Liam Neeson's versatile career spans from epic dramas to high-octane action films, showcasing his remarkable range as an actor. From his iconic roles in superhero films and sci-fi sagas to his gripping performances in historical and biographical dramas, Neeson has left an indelible mark on cinema. Here are the 10 best Liam Neeson movies, ranked, celebrating his diverse and impactful roles.
The 10 Best Liam Neeson Movies
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10. Love Actually (2003)
In Richard Curtis' beloved Christmas rom-com, Love Actually, Liam Neeson plays a grieving widower who helps his stepson navigate the complexities of young love. Neeson's tender portrayal stands out amidst the film's ensemble cast, offering a glimpse of his warmth and emotional depth that contrasts his more typical stern demeanor.
9. Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace (1999)
Liam Neeson's portrayal of Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn anchors the polarizing Star Wars prequel, The Phantom Menace. As Obi-Wan's mentor, Qui-Gon introduces audiences to the deeper aspects of the Force, bringing a commanding presence to the film. Neeson's recent return to the role in Disney+'s Obi-Wan Kenobi further cements Qui-Gon's lasting impact.
8. Michael Collins (1996)
Liam Neeson's powerful performance in Neil Jordan's Michael Collins earned him critical acclaim and numerous accolades. As the titular revolutionary leader in Ireland's fight for independence, Neeson delivers a magnetic and impassioned performance, rounding out a trilogy of historical dramas that also includes Schindler's List and Rob Roy.
7. Silence (2016)
In Martin Scorsese's contemplative drama Silence, Liam Neeson delivers a haunting performance as Cristóvão Ferreira, a Jesuit priest who renounces his faith under duress. This film, a passion project for Scorsese, showcases Neeson's ability to delve into complex and morally challenging characters.
6. Kinsey (2004)
Liam Neeson's portrayal of pioneering sexologist Alfred Kinsey in Kinsey is both compelling and nuanced. Directed by Bill Condon, the film explores Kinsey's groundbreaking research on human sexuality. Neeson's performance captures the character's intelligence and obsession, making it one of his most celebrated roles.
5. Batman Begins (2005)
In Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins, Liam Neeson plays the pivotal role of Ra's al Ghul, initially mentoring Bruce Wayne before revealing himself as the leader of the League of Shadows. Neeson's performance adds depth and gravity to the film, setting the stage for the acclaimed Dark Knight Trilogy.
4. Darkman (1990)
Liam Neeson stars as the titular character in Sam Raimi's Darkman, a thrilling blend of horror and action. As a scientist turned vengeful vigilante, Neeson's performance is both thrilling and darkly humorous, showcasing his ability to tackle genre-defining roles.
3. Rob Roy (1995)
In Rob Roy, Liam Neeson delivers a riveting performance as the Scottish clan chief who battles against corrupt nobles. Despite competing with the same-year release of Braveheart, Neeson's portrayal shines, driven by passion and fury, making it one of his most memorable roles.
2. Taken (2008)
Taken transformed Liam Neeson into an action hero, showcasing his ability to command the screen in high-stakes thrillers. The film's iconic phone call scene and tight plotting have made it a staple in action cinema, revitalizing Neeson's career in the process.
1. Schindler’s List (1993)
Liam Neeson's career-defining performance in Steven Spielberg's Schindler's List earned him an Oscar nomination. Playing Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist who saved over 1200 Jewish refugees during the Holocaust, Neeson's portrayal is both powerful and poignant, anchoring one of the greatest films ever made.
Upcoming Liam Neeson Movies
Liam Neeson's future projects are highly anticipated, with the The Naked Gun reboot set for release on August 1, 2025. Other films in the pipeline 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, along with a Run All Night sequel.
Liam Neeson Movie List
For a comprehensive list of Liam Neeson's films in order of release, refer to the following:
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)
These are our top picks of the best Liam Neeson movies. Did your favorite make the list? Let us know in the comments!
For more movie lists, check out our guide to the best Keanu Reeves movies and the top Ryan Reynolds movies.
