Honestly, it’s hard to imagine a world where you can’t turn on a TV and find Samuel L. Jackson staring back at you. He’s basically the human personification of cinema at this point. If you look at any Samuel L Jackson movies list, you’re not just looking at a filmography; you’re looking at the history of the modern blockbuster.
He has appeared in over 150 movies. That’s a lot. Most actors are lucky to hit fifty. But Jackson? He’s been a Jedi, a super-spy, a hitman with a penchant for biblical verses, and even a crack addict who just wanted some help. He’s the highest-grossing actor of all time, with his films pulling in over $27 billion worldwide.
But here’s the thing: most people only know the tip of the iceberg. They know Nick Fury. They know the purple lightsaber. But they forget the grind it took to get there.
The Tarantino Connection and the Breakout Years
Before he was the guy calling the shots for the Avengers, Samuel L. Jackson was the guy everyone recognized but couldn't quite name. That changed in 1994. Pulp Fiction didn't just give us a cool movie; it gave us Jules Winnfield.
You’ve probably seen the meme of him holding a burger, right? That’s legendary. But his partnership with Quentin Tarantino goes way deeper than just one hit.
💡 You might also like: Ashley My 600 Pound Life Now: What Really Happened to the Show’s Most Memorable Ashleys
- Pulp Fiction (1994): The one that changed everything. He was nominated for an Oscar, and honestly, he probably should have won.
- Jackie Brown (1997): He played Ordell Robbie, a character so sleazy and dangerous it made your skin crawl.
- Django Unchained (2012): This was a controversial one. He played Stephen, the "house" slave who was arguably more villainous than the actual plantation owner.
- The Hateful Eight (2015): As Major Marquis Warren, he proved he could carry a Western just as well as a crime drama.
It's kinda wild how he jumps between these roles. One minute he's a cool-headed hitman, the next he's a terrifying antagonist. That's the Jackson magic.
The Franchises That Built a Billion-Dollar Legacy
You can’t talk about a Samuel L Jackson movies list without mentioning the big ones. The franchises.
First off, we have to talk about the MCU. He’s played Nick Fury in 11 Marvel Cinematic Universe films, starting with that tiny post-credits scene in Iron Man (2008). He’s the glue. Without Fury, there’s no Avengers. Simple as that. From Captain America: The Winter Soldier to The Marvels, he’s been the one consistent thing in an ever-changing universe.
Then there’s Star Wars. He famously asked George Lucas for a purple lightsaber so he could find himself in the massive arena battle in Attack of the Clones. It worked. Mace Windu is now one of the most iconic Jedi in the entire lore.
📖 Related: Album Hopes and Fears: Why We Obsess Over Music That Doesn't Exist Yet
And don’t forget the voice work! He’s Frozone in The Incredibles. "Where is my super suit?" is basically part of the cultural lexicon now.
Recent Hits and Future Moves (2024-2026)
Even in his 70s, the man isn't slowing down. In 2024, he voiced Vic in The Garfield Movie and starred in The Piano Lesson as Doaker Charles. He’s also slated for some big projects in 2025 and 2026, including The Unholy Trinity and Afterburn.
He’s also continued his long-standing collaboration with Spike Lee. They recently worked on Highest 2 Lowest, proving that the duo that started with School Daze (1988) and Jungle Fever (1991) is still going strong.
The Roles You Totally Forgot About
Everyone remembers the "Snakes on a Plane" guy. It’s a cult classic for a reason. But have you looked back at his early stuff lately?
👉 See also: The Name of This Band Is Talking Heads: Why This Live Album Still Beats the Studio Records
- Coming to America (1988): He’s the guy who tries to rob McDowell’s. Seriously. Go back and watch it.
- Goodfellas (1990): He’s Stacks Edwards. He gets offed pretty early, but he’s there.
- Jurassic Park (1993): He’s the chief engineer, Ray Arnold. You know, the "hold onto your butts" guy? Yeah, that’s him.
- True Romance (1993): A small but intense role as Big Don.
It's actually pretty cool to see how he moved from these tiny, character-actor roles to becoming the face of Hollywood. He didn't just get lucky; he worked his tail off.
Why We Keep Watching
There's a certain gravitas Jackson brings to the screen. Whether he’s in a big-budget Marvel flick or a gritty independent drama like Black Snake Moan, he’s always 100% committed.
He’s also a master of the cameo. He appeared in Out of Sight for free just because he liked the project. He’s the guy who shows up in Kill Bill: Vol. 2 as the piano player just for the fun of it.
Honestly, the Samuel L Jackson movies list is more than just a list of credits. It’s a testament to longevity in an industry that usually chews people up and spits them out. He’s survived the 80s, thrived in the 90s, dominated the 2000s, and is still the king of the box office in 2026.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you're looking to dive deeper into his massive filmography, don't just stick to the blockbusters.
- Watch the Spike Lee Collaborations: Start with Jungle Fever and Do the Right Thing to see his raw, early talent.
- Explore the Voice Roles: Beyond The Incredibles, check out his work in Afro Samurai. It’s a completely different vibe.
- Track the MCU Evolution: Watch his appearances in chronological order (starting with Captain Marvel) to see how the character of Nick Fury has aged and changed over decades of fictional history.
- Check Out the Newer Projects: Make sure to catch The Piano Lesson (2024) to see his more grounded, dramatic work that reminds everyone he’s a classically trained stage actor at heart.
The man is a legend for a reason. Whether he's shouting about snakes or quietly plotting the salvation of the world, Samuel L. Jackson remains the coolest guy in the room.