Top 10 Liam Neeson Films Ever

Liam Neeson, the versatile actor known for his diverse roles across genres, has left an indelible mark on cinema. From battling Batman to training Jedi, leading revolutions, and showcasing his "particular set of skills" in thrilling pursuits, Neeson's career spans decades of compelling performances. With the upcoming The Naked Gun reboot set for release in August 2025, let's dive into his top 10 films, showcasing his range from action heroes to caring fathers and beyond.

Here are the 10 best Liam Neeson movies, ranked. Don't forget to check out our list of upcoming Liam Neeson movies to see what's next on his horizon.

The 10 Best Liam Neeson Movies

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10. Love Actually (2003)

Image credit: Universal Pictures
Director: Richard Curtis | Writer: Richard Curtis | Stars: Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Laura Linney | Release Date: November 14, 2003 | Where to watch: Available to rent on Amazon and most platforms

In Richard Curtis's beloved Christmas-themed rom-com, Love Actually, Liam Neeson plays a grieving widower who helps his stepson navigate the complexities of young love. Neeson's tender performance, showcasing his capacity for warmth amidst his more familiar stern demeanor, is a standout in this ensemble piece.

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

Image credit: 20th Century Fox
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: Stream on Disney+ or rent on Amazon and most platforms

Liam Neeson's portrayal of Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn in Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace is a highlight of the polarizing prequel trilogy. As the mentor to Obi-Wan Kenobi, Neeson's commanding presence anchors the film. His recent reprise of the role in Disney+'s Obi-Wan Kenobi series was a welcome return to the character.

8. Michael Collins (1996)

Image credit: Warner Bros.
Director: Neil Jordan | Writer: Neil Jordan | Stars: Aidan Quinn, Stephen Rea, Alan Rickman | Release Date: October 11, 1996 | Where to watch: Available to rent on most platforms

Liam Neeson's portrayal of the titular character in Neil Jordan's Michael Collins earned him critical acclaim and several awards. Playing the Irish revolutionary leader, Neeson delivers a passionate and magnetic performance, capping off a trilogy of historical dramas following Schindler's List and Rob Roy.

7. Silence (2016)

Image credit: Paramount Pictures
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, or rent on Amazon and most platforms

In Martin Scorsese's Silence, Liam Neeson plays Cristóvão Ferreira, a Jesuit priest who renounces his faith under torture. This supporting role adds depth to the film's exploration of faith and perseverance, marking another collaboration with Scorsese following Gangs of New York.

6. Kinsey (2004)

Image credit: Fox Searchlight Pictures
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: Available to rent on Amazon and most platforms

Liam Neeson stars as Alfred Kinsey in Kinsey, a biographical drama about the pioneering sexologist. Directed by Bill Condon, Neeson's portrayal captures Kinsey's intelligence and obsession, earning the film glowing reviews and showcasing Neeson's ability to tackle complex characters.

5. Batman Begins (2005)

Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
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: Stream on Max or rent on Amazon and most platforms

Liam Neeson plays a pivotal role in Batman Begins as the mentor to Bruce Wayne, who later reveals himself as Ra's al Ghul. His performance is crucial to the film's success, bringing both grace and gravitas to the Dark Knight Trilogy's inception.

4. Darkman (1990)

Image credit: Universal Pictures
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 rent on Amazon and most platforms

In Sam Raimi's Darkman, Liam Neeson plays a scientist turned vigilante seeking revenge after being left disfigured. His performance blends horror with high-stakes adventure, marking a significant role in Raimi's transition from his Evil Dead roots.

3. Rob Roy (1995)

Image credit: MGM/UA Distribution Co.
Director: Michael Caton-Jones | Writer: Alan Sharp | Stars: Jessica Lange, John Hurt, Tim Roth | Release Date: April 7, 1995 | Where to watch: Stream on Kanopy and Prime Video, or rent on most platforms

Liam Neeson's portrayal of the Scottish clan chief in Rob Roy is a powerful performance, overshadowed only by Braveheart in the same year. Neeson's intense and passionate role, alongside strong performances from Jessica Lange and Tim Roth, makes this film a standout.

2. Taken (2008)

Image credit: EuropaCorp Distribution
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: Stream on Hulu, or rent on other platforms

Taken revitalized Liam Neeson's career, transforming him into a full-fledged action hero. The film's tight plot and Neeson's commanding performance, especially in the iconic phone call scene, have made it a beloved action thriller.

1. Schindler’s List (1993)

Image credit: Universal Pictures
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 role as Oskar Schindler in Schindler's List is his finest performance. The film, which won Best Picture and earned Neeson an Oscar nomination, showcases his ability to convey both horror and heart in Steven Spielberg's masterpiece about the Holocaust.

Upcoming Liam Neeson Movies

Liam Neeson's future projects are eagerly anticipated, with The Naked Gun reboot slated for release on August 1, 2025. Other upcoming films include thrillers like Cold Storage and Riker's Ghost, action movies such as The Mongoose and Hotel Tehran, and political thrillers like Charlie Johnson in the Flames. Fans can also look forward to Ice Road 2: Road to the Sky and a sequel to Run All Night.

Liam Neeson Movie List

For a comprehensive list of Liam Neeson's films in chronological order, here's a quick rundown:

• 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)

What is your favorite Liam Neeson movie? Let us know in the comments.

For more movie lists, explore our guides to the best Keanu Reeves movies and the top Ryan Reynolds movies.