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Quentin Tarantino and Samuel L. Jackson have one of the most iconic director-actor collaborations in modern cinema, beginning with Pulp Fiction in 1994. His unforgettable performance as Jules Winnfield cemented Jackson as a key figure in Tarantino’s cinematic universe, and the two have since worked together six times. Jackson’s inimitable charisma and ability to turn any character into his own have made him a perfect match for Tarantino’s sharp dialogue and audacious storytelling. Together, they’ve created some of the most unforgettable moments in film. With allegedly one more film to go, audiences can bet that Tarantino's last film will feature Jackson.
This list celebrates the unique synergy between Jackson and Tarantino by looking at every one of the director’s films based on just how much Samuel L. Jackson there is. From audible cameos to a full-fledged leading role, we explore the roles Jackson plays, the impact he has on the story, and the larger-than-life personality he brings to every project. Let’s dive into the worlds of Tarantino and see where Jackson’s unmistakable touch elevates the films even further.
7 'Reservoir Dogs' (1992), 'Kill Bill Vol. 1' (2003), 'Death Proof' (2007), and 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood' (2019)
The only Jackson-less films
Samuel L. Jackson does not appear in four of Quentin Tarantino’s films: Reservoir Dogs, Kill Bill Vol. 1, Death Proof, and his most recent, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Reservoir Dogs, Tarantino’s debut feature, predated their iconic partnership, as the director was still establishing himself and hadn’t yet formed his creative bond with Jackson. While he is not there for the first part of Kill Bill, he does make an appearance in the sequel. When Death Proof rolled around, Jackson’s absence can be chalked up to Tarantino experimenting with a smaller ensemble, to focus on a moderately-budgeted, grindhouse-inspired narrative.
In Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Jackson’s absence is perhaps the most noticeable, given his longstanding presence in Tarantino’s films. With a story that centered around the Golden Age of Hollywood, the film features a specific cast that includes Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio and Margot Robbie, all tailored to evoke the era. However, Tarantino was reportedly in talks with Jackson to have him for a villain role in the Bounty Law episode with Leonardo DiCaprio. While Jackson’s voice or screen presence might have added a unique value to these films in different ways, they still stand strong, showcasing Tarantino’s range as a filmmaker even without his frequent collaborator.
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Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
A faded television actor and his stunt double strive to achieve fame and success in the final years of Hollywood's Golden Age in 1969 Los Angeles.
Release Date July 26, 2019
Runtime 159 minutes
Budget $90 million
Studio(s) Columbia Pictures , Heyday Films , Bona Film Group , Visiona Romantica
Distributor(s) Sony Pictures Releasing
6 'Inglourious Basterds' (2008)
The omnipresent voice of the Basterds
Image via Universal Pictures Tarantino reimagined history in Inglourious Basterds. The film follows a group of Allied soldiers, known as the Basterds, waging guerrilla warfare and a Jewish girl (Mélanie Laurent) seeking revenge against a sinister SS Colonel played by Christoph Waltz. Samuel L. Jackson’s role in this World War II film is not seen on-screen but merely as a narrator, lending his distinctive voice to a few key moments. He can be heard first when the film introduces Sergeant Hugo Stiglitz (Til Schweiger) and later when the film explains the highly flammable film prints, essential information for the climactic scene.
Jackson’s contribution to Inglourious Basterds only amounted to around 50 seconds. But through his highly recognizable voice, he adds a unique layer to the scene. With Stiglitz' rockstar introduction, it is only fitting that Jackson narrated the scene. His role in the film is uncredited, but it's a great Easter egg for cinephiles and Tarantino fans. While his appearance is brief and only in audio, Jackson still manages to steal the scene.
Runtime 153 minutes
Release Date August 21, 2009
Main Genre War
Budget $70 million
5 'Kill Bill Vol. 2' (2004)
The piano player before a tragedy
Image via Miramax Films The second chapter of Tarantino’s revenge saga, Kill Bill Vol. 2, delves deeper into Beatrix Kiddo’s (Uma Thurman) quest to kill Bill (David Carradine), while revisiting her relationships and betrayals within the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad. Samuel L. Jackson makes a cameo in a memorable appearance as Rufus, the laid-back piano player at the ill-fated wedding dress rehearsal. During the scene, Rufus offers to play "Love Me Tender" to accompany the couple. Ultimately, he becomes one of the victims of the massacre at Two Pines.
Though Rufus only speaks in a single scene throughout his one-minute screen time, Jackson’s presence is a welcome addition to the film. A cool and unbothered musician, his portrayal of Rufus serves as a moment of levity before the narrative descends into tragedy. Tarantino’s decision to include Jackson, even in such a minor role, speaks to their great relationship after Pulp Fiction and Jackie Brown. While Kill Bill Vol. 2 leans into dialogue-heavy storytelling over action, Jackson's cameo feels like a moment of light texture in the Bride's emotional arc.
As the saga progresses, the protagonist edges closer to her ultimate target: her former boss and lover. The journey takes her through lethal encounters with old comrades, each revealing deeper layers of her own character and past. The film blends stylized action with emotional depth, culminating in a climactic battle that brings her quest full circle.
