Anyone who has had the pleasure to witness Samuel L. Jackson's performances knows that when the veteran actor gets cast in any upcoming role, the part is most definitely in safe hands. He is one of the most widely recognized actors working today. Having begun his film career in 1972, Jackson has appeared in over 100 movies - many of which are critical and commercial successes, and the prolific actor’s filmography has grossed over $27 billion worldwide, thus making him the highest-grossing living live-action star in Hollywood. Jackson is also notable for using a particular expletive in nearly all of his onscreen appearances, and the word has become synonymous with the beloved actor more than anyone else in the entertainment industry.

Beginning his acting career in various stage plays back in the 1970s (and, oddly enough, as a stand-in for Bill Cosby on The Cosby Show), it wasn't long before the eventual star would get recognized. He was first hired on to play smaller supporting parts in many successful projects after first working with Spike Lee in 1988, appearing briefly in everything from Goodfellas to Jurassic Park. Scoring his first leading role in National Lampoon's Loaded Weapon I, Jackson began catching the eyes of established directors such as Steven Spielberg and Quentin Tarantino and would gradually go on to become the highest-grossing actor of all time.

Update July 7, 2023: In honor of the release of Secret Invasion, this list has been updated with even more great moments from Samuel L. Jackson.

Being known for his loud and authoritative on-screen demeanor, there's no shortage of triumphs in Jackson's long and impeccable career. From playing hardened criminals, superheroes, or just a man who likes to yell expletives, there are many iconic scenes that come to mind due to the actor's distinctive skills in demanding the audience's attention. Having received an honorary Academy Award, his first and long overdue Oscar, let's look back on the most memorable moments over the past few decades of Samuel L. Jackson's unmatched film history.

Spoiler Alert: Important plot points for each film will be discussed.

14 “Hold on to your butts” - Jurassic Park

Samuel L. Jackson as Ray in Jurassic Park
Universal Pictures

Kicking off our list is Steven Spielberg’s 1993 classic film, Jurassic Park, the adaptation of the 1990 Michael Crichton novel, and it centers on a group of scientists and engineers combating dinosaurs at the iconic Jurassic Park. Although Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, and Richard Attenborough comprise the movie’s central cast, Jackson’s brief yet poignant role stands out. In Park, Jackson plays John “Ray” Arnold, an amalgamation of his novelization’s character and the film’s, and he is Jurassic Park’s chief engineer.

The main cast seeks out the bespectacled chain-smoking Ray and pleads for him to shut down the park’s power and reboot it so they can escape the park. Although initially against the idea, Ray relents and quips, “Hold on to your butts,” before rebooting the control systems. Even though the one-liner is appropriate for the situation, it’s also funny as it’s unexpected, and the origins of the memorable line make it even more iconic.

13 Evil Lisp - Kingsman: The Secret Service

Samuel L. Jackson as Valentine in Kingsman: The Secret Service
20th Centtury Fox

Matthew Vaughn’s 2015 spy action comedy Kingsman: The Secret Service was an unexpected smash when it hit theaters. In addition to Jackson, Kingsman starred Taron Egerton, Colin Firth, Sofia Boutella, Michael Caine, and Mark Strong in some of the most unique roles of their respective careers. An homage to the James Bond franchise, Kingsman was appreciated by fans of the classic series, and with the movie’s $414.4 worldwide box-office gross, more entries in the franchise were guaranteed. Jackson plays the villainous Richmond Valentine, a tech genius, pacifist, and billionaire hell-bent on “saving” the world with his vast resources and latest SIM card technology.

One of Valentine’s distinct traits is the character’s lisp, an idea of Jackson’s that made the character just as funny as he was terrifying. According to Jackson, one of the reasons he decided on Valentine’s speech impediment was because he grew up with a stutter, and after realizing people wouldn’t take him as seriously as those without one, he decided he would have to work twice as hard to be shown respect. Even though Valentine perishes by the film’s conclusion, his hipster attire and lisp helped him stand out in a movie otherwise filled with massive talent and colorful characters.

12 Continuing the Legacy - Shaft

Samuel L. Jackson as John Shaft in Shaft
Paramount Pictures

The great late John Singleton had his work cut out for him when making his 2000 action crime thriller Shaft starring Jackson, and Singleton’s version was partially a reboot of and a sequel to the 1971 Richard Roundtree-led film directed by Gordon Parks. Singleton’s version saw the former police officer turned private eye combating Dominican drug lord Peoples Hernandez (brilliantly played by acting virtuoso Jeffrey Wright) as well as navigating the politics of police corruption. Shaft is one of the most iconic characters in cinema as he represented Black masculinity, embodied sexual prowess, and was a symbolic representation of combating racism aimed at African-Americans.

