Samuel L. Jackson’s Greatest Movies Ranked

Few actors in Hollywood have earned appreciation of Samuel L. Jackson. Ever since the 1990’s, Jackson has become an icon. Whether it’s biblical gangsters, slave owners or comic-book characters, Jackson has portrayed many characters. Given the number of movies he has made, making a list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the greatest movies made by a great actor that deserves to be celebrated.

1. Pulp Fiction

Forgiveness isn’t an easy decision to make in life. Recently, I found it hard to forgive a mean cyberbully that harassed me online. He would frequently insult me by criticizing my movie reviews in ways that were demeaning. An aggressive cyberbully, he became a person that was impossible to forgive. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured how forgiveness can give people redemption as powerfully as “Pulp Fiction”. Following its release in 1994, Quentin Tarantino’s film has stood the test of time as a crime classic. In the greatest role of his career, Jackson embodies a redemptive gangster that seeks forgiveness in a profession that’s a heavy burden to bear. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and menacing in his most iconic role. Jackson has always had an ability to convey strong emotions through his commanding voice, and his vocal talents are clearly evident in “Pulp Fiction”. For instance, the Ezekiel 25:17 speech in which Jules recites a passage from the Bible before committing gruesome murder is one of the greatest moments of Jackson’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Pulp Fiction” Samuel L. Jackson’s greatest movie is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about the importance of forgiveness as a source of redemption that would resonate with everyone. Nearly 30 years following the release of a commemorated film about pulp gangsters demonstrating religious beliefs seeking redemption, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor whose movies are without a doubt worthy of celebration.

2. Django Unchained

Slavery is a sensitive subject that’s rarely depicted in movies with respect. Years ago, I formed a strong friendship with a kid in school that was fascinated with slavery. I remember that he grew up to treasure slavery as an important subject matter. He often made an effort to educate people about an incident which caused lives to deteriorate. As someone treasuring fond memories of a friend that loved seeing slaves unchained, I adored “Django Unchained”. Released in 2012, Samuel L. Jackson’s movie captured slavery on the big-screen. In the most courageous role of his career, Jackson embodies a despicable servant of a slave owner that mistreats slaves in ways that are outrageous. It’s a challenging role that required the actor to play a racist antagonist, but he succeeded. Jackson has always had a sharp sense of humour, and his comedic talents are evident in “Django Unchained”. For instance, the scene in which the bewildered Stephen first meets Django facing outrage shows the actor’s flair for comedy. Ultimately, what makes “Django Unchained” one of Jackson’s greatest movies is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about racism which would resonate with everyone. A strong portrait of slaves in history that are unchained, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that gained a following making movies that leave audiences entertained.

3. Do the Right Thing

It can often be challenging to do the right thing. Several years ago, I witnessed racism when my family immigrated to Toronto. We moved to a racist neighbourhood where people from minority backgrounds were often misunderstood. Unable to do the right thing, I couldn’t discuss the racism that I was facing. Few films I’ve seen have captured the difficulty of doing the right thing discussing racism as powerfully as “Do the Right Thing”. Ever since its release in 1989, Samuel L. Jackson’s movie has stood the test of time as a classic. In the most outspoken role of his career, Jackson embodies a radio broadcaster that aims to make people in his neighbourhood aware of racism that’s a heavy burden to bear. Jackson has always been one of those actors with the ability to steal the show in supporting roles, and “Do the Right Thing” showcased his talents. For instance, the opening scene in which Mister Love Daddy wakes up the neighbourhood through playing music is one of the best moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Do the Right Thing” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a profound message about racism which would resonate with everyone. A dazzling depiction of the racism experienced by people in a neighbourhood seeking to do the right thing, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor whose movies are worth celebrating.

4. Jurassic Park

Jurassic Park is a beloved franchise that shaped my grandfather’s identity. I remember a grandfather that loved a franchise about dinosaurs causing danger. He would often marvel in astonishment at the sight of dazzling dinosaurs in entertainment. He would praise every film made in the dinosaur franchise, but his favourite was always the first “Jurassic Park”. Released in 1993, Steven Spielberg’s movie forever changed the world through its realistic depiction of dinosaurs causing catastrophe. Although the highlight of the movie is arguably the dazzling dinosaurs, Samuel L. Jackson stands out. In the most anxious role of his career, Jackson embodies a panic-driven engineer that keeps a close watch on dinosaurs evoking fear. It’s a role that gave the actor an opportunity to showcase his talents for conveying emotions through expressions rather than words. For instance, the scene in which Ray tells the command system to hold on their butts as they are attacked by dinosaurs showcases the actor at his best. Ultimately, what makes “Jurassic Park” a timeless classic is its universal appeal. It’s one of those rare films everyone can enjoy regardless of age. 30 years following the release of an iconic film about scary dinosaurs that roar, it’s a bold reminder of an actor that’s always ready to pour his soul into every role whose movies audiences adore.

