Summary
- Samuel L. Jackson’s iconic movie roles showcase his ability to steal the screen, even in brief appearances.
- Moments like “Hold onto your butts” in
Jurassic Park
define Jackson’s charisma and impact on popular culture. - From intense dramas to animated films, Jackson’s versatility and acting chops shine through in every role.
Warning: Article Mentions Slavery and Racism.Samuel L. Jackson is one of the most iconic actors of modern times, with the ability to appear as naturally in a billion-dollar blockbuster as he does in a movie on a smaller, more intimate scale. Jackson has a host of incredible movie roles, a statement highlighted by the fact that he is the highest-grossing actor of all time (via EverPresent). However, it is certain moments involving his characters within these movies that have made him such a great actor.
Over his prolific career, Jackson has demonstrated his ability to constantly steal the screen, even if he isn’t the star of the movie. It is moments like these, whether his characters are talking about the Bible or fighting a Sith lord, that have come to define Jackson and his influence as an actor. Each of these moments are essential, not just because of how they’ve impacted Jackson’s career, but for their wider impact on popular culture as a whole.
10 “Hold Onto Your Butts”
Jurassic Park (1993)
Jackson’s role as Ray Arnold in Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park may be very brief, but it’s certainly become one of his most memorable. As the chief engineer of the park, Arnold is tasked with shutting down the entire system and resetting it following Dennis Nedry’s (Wayne Knight) electrical sabotage. In a moment that encapsulates the signature coolness that Jackson brings to any role, Arnold shuts down the system, and then, before flipping the switch that would turn it back on, utters one of the most iconic lines of the movie:
“Hold onto your butts”
Not only is this moment an essential in Jackson’s filmography because of its incredible quotability, but because of how, in just four words, it summarizes the very essence of Jurassic Park. There is a fine line being tread between control and chaos up until this point in the movie, and, at one of the more hopeless moments, Jackson’s charisma shines through as a way to add humor to Jurassic Park‘s otherwise tension-filled story. This phrase has since become a staple of pop culture, a testament to Jackson’s incredible cinematic legacy.
Jurassic Park PG-13AdventureSci-Fi Where to Watch
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Huge advancements in scientific technology have enabled a mogul to create an island full of living dinosaurs. John Hammond has invited four individuals, along with his two grandchildren, to join him at Jurassic Park. But will everything go according to plan? A park employee attempts to steal dinosaur embryos, critical security systems are shut down and it now becomes a race for survival with dinosaurs roaming freely over the island.
Cast Sam Neill , Laura Dern , Jeff Goldblum , Richard Attenborough , Bob Peck , Martin Ferrero Director Steven Spielberg Release Date June 11, 1993 Writers Michael Crichton , David Koepp Runtime 127 minutes Main Genre Action-Adventure Expand
9 Chicks Who Love Guns
Jackie Brown (1997)
In Quentin Tarantino’s Jackie Brown, Jackson plays Ordell Robbie, an arms dealer based in Los Angeles. While the movie itself may not be one of Tarantino’s nor Jackson’s most popular, this doesn’t stop Jackson bringing life to the ruthless villain. In one of Jackie Brown‘s most memorable scenes, Ordell and Louis (Robert De Niro) are watching a rather exploitative infomercial called “Chicks Who Love Guns”, featuring bikini-clad women showcasing various firearms.
If another actor had been cast as Ordell, this scene would not have been as effective in portraying the antagonist as calm and nonchalant, but with a layer of true villainy that is never far from the surface.
It’s an unsettling scene to watch, made all the more sinister by Ordell’s glee as he lists the pros and cons of each gun on the TV. It’s one of Jackson’s most essential movie moments, as it highlights the dynamism that the actor can bring to the screen. The juxtaposition of the lightheartedness of the TV compared with the very menacing reality of Ordell’s trade and behavior is on full display here. If another actor had been cast as Ordell, this scene would not have been as effective in portraying the antagonist as calm and nonchalant, but with a layer of true villainy that is never far from the surface.
Jackie Brown RThrillerDramaCrime Where to Watch
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Cast Bridget Fonda , Michael Keaton , Robert Forster , Pam Grier , Samuel L. Jackson , Robert De Niro Director Quentin Tarantino Release Date December 25, 1997 Writers Quentin Tarantino Studio(s) MiraMax Distributor(s) MiraMax Runtime 154 minutes Expand
8 Ken Carter Introduces Himself To The Basketball Team
Coach Carter (2005)
In one of his many starring roles, Jackson plays Ken Carter in Coach Carter, a man tasked with coaching his old high school’s basketball team. Carter takes a unique approach to coaching, insisting that his team meets various academic standards if they want to secure their place. The scene where Carter is introduced to the basketball team stands out as one of Jackson’s most endearing movie moments, highlighting the character’s uncompromising principles with the perfect blend of humor and charisma.