Runtime 137 Minutes
Release Date April 16, 2004
4 'Django Unchained' (2012)
The slave owner's right-hand slave
Image via The Weinstein Company Django Unchained is a sprawling Western revenge epic that follows Django (Jamie Foxx) as he teams up with Dr. King Schultz (Christoph Waltz), a bounty hunter, to rescue his wife (Kerry Washington) from the clutches of the sadistic plantation owner, Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio). Samuel L. Jackson plays Stephen, Candie’s fiercely loyal and duplicitous head house slave, a character whose wit makes him a formidable obstacle for Django.
Jackson’s acclaimed portrayal of Stephen is as layered as it is unsettling. Stephen isn’t merely a servant but a figure of power within Candie’s plantation, wielding significant control over both the household and the other enslaved individuals. Jackson masterfully crafts a character that embodies internalized oppression, presenting Stephen as a villain who is both despicable and pitiable. It's a character that Jackson rarely played in his filmography. With over 28 minutes of screen time, Jackson commands attention in every scene, especially during the film’s climactic showdown.
With the help of a German bounty-hunter, a freed slave sets out to rescue his wife from a brutal plantation owner in Mississippi.
Runtime 165 Minutes
Release Date December 25, 2012
Main Genre Western
Budget 100 million
Studio(s) Sony
Distributor(s) Sony
3 'Pulp Fiction' (1994)
The hitman and his legendary vengeance
Image via Miramax Films Pulp Fiction is a labyrinth of interconnected stories revolving around two hitmen, a boxer, a gangster, and his wife, all woven into a tale of crime and redemption. Samuel L. Jackson stars as Jules Winnfield, a hitman with a penchant for philosophical musings and one of Tarantino’s most iconic characters. Jules, alongside his partner Vincent Vega (John Travolta), is tasked with recovering a mysterious briefcase for their boss, but his journey unexpectedly becomes one of self-discovery and transformation.
Jackson’s Oscar-nominated performance as Jules is electric, a perfect marriage of humor, menace, and introspection. From his explosive, memorable delivery of Ezekiel 25:17 to his cool, contemplative conversation about walking the Earth, Jules is the soul of Pulp Fiction. Jackson appears on-screen for almost 40 minutes, and every second is unforgettable. His journey from a cold-blooded killer to a man seeking redemption mirrors the film’s overarching themes of fate and second chances, solidifying Pulp Fiction as a cultural touchstone and Jackson’s role as one of the most celebrated in Tarantino’s filmography.
The lives of two mob hitmen, a boxer, a gangster and his wife, and a pair of diner bandits intertwine in four tales of violence and redemption.
Runtime 154 minutes
Release Date October 14, 1994
Main Genre Crime
Studio Miramax Films
Tagline
Budget $8–8.5 million
Studio(s) A Band Apart , Jersey Films
Distributor(s) Miramax Films
2 'Jackie Brown' (1997)
The likable yet unsettling arms dealer
Image via Miramax Films In Jackie Brown, Quentin Tarantino adapts Elmore Leonard’s novel into a slick, character-driven crime drama in his most romantic work. The story follows Jackie Brown (Pam Grier), a flight attendant caught smuggling money for a cunning, smooth-talking arms dealer named Ordell Robbie, played by Samuel L. Jackson. Facing pressure from the authorities and her ruthless employer, Jackie crafts an elaborate scheme to secure her freedom.
Ordell is one of Jackson’s most complex roles in a Tarantino film, a character whose affable demeanor masks a ruthless streak. Jackson infuses Ordell with a mix of charisma and menace, making him both likable and deeply unsettling. His interactions with the other characters, particularly Jackie, highlight his manipulative nature and his desperation to maintain control as the walls close in around him. With around 40 minutes of screen time, Jackson’s performance is integral to the film’s slow-burn tension, making him one of the most memorable characters in both Jackson and Tarantino's filmographies.
Runtime 154 minutes
Release Date April 10, 1997
Main Genre Crime
Studio Miramax
Tagline This Christmas, Santa's got a brand new bag.
1 'The Hateful Eight' (2015)
The bounty hunter that must be respected
Image via The Weinstein Company Set against the snowy backdrop of post-Civil War Wyoming, The Hateful Eight is a tense, dialogue-driven thriller that traps eight strangers in a remote cabin during a blizzard. Samuel L. Jackson stars as Major Marquis Warren, a former Union soldier turned bounty hunter whose wit, intelligence, and commanding presence make him a pivotal figure in the unfolding drama. The film also stars Kurt Russell, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Walton Goggins.
Jackson’s performance as Warren is one of his most intricate collaborations with Tarantino, practically making him the lead among the star-studded ensemble cast. With over an hour of screen time, Jackson explores every facet of Warren’s character, from his sharp-tongued humor to his darker, vengeful side. His chilling monologue about the fate of a Confederate general’s son is one of the film’s most unforgettable scenes, showcasing Jackson’s ability to turn Tarantino's words into a show-stopper. The Hateful Eight thrives on its rich character dynamics, and Jackson’s portrayal of Warren is central to the film, proving once again why he’s one of Tarantino’s most trusted collaborators.
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The Hateful Eight
Runtime 188 Minutes
Release Date December 25, 2015
Budget $44-62 Million
NEXT: The 10 Best Performances in Quentin Tarantino Movies, Ranked
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