5. Jackie Brown

Thieves committing robberies have impacted my family. Years ago, my family faced grief when we discovered our housekeeper was a thief. I remember a caring housekeeper that treated my family in a generous manner. My grandparents were shocked when they found their housekeeper they trusted had stolen jewelry. As someone haunted by memories of a thief that turned my family’s life upside down, I adored “Jackie Brown”. Released in 1997, Samuel L. Jackson’s movie examined thieves committing robberies. In the most mischievous role of his career, Jackson embodies a thief that’s driven to achieve his goal. It’s a strong role that gave Jackson an opportunity to showcase his larger-than-life presence as an actor with powerful authority. For instance, the scene in which Robbie shoots Louis in his car committing gruesome murder in fits of anger showcased the strengths of the actor. Ultimately, what makes “Jackie Brown” one of Jackson’s best movies is its message. The film delivers a profound message about crimes which would resonate with everyone. As strong as the crimes committed by Jackie Brown, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor that has become the talk of the town whose timeless movies audiences crown.

6. Unbreakable

One of the criticisms often levelled against Samuel L. Jackson is that he doesn’t take risks as an actor. Ever since his career began years ago, Jackson has often been typecast in the role of a stereotypical hero. He has built an image for playing heroes that exhibit great courage. However, in 2000 Jackson surprised audiences when he took on the role of an unbreakable villain in his film “Unbreakable”. In his most villainous career role, Jackson embodies a mischievous comic-book owner creating obstacles for heroes that are dangerous. It’s a role that gave Jackson a chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing a menacing villain. An unforgettable depiction of spectacular superheroes born with powers that are unbreakable, it’s a remarkable reminder of an actor whose timeless movies audiences consider to be special.

7. A Time to Kill

Rape is a sensitive topic rarely depicted in movies in ways that are realistic. Hollywood has often struggled to confront issues of rape that make headline news. A sensitive subject matter, rape rarely ever attracts audiences to the theatre. However, in 1996 Samuel L. Jackson successfully tackled the tough subject matter with skill in his film “A Time to Kill”. In the most emotionally demanding role of his career, Jackson embodies a black man wrongfully accused of raping his wife by a legal system that’s unfair. It’s a sensitive role that gave the actor a chance to showcase emotional range he had rarely shown in his career. A powerful portrait of uphill battles faced by black men accused of crimes they didn’t commit by legal systems with a time to kill, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor that has never lost his abilities to thrill.

8. Snakes on a Plane

Samuel L. Jackson is one of those actors known for swearing in movies. Jackson has built a reputation for using foul language that attracts attention. Through his habit of swearing, Jackson has made several movies that are entertaining. Jackson’s talent for using foul language to entertain audiences is clearly evident in his film “Snakes on a Plane”. Released in 2006, Samuel L. Jackson’s blockbuster found the actor playing a profane FBI agent seeking to save a plane from venomous snakes causing danger. In the most foul-mouthed role of his career, Jackson embodies a frustrated officer with a tendency to swear seeking to save a plane from snakes that evoke fear. As powerful as snakes attacking a plane, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor that thrives using profane language in movies that have never lost the abilities to entertain.

9. Goodfellas

Sometimes, the signs of great actors comes across when they steal the show in supporting roles. Samuel L. Jackson has always had the rare ability to leave a strong impression in a small role with limited screen-time. Jackson’s abilities to leave a lasting impression in a small role is clearly evident in “Goodfellas”. Released in 1990, Martin Scorsese’s mesmerizing mobster masterpiece found the actor playing a small-town gangster. In the briefest role of his career, Jackson embodies a hitman committing crimes that is destined to face despair. It gave the actor an opportunity to showcase his talent for stealing the show in a small role with limited screen-time. As unforgettable as crimes that Henry Hill has committed, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that thrives playing supporting roles in classic movies that deserve to be appreciated.

10. The Avengers

When it comes to the greatest comic-book characters, it’s worth discussing the Avengers. Following their 1960’s introduction, the Avengers have achieved a huge fan following. In 2012, Samuel L. Jackson did an extraordinary job bringing the iconic comic-book characters to the big-screen in his film “The Avengers”. In his first comic-book role, Jackson embodied a leader seeking control. As Nick Fury, Jackson did an excellent job of portraying a comic-book character on the big-screen. Jackson showcased his aptitude for playing powerful leaders in positions of authority. As powerful as superhero teams Nick Fury seeks to assemble, it’s a remarkable reminder of an actor that hasn’t lost abilities to marvel whose memorable movies I will forever treasure for inspiring me to pursue film criticism dreams that I once thought were unattainable.