Liam Neeson, known for his versatile acting spanning decades, has captivated audiences with his roles in action, drama, and beyond. From battling Batman to training Jedi, and from leading revolutions to showcasing his "particular set of skills" in "Taken," Neeson has delivered some unforgettable performances. He's also set to star in the upcoming "The Naked Gun" reboot, slated for release in August 2025. Here, we rank the 10 best Liam Neeson movies, celebrating his journey through cinema.
Here are the 10 best Liam Neeson movies, ranked. Be sure to check out our list of upcoming Liam Neeson movies for a glimpse into his future projects.
The 10 Best Liam Neeson Movies
11 Images
10. 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 most platforms
Liam Neeson shines in Richard Curtis' beloved Christmas rom-com, "Love Actually." As a grieving widower, Neeson's heartfelt portrayal of a man helping his stepson navigate love is both touching and memorable. Known for his intense roles, Neeson's display of warmth and tenderness here is a refreshing change.
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 most platforms
Despite the mixed reception of the Star Wars Prequel Trilogy, Liam Neeson's portrayal of Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn in "The Phantom Menace" stands out. As a mentor to Obi-Wan Kenobi, Qui-Gon's role is pivotal, and Neeson's commanding presence adds depth to the saga. His recent reprisal in Disney+'s "Obi-Wan Kenobi" further underscores his lasting impact.
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 critical acclaim and several awards. Playing the Irish revolutionary leader, Neeson delivers a passionate and compelling performance, cementing his place in historical dramas following "Schindler's List" and "Rob Roy." The film also stars Julia Roberts and Alan Rickman.
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 most platforms
In Martin Scorsese's "Silence," Liam Neeson delivers a haunting performance as Cristóvão Ferreira, a Jesuit priest who renounces his faith under torture. This contemplative film, a passion project for Scorsese, showcases Neeson's ability to delve into complex, reflective characters.
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 most platforms
In "Kinsey," Liam Neeson portrays the pioneering sexologist Alfred Kinsey, earning widespread praise for his nuanced performance. Directed by Bill Condon, the film highlights Neeson's ability to capture the intellectual and obsessive nature of his character, supported by a stellar cast including Laura Linney and John Lithgow.
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 most platforms
Liam Neeson plays a crucial role in "Batman Begins" as the mentor to Bruce Wayne who later reveals himself as the villainous Ra's al Ghul. His performance is pivotal in setting the tone for Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight Trilogy, showcasing his versatility as both a friend and foe to Batman.
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 most platforms
Liam Neeson stars as the titular character in Sam Raimi's "Darkman," a thrilling blend of horror and adventure. As a scientist seeking revenge after being disfigured, Neeson's portrayal of the vengeful vigilante is both gripping and entertaining, marking a significant shift in Raimi's filmmaking style.
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 titular Scottish clan chief. Despite competition from "Braveheart," Neeson's portrayal, alongside Jessica Lange and Tim Roth, remains a standout, showcasing his ability to embody historical figures with depth and passion.
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" transformed Liam Neeson into an action icon. His portrayal of a determined father using his "particular set of skills" to rescue his daughter is both intense and iconic. The film's success not only spawned sequels but also redefined Neeson's career trajectory.
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 performance as Oskar Schindler in "Schindler's List" is his career-defining role. Earning an Oscar nomination, Neeson brings to life the complex journey of a German industrialist who saves over 1200 Jewish refugees during the Holocaust. This Steven Spielberg masterpiece remains Neeson's best film.
Upcoming Liam Neeson Movies
Liam Neeson's future projects include the highly anticipated "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," 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 a comprehensive look at Liam Neeson's filmography by release date, check out the following list:
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)
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.
