Every week at SiftPop.com, we challenge our writers to choose what they think is the best movie under a certain topic related to a recent release. So this week, with the release of The Protege, we’re counting down our favorite Samuel L. Jackson movies! Let us know @SiftPop what your ranking is!
For me, a movie star means that I go see one of their movies regardless, just because I want to see them. That is 100% true for Samuel L. Jackson, who has had a distinguished career and has starred in so many franchises. Jackson’s work with director Quentin Tarantino is some of the best, but his role in Django Unchained is pretty extraordinary. Django Unchained is about a freed slave named Django (Jamie Foxx) who, once he is freed, goes to find his wife on a plantation called Candyland. It is because of Jackson’s character that Django’s true intentions are revealed, and Jackson’s actions bring forth the film’s epic. Tarantino always gives Jackson some excellent monologues and that is true in this one. Jackson’s character is truly terrifying and humorous and it’s all because of who Jackson is. He knows the part he is playing and plays it perfectly. If you haven’t seen this Tarantino movie, it’s on Netflix. Go give it a watch, because it is really good. (Austen Terry)
1993’s True Romance marks the first collaboration between Samuel L. Jackson and Quentin Tarantino as well as Tarantino’s first script to be directed by someone other than himself. That could be cause for concern, but when that “someone” is Tony Scott, you know you’re in good hands. Despite taking a more linear storytelling approach than films like Reservoir Dogs or Pulp Fiction, True Romance has Tarantino’s fingerprints all over it with obscure film references, off-color humor, and an unconventional cast of wildly entertaining side characters. Christian Slater and Patricia Arquette make for a great pair in their leading roles as fugitive newlyweds, but the supporting players like Christopher Walken, Dennis Hopper, and particularly Gary Oldman are the ones who make this film sing. At times hilarious, terrifying, suspenseful, dramatic, thrilling, and even lovable, True Romance is a truly complete and satisfying cinematic experience. If you’re a fan of Tarantino’s directorial efforts, True Romance is a must-see. (Foster Harlfinger)
When Quentin Tarantino and Samuel L. Jackson come up together in a conversation, Pulp Fiction obviously comes up. But Jackie Brown should come up more often, since it never gets the love it deserves. If you haven’t seen it, you must treat yourself. This film is probably the most mature Tarantino has ever been in his filmmaking. Jackie Brown trades in uber violence and brash attitudes for something smooth and cool. Channeling the energy of blaxploitation with the most amazing soundtrack of all and Pam Grier, this crime drama focuses on the lives of people past their prime but enough in the tank for one last rodeo. Jackson gives a subdued, yet intimidating performance as Ordell Robbie. Greer is powerful and engrossing as she is paired perfectly with Robert Forster’s Max Cherry with his silent command of the screen. Plenty of Tarantino hallmarks grace the film, but Jackie Brown stands out in his filmography for its grace and charm… so give this under appreciated gem some love. (Shane Conto)
At the start of the 2000s, comic book films were just starting to find their footing on the big screen. A film that subtly elevated their subject matter was a relatively small scaled film, M. Night Shyamalan’s, Unbreakable. It tells the tale of the unassuming David Dunn (Bruce Willis), who happens to be the lone survivor of a horrific train crash. Dunn begins to question if he is something more than human and a not so coincidental meeting with Elijah Price (Samuel L. Jackson) only makes him inch closer to this very theory. While the focus of the film is the titular character of David Dunn, just like the comics that inspired the film, the villain is always much more intriguing. Price, or later known as Mr. Glass, is the antithesis of Dunn. He has broken countless bones in his body throughout his years, unlike the nearly indestructible Dunn. He instills faith in the theory that Dunn is a living, breathing superhero and holds on strongly to this belief. Jackson is excellent in the role of Elijah and embodies what we love about super villains. He is an empathetic character who has gone through tremendous hardships due to his affliction, and he needs this to be true about Dunn, more so than even Dunn himself. Unbreakable was a film that was integral to the expansion of superhero films and paved the way for the grounded approach they would take in the future. (Joe Vargas)
My favorite movie to feature Samuel L. Jackson is Jurassic Park. I must have seen this movie close to 100 times and counting in the 28 years since its release. I’ll never forget the first time I saw it, opening weekend in a packed theater. I was eight years old and either the AC wasn’t working, or the giant 400 seat theater was just hot and sweaty from the 500 people packed in like sardines. But that didn’t matter. Every single person in that audience was enthralled by the groundbreaking visuals and animatronic work that was unparalleled at the time (and in some cases still). It was also the first time I saw Jackson in a movie, and I thought he was amazing with one single line: “Hold on, to your butts!” It’s such a versatile line which I have adopted for everyday use as it can be used in all facets of life. My personal favorite is yelling it just prior to speeding up in the car to make a light or take a sharp turn. Of course, I was horrified when his fate was revealed in that small electrical shed, but it will always stay with me as one of my favorite movie theater experiences of all time! (Nick Ferro)
