10 Underrated Samuel L. Jackson Movies Everyone Should Watch

Samuel L. Jackson is among the most well-known actors working as we speak. He has over 200 movie credit to his identify, an Honorary Academy Award, and he is a staple in two of the most important film franchises in historical past. Many know him as Mace Windu within the “Star Wars” prequels, whereas others know him greatest as Nick Fury within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He has made an enormous impression working with iconic administrators starting from Spike Lee to Quentin Tarantino. All through his profession, Jackson acquired an Oscar nomination for Greatest Supporting Actor for his function as Jules Winnfield in “Pulp Fiction” in addition to nominations for a number of Golden Globes, an Emmy, a SAG Award, a BAFTA, and extra.  

When individuals consider Jackson’s filmography, there are many memorable performances that first come to mind. Contemplating his listing of initiatives is so huge, many of his films are sometimes missed. We will speak about “Jackie Brown” and “Do the Proper Factor” all day, however if you’re a fan of the dynamic star, there are some gems you might need missed over time. From Oscar-winning dramas to hilarious parody movies, listed below are some underrated Samuel L. Jackson movies everybody ought to watch.

“The Pink Violin” is an anthology movie directed by François Girard that debuted in 1998 and acquired many accolades. Because it was launched in the US in 1999, it turned an awards contender in one of many greatest years for movies. In 2000, it was nominated for Greatest Overseas Language Movie on the Golden Globes and earned John Corigliano an Academy Award for Greatest Authentic Rating. The movie adopted a well-known violin from its creation in Italy in 1681 to its sale at an public sale home in present-day Canada. Jackson’s function does not turn out to be distinguished till the present-day section, however he closes out the movie in an enormous method. In an interview with Stephen Colbert, Jackson named “The Pink Violin” as one in all his prime 5 favourite films he has made. 

Jackson performs Charles Morritz, an appraiser who confirms the violin’s origins. Because the movie takes you thru completely different durations of the instrument’s journey, it all the time returns to the present-day sale. Totally different bidders are connected to varied components of the violin’s historical past, however nobody appears to attach with it as deeply as Jackson’s character. The actor’s efficiency is toned down and methodical. Whilst you do not perceive his motives till the tip of the movie, the subtleties in his appearing queue you up for an thrilling end.

Jackson is synonymous with American cinema, so you do not need to overlook him in a movie stuffed with wealthy European and Chinese language historical past. 

The most effective movies in Jackson’s filmography is “Eve’s Bayou,” the 1997 drama written and directed by Kasi Lemmons. In case you are a fan of that movie, you should try the following collaboration between the actor and director, “The Caveman’s Valentine.” The 2001 movie stars Jackson as Romulus, a person affected by paranoid schizophrenia who lives in a collapse a park in New York Metropolis. Romulus was as soon as a Juilliard pupil and a genius pianist, however his life is now consumed with the delusion {that a} man named Stuyvesant is controlling individuals from atop the Chrysler Constructing. When he discovers the physique of a younger homeless man, he embarks on an investigation right into a well-known photographer whom he suspects of being a assassin. 

“The Caveman’s Valentine” doesn’t all the time depict schizophrenia with accuracy, but it surely does strategy the sickness with heat. Lemmons and Jackson do an ideal job of portraying Romulus as extra than simply some loopy homeless man. He is a father, musician, lover, and buddy. When the film does take you inside Romulus’ thoughts, his delusions are depicted with a singular theatricality. It’s onerous to spend the runtime feeling something apart from sympathy for Romulus, even when you realize he isn’t seeing issues clearly. In 2023, Vulture requested Jackson if there have been any films all through his profession that didn’t get the reception he had hoped for. “The Caveman’s Valentine” was one of many initiatives he talked about, calling it “attention-grabbing.” 

Whereas Jackson didn’t obtain any main accolades for this function in “The Caveman’s Valentine,” his co-star, Tamra Tunie, was nominated for Greatest Supporting Feminine on the Impartial Spirit Awards in 2002.

