Top 10 Coolest Things About Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson has built a career that spans blockbuster franchises, auteur collaborations, voice acting, and scene-stealing supporting turns, making him one of the most widely recognized actors in the world. He’s known for distinctive characters, sharp delivery, and a knack for shaping pop-culture moments that stick. From groundbreaking indie hits to record-setting comic-book epics, he’s worked with filmmaking heavyweights across genres and platforms. Below are ten standout on-screen milestones that show how he’s left an unmistakable mark on movies and TV.

‘Pulp Fiction’ (1994) – the breakthrough that made him a household name

As Jules Winnfield in Quentin Tarantino’s crime anthology, Jackson delivered a magnetic performance that earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. His character’s philosophical monologues and intense rapport with John Travolta’s Vincent Vega became defining elements of the film’s tone. The role cemented his collaboration with Tarantino, which would continue across multiple projects. It also showcased his ability to balance dark humor with genuine menace in a way few actors can match.

‘The Avengers’ (2012) – the architect of a shared superhero universe

Portraying Nick Fury, Jackson served as the connective tissue across multiple Marvel stories, guiding the formation of the Avengers on screen. He appeared in pivotal cameos and ensemble scenes that linked standalone entries into a cohesive narrative. His portrayal established S.H.I.E.L.D.’s presence and the stakes of the larger universe, extending into streaming series and later films. The role helped anchor one of the most commercially successful franchises in cinema history.

‘Star Wars’ prequel trilogy (1999–2005) – a Jedi Master with a signature lightsaber

As Mace Windu, Jackson brought gravitas to the Jedi Council and took part in key battles that shaped the saga’s political and moral landscape. He famously wielded a purple lightsaber, a distinctive touch that became an iconic part of the character’s identity. His scenes with the Republic’s leadership and the Sith highlighted the council’s difficult choices as conflict escalated. The role expanded his presence into one of the most influential science-fiction universes.

‘The Incredibles’ (2004) – a cool-headed superhero voice that fans love

Jackson voiced Lucius Best, a.k.a. Frozone, delivering charismatic line readings and effortless comedic timing. His dynamic with the Parr family added warmth and humor to the film’s family-centric superhero story. He returned to voice the character in the sequel, reinforcing Frozone’s status as a fan favorite. The role demonstrated Jackson’s range in animation, where vocal performance carries the entire character.

‘Unbreakable’ (2000) – redefining comic-book myth with a grounded villain

In M. Night Shyamalan’s grounded take on superhero lore, Jackson played Elijah Price, a brilliant, brittle-boned mastermind. His character’s obsession with comic archetypes reframed the film’s mystery structure and twist. He later revisited the role in interconnected follow-ups, deepening the mythology around Elijah’s philosophy. The performance is frequently cited for its meticulous physicality and cerebral menace.

‘Jackie Brown’ (1997) – a silky-smooth antagonist in a neo-noir caper

As Ordell Robbie, Jackson blended charm and threat in Tarantino’s adaptation of Elmore Leonard’s crime novel. His scenes with Pam Grier’s title character are tense cat-and-mouse exchanges that drive the plot. The portrayal earned him major festival recognition, including a Silver Bear for Best Actor at Berlin. It’s a showcase for his ability to anchor dialogue-driven storytelling without leaning on spectacle.

‘Django Unchained’ (2012) – a provocative turn that complicates the narrative

Jackson’s performance as Stephen adds a thorny layer to the film’s depiction of power and complicity. His scenes with Leonardo DiCaprio and Jamie Foxx are crucial to the story’s escalating tension. The character’s strategic intelligence and guarded loyalties make him central to the plantation’s power structure. It’s a challenging role that underscores Jackson’s willingness to tackle difficult material.

‘The Hateful Eight’ (2015) – commanding the room in a chamber-piece western

As Major Marquis Warren, Jackson carries lengthy dialogue passages that hinge on shifting allegiances and buried histories. The production’s large-format cinematography and extended roadshow presentation highlighted performance and atmosphere. His confrontations inside Minnie’s Haberdashery reveal character through interrogation, storytelling, and carefully measured threats. The role demonstrates his control in ensemble settings where every glance and pause matters.

‘Coach Carter’ (2005) – a true-story mentor with tough standards

Jackson plays Ken Carter, a high-school basketball coach who prioritizes academics over wins. The film balances sports drama with a message about accountability, showcasing classroom contracts and study requirements. His performance anchors the inspirational arc with grounded authority and clear expectations. It remains one of his most referenced dramatic leads outside the franchise world.

‘Jurassic Park’ (1993) – an early blockbuster turn with a memorable catchphrase

As systems engineer Ray Arnold, Jackson contributes to the thriller’s escalating chaos inside the park’s control center. His presence helps sell the technical stakes around power, security, and the park’s failing systems. Even with limited screen time, he leaves a lasting cultural imprint through tense exchanges and a line fans still quote. The role placed him inside a landmark effects-driven spectacle that reshaped modern blockbuster filmmaking.

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