Though a smaller role in his filmography, Samuel L. Jackson provides some narration in some true SLJ fashion in my favorite Quentin Tarantino film, Inglorious Basterds. This film is all the things that I love about film, with engaging characters, hilarious dialogue, a complex and compelling story, and intensity on a whole other level. The opening scene in this film is enough to easily submit it as one of the best ever. And while it’s easy to look at and remember just that, the rest of the movie is just as engaging. (Aaron Schweitzer)
There are few films I can turn on multiple times a year and still find myself laughing uncontrollably as strongly as The Incredibles, Brad Bird’s gift to the world from 2004. It’s easily one of the most quoted movies in my household. Specifically, the conversation between Frozone (voiced by none other than Samuel L. Jackson) and Honey (Kimberly Clark) about being “the greatest good you are ever gonna get” is a quote thrown around at least once a week whenever the word “good” comes up in conversation here. There are too many incredible scenes to ever describe, but if watching Edna painfully explain to Craig T. Nelson the follies of capes doesn’t make you giggle, it may be time to try out a cape. Throw in a perfect score by the great Michael Giacchino, the joy of a finale of Jack-Jack laying waste to Syndrome, and the (maybe controversial?) statement that Edna is the best Q ever, and there is no way you can’t enjoy this on repeat. (Matt Lawson)
You all know the drill. List of shame, first watch. Got it? Good. Anyway, this Spike Lee joint, Do the Right Thing, is a great piece of art that I regret not getting to sooner. The script is amazing, the camerawork and music are on point, and each character feels like they have a distinct meaning and purpose in this film, from Smiley to Da Mayor. Lee knew what he wanted to say, and was able to say it in a way only he could: a powerful and poignant message that unfortunately is as pertinent today as it was in 1989. This is truly a remarkable film, and is well worth the time to see. I would love to say more about this film, but I believe it’s a deep and eye-opening experience that I fear would be diluted if I dove too deep into it. So if you somehow are like me and haven’t seen Do the Right Thing, then do the right thing and give it a watch. P.S. Give me more radio DJ Samuel Jackson. I would never touch the dial if you give me this. (Joseph Davis)
It’s not an exaggeration to say that Pulp Fiction changed cinema forever. There aren’t many films that can lay claim to that. Quentin Tarantino burst onto the scene with Reservoir Dogs and topped it instantly with Pulp Fiction, winning the Palm d’Or at Cannes in 1994 and getting his first Oscar for screenplay in 1995. The mid- to late-90s were filled with “homages” to Tarantino’s seminal work. Famously known for its non-linear storytelling, the film is bookended by captivating scenes during the morning rush of a coffee shop. It features expertly intertwined characters and multiple narratives gently persuading us that the universe is completely random and without sense or purpose, other than that of your own making. Samuel L. Jackson can thank Tarantino for his stardom and turned out an Oscar nominated performance as Jules Winnfield, the eminently cool and charismatic henchman. John Travolta can also thank Tarantino for his resurgence into Hollywood, putting in a convincing turn as a junkie babysitter, five dollar shake connoisseur, car scratch victim, and a Marvin killer. Pulp Fiction is without question a modern classic that will never be outdated. Literally no scenes are wasted. Each is filled with purpose and character progressing dialogue. (Adam Ritchie)
The more I look back on Martin Scorsese’s filmography, the more I realize he is one of my favorite filmmakers working today (still! After almost 60 years!) I tend to enjoy his more overtly thoughtful fare like Silence, but there’s no denying that Goodfellas is an all-time special movie. It’s got Robert De Niro, Ray Lotta, and Joe Pesci each at the top of their game in their long and storied careers. Couple the performances of seminal performers with the direction and writing of one of the greatest to ever do it, and you have one of the greatest flicks to ever grace the screen. And this is not even our man of the hour, Samuel L. Jackson, who has a small, great, role in what was the biggest movie he’d been in up to this point. Goodfellas has so much going for it from the performances, the direction, the wonderful cinematography, great scenes of tension, and a hard-hitting story and moral. For most directors, this would be the best thing they ever made by far. But for Scorsese, it’s just another day at the office. (Robert Bouffard)
The Hateful Eight