Despite the movie’s mixed reception and the difficulties behind the scenes, Shaft proved to be a commercial success, with Jackson and Wright’s performances being among the movie’s highlights, and would even contribute to a third Shaft movie in 2019. Audiences typically groan at the thought of classics being remade or rebooted, but Jackson delivers a sincere performance that pays homage to Parks’ vision and establishes the Singleton version as its own respectable piece of art.

11 Your Ass Used to be Beautiful - Jackie Brown

Jackie Brown Louis and Ordell
Miramax

Another spoiler alert: Quentin Tarantino movies will be a common thread throughout this list; when speaking on the career heights of Samuel L. Jackson, it's nearly impossible not to mention any of his Tarantino roles. In 1997's Jackie Brown, Jackson plays a Los Angeles-based arms dealer named Ordell Robbie who specializes in seedy dealings and thoughtless murder.

After tensions grow between Robbie and criminal associate Louis Gara (played by Robert De Niro), the latter finds himself shot by Jackson's character during a lengthy and tense conversation, filmed from behing in a long continuous shot. Robbie laments after the surprise shot to the gut that Gara "used to be beautiful," referring to his admirable history in crime, before finishing him off with a second shot inside the parked van. An exciting scene that, while far from being the only kill in the film, masterfully demonstrates Jackson's ability to naturally capture a character's frustrations and conflicting emotions, as well as being able to keep the audience on their toes at the same time.

10 Fish Food - Deep Blue Sea

Deep Blue Sea shark comes up and grabs Samuel L Jackson
Warner Bros.

A goofy and oft-forgotten science-fiction horror flick, Deep Blue Sea follows a team of scientists trapped in a remote underwater facility with genetically engineered sharks. Though it's a funny premise, the film is by no stretch 'good.' Released in 1999, it finds Samuel L. Jackson playing the corporate executive Russell Franklin, who is sent to the facility to investigate the violent happenings surrounding the sharks. With pretty sub-par CGI and a goofy plot, there are elements to enjoy about the movie, though most cite only a single scene when making references to it, and it happens to have Jackson.

Related: Samuel L. Jackson Reveals Why He Doesn't Think He Will Star in a DC Movie

While the characters are at their most panicked, Franklin steps up to deliver an inspiring speech, though in doing so happens to be standing right next to a submersible pool. Interrupting his call to action, a hilariously dated CGI shark emerges quickly from the water, clamping its digital jaw around Jackson and pulling him down into the depths. The death comes off as so sudden and quick that it stunned audiences, now being a commonly referenced scene when speaking about the actor's most memorable moments. Funnily enough, the scene may even exist due to Jackson's frustration with his awful lines, and a desire to cut his screen time short in this less-than-impressive sea-faring thriller. It remains one of the most out-of-the-'blue' and best movie death scenes.

9 Saving New York with John McClane - Die Hard with a Vengeance

Samuel L. Jackson as Zeus Carver in Die Hard with a Vengeance
20th Century Fox

Next is Jackson’s performance in John McTiernan’s 1995 sequel to the critically acclaimed action flicks Die Hard and Die Hard 2, Die Hard with a Vengeance. McTiernan’s pulse-pounding sequel takes place in New York City and sees Bruce Willis’s NYPD detective John McClane race against the clock to stop a terrorist organization from carrying out a series of bombings throughout New York. Jackson plays a small business owner named Zeus Carver, who also encourages his kids to focus on school and developing their self-sufficiency.

Zeus and McClane form an unlikely friendship and partnership after an awkward confrontation that sees them working tirelessly to thwart the terrorists and their plans. Zeus’ introduction shows audiences how compassionate and empathetic he is despite McClane’s issues being of no concern to him. Furthermore, Jackson’s work in Vengeance is notable as he and Willis have an undeniably infectious onscreen chemistry ladened with hilarious back-and-forth quips and memorable one-liners.

8 Stephen's Insight - Django Unchained

Samuel L. Jackson in Django Unchained (2012)
The Weinstein Company
Columbia Pictures

2012's Django Unchained presents Jackson as the despicable and conniving house slave named Stephen on a plantation in the 1800s. The film follows the exploits of a freed slave named Django and his German bounty-hunting acquaintance who take down the most sought-after criminals of the South. Finding out that Django's wife is being held as a slave at the 'Candyland' plantation, the duo set up a plan to free her by out-witting the infamous owner, Calvin Candie.