Simply the funniest film on this listing, “Nationwide Lampoon’s Loaded Weapon 1” is each an underrated Sam Jackson film and an underrated parody movie. The 1993 comedy is a spoof on “Deadly Weapon” and stars Jackson as Sgt. Wes Luger (the Roger Murtaugh) and Emilio Estevez as Sgt. Jack Colt (the Martin Riggs). The film is analogous in tone to the “The Bare Gun” franchise, with an emphasis on ’80s motion flicks. The solid of cameos is stacked, the laughs are abound, and the ridiculousness degree is excessive. For those who like absurd humor, this film is to not be missed. Bruce Willis even shows up to parody his “Die Hard” role as a favor to his brother, David Willis, who was a producer on the movie. 

Directed and co-written by Gene Quintano, “Nationwide Lampoon’s Loaded Weapon 1” is admittedly not for everybody. On the time of its launch, the film was not well-received by critics. Some argued that parodying “Leathal Weapon” didn’t work as a result of the unique was already “winking on the viewers.” Nevertheless, that very same factor could possibly be mentioned for “Scream” and “Scary Film,” the latter of which is about to get a sixth installment. “Loaded Weapon” takes an concept and runs it to the acute, which is precisely what you need in a parody movie. Most significantly, Jackson could be very humorous on this one. The supporting solid additionally offers a variety of laughs, but when the considered Tim Curry in a Woman Scout uniform doesn’t tickle you, there are many different underrated movies to look out for from this listing.

“Altering Lanes” is a 2002 authorized thriller directed by Roger Michell that sees Jackson going up in opposition to Ben Affleck. “Altering Lanes” will not be reinventing the wheel (pun supposed), however it’s a very entertaining experience (pun supposed). The explanation this film works is basically resulting from its lineup of stars. Jackson performs Doyle Gipson, a down-on-his-luck father who’s combating to maintain his youngsters close by. Whereas on the best way to a custody listening to, Doyle will get in an accident with Gavin Banek, a cocky lawyer who can also be on his technique to an essential day in courtroom. After Gavin leaves Doyle stranded, the 2 males turn out to be entangled in an ongoing sport of cat and mouse that sends them each spiraling. The spectacular supporting solid contains Toni Collette, Sydney Pollack, Richard Jenkins, Amanda Peet, William Damage, and extra.

“Altering Lanes” is a good showcase for each Jackson and Affleck. Jackson has such a dominating presence that it’s all the time attention-grabbing to see him play a low-status character. Doyle constantly will get the quick finish of the stick, and he almost reaches his breaking level many instances all through the movie. Jackson does an ideal job taking part in a person on the sting who’s about to lose every little thing, and his naturally intense qualities come out on the good moments. Whereas selling the movie, Jackson informed Paul Fischer that taking part in Dolye was a technique to “recharge my appearing battery.” As for Affleck, he performs Gavin as extraordinarily punchable for 90% of the film, so when he does do the correct factor, it’s efficient.

Jackson acquired some nominations for his function, together with a nod from the Picture Awards. In the meantime, Affleck was nominated for a Teen Alternative Award, which is comical if in case you have seen the film. Nothing about it actually screams “teen,” however there was no stopping Affleck’s star energy at the moment. 

“Mom and Little one” is a 2009 drama from author/director Rodrigo García. Arguably the least identified movie on this listing, “Mom and Little one” will not be solely an underrated Jackson movie however an uncommon function for the star. The movie follows a number of ladies, together with “Mullholland Drive” star Naomi Watts as Elizabeth Joyce, a forceful and shiny loner who has an affair together with her boss, Paul, performed by Jackson. This romantic pairing will not be one you’ll ever count on, but it surely works surprisingly properly. Elizabeth is chilly and closed off, whereas Paul is heat and caring. It’s unusual to see Jackson play a person whose place within the story is strictly romantic and weak. Paul will be the elder within the relationship, however Elizabeth holds all of the playing cards. 

