What is the best Samuel L. Jackson role of all time?

From philosophical hitmen to wisecracking handlers, this filmography spans every flavor of cool, dangerous, and magnetic that one actor can achieve. Cast your vote!

1

Jules Winnfield — Pulp Fiction

The philosophical, Bible-quoting hitman in Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction (1994), widely considered one of cinema's greatest characters.

2

Ordell Robbie — Jackie Brown

The charming but lethal arms dealer in Tarantino's Jackie Brown (1997), showcasing Jackson's ability to be magnetic and menacing simultaneously.

3

Stephen — Django Unchained

The complex, manipulative house slave in Django Unchained (2012) who serves as one of the film's primary antagonists.

4

Elijah Price — Unbreakable

The brilliant but fragile supervillain in M. Night Shyamalan's Unbreakable (2000), believing comic books reveal humanity's hidden truth.

5

Major Marquis Warren — The Hateful Eight

The Union soldier-turned-bounty hunter in Tarantino's The Hateful Eight (2015), navigating a deadly blizzard and a room full of lies.

6

Nick Fury — MCU

The eye-patched director of S.H.I.E.L.D. across the Marvel Cinematic Universe, tying together the entire Avengers franchise.

7

Carl Lee Hailey — A Time to Kill

The father seeking justice for his assaulted daughter in A Time to Kill (1996), delivering a gut-punch performance in the emotional courtroom drama.

8

Coach Carter

The real-life high school basketball coach in Coach Carter (2005) who locks his undefeated team out of the gym to enforce academic standards.

9

Zeus Carver — Die Hard with a Vengeance

The reluctant Harlem shopkeeper forced to partner with Bruce Willis in Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995) to stop a city-wide bombing plot.

10

Shaft

The cool, streetwise private detective reimagined in the 2000 update of the classic blaxploitation role for a new generation.

11

Valentine — Kingsman

The lisping tech billionaire main villain in Kingsman: The Secret Service (2015), delightfully over-the-top and menacing.

12

Mace Windu — Star Wars

The senior Jedi Council member wielding a distinctive purple lightsaber across the Star Wars prequel trilogy.

13

Gator — Jungle Fever

The drug-addicted, charming-but-dangerous brother in Jungle Fever (1991), an early breakout performance that launched Jackson's career.

14

Darius Kincaid — The Hitman's Bodyguard

The flamboyant, foul-mouthed hitman in The Hitman's Bodyguard (2017) who needs protection despite being the deadliest man in the room.