17 Samuel L. Jackson Roles That Prove His Incredible Range on Screen

17 Samuel L. Jackson Roles That Prove His Incredible Range on Screen

Samuel L. Jackson’s filmography is nothing short of a masterclass in versatility. Over the decades, he has stepped into roles that cross genres, tones, and cultural eras, each time leaving a lasting impression. From explosive blockbusters to quiet, character-driven dramas, his performances reveal both fearless choices and subtle nuance. These 17 roles represent the breadth of his creativity and the magnetic screen presence that has made him one of cinema’s most enduring and influential actors.

1. Jules Winnfield – Pulp Fiction (1994)

From the moment you hear him recite Ezekiel 25:17, Jules Winnfield commands the screen with philosophical ferocity. Samuel L. Jackson’s delivery is electric, blending humor, menace, and an uncanny knack for monologues that leave audiences quoting him decades later.

This role became a cultural touchstone, earning Jackson an Oscar nomination and cementing his partnership with Quentin Tarantino. Jules’ soul-searching amidst violence is unforgettable, illustrating Jackson’s ability to oscillate between levity and intensity within a single scene.

Few film characters are as quoted or as distinct. Pulp Fiction’s nonlinear narrative gave Jackson ample space to shine, making Jules one of cinema’s most enduring anti-heroes.

2. Stephen – Django Unchained (2012)

Stephen’s facade masks a labyrinth of manipulation and cold calculation; Jackson’s chilling transformation in Django Unchained is a revelation. With every sidelong glance and slippery drawl, he crafts a character who is both pitiable and terrifying.

Playing against type, Jackson brings layers to a role that could have easily been one-dimensional. He’s both the enforcer and subverter of the house’s brutal order, wielding power through words and whispers.

Shockingly, he remains among the most unsettling figures in Tarantino’s universe. Audiences may find themselves both appalled and transfixed, testament to Jackson’s willingness to embrace darkness and complexity.

3. Stacks Edwards – Goodfellas (1990)

Stacks Edwards might be a small player in Goodfellas, but Jackson’s easy cool makes him pop off the screen. He’s the musician who gets caught up in mob business, and his short stint is punctuated by humor and fatal carelessness.

In just a few scenes, Jackson’s charisma makes Stacks memorable among a sea of tough guys. The character’s fate is a cautionary tale.

Yet Stacks’ swagger lingers, serving as a precursor to Jackson’s later, scene-stealing roles. This early appearance hinted at the magnetic presence Jackson would soon bring to Hollywood’s biggest films.

4. Ray Arnold – Jurassic Park (1993)

Hold onto your butts—Ray Arnold’s signature line set the tone for chaos in Jurassic Park. Jackson’s understated performance as the park’s chief engineer brings calm authority to a world unraveling.

He manages to convey mounting tension with a simple glance, providing crucial exposition without ever feeling flat. Fans recall his mix of no-nonsense professionalism and dry humor, especially as the dinos close in.

Though his screen time is brief, the memory of Arnold’s final moments and signature cigarette is burned into pop culture, thanks to Jackson’s quietly compelling delivery.

5. Elijah Price/Mr. Glass – Unbreakable (2000)

Nicknamed Mr. Glass for his fragile bones, Elijah Price is a tragic, cerebral antagonist. Jackson transforms him into a haunting figure obsessed with comic book mythology, radiating vulnerability and sinister intellect.

His performance is all about restraint—every gesture and word deliberate, haunting. Through Elijah, Jackson reframes the traditional villain, blending pathos, obsession, and a touch of eerie sympathy.

Unbreakable’s psychological underpinnings would falter without Jackson’s ability to make viewers question whether to fear or pity Mr. Glass, making this role a modern classic.

6. Ordell Robbie – Jackie Brown (1997)

Ordell Robbie enters scenes with a swagger that’s both comical and dangerous. Samuel L. Jackson embodies the arms dealer’s charisma and ruthless intent, making every word drip with sly confidence.

He’s a puppet master, orchestrating chaos with a smile that never reveals his whole plan. Even in moments of violence or betrayal, Ordell feels strangely magnetic—an anti-hero you almost root for.

Quentin Tarantino gave Jackson plenty to work with, and he delivers a performance that feels unpredictable, slick, and totally unforgettable. Ordell is the ultimate hustler with a sharp tongue.

7. Carl Lee Hailey – A Time to Kill (1996)

How far would you go to protect your family? Jackson’s portrayal of Carl Lee Hailey brings this question to life with raw emotional force. His courtroom speeches pulse with heartbreak, rage, and a father’s unyielding love.

Jackson grounds the film’s most intense moments, transforming a legal thriller into a personal journey of justice and desperation. The emotional weight he carries is palpable, drawing audiences deep into Carl Lee’s moral conflict.

This role stands as one of Jackson’s most stirring, where the line between right and wrong blurs in the heat of human tragedy. Few roles have showcased his depth so powerfully.

8. Mace Windu – Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith (2005)

Among the galaxy’s most respected Jedi is Mace Windu, whose purple lightsaber became a pop culture sensation. Jackson infuses Windu with quiet authority, never needing to shout to command respect.