Whereas Jackson’s half within the movie is memorable, he doesn’t have as a lot screentime as the ladies within the movie. Along with Watts, the film additionally stars Annette Bening and Kerry Washington, who each give deeply shifting performances. Bening’s Karen regrets giving up her daughter for adoption when she was an adolescent, and Washington’s Lucy longs to have a toddler of her personal. The film is usually a bit melodramatic at instances, however its sturdy solid makes it value watching. 

Jackson and Watts each earned Impartial Spirit Award nominations for his or her performances. Jackson additionally received an Picture Award for Excellent Supporting Actor.

For those who ever needed to see Samuel L. Jackson play the President of the US, then now we have a film for you. “Large Sport” is a Finnish-produced movie directed by Jalmari Helander that was launched in 2014. The motion/journey flick is a throwback to the low-budget ’80s and ’90s actioners everyone knows and love, which makes it a ton of enjoyable. 

When President William Alan Moore is betrayed by a Secret Service agent (performed by Ray Stevenson) on Air Pressure One, he finds himself alone within the wilderness of Finland. That’s, till he occurs upon a 13-year-old boy named Oskari (performed by Onni Tommila) who’s on a solo looking journey to show his manhood. President Moore finally ends up being hunted by terrorists and should depend on Oskari to get him out of the woods alive. 

Whereas “Large Sport” will not be precisely the top of cinema, it’s a must-see for anybody who enjoys a senseless motion romp. Jackson takes on the function of Commander-in-Chief fairly seamlessly and offers a variety of laughs alongside the best way. He has nice chemistry with Tommila, who holds his personal in opposition to the legend. If that isn’t sufficient to promote you on the film, the supporting solid can also be pleasant. There may be one significantly entertaining scene between Jim Broadbent and Victor Garber that had us hooting and hollering.  

A enjoyable reality about “Large Sport” is that it’s the costliest Finnish movie ever made, which is a statistic you wouldn’t count on from Jackson’s filmography.

“The Banker” is a 2020 historic drama directed, co-written, and produced by George Nolfi. The Apple TV+ movie relies on the true story of Bernard Garrett, a Black businessman and investor who made waves by shopping for banks in Texas. Anthony Mackie performs Bernard within the movie alongside Samuel L. Jackson’s Joe Morris, his enterprise associate and lavish membership proprietor. The story follows the forward-thinking duo as they rent their white buddy, Matt Steiner (Nicholas Hoult), to make their offers for them. White individuals weren’t eager on promoting property to Black traders within the Nineteen Fifties, however their plan led them to large success. You in the end come for Mackie and Jackson, however Hoult is very entertaining because the dopey frontman.

Naturally, it’s irritating to observe two good males be put down due to their race, however the uncomfortable truths of the movie are what make it vital. Mackie and Jackson vibe properly collectively, however this movie is in the end value waiting for its historic significance. We live in a time when individuals in energy need to erase Black historical past, making little movies like this particularly essential. Whereas “The Banker” is a reasonably simple retelling, it’s cool to see a few of that Apple cash going to inform tales about Black excellence. The streamer acquired the distribution rights for the movie in 2019. Sadly, the film confronted controversy when producer Bernard Garrett Jr., the real-life son of the movie’s predominant character, was met with accusations of assault. This precipitated the project’s premiere to be cancelled and the release date to be delayed. 

“The Banker” went on to win the Picture Award for Excellent Impartial Movement Image.

The 2003 movie “Primary” marked the final function movie helmed by “Die Arduous” director John McTiernan. McTiernan confronted authorized hassle that landed him in jail, and regardless of being launched over ten years in the past, he has stepped away from Hollywood. As for “Primary,” it’s a divisive mission with some opinionated haters. Upon its launch, the movie acquired destructive critiques and a low field workplace turnout. Nevertheless, we imagine it’s value a revisit. To start with, it’s past enjoyable to see Jackson reunite with John Travolta almost a decade after “Pulp Fiction.” The Tarantino movie was an enormous second in each of their careers, and we named it the best in Travolta’s filmography. The duo doesn’t share a variety of display screen time, however their mixed presence makes “Primary” an lively, dynamic journey. 

