Top 10 Liam Neeson Films Ranked

Liam Neeson has carved a remarkable career across genres, from battling Batman to training Jedi, leading revolutions, and showcasing his "particular set of skills" in action-packed thrillers. His journey through drama, action, and even rom-coms has left an indelible mark on cinema. Here, we delve into Liam Neeson's top 10 films, celebrating his versatility and enduring impact on the screen.

Also, don't miss 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 Richard Curtis' beloved Christmas rom-com, Love Actually. As a grieving widower, Neeson's character helps his stepson navigate the complexities of young love with warmth and sensitivity. His performance adds a heartfelt layer to the film, showcasing his ability to convey deep emotional resonance.

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

In the polarizing Star Wars Prequel Trilogy, Liam Neeson's portrayal of Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn stands out in The Phantom Menace. As Obi-Wan's mentor, Qui-Gon anchors the film with his commanding presence and noble demeanor. Neeson's return to the role in Disney+'s Obi-Wan Kenobi series was a testament to the character's enduring appeal.

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 Irish revolutionary Michael Collins earned him critical acclaim and several awards. His magnetic performance captures the passion and intensity of a leader fighting for independence, making this film a powerful entry in his catalog of historical dramas.

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 who renounces his faith under torture. This role adds depth to the film's exploration of faith and perseverance, reflecting Scorsese's contemplative style.

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 portrayal of Alfred Kinsey in the biographical drama Kinsey is both intelligent and intense. His performance captures the essence of the groundbreaking sexologist's mission to challenge societal norms, earning widespread critical praise.

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 Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins as Henri Ducard, who trains Bruce Wayne and later reveals himself as Ra's al Ghul. His performance is crucial to the film's success, adding depth and complexity to the narrative of the Dark Knight 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 rentable on Amazon and most platforms

In Sam Raimi's Darkman, Liam Neeson embodies the vengeful scientist Peyton Westlake, who becomes a vigilante after a brutal attack. His performance combines horror and action, showcasing Neeson's range in a role that blends Raimi's signature style with gripping storytelling.

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 portrayal of the Scottish clan chief Rob Roy is both fierce and heartfelt. His performance, alongside strong co-stars like Jessica Lange and Tim Roth, elevates this historical drama, making it a standout in his career.

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 catapulted Liam Neeson into action stardom. His iconic role as Bryan Mills, a former CIA operative on a mission to rescue his kidnapped daughter, is both intense and unforgettable. The film's success redefined Neeson's career, cementing his status as an action hero.

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 Oscar-nominated performance in Schindler's List is his crowning achievement. As Oskar Schindler, he navigates the complexities of morality and redemption during the Holocaust, delivering a portrayal that is both haunting and inspiring. This Steven Spielberg masterpiece remains a testament to Neeson's acting prowess.

Upcoming Liam Neeson Movies

Liam Neeson's future looks as action-packed as ever. The Naked Gun reboot, set to release on August 1, 2025, is one of his most anticipated projects. Other films in the works 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 entire filmography, here's 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 guide to the best Keanu Reeves movies and the top Ryan Reynolds movies.