Quentin Tarantino and Samuel L. Jackson. Name a more legendary duo. And in The Hateful Eight, Tarantino puts his longtime collaborator front, back, and center of this almost “whodunit” stage play. But since it’s Tarantino, you know you are in for a show, and a show you will get! I am still mad about Jackson not even getting an Oscar nomination, as I thought he brought his A++ game here, alongside the masterful direction, out of this world score (finally, Ennio Morricone got the Oscar, that let’s face it, was overdue for about 40 or so years), and the story. I have seen this movie in the cinemas (with a break in between, which was appreciated) and twice at home ever since, and I’ve realized The Hateful Eight is definitely one of my favorites of Tarantino’s. It might even be my favourite (controversial, I know). And a big part of that is Jackson, who just chews the scenery and enjoys every moment of it. It’s definitely a recommendation, if you haven’t seen it yet, as long as you have three hours to spare. But don’t let the time bother you. I’ve seen it three times and this film never felt long to me. (Luke Burian)
Captain America: The Winter Soldier
In the ever-expanding library of Marvel movies, The Winter Soldier is the movie that showed the MCU’s potential. With its political intrigue, grounded hand-to-hand combat, and a twist even the biggest Marvel fans didn’t see coming, this is the film that proved the studio was good for more than just your traditional superhero fare. No one could’ve expected that Russo brothers, who mainly worked on sitcoms before joining Marvel, would deliver one of the most thrilling action movies of the last decade. Seeing as how this week is about Samuel L. Jackson, it’s worth noting that this is his standout performanceof his 11 appearances as Nick Fury. Not only does Winter Soldier use Nick Fury as a perfect counterpoint to Cap in the security versus freedom conflict of the movie, but it also gives him a climactic scene that Jackson just delivers perfectly. Every time I watch this movie, it makes me wish we got more Nick Fury in the MCU, even though he’s appeared in more Marvel films than any other character. Winter Soldier is a thrilling adventure that’s worth all the hype. There’s a reason it ends up at the top of most people’s Marvel rankings. Even for those that are tired of the superhero wave, this is sure to be an engaging watch. (Jeffery Rahming)
The Sunset Limited
If I called Unthinkable an underseen movie, I don’t know what to call The Sunset Limited, as it doesn’t get more niche or unique than a TV movie made for HBO. But listen to this pedigree — not only do you get to watch Samuel L. Jackson and Tommy Lee Jones arguing about everything for an hour and a half, but it is based on a play by Cormac McCarthy (yep, the guy behind The Road, No Country for Old Men etc.), and is directed by Tommy Lee himself. It is as small as you might expect; one apartment, two actors, and… that is it. They don’t even have names. They are literally called “White” and “Black” because it doesn’t matter what their names are, but what they are discussing. Two older men, from different backgrounds, with two different perspectives on the world around them, talking about life, death, and anything in between. And I guarantee you, you’ll never get bored. The film never comes across fake or preachy because of the amazing script and two masterful performances by both actors, you are left with wanting even more. If you only know Jackson as the cool guy, please do yourself a favor and watch The Sunset Limited. By just writing about it, I know I will have to re-watch it as soon as I can. It’s definitely worth it. (Luke Burian)
Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith
In 2005 and pre-MCU, Samuel L. Jackson had done everything since his first time on the silver screen, and it was his last time as Jedi Master Mace Windu in Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, the third of the prequel trilogy and the sixth of the Skywalker Saga.Jackson’s portrayal of Windu is a fan favorite and among the most popular Star Wars characters of all time. His role in the prequels was minor, but I enjoyed his scenes. He carried his scenes every time, no matter who was involved. The Jedi Master was all about keeping the Force strong within, second in command to the one and only Yoda, and stopping anyone who was against the Galactic Republic. So it was a little disappointing to say goodbye to this beloved character. Also, Jackson asked Lucas to make his lightsaber purple to stand out the fight scenes. How badass is that? (Chantal A)
Die Hard with a Vengeance
Die Hard is a classic and obviously the best of the franchise. When it comes to the sequels, I don’t know that many would argue with the contention that Die Hard with a Vengeance is the best. Here, John McClane (Bruce Willis) is sent on a twisted game across New York City with Samuel L. Jackson’s Zeus tagging along. The pair have to solve puzzles to avoid bombs detonating in the city. A sidekick for McClane was a new wrinkle for the third film in the franchise, but it works because of the chemistry the two have together. It helps that the puzzles Jeremy Irons’ Simon creates, force the duo to work together. The fact that Jackson is able to go toe-to-toe with Willis in the movie shows as much as anything the power of Jackson as a performer. After the success of this film, pairing McClane up with others has been tried in each of the following sequels, but doesn’t have that same power. Jackson deserves a lot of credit for how much it works here. (Jake Bourgeois)
