Top 10 Liam Neeson Films Ever

Liam Neeson has carved out an impressive career, starring in a diverse range of films from action-packed thrillers to poignant dramas. His versatility has led him to battle Batman, train Jedi, lead revolutions, and chase down kidnappers with his "particular set of skills." As he gears up for his role in the upcoming The Naked Gun reboot, set for release in August 2025, let's explore his top 10 films of all time, showcasing his talents as a scarred superhero, a caring father, a master of the Force, and much more.

Here are the 10 best Liam Neeson movies, ranked. Don't forget to check out our list of upcoming Liam Neeson movies for a glimpse into his future projects.

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:** Available to rent on Amazon and most platforms

Liam Neeson shines in Richard Curtis's holiday rom-com Love Actually, playing a grieving widower who helps his stepson navigate young love. Known for his stern demeanor, Neeson's portrayal of warmth and tenderness is a standout, offering a heartwarming subplot amidst the ensemble cast.

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:** Stream on Disney+, or rent 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 the mentor to Obi-Wan Kenobi, Qui-Gon's noble presence is central to the film. Neeson's recent reprise of the role in Disney+'s Obi-Wan Kenobi series further cements his impact on the Star Wars universe.

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:** Available to rent on most platforms

Liam Neeson's powerful performance as Michael Collins, the leader of the Irish struggle for independence, earned him critical acclaim and several awards. His magnetic presence and impassioned delivery make this film a must-watch, rounding out a trilogy of biographical dramas 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, or rent on Amazon and most platforms

Liam Neeson delivers a compelling performance in Martin Scorsese's Silence, a contemplative film about Jesuit priests in 17th-century Japan. Playing the enigmatic Cristóvão Ferreira, Neeson brings depth to a character torn between faith and survival, in a film that was a passion project for Scorsese.

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:** Available to rent on Amazon and most platforms

In Kinsey, Liam Neeson embodies the famed sexologist Alfred Kinsey, delivering a nuanced performance that captures the character's intelligence and obsession. Directed by Bill Condon, this biographical drama delves into Kinsey's groundbreaking work on human sexuality, earning Neeson widespread praise.

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:** Stream on Max, or rent on Amazon and most platforms

Liam Neeson's role as Ra's al Ghul in Batman Begins is pivotal to Bruce Wayne's transformation into the Dark Knight. Neeson's dual portrayal as mentor and antagonist adds depth to the film, setting the stage for Christopher Nolan's acclaimed 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 rent on Amazon and most platforms

In Darkman, Liam Neeson plays a disfigured scientist turned vigilante, blending horror and high-stakes action. Sam Raimi's direction allows Neeson to showcase his range, delivering a performance that's both thrilling and darkly entertaining.

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:** Stream on Kanopy and Prime Video, or rent on most platforms

Liam Neeson's portrayal of the Scottish clan chief Rob Roy is both fierce and heartfelt. Despite competing with Braveheart for attention, Rob Roy stands out as a character-driven epic, with Neeson delivering a career-defining performance alongside Jessica Lange and Tim Roth.

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:** Stream on Hulu, or rent on other platforms

Taken marked a turning point in Liam Neeson's career, establishing him as an action hero. The film's tight plot and Neeson's commanding performance as a father with a "particular set of skills" have made it a modern classic, spawning sequels and revitalizing 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 performance as Oskar Schindler in Schindler's List is widely regarded as his best work. The film, which won Best Picture and earned Neeson an Oscar nomination, showcases his ability to convey both the horror of the Holocaust and the humanity of Schindler's transformation.

Upcoming Liam Neeson Movies

Liam Neeson fans have plenty to look forward to. The most anticipated project is the The Naked Gun reboot, set to release on August 1, 2025. Other films in development include thrillers like Cold Storage and Riker's Ghost, action movies such as The Mongoose and Hotel Tehran, and the political thriller Charlie Johnson in the Flames. Additionally, Ice Road 2: Road to the Sky and the Run All Night sequel are on the horizon.

Liam Neeson Movie List

For those interested in Liam Neeson's complete filmography, here's a list of his movies in order of release date:

• 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 take on the best Liam Neeson movies! Did your favorite make the list? Let us know in the comments.

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