Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson are two of Hollywood's most iconic actors, and their paths have crossed in five movies over the years. From a brief cameo to full-blown co-starring roles, their collaborations span genres like action, thriller, and comedy. With Willis retiring in 2022 and Jackson still going strong, now is the perfect time to look back at their shared filmography. Here's our ranking of every Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson movie, from worst to best.
5. Loaded Weapon 1 (1993)
This parody film is the weakest link in the duo's catalog. Willis appears only in a cameo as John McClane from Die Hard, while Jackson plays a detective alongside Emilio Estevez in a spoof of buddy-cop movies like Lethal Weapon. Unfortunately, the jokes rarely land, and the film feels like a slog. If you're craving a good parody, stick with The Naked Gun series instead. This one is best left forgotten.
4. Glass (2019)
M. Night Shyamalan's sequel to Unbreakable and Split had potential, bringing together Willis's David Dunn, Jackson's Elijah Price, and James McAvoy's Kevin Wendell Crumb in a psychiatric facility. But the film fumbles its intriguing premise with a disappointing third act and unsatisfying twists. It's a letdown that wastes its talented cast and feels like a missed opportunity. For a better Shyamalan experience, check out hard sci-fi movies that actually deliver.
3. Unbreakable (2000)
This is where the magic happens. Unbreakable is a groundbreaking superhero film that focuses on psychological drama over action. Willis plays David Dunn, a man who survives a train crash and discovers he may have superhuman abilities, while Jackson is Elijah Price, a fragile man with a mysterious connection to him. The film's slow-burn tension and clever twists make it a standout. It's a must-watch for fans of thoughtful 21st-century cinema.
2. Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995)
This third Die Hard installment pairs Willis's John McClane with Jackson's Zeus Carver in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse across New York City. The chemistry between the two is electric, and the action is relentless. It's a classic buddy-cop thriller that ranks among the best in the franchise. For more adrenaline-pumping action, check out our list of the most fun action movies ever made.
1. Pulp Fiction (1994)
Quentin Tarantino's masterpiece is the crown jewel of Willis and Jackson's collaborations. Willis plays Butch Coolidge, a boxer on the run, while Jackson is Jules Winnfield, a philosophical hitman. Their scenes don't overlap much, but the film's nonlinear narrative and iconic dialogue make it unforgettable. It's a cultural touchstone that remains one of the greatest movies of all time. If you haven't seen it, do yourself a favor and watch it now.
From the highs of Pulp Fiction to the lows of Loaded Weapon 1, these five films showcase the range of two legendary actors. While some are classics, others are best skipped. But one thing's for sure: when Willis and Jackson share the screen, even their weakest efforts are worth a look.