Coming to America
I’m not talking about Coming 2 America, the pathetic sequel recently released straight to Amazon Prime during the pandemic. No, I’m talking about Coming to America, the late ’80s classic full of raunchy, slapstick, immature, and timeless humor where we get amazing characters performed by Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, and Eddie Murphy. Oh, there’s other greats too, like Samuel L. Jackson who has an almost blink-and-you’ll miss it cameo as a stick-up thief. Though there are a few jokes that haven’t aged well, the majority of this film will have you rolling. Murphy and Hall playing so many characters is worth the ticket punch in and of itself. Be sure to give this a try. (Heath Lynch)
Unthinkable
Do you enjoy nice, romantic, light-hearted comedies, where you don’t have to worry about anything? Well, don’t watch Unthinkable, as that is as far from that as possible. Have you ever wondered, “Am I a truly good person with morals, compassion and overall good handle of what’s right and what’s wrong?” If so, watch this film and if it doesn’t shake you and your beliefs, no matter what you believe in, there is something wrong with you. This underseen, little-talked-about movie, Samuel L. Jackson is stretching his acting muscles, as he’s playing against his usual “cool, funny, relatable” persona and convinces you that he does in fact torture people for living. But only the bad, evil people, so that makes it good, right? You want to know how can I recommend this film? Simple. I have only seen it once, about 11 years ago now, and I still remember most of it. That’s how strong of an impression it made on me. If you are a fan of Jackson’s work and want to see him in a once-in-a-lifetime role, look no further. But brace yourself to be uncomfortable, to think about the… Unthinkable! Hey, that’s the title of the movie! (Luke Burian)
Kong: Skull Island
No stranger to playing the villain, Kong: Skull Island sees Samuel L. Jackson as Lieutenant Colonel Preston Packard, a helicopter squadron leader who’s just come out of the failed Vietnam war and seeks to do anything at all to avoid going home. While it’s a relatively minor role all things told — the movie of course focuses more on Kong and the titular island filled with all manner of nasty beasties — there’s plenty of room within the character to put in something of a portrayal of what it’s like to be a career soldier. There is a palpable sense of regret to Packard, unsure of what to do if not throw himself into the next mission, and when that next mission presents obstacles and resistance, Packard devolves to a man corrupted by a failed war and an abject refusal to fail again. In the background of Brie Larson’s anti-war journalist and Tom Hiddleston’s special forces operative struggling to survive the island and understand the nature of its ecosystem, Jackson’s Packard is a man with a point to prove; maybe even mostly to himself. (Chris Bakker)
Black Snake Moon
In the latter part of his career, it’s no secret Jackson sort of takes almost any work that comes his way. While he never seems to outwardly be phoning it in, he kind of gives off the same type of performance of those movies. Sometimes though, he digs deep and shows you why he’s one of the best in the business. I think Black Snake Moan is one such performance. The movie itself is not without its issues. It can feel borderline salacious with certain aspects of its content. That said, Jackson anchors the movie as the moral center. He carries a power with him that radiates from the screen. His posture and tonality feels very lived in. Not to mention, he plays the blues in one scene and it’s something I would recommend anyone to go watch on YouTube even if you don’t want to watch the movie. Black Snake Moan is not a movie I think I could ever bring myself to fully recommend to anyone without some hard warnings, but if you are in the mood for some quality and underseen Jackson performances, you might give this film a try. (Nashua Doll)
The Long Kiss Goodnight
Look, I love movies; all movies, from any era. But if I was forced to decide on a decade of films that I had to watch for the rest of my life, it would be the 1990s. Something was different back then. A Long Kiss Goodnight is a great example of that. It is exactly the type of movie you don’t see today. There was something about that era that bred movies of this caliber. On paper, the movie sounds like it would be ridiculous, and in a different time with different people, I guarantee it would have been. Yet, Geena Davis, Samuel L. Jackson, and director Renny Harlin completely sold this movie. The action set pieces are visceral and intense. Davis is giving a powerhouse performance, perfectly capturing the amnesiac wonder of how she is capable of performing certain tasks and then transitioning to her past, hardcore self. Jackson is actually playing a bit against type in the supporting role, but his ever-present charisma onscreen makes him a joy to watch. He has immediate chemistry with Davis, and together they hold the movie together completely. If you haven’t had the privilege of watching this joy of a film, I would highly recommend it. Oh, and it’s also a Christmas movie, so that is a perk. (Nashua Doll)
Also See: Deep Blue Sea, Spiral, The Negotiator, Kingsman: The Secret Service
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