Top 10 Liam Neeson Films Ever

Liam Neeson, a versatile actor known for his roles across a wide range of genres, has had an illustrious career spanning decades. From battling Batman to training Jedi, leading revolutions, and chasing down kidnappers with his "particular set of skills," Neeson has captivated audiences worldwide. He's set to star in the much-anticipated reboot of "The Naked Gun," slated for release in August 2025. His journey through drama, action, and even rom-coms showcases his incredible range and depth as an actor.

We've carefully selected Liam Neeson's top 10 movies, focusing on his most impactful performances. Whether he's playing a scarred superhero, a caring father, a master of the Force, or the relentless pursuer from "Taken," Neeson's roles leave a lasting impression. Here's our curated list of his best films, ranked for your enjoyment. Don't forget to check out our list of upcoming Liam Neeson movies to stay updated on his future projects.

The 10 Best Liam Neeson Movies

11 Images10. Love Actually (2003)

Image credit: Universal PicturesDirector: 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

Liam Neeson shines in the ensemble cast of Richard Curtis's beloved Christmas rom-com, "Love Actually." As a grieving widower who helps his stepson navigate love, Neeson delivers a heartfelt performance that stands out amidst the film's various storylines. His warmth and tenderness provide a poignant contrast to his usual action-hero persona.

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

Image credit: 20th Century FoxDirector: 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

Liam Neeson's portrayal of Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn anchors the polarizing "Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace." As Obi-Wan's mentor, Qui-Gon serves as the entry point into the Skywalker Saga, and Neeson's commanding presence adds gravitas to the Jedi's mission. His recent reprisal of the role in Disney+'s "Obi-Wan Kenobi" delighted fans, bringing the beloved character back for (presumably) one last time.

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: Rentable on most platforms

Liam Neeson's portrayal of the titular character in Neil Jordan's "Michael Collins" earned him widespread acclaim and several acting awards. Playing the leader of Ireland's early-20th-century struggle for independence, Neeson's magnetic performance captures the passion and intensity of the historical figure. Alongside a stellar cast including Julia Roberts and Alan Rickman, Neeson's role is a standout in his career.

7. Silence (2016)

Image credit: Paramount PicturesDirector: 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 "Silence," Liam Neeson delivers a compelling performance as Cristóvão Ferreira, a Jesuit priest who renounces his faith under torture. This role, part of a film that took Scorsese 25 years to bring to the screen, showcases Neeson's ability to portray complex, morally ambiguous characters. "Silence" is a contemplative masterpiece, and Neeson's contribution is unforgettable.

6. Kinsey (2004)

Image credit: Fox Searchlight PicturesDirector: 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's role as Alfred Kinsey in "Kinsey" is a testament to his ability to embody real-life figures with depth and nuance. Directed by Bill Condon, the film explores Kinsey's groundbreaking research on human sexuality. Neeson captures the intelligence and obsession of Kinsey, delivering a performance that earned him glowing reviews and solidified his reputation as a versatile actor.

5. Batman Begins (2005)

Image credit: Warner Bros. PicturesDirector: 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 "Batman Begins," mentoring Bruce Wayne before revealing himself as the villainous Ra's al Ghul. His performance is crucial to the film's success, adding depth and intensity to both the hero's journey and the overarching narrative of the Dark Knight Trilogy. Neeson's portrayal helped usher in a new era for Batman on the big screen.

4. Darkman (1990)

Image credit: Universal PicturesDirector: 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 "Darkman," Liam Neeson takes on the role of a disfigured scientist seeking revenge. Directed by Sam Raimi, this film blends horror and high-stakes adventure, showcasing Neeson's ability to play a darker, more violent character. His performance as the titular vigilante is both thrilling and haunting, marking a significant moment in his career.

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: Kanopy and Prime Video to stream, or rentable on most platforms

Liam Neeson's performance in "Rob Roy" is a tour de force, portraying the Scottish clan chief with fury and fervor. Despite being overshadowed by "Braveheart," "Rob Roy" stands out as one of Neeson's best starring roles. With strong performances from co-stars Jessica Lange and Tim Roth, the film is a gripping historical drama that highlights Neeson's commanding presence.

2. Taken (2008)

Image credit: EuropaCorp DistributionDirector: 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" is a career-defining film for Liam Neeson, transforming him into an action hero in his later years. The tightly plotted thriller, featuring Neeson as a father with a "particular set of skills," became an instant classic. The iconic phone call scene and Neeson's intense performance propelled him into a new realm of action cinema, despite the less successful sequels that followed.

1. Schindler’s List (1993)

Image credit: Universal PicturesDirector: 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 in "Schindler's List" is widely regarded as his finest performance. Playing Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist who saves over 1200 Jewish refugees during the Holocaust, Neeson delivers a powerful and nuanced portrayal. The film won Best Picture and numerous other Oscars, with Neeson earning his only Oscar nomination for this haunting masterpiece directed by Steven Spielberg.

Upcoming Liam Neeson Movies

Liam Neeson's future projects are eagerly anticipated, with "The Naked Gun" reboot set to hit theaters 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." 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 exploring Liam Neeson's entire filmography, here's a chronological list of his movies:

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 the best Liam Neeson movie?

Taken Schindler's List Rob Roy Darkman Batman Begins Kinsey Silence Michael Collins The Phantom Menace Love Actually Something else (let us know in the comments!)

And that's our pick of the best Liam Neeson movies! Did your favorite film make the cut? Or can we expect a man with a "particular set of skills" to knock at our door? Let us know in the comments.

Looking for more movie lists? Take a look at our guide to the best Keanu Reeves movies as well as the top Ryan Reynolds movies.