Ten Underrated Samuel L. Jackson Movies Everyone Should Watch

HOLLYWOOD, CA — Samuel L. Jackson is one of the most recognizable actors in Hollywood, boasting over 200 film credits, an Honorary Academy Award, and major roles in blockbuster franchises. Jackson is widely known as Mace Windu from the “Star Wars” prequels and Nick Fury in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While many of his films are celebrated, several of his noteworthy performances have gone under the radar.

One overlooked project is “The Red Violin,” a 1998 anthology film directed by François Girard. Released in the U.S. in 1999, the film follows a famous violin through centuries of its history. In the present-day segment, Jackson portrays Charles Morritz, an appraiser who uncovers the violin’s origins. The film won numerous accolades and showcases Jackson’s ability to convey deep emotion with a subtle performance.

Another significant film is “Eve's Bayou,” released in 1997. This drama directed by Kasi Lemmons features Jackson as a charismatic but flawed father. Jackson later reunited with Lemmons for “The Caveman’s Valentine” (2001), in which he played Romulus, a man battling paranoid schizophrenia. The film offers a nuanced view of mental illness, and Jackson remarked it was an “interesting” project that didn’t receive the recognition he hoped for.

In the realm of comedy, “National Lampoon’s Loaded Weapon 1” (1993) stands out. Jackson stars alongside Emilio Estevez in this parody of the action genre, specifically “Lethal Weapon.” While the film wasn’t well-received by critics initially, its absurd humor and Jackson’s comedic timing have made it a cult favorite.

Other notable mentions include “Changing Lanes” (2002), where Jackson plays a desperate man caught in a moral quandary after an accident with a lawyer, and “Mother and Child” (2009), where he portrays Paul, showcasing a rarely seen romantic side of the actor.

For action fans, “Big Game” (2014) features Jackson as the U.S. President who teams up with a young boy to survive in the wilderness after a terrorist attack. Meanwhile, “The Banker” (2020) highlights Jackson’s role as a business partner navigating racial challenges in 1960s America.

Lastly, Jackson’s performance in “Sphere” (1998), a sci-fi film adapted from Michael Crichton‘s novel, deserves reevaluation, as it dives into psychological horrors aboard a mysterious spacecraft.

These films illustrate Jackson’s versatility and depth as an actor. Whether in drama, comedy, or action, Samuel L. Jackson continues to leave an indelible mark on American cinema.