Top 10 Liam Neeson Films Ever

Liam Neeson has had a remarkable career, spanning from epic dramas to high-octane action films, with standout performances that have captivated audiences worldwide. From battling Batman to training Jedi, leading revolutions, and chasing kidnappers with his "particular set of skills," Neeson has proven his versatility time and again. As we eagerly await his next venture in the upcoming reboot of The Naked Gun in August 2025, let's take a moment to celebrate his top 10 films, showcasing his incredible range and depth as an actor.

The 10 Best Liam Neeson Movies

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10. Love Actually (2003)

Director: Richard Curtis | Writer: Richard Curtis | Stars: Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Laura Linney | Release Date: November 14, 2003 | Where to watch: Rent on Amazon and most platforms

In Richard Curtis's beloved Christmas-themed romantic comedy, Love Actually, Liam Neeson delivers a heartwarming performance as a grieving widower helping his stepson navigate first love. Amidst an ensemble cast, Neeson's tender portrayal stands out, offering a glimpse into his capacity for warmth and empathy, a stark contrast to his more familiar tough-guy roles.

9. Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace (1999)

Director: George Lucas | Writer: George Lucas | Stars: Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Jake Lloyd | Release Date: May 19, 1999 | Review: IGN's The Phantom Menace review | Where to watch: Disney+ to stream, or rentable on Amazon and most platforms

Despite mixed reviews of the Star Wars prequel trilogy, Liam Neeson's portrayal of Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn in The Phantom Menace remains a highlight. His commanding presence and serene wisdom anchor the film, making Qui-Gon a beloved figure in the Star Wars universe. Neeson's recent reprisal of the role in Disney+'s Obi-Wan Kenobi series only reaffirmed his enduring impact on the saga.

8. Michael Collins (1996)

Director: Neil Jordan | Writer: Neil Jordan | Stars: Aidan Quinn, Stephen Rea, Alan Rickman | Release Date: October 11, 1996 | Where to watch: Rentable on most platforms

Liam Neeson's portrayal of the titular character in Neil Jordan's Michael Collins earned him widespread acclaim and several awards. Playing the leader of the Irish struggle for independence, Neeson delivers a powerful and passionate performance, cementing his reputation as a formidable actor in historical dramas. This film marked the end of a trilogy of impactful biographical roles, following Schindler's List and Rob Roy.

7. Silence (2016)

Director: Martin Scorsese | Writer: Martin Scorsese, Jay Cocks | Stars: Adam Driver, Andrew Garfield, Tadanobu Asano | Release Date: December 23, 2016 | Review: IGN's Silence review | Where to watch: Stream on Kanopy, rentable on Amazon and most platforms

Liam Neeson's second collaboration with Martin Scorsese, Silence, showcases his ability to delve into complex characters. As Cristóvão Ferreira, a Jesuit priest who renounces his faith under torture, Neeson provides the film's emotional core. This contemplative and reflective work, a passion project for Scorsese, benefits greatly from Neeson's nuanced performance.

6. Kinsey (2004)

Director: Bill Condon | Writer: Bill Condon | Stars: Laura Linney, Chris O'Donnell, John Lithgow | Release Date: November 12, 2004 | Review: IGN's Kinsey review | Where to watch: Rentable on Amazon and most platforms

In Kinsey, Liam Neeson brings to life the groundbreaking sexologist Alfred Kinsey, earning critical acclaim for his portrayal. Directed by Bill Condon, Neeson captures Kinsey's intellectual drive and obsessive nature, making the film a compelling exploration of human sexuality. His performance stands out alongside a strong cast including Laura Linney and John Lithgow.

5. Batman Begins (2005)

Director: Christopher Nolan | Writer: Christopher Nolan, David S. Goyer | Stars: Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Katie Holmes | Release Date: June 15, 2005 | Review: IGN's Batman Begins review | Where to watch: Max to stream, or rentable on Amazon and most platforms

Liam Neeson plays a pivotal role in Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins as the mentor-turned-antagonist Ra's al Ghul. His commanding performance adds depth to both the training sequences and the film's climactic confrontation, making him an integral part of the Dark Knight Trilogy's success. Neeson's portrayal as both friend and foe to Bruce Wayne is unforgettable.

4. Darkman (1990)

Director: Sam Raimi | Writer: Chuck Pfarrer, Sam Raimi, Ivan Raimi, and more | Stars: Frances McDormand, Colin Friels, Larry Drake | Release Date: August 24, 1990 | Review: IGN's Darkman review | Where to watch: Stream on AMC+ Apple TV Channel, or rentable on Amazon and most platforms

In Sam Raimi's cult classic Darkman, Liam Neeson plays the titular character, a scientist who becomes a disfigured vigilante. His performance blends horror and high-stakes adventure, showcasing Neeson's ability to tackle darker, more intense roles. This film marked a significant transition for Raimi and solidified Neeson's versatility.

3. Rob Roy (1995)

Director: Michael Caton-Jones | Writer: Alan Sharp | Stars: Jessica Lange, John Hurt, Tim Roth | Release Date: April 7, 1995 | Where to watch: Kanopy and Prime Video to stream, or rentable on most platforms

Though overshadowed by Braveheart, Liam Neeson's portrayal of the Scottish clan chief in Rob Roy is a standout. His performance, fueled by fury and fervor, alongside co-stars Jessica Lange and Tim Roth, elevates this film to one of his best. Neeson's commanding presence and emotional depth make Rob Roy a compelling historical drama.

