How Many Movies Is Samuel L Jackson in?
This cult classic from director Quentin Tarantino was the breakthrough role that launched Jackson’s career. He exudes effortless cool smoking cigarettes and acting totally blasé about everything in this movie.
Jackson can take on dramas, actioners, horror films and some truly inspired kitsch, and he always adds some oomph.
1. Die Hard with a Vengeance
With this installment in the Die Hard series, Jackson teamed up with Bruce Willis. This time around, the pair take on a crazy evil genius named Simon.
Quentin Tarantino’s cult classic Pulp Fiction was perhaps the most significant film of Jackson’s career. He played Jules Winnfield, a preacher-like hit man who recites sermons over his victims before killing them. He was a hit, earning an Academy Award nomination for his role.
2. The 51st State
One of Jackson’s earliest film roles, this tense drama shows off the actor’s ability to convey emotions beyond mere rage.
Jackson’s stage work led to a relationship with Spike Lee and a series of early movie gigs. He was soon a major star with franchise appeal and a favorite of directors from Quentin Tarantino to Star Wars. He continues to star as Nick Fury in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
3. Jackie Brown
Jackson first gained notice for his role as Jules Winnfield in Quentin Tarantino’s cult classic Pulp Fiction. The part brought him both critical acclaim and Oscar and Golden Globe nominations.
He then went on to hone his acting skills in theater and film, including Spike Lee’s Jungle Fever. His turn as Nick Fury in Marvel Cinematic Universe films has brought him even more recognition.
4. Shaft
Often acting as the lead actor or even co-lead, Jackson proves that he can still carry a movie. This is especially true with the classic Shaft.
This movie landed him roles in Spike Lee’s School Daze, Do the Right Thing, Mo’ Better Blues, and Pulp Fiction. He also teamed up with Tarantino again in Django Unchained and Chi-Raq. He even played Mace Windu in the Star Wars prequel trilogy.
5. Snakes on a Plane
When Hawaii vacationer Sean witnesses a mobster murder his legal prosecutor, the FBI assigns a tough but resourceful agent to protect and persuade him to testify in LA. Amid a sea of thinly drawn disaster movie stereotypes, including the germ-phobic flight attendant and the video game obsessed bodyguard (Flex Alexander and Kenan Thompson), Jackson is a standout.
Quentin Tarantino’s instant cult classic Pulp Fiction was another of Jackson’s breakout roles. He also appeared in Coach Carter, Shaft and Do the Right Thing.
6. Django Unchained
In the era of blockbuster films, few actors have had as a prolific career as Samuel L. Jackson. The actor has starred in 121 released film projects.
After appearing in several Hollywood flops like Patriot Games, Amos & Andrew, and Juice, Jackson found his breakthrough role in Quentin Tarantino’s cult classic Pulp Fiction. His performance as a loquacious bible-verse-spewing killer earned him numerous awards nominations.
7. The Hateful Eight
After starring in a string of Hollywood flops, Jackson began to turn in small but impactful performances like in Patriot Games and Jurassic Park. He went on to become a bona fide star with major franchise appeal, playing Nick Fury in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Quentin Tarantino’s The Hateful Eight pitted bounty hunter Ruth against vile criminal Daisy Domergue in a film fuelled by claustrophobia, suspicion, and intrigue.
8. Chi-Raq
In Quentin Tarantino’s The Hateful Eight, Jackson portrays a Union officer turned bounty hunter whose survival instincts are tested in the snowy American West. He carries the role with grace and power, delivering one of his most complex performances.
Teyonah Parris stars as Lysistrata in Spike Lee’s twist on Aristophanes’ comedy about women withholding sex to end war. While this film is energetic, it doesn’t quite reach the level of Lee’s 1989 classic Do The Right Thing.
9. Unbreakable
The actor’s breakout role came in Quentin Tarantino’s cult classic Pulp Fiction as the loquacious Bible-verse-spewing hitman Jules Winnfield. Jackson’s performance moved and frightened audiences in equal measure.
David Dunn, the sole survivor of a train wreck, discovers he may have superhuman abilities when he meets comic book dealer Elijah Price. This is an excellent showcase for both actors. Unbreakable marks the beginning of a prolific phase for Jackson.
10. The Incredibles
Jackson’s elegantly besuited, cane-twirling fourth wall-breaking narrator makes a strong impression in this film.
It may be a kids’ movie, but it’s not afraid to tackle serious issues such as racial profiling. The Incredibles also features a healthy dose of good-natured humor that’ll spark laughs at any age.