Top 10 Best Samuel L. Jackson Performances

Samuel L. Jackson… a name that currently rules the global box office! His movies have collected well over $27 billion on a worldwide scale. It means that he is the highest-grossing performer in the history of cinema. He is largely prominent for his eccentric roles and memorable dialogues. But he also possesses hard-hitting dramatic acting traits. His frequent collaborations with Spike Lee and Quentin Tarantino have proved to be rewarding for him.

Jackson has starred in more than 150 movies in his high-profile career. He has been a part of various famous movie franchises like Jurassic Park, Marvel Cinematic Universe, The Incredibles, Die Hard, Star Wars, and many more. He is well over 70 but still manages to rock the box office!

Check out the top 10 performances of Samuel L. Jackson!

Frozone (The Incredibles Series)

Brad Bird brought his career on the right tracks with his second directional instalment, The Incredibles. Several years later, we watched its worthy and blockbuster sequel in the theatres. The Parrs might have been the central characters in this franchise. But they were incomplete without Frozone. Jackson’s voice performance as ice forming superhero provided much-needed humour and freshness to both the movies.

Nick Fury (Marvel Cinematic Universe)

Meet the man who created the world’s most renowned superhero faction, The Avengers! We have witnessed Jackson donning the iconic black eye patch and indelible fearless persona of Nick Fury for more than 13 long years. And we still want to see more of him in the MCU! After starring in cameos, his first proper introduction as head of the S.H.I.E.L.D occurred in The Avengers (2012). Since then, he has appeared in several MCU instalments. But his most amazing Nick Fury avatar appeared in Captain Marvel (2019). It showcased a totally different version of Fury to the fans.

Lazarus Redd (Black Snake Moan)

We know you are thinking about that popular meme after seeing the above picture. The movie bombed on the box office. But this particular scene has surfaced countless times on the internet. Thanks to the memers! Jackson delivers a committed and multi-layered performance in this movie. He plays Lazarus, a farmer and former guitarist in this movie. He finds a young girl named Rae lying down a road in an unconscious state. It is later revealed that he gets beaten up by a man who tried to rape her. Lazarus decides to treat her wounds and hypersexuality.

Stephen Warren (Django Unchained)

Imagine a black person hating a man of his own race. It seems impossible, right? But Quentin Tarantino does it by blending over-the-top violence, fantastic performances and a knockout storyline altogether in this movie. Performers like DiCaprio and Waltz were praised the most by the viewers. But Jackson’s appearance here works like icing on a cake.

Zeus Carver (Die Hard with a Vengeance)

We still wonder what would have happened to this Die Hard entry if it wasn’t for the leading duo of Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson. Despite its overstuffed and bombastic atmosphere, it does a decent job. But it never looks as fresh as its predecessors. Jackson’s troubled and occasionally funny persona gives this movie a heart. Whenever it appears rushed or overblown, he is there to save it.

Elijah Price/Mr. Glass (Unbreakable)

Shyamalan’s suspenseful approach towards this superhero thriller manages to bring out some of the finest performances of Samuel L. Jackson’s career. A man who is made of brittle bones but strongly believes in real-life superheroes. Elijah’s obsession with Dunn leads to some catastrophic and mind-twisting events. Eventually, the latter discovers that he possesses superhuman strength and immunity to all diseases.

Major Marquis Warren (The Hateful Eight)

Some say it’s overlong, but we love every minute of it! The Hateful Eight is not a perfect Tarantino project. But it excels at providing outstanding performances and a helluva blood-spilling climax. It largely stands on the shoulders of its protagonist, Samuel L. Jackson! This western thriller displays all the characters saving themselves from a blizzard in a stagecoach stoppage. How their paths entangle and culminate together makes this movie so good!

Gator Purify (Jungle Fever)

The movie that flipped the entire acting career of Samuel L. Jackson… Jungle Fever! Wesley Snipes might have starred in the leading role. But it was none other than Jackson who stole the show with his top-notch dramatic performance. He plays a crack head named Gator. He always looks to get his hands on money for purchasing crack. This Spike Lee film turned out to be a decent success at the box office.

Ordell Robbie (Jackie Brown)

The least grossing collaboration between Tarantino and Jackson showcases one of the greatest performances of the latter’s filmography. He owned this role! He literally lived the character of Ordell Robbie in the film. We see veterans like Robert De Niro and Pam Grier giving their absolute best. On the other hand, we have Jackson portraying his character smoothly yet convincingly. The cunning and selfish Ordell Robbie is now considered one of the most prominent movie characters of all time.

Jules Winnfield (Pulp Fiction)

You are looking at the best cinematic project of both Tarantino and Jackson. The highly energetic portrayal of a Bible-reciting hitman is still considered one of the most classic movie characters ever. This movie was nothing short of a cinematic revolution. It popularised the usage of non-linear narratives in Hollywood. But it is predominantly known for Jackson’s iconic performance.