Summary
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Samuel L. Jackson’s iconic movie roles showcase his ability to steal the screen, even in brief appearances.
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Moments like “hold onto your butts” in Jurassic Park Define Jackson’s charisma and impact on popular culture.
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From intense dramas to animated films, Jackson’s versatility and acting chops shine 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 common in a billion-dollar blockbuster as in a movie on a smaller, more intimate scale. Jackson has had a number of incredible movie roles, a statement highlighted by the fact that he is the highest-grossing actor of all time (via EverPresent). However, there are certain moments with his characters in the movies that made him such a great actor.
Jackson has demonstrated his ability to constantly steal the screen, even if he is not the star of the movie. It’s 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 they impacted Jackson’s career, but for their broader impact on popular culture as a whole.
10
“Hold on to your bats”
Jurassic Park (1993)
Jackson’s role as Ray Arnold in Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park It may be very short, but it certainly became one of his most memorable. As the chief engineer of the park, Arnold is tasked with shutting down the entire system and resetting it after Dennis Nedry (Wayne Knight)’s 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 movie’s most iconic lines:
“keep on your butt”
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 sums up the very essence of Jurassic Park. There’s a fine line between control and chaos up to this point in the movie, and, in one of the more lost moments, Jackson’s charisma shines through as a way to add humor to Jurassic ParkIt’s a different suspense-filled story. The phrase has since become a staple of pop culture, a testament to Jackson’s incredible cinematic legacy.
9
Chicks who love guns
Jackie Brown (1997)
In Quentin Tarantino Jackie BrownJackson plays Ordell Robbie, an arms dealer based in Los Angeles. Although the movie itself may not be one of Tarantino and Jackson’s most popular, that doesn’t stop Jackson from bringing life to the ruthless villain. in one of Jackie BrownIn the most memorable scenes, Ordell and Louis (Robert De Niro) watch a rather exploitative documentary called “Chicks Who Love Guns”, featuring bikini-clad women displaying various firearms.
If another actor had been cast as Ordell, the 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 uncomfortable scene to watch, made even worse by Ordell’s glee as he lists the pros and cons of every gun on the TV. This is 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 television compared to the very menacing reality of Ordell’s dealings and behavior is on full display here. If another actor had been cast as Ordell, the 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.
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 CarterA man tasked with coaching his old high school basketball team. Carter takes a unique approach to coaching, insisting that his team meet various academic standards if they want to secure their spot. 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 shows his ability to fit into a scene that sets both high stakes and a compelling narrative for whatever movie he’s 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 says that if the team wants to know his credentials, they should look at the wall of All-American champions behind them. This is one of the best character introductions in movie historyAnd would not 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 becomes one of the most iconic in the movie. However, it is not the best actor of the movie, the award goes to the moment when both Frozone and Mr. Incredible are cornered by police after supposedly robbing a jewelry store. Frozone, with The undeniable air of coolness that audiences can expect from Jackson, the officer politely asks if he can drink water, and after taking a sip, he freezes him.
This moment is one of the coolest of The Incrediblesand of Jackson’s career. Considering that the movie is animated, Jackson still manages to show off his acting chops exceptionally 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 itself as one of the highlights of The IncrediblesAnd did The result resonated with audiences of all ages.
6
Steven Morne’s Candy
Django Unchained (2012)
In a movie full of great performances from incredible actors, Jackson’s supporting role as the enslaved Steven in Django Unchained Manages to stand out. When his master, Calvin Candy (Leonardo DiCaprio), is shot and killed, Stephen cries out in agony and immediately runs across the room to cradle Candy’s dead body. It’s a disturbing moment, initially coming off as humorous, before the real implications of Stephen’s grief for the man who enslaved him set themselves before the audience.
It is a moment that leaves a lasting impact on Django Unchaineds story and legacy, exploring power, race and identity. Without Candy, Stephen risks losing his very privileged status in his household, and Jackson brings this moment of unexpected grief to life in an exceptional way. It is a haunting reminder of the legacy of slavery in the US. Django Unchained.
5
Killing Harry Hart
Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014)
When Jackson’s character Richmond Valentine was first introduced to audiences in Kingsman: The Secret ServiceHe is depicted as an over-the-top satirical movie villain with no real murderous qualities. Valentine even despises violence and becomes squeamish at the sight of blood. In one of the movie’s most shocking scenes, 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 the same impact. It is an essential part of his acting career, with Valentine’s shocked and emotional response to what he has just done is 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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“They 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 involving many elites in 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 in this moment. There are no light-hearted quips, no signs of the 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 bring a gritty edge to any role he takes on.
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’s 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 climax of the movie is one of the greatest fights in the entire Star Wars franchise. It’s 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 over the odds, and that coolness is on display even when he’s dueling a Sith lord. Windu’s composition, brought to life by Jackson, expertly juxtaposes Palpatine’s chaotic fighting style, 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 surely one of Jackson’s most iconic and essential movie moments.
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The beginning of the Avengers initiative
Iron Man (2008)
When Jackson first appeared as Nick Fury in the post-credits scene of Iron ManIt’s doubtful he could have imagined just how consequential this cameo would be. When you look back on it, the 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 movie 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 several times in different MCU installments, but without this particular moment, it is arguable that the franchise would not have been as successful. Of course, Jackson’s performance is just like always, but it’s the legacy of that moment that continues to launch new MCU projects to this day, making it such an essential part of his movie career. stoic and authoritative, Iron ManThe post-credits scene cemented Jackson’s role as Fury to be the crucial overarching character of the entire franchise.
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The domestic conversation
Pulp Fiction (1994)
Jules Winnfield is perhaps Jackson’s most famous and acclaimed role of all time. in Pulp fictionJules’ shot at redemption is one of the overarching messages that adds to the rich themes of the movie. In the final scene of the movie, Jules is held up by Pumpkin (Tim Roth) in a diner, with Jackson’s calming and cool presence permitting 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 about many times. Pulp fiction Already.
Jackson’s performance as Jules in the 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 an almost 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 speaking sincerely, even though he is wielding a gun
Probably helps. Jackson’s performance as Jules in the 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.