CelebList
Samuel L. Jackson

Is Samuel L. Jackson A-List?

YesS

YesSamuel L. Jackson is above A-list, ranked S tier as an icon with generational cultural impact.

View full profile

Reached A-list in 1997

Jackie Brown and Action Roles

Ranking Timeline

1994B$5M

Pulp Fiction Breakthrough

Jackson's iconic performance as Jules Winnfield in Pulp Fiction earned him an Oscar nomination and became a cultural landmark. His 'Ezekiel 25:17' speech became one of cinema's most quoted moments, transforming him from character actor to star.

1997A$15M+$10M

Jackie Brown and Action Roles

Reuniting with Tarantino for Jackie Brown while starring in action films like The Long Kiss Goodnight, Jackson became a versatile leading man. His commanding presence made him a go-to choice for both serious dramas and blockbusters.

2002A$35M+$20M

Star Wars Prequel Trilogy

Jackson's role as Mace Windu in the Star Wars prequels introduced him to a new generation and significantly boosted his earnings. Despite mixed reception of the prequels, his character became iconic and added to his pop culture legacy.

2008A$60M+$25M

Iron Man and MCU Launch

Jackson's appearance as Nick Fury in Iron Man's post-credits scene launched his central role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This nine-film deal would become the most lucrative of his career and make him ubiquitous in pop culture.

2012S$100M+$40M

The Avengers Phenomenon

The Avengers grossed $1.5 billion worldwide with Jackson's Nick Fury playing a key role in assembling the team. His MCU appearances became some of the highest-grossing films ever, cementing his status as a global icon.

2015S$150M+$50M

Highest-Grossing Actor Record

Jackson officially became the highest-grossing actor of all time, with his films collectively grossing over $7.4 billion domestically. His prolific output combined with blockbuster franchises created an unprecedented box office record.

2019S$200M+$50M

Captain Marvel and Endgame

Jackson starred in Captain Marvel (grossing $1.1 billion) and appeared in Avengers: Endgame (grossing $2.8 billion). These films further solidified his record as the highest-grossing actor while introducing him to younger audiences worldwide.

2022S$230M+$30M

Honorary Academy Award

Jackson received an Honorary Academy Award for his contributions to cinema, recognizing his impact despite never winning a competitive Oscar. The award acknowledged his status as a cultural icon and one of cinema's most influential actors.

2026S$250M+$20M

Legendary Box Office King

Jackson remains the highest-grossing actor of all time with films totaling over $27 billion worldwide. At 77, he continues working prolifically in both blockbusters and prestige projects, maintaining his status as a global cultural icon and household name across multiple generations.

Last updated: February 23, 2026