His presence brings gravitas to the Jedi Council, while his stoic wisdom sets him apart from the chaos surrounding him. The purple saber—Jackson’s request—added a unique edge.

Windu’s final confrontation is a showcase of both acting and action, confirming Jackson’s place in the Star Wars pantheon. He’s the Jedi you want leading the charge, calm and ever ready for battle.

9. Major Marquis Warren – The Hateful Eight (2015)

In a blizzard-besieged cabin, Major Marquis Warren is both detective and provocateur. Jackson’s performance balances biting humor with simmering anger, never letting the audience relax.

He dissects lies as skillfully as he handles his gun, always a step ahead of the treacherous company around him. Tarantino’s script gives Warren space for darkly comic monologues and moral ambiguity.

It’s a role that lets Jackson stretch between suspense and satire, making Major Warren the tense heartbeat of this Western mystery. It stands as one of his richest late-career performances, layered with menace and wit.

10. Frozone – The Incredibles (2004)

Frozone quickly became a fan favorite, thanks in part to one unforgettable line: “Where is my super suit?” Jackson’s voice work infuses this animated hero with effortless cool, humor, and a dose of domestic reality.

He’s the superhero next door, juggling epic battles and marital banter. Jackson’s comedic timing and warmth shine, making Frozone instantly relatable—more friend than myth.

Pixar’s animators leaned into Jackson’s cadence, creating a character that leaps off the screen, proving the actor’s versatility even without a physical presence. Frozone’s popularity speaks volumes.

11. Zeus Carver – Die Hard: With a Vengeance (1995)

Zeus Carver doesn’t flinch when chaos finds him; he runs headfirst into it. Jackson’s portrayal of the streetwise store owner swept up in a terrorist plot provides perfect counterbalance to Bruce Willis’s John McClane.

Witty, brash, and fearless, Zeus bounces sharp one-liners off every threat, his skepticism giving way to genuine partnership. The chemistry between Jackson and Willis is electric, making their reluctant camaraderie the film’s heart.

Zeus’s quick thinking and integrity drive the action, showing Jackson’s knack for elevating buddy-cop dynamics to new heights.

12. Gator Purify – Jungle Fever (1991)

With Gator Purify, Jackson captured the heartbreak and chaos of addiction so authentically that critics could hardly believe their eyes. The role, dark and painfully human, earned him a special honor at Cannes.

Gator’s every move is unpredictable; he dances, pleads, and deceives, leaving viewers torn between sympathy and frustration. Jackson’s performance is uncompromising—a raw nerve on screen.

For many, Gator marked the moment Jackson stopped being a supporting actor and became a force to be reckoned with, forever changing his career.

13. Big Don – True Romance (1993)

Though Big Don’s time in True Romance is brief, Jackson’s energy leaves a lasting impression. His quick-witted, streetwise persona brings a bolt of electricity to the film’s opening scenes.

In a Tarantino-penned script, every word counts, and Jackson makes each one pop with attitude. Big Don’s humor and confidence, though short-lived, echo long after his exit.

It’s a cameo that proves a great actor can make even the smallest part impossible to forget. Jackson’s knack for memorable introductions is in full force here.

14. Nick Fury – The Avengers (2012)

With a look as sharp as his wit, Nick Fury commands superheroes—and the audience—with equal ease. Jackson’s cool authority anchors the Avengers, giving the Marvel Cinematic Universe its connective tissue.

Every appearance as Fury is laced with strategic cunning and just enough warmth to keep fans guessing his next move. The eye patch was Jackson’s idea, immediately iconizing the character.

Across countless films, Fury remains the backbone of the MCU, proving Jackson’s ability to create enduring pop culture icons in any genre.

15. Trevor Garfield – One Eight Seven (1997)

Few teachers face what Trevor Garfield endures, and Jackson’s portrayal delivers all the grit and exhaustion of a man pushed to the edge. He imbues Garfield with quiet resolve and haunted vulnerability.

Each lesson is a battle, each day a test of conscience, as violence and hope clash in the classroom. Jackson balances despair and determination, refusing to let tragedy define Garfield’s spirit.

The role stands as a reminder that heroism sometimes looks like simply showing up, even when the odds seem insurmountable.

16. Danny Roman – The Negotiator (1998)

When trust collapses, Danny Roman’s only weapon is his voice. Jackson’s portrayal of the embattled police negotiator accused of corruption is a masterclass in suspense and controlled desperation.

Every conversation is a chess match, every pause loaded with implication. Jackson’s intensity never lets up, making the audience question where guilt and innocence actually lie.

Working opposite Kevin Spacey, he crafts a standoff that’s as psychological as it is physical. Roman’s fight for truth pulses through every scene.

17. Heist-World Cameo – Out of Sight (1998)

With a wink and a knowing grin, Jackson strolls into the world of Out of Sight for a brief, scene-stealing cameo. His appearance, though fleeting, instantly ramps up the cool factor of the heist film’s finale.

He brings streetwise charm and a hint of mischief, reminding viewers that even in minutes, he can own the room. This moment is a gift to fans of his earlier crime roles.

It’s proof that sometimes, the best surprises come in the smallest packages—Jackson’s versatility on display in a matter of seconds.