Top 10 Liam Neeson Films Ranked

Liam Neeson, a versatile actor known for his roles ranging from superheroes to caring fathers, has an impressive filmography that spans decades. From battling Batman and training Jedi to leading revolutions and utilizing a "particular set of skills" in action thrillers, Neeson has showcased his talent across various genres. As he prepares for his role in the upcoming "The Naked Gun" reboot, set to release in August 2025, let's explore his top 10 films that highlight his remarkable career.

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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

Liam Neeson shines in Richard Curtis' beloved Christmas rom-com, "Love Actually." His portrayal of a grieving widower helping his stepson navigate young love adds a layer of warmth and tenderness to the film, showcasing Neeson's ability to convey deep emotion amidst an 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: Disney+ to stream, or rentable on Amazon and most platforms

Liam Neeson's role as Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn in "Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace" is a standout, anchoring the film with his commanding presence. As Obi-Wan's mentor, Qui-Gon's journey and tragic end leave a lasting impact, with Neeson reprising the role in Disney+'s "Obi-Wan Kenobi" series.

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 delivers a powerful performance in "Michael Collins," portraying the historical figure who led Ireland's fight for independence. His magnetic and passionate portrayal earned him critical acclaim and several awards, cementing his status as a leading actor in biographical dramas.

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 "Silence," Liam Neeson plays the enigmatic Cristóvão Ferreira, a Jesuit priest who recants his faith under torture. This role adds depth to the film's exploration of faith and resilience, showcasing Neeson's ability to embody complex characters.

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's portrayal of Alfred Kinsey in "Kinsey" is a testament to his skill in biographical roles. Capturing the sexologist's intelligence and obsession, Neeson delivers a lauded performance in this film that challenges societal norms and explores human sexuality.

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 "Batman Begins" as both mentor and adversary to Bruce Wayne. His portrayal of Ra's al Ghul adds depth and intrigue to the film, contributing significantly to the success and tone of Christopher Nolan's 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

In "Darkman," Liam Neeson takes on the role of a vengeful scientist transformed into a gruesome superhero. His performance blends horror with high-stakes adventure, marking a significant shift for director Sam Raimi and showcasing 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

Liam Neeson's portrayal of the Scottish clan chief in "Rob Roy" is a compelling performance fueled by passion and fury. Despite competing with "Braveheart" for attention, Neeson's role remains one of his finest, supported by strong performances from co-stars 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: Hulu, or rentable on other platforms

"Taken" redefined Liam Neeson's career, transforming him into an action hero with its tight plot and intense action sequences. The film's iconic phone call scene remains a cultural touchstone, propelling Neeson into a new era of thrilling cinema.

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 portrayal of Oskar Schindler in "Schindler's List" is his most acclaimed role, earning him an Oscar nomination and contributing to the film's Best Picture win. Neeson's performance captures the complexity of a man who evolves from a Nazi party member to a savior of over 1200 Jewish refugees during the Holocaust.

Upcoming Liam Neeson Movies

Liam Neeson's future projects include the much-anticipated "The Naked Gun" reboot, set for 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 political thrillers like "Charlie Johnson in the Flames" and "Ice Road 2: Road to the Sky."

Liam Neeson Movie List

For a comprehensive look at Liam Neeson's filmography, here is 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)

And that's our selection of the best Liam Neeson movies! Did your favorite make the list? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section. For more movie lists, explore our guides to the best Keanu Reeves and Ryan Reynolds movies.