Top 10 Liam Neeson Films Ever

Liam Neeson, an actor whose career spans decades and genres, has been a constant presence on our screens, from battling Batman to training Jedi and leading revolutions. With an Oscar nomination under his belt, Neeson's versatility shines through in his diverse roles, from intense dramas to thrilling action films and even rom-coms. Here, we delve into the 10 best Liam Neeson movies, highlighting his unforgettable performances as superheroes, caring fathers, and the relentless pursuer from "Taken."

For a glimpse into his future endeavors, don't forget to check out our list of upcoming Liam Neeson movies.

The 10 Best Liam Neeson Movies

11 Images10. 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' beloved Christmas rom-com, Love Actually, Liam Neeson delivers a heartfelt performance as a grieving widower helping his stepson navigate young love. This role, set against Neeson's typical gruff demeanor, showcases his warmth and emotional depth, making it a standout in the film.

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 the mixed reception of the Star Wars Prequel Trilogy, Liam Neeson's portrayal of Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn remains a highlight. As Obi-Wan's mentor, Qui-Gon serves as a pivotal figure in the Skywalker Saga. Neeson's commanding presence adds depth to the narrative, and his recent reprisal of the role in Disney+'s Obi-Wan Kenobi series was a welcome return.

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 Irish revolutionary leader Michael Collins earned him critical acclaim and multiple awards. His passionate and magnetic performance anchors this historical drama, which follows Collins' fight for Irish independence. Neeson's role here is a testament to his ability to embody complex historical figures.

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

In Martin Scorsese's contemplative drama Silence, Liam Neeson plays Cristóvão Ferreira, a Jesuit priest who renounces his faith under torture. This role, part of a project Scorsese had nurtured for 25 years, showcases Neeson's ability to handle complex, introspective characters in a powerful narrative about faith and survival.

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

Liam Neeson stars as the pioneering sexologist Alfred Kinsey in this biographical drama. Directed by Bill Condon, Neeson's portrayal captures Kinsey's relentless pursuit of understanding human sexuality, earning him critical praise and highlighting his versatility as an actor.

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

In Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins, Liam Neeson plays a dual role as Bruce Wayne's mentor and the villainous Ra's al Ghul. His performance adds a layer of sophistication to the film, significantly contributing to the success and tone of the Dark Knight Trilogy.

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

Liam Neeson's portrayal of the vengeful scientist in Sam Raimi's Darkman is both thrilling and chilling. As a man left disfigured and seeking justice, Neeson's performance blends horror and action, marking a significant transition for Raimi's directorial style.

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

In Rob Roy, Liam Neeson delivers a compelling performance as the Scottish clan chief fighting against oppressive nobles. Though released the same year as Braveheart, Rob Roy stands out for Neeson's intense portrayal and the film's focus on character-driven storytelling.

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 transformed Liam Neeson into an action icon. His role as a father with a "particular set of skills" on a mission to rescue his daughter is both intense and iconic. The film's tight plot and Neeson's commanding presence have made it a modern classic, sparking a new phase in his career.

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 role as Oskar Schindler in Steven Spielberg's Schindler's List is his most acclaimed performance. Earning him an Oscar nomination, Neeson's portrayal of the German industrialist who saved over 1200 Jewish refugees during the Holocaust is both powerful and moving, cementing this film as his best.

Upcoming Liam Neeson Movies

Liam Neeson's future projects include the much-anticipated The Naked Gun reboot, set to release on August 1, 2025. Other upcoming films include thrillers like Cold Storage and Riker's Ghost, action-packed titles 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 those interested in Liam Neeson's complete filmography, here is a list of his movies in order of release:

• 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 Huner (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)

And that's our pick of the best Liam Neeson movies! Did your favorite film make the cut? Let us know in the comments. For more movie lists, check out our guides to the best Keanu Reeves and Ryan Reynolds movies.