Star Wars

Samuel L. Jackson remains one of the most prolific actors of our generation. His films have grossed over $27 billion worldwide, making him the second highest-grossing actor of all time. He’s second only to Stan Lee, the mastermind behind much of the Marvel Series. In fact, Jackson has gone on to play a significant role in much of the Marvel franchise as Nick Fury. Throughout his career, he’s displayed an innate ability to thrive in various roles, ranging from voiceovers to leads. Additionally, he’s worked as a producer for a variety of franchises. Jackson has also appeared in over 100 films in his decades-long career, garnering a reputation as one of the hardest workers in the industry. Today, we’re looking at Samuel L. Jackson’s most iconic performances to date.

Pulp Fiction (1994)

Pulp Fiction solidified Jackson as a household name. The Quentin Tarantino classic displayed Jackson’s effortless charisma under the name of Jules Winnfield. The oddball character balanced gangsterism with spiritual enlightenment, displaying an unpredictable aura throughout the film. Teamed up with fellow actor John Travolta, Pulp Fiction acted as a launch pad for rest of Jackson’s career.

Jackson was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the Academy Awards for his performance. Many still reference Winnfield as the best character Jackson has played to date. While he had performed in a variety of blockbuster films before Pulp Fiction, the film cemented his ability to entertain in a lead role. Further, the movie proved that Tarantino was more than a one-hit-wonder.

Django Unchained (2012)

Tarantino has a reputation for sticking with a select-few list of actors, from Christopher Waltz to Leonardo Dicaprio. Samuel L. Jackson was added to the elite group after Pulp Fiction. He would eventually land roles in Django Unchained and The Hateful Eight. Initially wanting to audition for the part of Django, Tarantino frankly rejected the idea. The filmmaker hilariously stated that Jackson was “too old.” Jackson was offered the part of the hateful Stephen.

In tackling the role of Stephen, Jackson also pulled off one of the most complex villains he’s portrayed. His enslaved character completely bought into the racist ideology in the American South. Partnering with plantation owner Calvin Candie ( Leonardo Dicaprio), the two also acted as the main protagonists in the film. Stephen symbolized a multi-faceted view at interpersonal relationships during slavery. In fact, I believe he was likely the most intelligent character in Django Unchained.

Coach Carter (2005)

Playing the title role of Coach Ken Carter, the 2005 teen sports drama was based on a true story. Coach Carter suspended his Richmond High School basketball team for failing in academics. While his actions would become the source of controversy and discourse between himself the players’ parents, his methods would eventually be appreciated by the entire community.

Carter would also become a source of discipline and inspiration for the players. Many would go from overly confident class clowns to scholarship earners at large-scale universities. Jackson’s portrayal of Coach Carter fits well into his best qualities on television: commanding, confident, and emotive.

Star Wars Prequel Trilogy

Mace Windu was too iconic of a character to leave off of this list. Jackson was initially offered a role in The Phantom Menace after stating in an interview that he would like to work with George Lucas. Windu would become a staple character throughout the prequel trilogy, acting as a voice of reason in the Jedi Council. Extremely suspicious of Anakin Skywalker, he was proved right when Skywalker would betray him in The Revenge of the Sith. However, some argue that Windu’s distance from Anakin would ensure his eventual formation into Darth Vader.

Amidst the Disney-spearheaded re-invigoration of Star Wars, Jackson confirmed that he’s asked a Star Wars director about the potential for Windu to return. Many Star Wars fans have questioned whether his character really died in The Revenge of the Sith. However, there haven’t been any concrete developments that hint at a return. Similar to many of Jackson’s other characters, Windu is also grim and direct in his approach.

Jungle Fever (1991)

One of many times where Samuel Jackson and Spike Lee came together, Jungle Fever, may be Jackson’s best performance. In fact, his performance was so good that the Cannes Film Festival created a Best Supporting Actor role specifically for him. Portraying Gator Purify, the drug addicted brother of Flipper (Wesley Snipes), Jackson used his own struggles with addiction as reference for his character.

Working with Snipes, the two portrayed a complex relationship between brothers. The film further explores the dynamic of an interracial affair, with the conflict escalating in Gator being murdered. It’s an ultimately heartbreaking film, displaying Jackson’s versatility to display a character that is either powerful and confident, or decrepit and broken.