From The Red Violin to Chi-Raq, these underrated Samuel L. Jackson films showcase the actor’s incredible range beyond Pulp Fiction and Marvel.
Few actors in Hollywood command the screen quite like Samuel L. Jackson. With over 200 film credits, an Honorary Academy Award, and iconic roles in franchises like Star Wars and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Jackson’s career has spanned decades of unforgettable performances. While most fans know him as Mace Windu or Nick Fury, the legendary actor’s filmography holds many hidden gems that deserve more attention. From dramatic thrillers to quirky parodies, these ten underrated Samuel L. Jackson movies prove why he remains one of cinema’s most versatile talents.
The Red Violin (1998)
Directed by François Girard, The Red Violin follows a centuries-old instrument as it changes hands across time and continents. Jackson stars as Charles Morritz, an appraiser whose quiet intensity anchors the film’s final act. Though his role unfolds subtly, his measured performance delivers an emotional punch. The film’s haunting score even won an Academy Award, and Jackson once told Stephen Colbert that The Red Violin ranks among his personal favorites.
The Caveman’s Valentine (2001)
Reuniting with Eve’s Bayou director Kasi Lemmons, Jackson delivers one of his most complex performances as Romulus, a once-brilliant pianist living in isolation and battling schizophrenia. When a young man’s body turns up near his cave, Romulus embarks on a gripping investigation. Though The Caveman’s Valentine didn’t receive major accolades, Jackson’s raw portrayal of mental illness and resilience remains unforgettable. In a later interview, Jackson admitted he wished this film had gotten more attention, calling it “interesting.”
National Lampoon’s Loaded Weapon 1 (1993)
Long before parody films became formulaic, National Lampoon’s Loaded Weapon 1 delivered laugh-out-loud absurdity. Jackson plays Sgt. Wes Luger opposite Emilio Estevez’s Jack Colt in a hilarious spoof of Lethal Weapon. The film embraces over-the-top humor, cameos galore (including Bruce Willis poking fun at his Die Hard role), and full-throttle nonsense. Critics were divided, but Jackson’s comedic timing makes this one of his most underrated performances.
Changing Lanes (2002)
In Roger Michell’s Changing Lanes, Jackson stars opposite Ben Affleck in a gripping legal thriller about two men whose fender bender spirals into chaos. As Doyle Gipson, a father struggling to keep custody of his children, Jackson channels a quieter desperation than usual — a man pushed to his breaking point. His layered portrayal earned him Image Award nominations and reminded audiences that his talent extends well beyond tough-guy roles.
Mother and Child (2009)
Rodrigo García’s Mother and Child may be one of Jackson’s least-known films, but it features some of his most heartfelt acting. He plays Paul, a kind and empathetic boss who becomes romantically involved with Naomi Watts’ Elizabeth. The subdued, emotional role highlights a softer side rarely seen from Jackson. Both he and Watts earned Independent Spirit Award nominations, and Jackson took home an Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor.
Big Game (2014)
Ever wondered what Samuel L. Jackson would be like as the President? Big Game answers that question in a wildly entertaining way. When Air Force One goes down over Finland, President William Alan Moore (Jackson) teams up with a 13-year-old hunter to survive terrorists and the wilderness. Equal parts ridiculous and fun, the film embraces its throwback action vibes and became the most expensive Finnish movie ever made. Jackson’s charisma makes it an absolute blast.
The Banker (2020)
In The Banker, Jackson reunites with Avengers co-star Anthony Mackie for a powerful true story about two Black businessmen who find creative ways to buy banks in 1950s Texas. As Joe Morris, Jackson brings swagger, warmth, and wit to the role of an ambitious entrepreneur determined to beat a racist system. Despite controversy delaying its release, The Banker ultimately won the Image Award for Outstanding Independent Motion Picture and remains a vital watch.
Basic (2003)
Reuniting with John Travolta nearly a decade after Pulp Fiction, Jackson stars in Basic, a twist-filled military thriller directed by Die Hard’s John McTiernan. Jackson plays Master Sergeant Nathan West, whose mysterious death during a training exercise unravels through multiple conflicting stories. The nonlinear structure keeps viewers guessing, and Jackson’s commanding presence elevates the film’s pulpy energy. Though critics were harsh at the time, Basic deserves a second look.
Sphere (1998)
Adapted from Michael Crichton’s novel, Sphere is a sci-fi mystery starring Jackson alongside Dustin Hoffman and Sharon Stone. The film follows scientists investigating a spacecraft at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, only to uncover a mysterious sphere that warps their reality. Jackson’s performance adds an eerie edge to this underrated thriller, which flopped upon release but remains an intriguing deep-sea descent into fear and human psychology.
Chi-Raq (2015)
Spike Lee’s Chi-Raq reimagines the ancient Greek play Lysistrata as a modern-day tale set in Chicago, where women withhold intimacy to stop gang violence. Jackson appears as Dolemedes, the flamboyant narrator who breaks the fourth wall with electric charisma. His booming voice and vibrant energy turn brief appearances into scene-stealing moments. While Chi-Raq divided audiences, Jackson’s role embodies the film’s humor, rhythm, and urgency.
From jazz-infused drama to political satire and high-concept sci-fi, these ten underrated Samuel L. Jackson films capture the full scope of his artistry. Whether he’s playing a genius, a president, or a parody cop, Jackson continues to bring intelligence, humor, and humanity to every role — even the ones that fly under the radar.
