Top 10 Liam Neeson Films Ranked

Liam Neeson's illustrious career spans a diverse range of genres, from intense action thrillers to poignant dramas and even light-hearted rom-coms. From battling iconic superheroes to training Jedi knights, leading revolutions, and using his "particular set of skills" to chase down kidnappers, Neeson has cemented his place as a versatile actor. He's set to star in the upcoming The Naked Gun reboot, slated for release in August 2025.

Here's our curated list of the top 10 Liam Neeson movies, highlighting his finest performances as scarred superheroes, caring fathers, Jedi masters, and the relentless tracker you'd want on your side if you were ever "Taken."

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: Available to rent on Amazon and other platforms

In Richard Curtis' beloved Christmas-themed rom-com, Love Actually, Liam Neeson delivers a touching performance as a grieving widower helping his stepson navigate young love. This role showcases Neeson's warmth, a departure from his typical stern demeanor, and adds a tender layer to the film.

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: Stream on Disney+ or rent on Amazon and other platforms

Despite the polarizing nature of the Star Wars Prequel Trilogy, Liam Neeson's portrayal of Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn in The Phantom Menace is a standout. As Obi-Wan's mentor, Qui-Gon anchors the film with his commanding presence. Neeson's return as Qui-Gon in Disney+'s Obi-Wan Kenobi was a cherished moment for fans.

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 performance in Neil Jordan's Michael Collins earned him widespread acclaim and several awards. Playing the leader in the Irish struggle for independence, Neeson brings magnetism and passion to the role, rounding out a trilogy of impactful historical dramas following Schindler's List and Rob Roy.

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 or rent on Amazon and other platforms

In Martin Scorsese's reflective film Silence, Liam Neeson plays the enigmatic Jesuit Cristóvão Ferreira. This role, a departure from his usual characters, showcases Neeson's ability to delve into complex and contemplative narratives, highlighting his versatility.

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: Available to rent on Amazon and other platforms

Liam Neeson stars as the pioneering "sexologist" Alfred Kinsey in Kinsey, directed by Bill Condon. His portrayal of the intelligent and obsessive researcher garnered critical acclaim, highlighting Neeson's ability to embody complex historical figures.

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: Stream on Max or rent on Amazon and other platforms

Liam Neeson's role in Batman Begins is pivotal to the creation of the Dark Knight. As the mentor who trains Bruce Wayne and later reveals himself as the villain Ra's al Ghul, Neeson adds depth and intensity to the film, setting the stage for the acclaimed trilogy.

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 rent on Amazon and other platforms

In Darkman, Liam Neeson plays a scientist turned vigilante after a horrific accident. His performance blends horror and adventure, showcasing his ability to excel in genre-bending roles under Sam Raimi's direction.

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

In Rob Roy, Liam Neeson delivers a powerful performance as the Scottish clan chief fighting against sadistic nobles. His portrayal, alongside stellar co-stars like Jessica Lange and Tim Roth, makes the film a compelling historical drama.

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: Stream on Hulu or rent on other platforms

Taken marked a significant turning point in Liam Neeson's career, transforming him into an action hero. The film's tight plot and Neeson's commanding performance, especially in the iconic phone call scene, solidified his status in the genre.

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 other platforms

Liam Neeson's most acclaimed role came in Schindler's List, earning him an Oscar nomination. His portrayal of Oskar Schindler, the German industrialist who saved over 1200 Jewish refugees during the Holocaust, is both harrowing and heartfelt, making this film his career-defining performance.

Upcoming Liam Neeson Movies

Liam Neeson's future projects are highly anticipated. The most notable is The Naked Gun reboot, set 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, the political thriller Charlie Johnson in the Flames, 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's 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)

We hope you enjoyed our ranking of the best Liam Neeson movies! Did your favorite make the list? Let us know in the comments. For more movie recommendations, check out our lists on the best Keanu Reeves and Ryan Reynolds movies.