The movie stars Travolta as DEA Agent Tom Hardy (a humorous character identify, on reflection) as he tries to uncover the thriller of an Military Rangers coaching train gone incorrect within the jungle. Jackson performs Grasp Sergeant Nathan West, the trainer of the outing. Travolta’s character interrogates Ray Dunbar (Brian Van Holt) alongside Captain Julia Osborne (Connie Nielsen) to uncover the reality of what occurred. The film additionally stars Tim Daly, Giovanni Ribisi, Taye Diggs, and Harry Connick Jr.

“Primary” takes a little bit of a “Rashomon” route by telling different versions of the story. Now, we won’t fake this movie is wherever close to the caliber of Akira Kurosawa’s masterpiece, however there’s an pleasant edge to it. The thriller retains you guessing, and Jackson and Travolta each appear to be having a good time alongside the best way. 

“Sphere” is yet one more Samuel L. Jackson film that deserves reevaluation. The 1998 science-fiction/thriller was tailored from a Michael Crichton novel and directed by Barry Levinson. The movie starred Jackson, Dustin Hoffman, Sharon Stone, and Liev Schreiber as a bunch of specialists in varied fields who’re tasked with exploring a spacecraft discovered on the backside of the Pacific Ocean. The ship proves to be greater than it appears when the group discovers a mysterious sphere onboard. When fears start to manifest, nobody can belief one another, and the already harmful scenario turns into a waking nightmare.

“Sphere” is admittedly a bit convoluted, particularly by the requirements set by different Crichton variations. Our ranking of Crichton adaptations positioned it fairly low, however “Sphere” is an thrilling watch, despite flopping at the box office. For lack of a greater phrase, the film is simply plain bizarre. The nuances of the titular sphere are weird, however in the event you permit your self to drift, you should have a great time. There are some delightfully gnarly kills, and the solid delivers. Jackson spends an enormous portion of the film appearing sinister, which is one thing he has all the time excelled at. With out giving something away, the movie has a singular ending that can go away you marinating on the alternatives of humanity. 

We urge you to look past the film’s low scores and poor field workplace historical past, and go into “Sphere” with the open thoughts of a marine biologist, mathematician, astrophysicist, and/or psychologist.

All through his profession, Jackson has appeared in multiple films directed by Spike Lee. One in all their newer collaborations was for the 2015 movie, “Chi-Raq,” which is an adaptation of Aristophanes’ “Lysistrata.” The traditional Greek comedy tells the story of girls who withhold intercourse from their husbands in an effort to cease the Peloponnesian Battle. Lee’s model is ready in modern-day Chicago, as Teyonah Parris’s Lysistrata units out to finish a gang warfare. Lee makes use of his signature fashion to make “Chi-Raq” a vibrant and vivacious tackle a traditional story. The movie has lots to say concerning the significance of group, the hazards of gun violence, and the ability of protest. 

There may be loads to like about “Chi-Raq,” however it’s important to notice that it portrays a fictionalized model of Chicago. The Windy Metropolis is a lovely place stuffed with wealthy historical past and tradition, and whereas it makes a great backdrop for “Lysistrata,” it doesn’t all the time paint the town in the perfect gentle. Understandably, this angered some Chicagoans at the time of the movie’s launch. Practically 10 years after the film debuted, Lee joked to V-103 Atlanta, “In Chicago, they hate that movie like they hate the Knicks.”  

Along with a dynamite efficiency by Parris, the movie additionally stars Nick Cannon, Wesley Snipes, Angela Bassett, John Cusack, and Jennifer Hudson. Not like a lot of the films on this listing, Jackson doesn’t have a lot screentime in “Chi-Raq.” Nevertheless, he shines shiny as Dolemedes, the movie’s narrator. Once in a while, Jackson pops in carrying flashy outfits and directs his signature vitality proper into the digicam. It’s the good bit half for a person together with his degree of onscreen presence. When Jackson cameoed in Kendrick Lamar’s Tremendous Bowl LIX halftime present in 2025, many followers made comparisons to the actor’s function as Dolemedes. The film could also be underrated and underseen, however those that have gotten their eyes on “Chi-Raq” weren’t fast to neglect Jackson’s magnetism.