Jackson often stands aside to let Leonardo DiCaprio shine as Candie, though his role still carries with it a hate-filled and immoral demeanor. While Black, like those who are enslaved and suffering around him, Stephen doesn't bat an eye to their treatment and instead kicks up his feet, enjoying his position of relative comfort. Stephen is also fiercely loyal to the despicable Candie for being his ticket to the good life, and in a revealing scene, gives DiCaprio's character his insight on the fact that he's being fooled by the main duo. In doing this, Stephen convinces Candie that the two are only there for Django's wife and plan on escaping with her, setting off the eventual explosive conflict.

While the film sparked some controversy for its subject and dialogue, Jackson has remained a stark defender of Tarantino's Western. His performance is also fantastically done as the sneering Stephen (especially in this scene), being the real runner of the plantation behind closed doors, often more perceptive and witty than the man who owns him.

7 Mace Windu's Fall - Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith

Revenge of the Sith
20th Century Fox

The third in George Lucas' infamous Star Wars prequel trilogy, and to some the most underrated, Revenge of the Sith ties up the story of Anakin Skywalker's transition into becoming Darth Vader, as he slowly begins to betray the Jedi and fall to the dark side due to Emperor Palpatine's influence. Samuel L. Jackson was brought on to play the skilled Jedi Mace Windu in the trilogy, acting as a council member and masterful fighter.

The iconic scene in the 2005 action/adventure depicts Windu's showdown with the evil Palpatine after the reveal that the Emperor was pulling the strings to gain more power, all while convincing Anakin to turn to the dark side. Nearly taking down Palpatine, Mace Windu's success is cut short when a deceived Anakin steps in to defend the Emperor, giving Palpatine the chance to strike Windu with lightning, launching him out of the nearby window and to his death. The scene remained poignant for Star Wars fans as being a distinctive turning point in the Sith's favor and marking the death and final appearance of the beloved character, at least until Jackson returns as Mace Windu in a possible prequel.

6 Mr. Señor Love Daddy - Do the Right Thing

Samuel L. Jackson as Senor Mr. Love Daddy in Do the Right Thing
Universal Pictures

Spike Lee’s 1989 masterpiece Do the Right Thing follows Mookie Blackmon, an employee of Sal’s Famous Pizzeria, as he delivers pizza during the hottest day in New York. Along the way, Mookie encounters and interacts with many of the residents of Brooklyn’s Bed-Stuy neighborhood, and the themes of race, police brutality against African-American males, and one’s morality are explored. Although Jackson’s screen time is limited in Right Thing, he delivers one of the more memorable performances of his career as the story’s radio DJ, Mr. Señor Love Daddy.

As Love Daddy, Jackson speaks in a unique, repetitive rhythm in which every other word rhymes, and his voice in the story is one of brevity given the film’s heavy subject matter. One notable example is during the film’s second act when Mookie, Pino, and many of the other central characters break the fourth wall to deliver overtly racist insults aimed at each other before Love Daddy interjects by exclaiming, “Y’all take a chill! You need to cool that shit out! And that’s the double truth, Ruth!” In a sense, Love Daddy was the film’s narrator, but more importantly, he was a voice of reason, and when it called for it, Jackson’s delivery of certain lines was spoken with authority and conviction. In addition to Lee’s previous film School Daze, Jackson would collaborate with Lee on Jungle Fever, Mo’ Better Blues, Oldboy, and Chi-raq, thus solidifying the two artist’s status as legends.

5 There Was an Idea - The Avengers

Jackson Nick Fury MCU Marvel
Marvel Studios
Disney

Contributing greatly to Samuel L. Jackson's role as the highest-grossing actor of all time is his character in the massively successful Marvel Cinematic Universe, Nick Fury. Pulling the strings behind the scenes as the mysterious and all-knowing director of S.H.I.E.L.D., the cool-headed agent appears in nine films and is also responsible for assembling the team of Earth's mightiest heroes, The Avengers.

Related: Secret Invasion Trailer Breakdown: Action and Aliens Centered Around Nick Fury

During the ensemble's first film outing as a team in 2012, Fury's Avengers had difficulty getting along. After a particularly defeating series of events at the hands of Thor's brother, Loki, Fury gives a speech about the conception of the team, breaking it down to when it was merely an idea. The words used would often be quoted by fans of the series, finding magnitude in the scene from Jackson's performance and ability to convince both Steve Rogers and Tony Stark of what really matters and that there was more at stake than just egos. Jackson continues to perform as the character and is currently starring in Secret Invasion.