2. Taken (2008)

Director: Pierre Morel | Writer: Luc Besson, Robert Mark Kamen | Stars: Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Leland Orser | Release Date: February 27, 2008 | Review: IGN's Taken review | Where to watch: Hulu, or rentable on other platforms

Taken marked a turning point in Liam Neeson's career, cementing his status as an action hero. His portrayal of Bryan Mills, a retired CIA agent with a "particular set of skills," delivered one of the most iconic action films of the 2000s. The film's tight pacing, memorable scenes, and Neeson's intense performance have made it a modern classic.

1. Schindler’s List (1993)

Director: Steven Spielberg | Writer: Steven Zaillian | Stars: Ben Kingsley, Ralph Fiennes, Caroline Goodall | Release Date: December 15, 1993 | Review: IGN's Schindler's List review | Where to watch: Stream on Netflix, or Rent on Amazon and most platforms

Liam Neeson's performance in Schindler's List is the pinnacle of his career. Playing Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist who saved over 1200 Jewish refugees during the Holocaust, Neeson earned an Oscar nomination. His portrayal is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, contributing to the film's status as a cinematic masterpiece that won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Upcoming Liam Neeson Movies

Liam Neeson's career continues to evolve with exciting projects on the horizon. The most anticipated is the reboot of The Naked Gun, set to release on August 1, 2025. Other films in the pipeline include thrillers like Cold Storage and Riker's Ghost, action-packed adventures such as The Mongoose and Hotel Tehran, and political thriller Charlie Johnson in the Flames. Fans can also look forward to sequels like Ice Road 2: Road to the Sky and the continuation of Run All Night.

Liam Neeson Movie List

For those interested in exploring Liam Neeson's entire filmography, here's a list of his movies in chronological order:

• Christiana (1981)
• Excalibur (1981)
• Krull (1983)
• The Bounty (1984)
• Lamb (1985)
• The Innocent (1985)
• The Mission (1986)
• Duet for One (1986)
• Suspect (1987)
• A Prayer for the Dying (1987)
• Satisfaction (1988)
• High Spirits (1988)
• The Dead Pool (1988)
• The Good Mother (1988)
• Next of Kin (1989)
• Darkman (1990)
• The Big Man (1990)
• Under Suspicion (1991)
• Shining Through (1992)
• Husbands and Wives (1992)
• Leap of Faith (1992)
• Ethan Frome (1993)
• Ruby Cairo (1993)
• Schindler's List (1993)
• Nell (1994)
• Rob Roy (1995)
• Before and After (1996)
• Michael Collins (1996)
• Everest (1998)
• Les Misérables (1998)
• Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace (1999)
• The Haunting (1999)
• Gun Shy (2000)
• The Endurance (2000)
• K-19: The Widowmaker (2002)
• Gangs of New York (2002)
• Star Wars: Episode 2 - Attack of the Clones (2002)
• Love Actually (2003)
• Coral Reef Adventure (2003)
• Kinsey (2004)
• Kingdom of Heaven (2005)
• Batman Begins (2005)
• Breakfast on Pluto (2005)
• The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
• Home (2006)
• Seraphim Falls (2007)
• The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008)
• The Other Man (2008)
• Taken (2008)
• Five Minutes of Heaven (2009)
• Ponyo (2009)
• After.Life (2009)
• Chloe (2009)
• Clash of the Titans (2010)
• The A-Team (2010)
• The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010)
• The Next Three Days (2010)
• The Wildest Dream (2010)
• Unknown (2011)
• The Grey (2012)
• Wrath of the Titans (2012)
• Battleship (2012)
• The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
• Taken 2 (2012)
• Third Person (2013)
• Khumba (2013)
• Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues (2013)
• The Nut Job (2014)
• The Lego Movie (2014)
• The Prophet (2014)
• Non-Stop (2014)
• A Million Ways to Die in the West (2014)
• A Walk Among the Tombstones (2014)
• Love Thy Nature (2014)
• Road (2014)
• Taken 3 (2014)
• Run All Night (2015)
• Ted 2 (2015)
• A Christmas Star (2015)
• Operation Chromite (2016)
• A Monster Calls (2016)
• Silence (2016)
• The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature (2017)
• Mark Felt: The Man Who Brought Down the White House (2017)
• Daddy's Home 2 (2017)
• The Commuter (2018)
• The Last Horsemen of New York (2018)
• The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018)
• Widows (2018)
• Cold Pursuit (2019)
• Men in Black: International (2019)
• Ordinary Love (2019)
• Star Wars: Episode 9 - The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
• Made in Italy (2020)
• Honest Thief (2020)
• The Hunter (2020)
• The Marksman (2021)
• The Ice Road (2021)
• Blacklight (2022)
• Memory (2022)
• Marlowe (2022)
• Retribution (2023)
• In the Land of Saints and Sinners (2023)
• Wildcat (2023)
• Absolution (2024)
• The Naked Gun (Releasing 2025)
• Cold Storage (TBD)
• Hotel Tehran (TBD)
• 4 Kids Walk Into a Bank (TBD)
• The Mongoose (TBD)
• Charlie Johnson in the Flames (TBD)
• The Riker's Ghost (TBD)
• Ice Road 2: Road to the Sky (TBD)

Liam Neeson's diverse and impactful film career continues to inspire and entertain. Whether you're a fan of his dramatic roles or his action-packed adventures, his contributions to cinema are undeniable. Keep an eye out for his future projects, and let us know which of his films is your favorite in the comments below.