This is an essential moment for Jackson as an actor, as it showcases his ability to fit into a scene that sets up both high stakes and a compelling narrative for whatever movie he is in. Carter makes it clear what he expects from the basketball team – respect and accountability chief among them. In a particularly good moment in this scene, Carter states that if the team wants to know his credentials, they should look at the wall of All-American champions behind them. It’s one of the best character introductions in movie history, and wouldn’t have been possible without Jackson’s unique blend of humor with maturity.
7 “I’m Thirsty”
The Incredibles (2004)
Jackson’s voice-acting role as Frozone in Pixar’s The Incredibles is one of the actor’s most beloved, with the “Where is my super suit?” scene becoming one of the movie’s most iconic. However, it is not that is the actor’s best from the movie, that award goes to the moment when both Frozone and Mr. Incredible are cornered by police after supposedly robbing a jewelry store. Frozone, with that undeniable air of coolness that audiences can expect from Jackson, asks the officer politely if he can have a drink of water, and, after taking a sip, he freezes him.
This moment is one of the coolest of The Incredibles, and of Jackson’s career. Considering the movie was animated, Jackson still managed to show his acting chops extraordinarily well here, highlighting his ability to adapt to a wide range of movies, including in animation. Jackson’s line delivery is on-point here, cementing himself as one of the highlights of The Incredibles, and has resonated with audiences of all ages as a result.
The Incredibles PGAnimationAdventureActionFamily Where to Watch
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Cast Sarah Vowell , Samuel L. Jackson , Craig T. Nelson , Spencer Fox , Holly Hunter , Jason Lee Director Brad Bird Release Date November 5, 2004 Writers Brad Bird Studio(s) Disney Distributor(s) Disney Runtime 115 minutes Expand
6 Stephen Mourns Candie
Django Unchained (2012)
In a movie full of great performances from incredible actors, Jackson’s supporting role as the enslaved Stephen in Django Unchained manages to stand out. When his master, Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio), is shot and killed, Stephen cries out in anguish and immediately runs across the room to cradle Candie’s dead body. It’s a disturbing moment, initially coming across as humorous, before the real implications of Stephen’s grief for the man who enslaved him set in for audiences.
It’s a moment that leaves a lasting impact on Django Unchained‘s narrative and legacy, exploring power, race, and identity. Without Candie, Stephen risks losing his rather privileged status in his household, and Jackson brings this moment of unexpected grief to life in an exceptional way. It’s a haunting reminder of the legacy of slavery in the US, with Jackson’s incredible performance, particularly in this moment, adding a twisted layer of intrigue to the racial dynamics at play in Django Unchained.
Django Unchained RAdventureDramaWesternComedy Where to Watch
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Cast Leonardo DiCaprio , Jonah Hill , Samuel L. Jackson , Jamie Foxx , Kerry Washington , Christoph Waltz Director Quentin Tarantino Release Date December 25, 2012 Writers Quentin Tarantino Studio(s) Sony Distributor(s) Sony Runtime 165 Minutes Main Genre Western Expand
5 Killing Harry Hart
Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014)
When Jackson’s character Richmond Valentine is first introduced to audiences in Kingsman: The Secret Service, he is depicted as an over-the-top satirical movie villain with no true murderous qualities. Valentine even despises violence and gets squeamish at the sight of blood. In one of the most shocking scenes of the movie, Valentine shoots Harry Hart (Colin Firth) in the head, delivering a message to the audience that he should be taken seriously as a genuine threat.
Jackson’s role as Valentine, and this moment in particular, is a quintessential example of the actor’s incredible ability to blur the line between humor and drama throughout his illustrious career.
Without Jackson’s performance, this moment would not have had the same impact. It’s an essential part of his acting career, with Valentine’s shocked and emotional response to what he has just done being brought to life by Jackson. Jackson’s role as Valentine, and this moment in particular, is a quintessential example of the actor’s incredible ability to blur the line between humor and drama throughout his illustrious career.
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Cast Michael Caine , Taron Egerton , Colin Firth , Mark Hamill , Samuel L. Jackson , Mark Strong Director Matthew Vaughn Release Date February 13, 2015 Writers Matthew Vaughn , Jane Goldman Studio(s) 20th Century Distributor(s) 20th Century Runtime 2h 10m Expand
4 “Things Are Not What They Seem”
The Negotiator (1998)
In The Negotiator, Jackson plays Danny Roman, a man who works for the Chicago Police Department as a hostage negotiator. A truly underrated classic of Jackson’s filmography, his role as Danny brings the actor to new, dramatic heights as he fights to clear his name and uncover a widespread conspiracy that involves numerous elites within the force. His performance is at its peak in a tense confrontation with fellow negotiator Chris Sabian (Kevin Spacey), with the two going head-to-head in a game of manipulation and negotiation.
Jackson’s dramatic acting abilities are on full display at this moment. There are no light-hearted quips, no signs of that signature Jackson charisma, just an intense standoff. This is what makes this movie moment essential in Jackson’s filmography, as it shows the actor escaping the typecast of protagonists whose stories are told with humor woven in. It is a confrontation that showcases Jackson’s chameleon-like skills to bring a gritty edge to any role he takes on.
