As one ofthe most prolific and talented Black actorsin the business, it’s hard to decide onthe best Samuel L. Jackson performances. Fortunately, we’re limiting this list tomovieson Netflix; otherwise, this would be a dissertation-length article. Lucky for you, Netflix has a small but mighty lineup of Jackson flicks that will have you saying, “That’s one bad motherf**ker.” These are the best Samuel L. Jackson movies on Netflix.
For more recommendations, check out our ranked lists of the bestSamuel L. Jacksonsupporting rolesandmost rewatchable movies.
Disclaimer: These titles are available in the US.
‘The Hateful Eight’ (2015)
Rotten Tomatoes: 74% | IMDb: 7.8/10
The Hateful Eight
This Western with a mystery thriller twistreunitesSamuel L. Jacksonwith frequent collaboratorQuentin Tarantinoas they weave a dark tale set in the Old West. Jackson takes on the role of a bounty hunter and co-leads this ensemble cast alongsideKurt Russell, who plays a fellow bounty hunter attempting to bring a fugitive in for hanging. But when a blizzard hits, they have to work together to last the night at a lodge where a greater conspiracy is afoot. Tarantino’s penchant for blood and wordplay are perfect for the Western genre, and Jackson isn’t the only regular that he utilizes to bringThe Hateful Eightto life. Joining this ballet of intrigue and gunplay are Tarantino favorites likeTim Roth,Michael Madsen, andBruce Dern.
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‘The Piano Lesson’ (2024)
Rotten Tomatoes: 87% | IMDb: 6.2/10
The Piano Lesson
Adapting the Pulitzer Prize-winning play written byAugust Wilson,Samuel L. Jacksonjoins another breathtaking ensemble in this drama about generational trauma and the preservation of heritage.The Piano Lessonfollows a Black family in the Jim Crow era and the piano they stole from their former enslavers that has their ancestors’ faces carved into the wood. Beyond the screen full of talented Black actors likeJohn David Washington,Ray Fisher, andDanielle Deadwyler, the best part of this story is the use of the piano as a tangible connection to the family’s past being juxtaposed with the intangible haunting of the family by the ghost of the man who once owned them — a poignant metaphor for the struggle of Black people in America trying to preserve their relationship to their African roots while actively dealing with the repercussions of slavery.
‘Do the Right Thing’ (1989)
Rotten Tomatoes: 92% | IMDb: 8.0/10
Do the Right Thing
An earlySpike Leejoint,Do the Right Thingfeatures a small but memorable role bySamuel L. Jacksonas a radio personality that pops in throughout the film with colorful commentary on the happenings in Brooklyn — a role I’m convinced is what got producers amped to get Jackson’s voice into animation and commercials, not to mention the subtle homage that is all over his Uncle Sam role inKendrick Lamar’sSuperbowl performance. For those unfamiliar with this classic, the film is a slice-of-life story in a small Brooklyn neighborhood during a heat wave that gives a peek into the lives of the local Black and Italian residents — their conflicts, their attitudes about the community, and the hardships they regularly face. Though the movie was made in the late ’80s, the issues of policing and racial inequality represented still affect communities today.
‘Unicorn Store’ (2017)
Rotten Tomatoes: 66% | IMDb: 5.6/10
Unicorn Store
And now, let’s do a silly one!Samuel L. Jacksonlends his immense talent to playing a larger-than-life character inBrie Larson’sfeature film directorial debut,Unicorn Store. Now, with all the others on this list being full of so much Black Excellence, I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge that Jackson’s character isa literal Magical Negro that hits all the traditional beats of the trope, butgod, can he make any role stand out. Despite that particular shortcoming, the film is a delightful coming-of-age comedy that reminds audiences that no matter how old we become and how many responsibilities we take on, there will always be room for whimsy and playfulness.
