Top 10 Liam Neeson Films Ever

Liam Neeson's illustrious career spans genres from drama to action, showcasing his versatility and earning him an Oscar nomination along the way. From battling Batman to training Jedi, leading revolutions, and starring in intense thrillers like "Taken," Neeson's filmography is both diverse and impressive. Here's a look at his top 10 films, highlighting his most memorable roles.

The 10 Best Liam Neeson Movies

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10. Love Actually (2003)

Image credit: Universal Pictures
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

In Richard Curtis' beloved Christmas-themed romantic comedy, Liam Neeson delivers a heartfelt performance as a grieving widower. His portrayal of a man helping his stepson navigate young love is one of the film's most touching narratives, offering a glimpse into Neeson's warmth and emotional depth.

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

Image credit: 20th Century Fox
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 mixed feelings about the Star Wars prequel trilogy, Liam Neeson's portrayal of Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn stands out as a strong anchor in "The Phantom Menace." His role as Obi-Wan Kenobi's mentor introduces us to the Force and the Jedi's struggle, culminating in a tragic yet memorable end. Neeson's recent return as Qui-Gon in "Obi-Wan Kenobi" on Disney+ further cements his legacy in the Star Wars universe.

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 portrayal of the titular character in Neil Jordan's "Michael Collins" earned him critical acclaim and several awards. Playing the leader of the early 20th-century Irish struggle for independence, Neeson's magnetic performance captures the passion and intensity of the historical figure, rounding off a remarkable trilogy of biographical dramas following "Schindler's List" and "Rob Roy."

7. Silence (2016)

Image credit: Paramount Pictures
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

In Martin Scorsese's "Silence," Neeson takes on the role of Cristóvão Ferreira, a Jesuit priest who renounces his faith under torture. This supporting role is central to the film's narrative, which explores faith and perseverance in 17th-century Japan. Neeson's second collaboration with Scorsese, following "Gangs of New York," showcases his ability to embody complex characters in contemplative settings.

6. Kinsey (2004)

Image credit: Fox Searchlight Pictures
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

Liam Neeson stars as the pioneering sexologist Alfred Kinsey in Bill Condon's biographical drama. His performance captures the intelligence and determination of Kinsey as he challenges societal norms and collects data on human sexuality. Neeson's role in "Kinsey" is lauded for its depth and nuance, supported by a strong cast including Laura Linney and John Lithgow.

5. Batman Begins (2005)

Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
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 the enigmatic mentor and eventual villain Ra's al Ghul in Christopher Nolan's "Batman Begins" is pivotal to the film's success. Training Bruce Wayne to become Batman, Neeson's character adds depth and tension to the storyline, setting the stage for the iconic Dark Knight Trilogy.

4. Darkman (1990)

Image credit: Universal Pictures
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 Sam Raimi's "Darkman," Liam Neeson embodies the titular character, a scientist turned vengeful vigilante. His performance blends horror and action, showcasing a darker side of Neeson's range as he navigates the complexities of identity and justice.

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

Liam Neeson's portrayal of the Scottish clan chief Rob Roy is both fierce and heartfelt. Despite competing with the same year's "Braveheart," Neeson's performance stands out, supported by strong co-stars including Jessica Lange and Tim Roth, who earned an Oscar nomination for his role.

2. Taken (2008)

Image credit: EuropaCorp Distribution
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" transformed Liam Neeson into an action icon with his role as Bryan Mills, a retired CIA agent on a mission to save his daughter. The film's tight narrative and Neeson's commanding performance set a new standard for action thrillers, leading to a franchise that solidified his place in the genre.

1. Schindler’s List (1993)

Image credit: Universal Pictures
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 Steven Spielberg's "Schindler's List" is widely regarded as his best work. Earning an Oscar nomination, Neeson captures the complexity of a German industrialist who evolves from a Nazi party member to a savior of over 1200 Jewish refugees during the Holocaust. This film's impact and Neeson's performance are monumental.

Upcoming Liam Neeson Movies

Liam Neeson's future projects are eagerly anticipated, with "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 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 is a comprehensive 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 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.

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