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Cast Samuel L. Jackson , Kevin Spacey , David Morse , Ron Rifkin , John Spencer , Paul Giamatti , J. T. Walsh Director F. Gary Gray Release Date July 29, 1998 Writers James DeMonaco , Kevin Fox Studio(s) Regency Enterprises , Mandeville Films , New Regency , Taurus Films Distributor(s) Warner Bros. Runtime 139 Minutes Expand
3 Windu Vs. Palpatine
Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge Of The Sith (2005)
Jackson’s portrayal of Mace Windu in the Star Wars prequel trilogy is one of the actor’s most iconic roles, but it is in the third installment, Revenge of the Sith, where the character truly gets to shine. His lightsaber duel with Chancellor Sheev Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid) during the movie’s climax is one of the greatest fights in the entire Star Wars franchise. There is a blend of excellent choreography and dramatic stakes, with Windu almost defeating Palpatine if Anakin (Hayden Christensen) hadn’t betrayed him.
Jackson portrayed Windu as a beacon of calm, calculated, wisdom throughout the prequels, and this coolness is on display even when he is dueling a Sith lord. Windu’s composure, brought to life by Jackson, expertly juxtaposes the chaotic fighting style of Palpatine, elevating the intensity of the lightsaber duel. Combining this with Windu’s signature purple lightsaber (which Jackson himself asked George Lucas for), this duel is certainly one of Jackson’s most iconic, and essential, movie moments.
Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith PG-13ActionAdventure Sci-FiFantasy Where to Watch
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Director George Lucas Release Date May 19, 2005 Studio(s) Lucasfilm Writers George Lucas , John Ostrander , Jan Duursema Cast Ewan McGregor , Natalie Portman , Hayden Christensen , Ian McDiarmid , Samuel L. Jackson , Christopher Lee , Anthony Daniels , Kenny Baker , Frank Oz , Ahmed Best , Temuera Morrison Runtime 140 Minutes Expand
2 The Start Of The Avengers Initiative
Iron Man (2008)
When Jackson first appeared as Nick Fury in the post-credits scene of Iron Man, it is doubtful that he could imagine just how consequential this cameo would be. Looking back upon it, this short scene where Fury first tells Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr) about the Avengers initiative is probably one of the most significant moments in modern cinematic history. With just a few well-spoken words, Fury and Jackson helped launch the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the largest interconnected franchise in history.
With just a few well-spoken words, Fury and Jackson helped launch the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the largest interconnected franchise in history.
Jackson reappears as Fury multiple times in different MCU installments, but without this particular moment, it’s arguable that the franchise would not have been as successful. Of course, Jackson’s performance is on-point as always, but it is the legacy of this moment, that continues to launch new MCU projects to this day, that makes it such an essential part of his movie career. Stoic and authoritative, Iron Man‘s post-credit scene cemented Jackson’s role as Fury to be the crucial overarching character of the entire franchise.
Iron Man PG-13 Sci-FiActionAdventure Where to Watch
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Director Jon Favreau Release Date May 2, 2008 Studio(s) Marvel Studios Writers Matt Holloway , Art Marcum , Hawk Ostby , Mark Fergus Cast Robert Downey Jr. , Jeff Bridges , Gwyneth Paltrow , Terrence Howard , Leslie Bibb , Shaun Toub , Clark Gregg , Paul Bettany Distributor(s) Paramount Pictures Runtime 126 minutes Main Genre Superhero Expand
1 The Diner Conversation
Pulp Fiction (1994)
Jules Winnfield is perhaps Jackson’s most famous and acclaimed role of all time. In Pulp Fiction, Jules’ shot at redemption is one of the overarching messages that adds to the movie’s rich themes. In the final scene of the movie, Jules is held up by Pumpkin (Tim Roth) at a diner, with Jackson’s calming and cool presence permeating this particular moment. After overpowering Pumpkin and holding him at gunpoint, Jules expresses his dissatisfaction with his life of crime, and recites the Bible passage (Ezekiel 25:17) that he has spoken numerous times throughout Pulp Fiction already.
Jackson’s performance as Jules in this scene is as sharp and witty as Tarantino’s dialogue that accompanies it, and is undeniably Samuel L. Jackson’s most essential movie moment of all time.
It’s a near-perfect movie scene. Jackson’s presence is felt even in moments of silence, with his intensity solidifying Jules as one of the most iconic movie characters of all time. The actor controls the scene simply by talking candidly, although his wielding of a gun
probably helps. Jackson’s performance as Jules in this scene is as sharp and witty as Tarantino’s dialogue that accompanies it, and is undeniably Samuel L. Jackson’s most essential movie moment of all time.
Sources: EverPresent.
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Director Quentin Tarantino Release Date October 14, 1994 Studio(s) A Band Apart , Jersey Films Writers Quentin Tarantino Cast John Travolta , Bruce Willis , Ving Rhames , Samuel L. Jackson , Uma Thurman , Christopher Walken , Tim Roth , Harvey Keitel , Eric Stoltz , Rosanna Arquette Runtime 154 minutes Main Genre Crime Expand