative nature make him a more formidable foe than his brutal owner. He uses his privileged position to torment other slaves and actively works to uphold the cruel system of slavery, making him one of the most complex and contemptible villains in modern cinema.
‘Goodfellas’ (1990)
Although his screen time is brief, Jackson makes a lasting impression as Stax Edwards. Stax is a minor associate of the Lucchese crime family and is part of the crew assembled by Jimmy Conway for the infamous Lufthansa heist at JFK Airport. He is known as a musician and a parolee who gets involved in criminal activities for extra cash.
Stax’s specific role in the historic robbery is to dispose of the van used in the getaway, a crucial loose end. However, his failure to follow instructions and his decision to keep the vehicle leads directly to his demise. His character serves as a key example of Jimmy’s ruthless paranoia in the aftermath of the heist, as he begins eliminating everyone involved to ensure there are no witnesses.
‘Pulp Fiction’ (1994)
As the hitman Jules Winnfield, Samuel L. Jackson created one of the most iconic characters in film history. Jules is a thoughtful and philosophical man who works alongside his partner Vincent Vega. He is known for his intimidating presence and his habit of reciting a biblical passage just before carrying out a hit.
The character undergoes a profound transformation after he miraculously survives a shootout unscathed, which he interprets as an act of divine intervention. This event prompts him to question his violent lifestyle and consider retiring from the criminal world to simply “walk the Earth.” Jules’s sharp suits, memorable dialogue, and moral awakening have made him a cultural touchstone and cemented his place in cinematic lore.
Let us know which Samuel L. Jackson performance is your all-time favorite in the comments below.