4 I Would Like To Talk To You About The Avengers Initiative - Iron Man

nick fury iron man post credits scene
Marvel Studios

Another MCU moment, but the one that started it all. Although it might be taken for granted nowadays, Fury’s after-credits cameo in John Favreau’s 2008 classic Iron Man was arguably responsible for jumpstarting what is now universally known as the MCU. Although the scene between Fury and Stark is brief, it hyped critics and audiences for the unprecedented cinematic experience that was yet to come and makes one wonder if the movie industry as we know it would exist without this scene. Its presence almost overnight changed the game, and now it feels odd to imagine movies without post-credit scenes.

Additionally, Jackson’s legendary career and widely recognizable visage were the influences behind Marvel Comics changing Fury’s design - if a universally beloved character being based on one’s likeness and an entire world of movies being birthed from said character merely mentioning a team being put together isn’t iconic, we don’t know what is

3 Where is My Super Suit? - The Incredibles

Frozone The Incredibles 2004 Disney
Walt Disney Pictures

With endless quotes and memes around the famous line, it's impossible to ignore Samuel L. Jackson's only voice-over role in this list, Frozone from 2004's The Incredibles. Being an ice-themed superhero and best friends with Bob Parr (father and figurehead of the titular super-family), Jackson's Frozone may be only a supporting role through most of the film, but the character still manages to make use of his limited screen time.

When a massive threat rears its ugly head within the city, Lucius Best, aka Frozone, knows it's time to dawn his suit and fight. Being unable to find his outfit, Best calls to his wife asking where the suit is, just to be dismissed when she demands they don't put off their dinner plans. While arguing that he needs the suit for "the greater good," he's reminded by his wife's rebuttal that she is the "greatest good he's ever going to get." The exchange was an incredibly down-to-Earth moment in an otherwise frantic animated climax, and is a favorite scene by many fans of the hit superhero family comedy.

2 I've Had It With These... - Snakes on a Plane

Samuel L. Jackson as Flynn in Snakes on a Plane
New Line Cinema 

Playing FBI agent Neville Flynn escorting a murder witness in a flight on its way to Los Angeles, Samuel L. Jackson hams it up as the lead in this action parody with a ridiculous and self-aware plot. A crate full of venomous snakes is planted on the plane, set to attack the passengers and leave no evidence behind as to who was responsible. The film follows the regular formula of people trapped in an unfortunate setting with killer creatures out to get them, but this time, it happens to be Snakes on a Plane.

The 2006 cult classic movie is widely enjoyed for its simple concept and over-the-top performances. None shine brighter than Jackson's Flynn, who provides what may be one of the most quotable lines in film history, perfectly capturing the absurdity of the set-up in a single sentence and being the part fans enjoy the most on repeated viewings. The actor still highly recommends the film and had even initially begged to be a part of it after just hearing the title.

1 Say 'What' Again and Ezekiel 25:17 Speech- Pulp Fiction

Samuel L. Jackson in a suit pointing a gun in Pulp Fiction
Miramax Films

Undoubtedly the role that cemented Jackson's place as a legendary talent, Pulp Fiction marks the first time the actor worked with director Quentin Tarantino and remains the most memorable to this day. With fans and critics alike singing the praises of Jackson's capabilities for years, it's no wonder why the actor feels he should've won his Oscar for Pulp Fiction, and the rest of us are left thinking the same thing. Playing hitman Jules Winnfield along with partner Vincent Vega (played by John Travolta), the duo is tasked with performing various jobs for their boss, Marsellus Wallace. It's when the two bickering assassins must take out a couple of low-level criminals who hoped to double-cross Wallace that Jackson's most iconic scene takes place.

Winnfield takes his time before killing his scared and shaky target, helping himself to their fast food and asking him various questions. The killer's frustration grows as his inquiries often get met with a "what?" from his prey, who doesn't understand what's being asked of him. Reaching his boiling point, Jackson's Winnfield gets to his unforgettable Ezekiel 25:17 speech. Even though we hear two versions of it throughout the film, we’re specifically referring to when it’s first heard in the film’s first act.

Jackson recites it with a cadence and flourishes that make him sound equal parts passionate minister and wrath of God incarnate - moreover, the actor’s ability to deliver the speech without blinking a single time is just the icing on the cake. Additionally, the quote is so legendary the MCU included it in Fury’s funeral scene in Captain America: Winter Soldier, much to Tarantino’s delight. The passage is iconic, the film is iconic, and among many other suitable candidates, Jackson’s delivery of the Ezekiel 25:17 speech is his most iconic movie moment.