Top 10 Liam Neeson Films Ever

Liam Neeson, an Oscar-nominated actor renowned for his versatility, has captivated audiences across multiple genres, from action-packed thrillers to heartfelt dramas. From his iconic roles in "Taken" and "Schindler's List" to his memorable turns in "Batman Begins" and "Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace," Neeson's career spans over four decades, showcasing his range and depth as an actor. With his upcoming role in the "The Naked Gun" reboot set for release in August 2025, fans are eagerly anticipating more from this legendary performer.

Here, we've curated a list of Liam Neeson's top 10 films, highlighting his most compelling performances. Whether he's playing a grieving widower, a Jedi Master, or a relentless father on a mission, Neeson's work continues to resonate with viewers worldwide. Additionally, we invite you to explore our list of upcoming Liam Neeson movies to see what exciting projects he has lined up for the future.

The 10 Best Liam Neeson Movies

11 Images10. Love Actually (2003)

Director: 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

In Richard Curtis' beloved holiday film, "Love Actually," Liam Neeson delivers a touching performance as a widower helping his stepson navigate first love. This role stands out as a tender departure from Neeson's more intense characters, highlighting his ability to convey warmth and compassion.

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

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: Disney+ to stream, or rentable on Amazon and most platforms

As Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn in "Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace," Liam Neeson brings a commanding presence to the Star Wars prequel trilogy. His portrayal of the wise and noble mentor to Obi-Wan Kenobi is pivotal, and his recent reprisal of the role in "Obi-Wan Kenobi" on Disney+ delighted fans.

8. Michael Collins (1996)

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 Irish revolutionary Michael Collins in Neil Jordan's film earned him critical acclaim and several awards. Neeson's magnetic performance captures the passion and intensity of the historical figure, making "Michael Collins" a standout in his career.

7. Silence (2016)

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, rentable on Amazon and most platforms

In Martin Scorsese's "Silence," Liam Neeson delivers a haunting performance as Cristóvão Ferreira, a Jesuit priest who recants his faith under torture. This role, part of a passion project for Scorsese, showcases Neeson's ability to handle complex and reflective characters.

6. Kinsey (2004)

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: Rentable on Amazon and most platforms

In "Kinsey," Liam Neeson plays the pioneering sexologist Alfred Kinsey. His performance captures the intensity and dedication of a man challenging societal norms, making this film a critically acclaimed highlight in his career.

5. Batman Begins (2005)

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: Max to stream, or rentable on Amazon and most platforms

Liam Neeson's role as the mentor-turned-antagonist Ra's al Ghul in "Batman Begins" is crucial to the film's narrative. His commanding performance adds depth to the origin story of Batman, setting the stage for Christopher Nolan's acclaimed Dark Knight Trilogy.

4. Darkman (1990)

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 rentable on Amazon and most platforms

In "Darkman," Liam Neeson plays a disfigured scientist seeking revenge, embodying the vigilante spirit with a blend of horror and high-stakes action. This role showcases Neeson's versatility in a film directed by Sam Raimi, known for his unique style.

3. Rob Roy (1995)

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 in "Rob Roy" is a powerful performance that stands out in his filmography. Despite being released the same year as "Braveheart," "Rob Roy" holds its own, with Neeson delivering a passionate and intense role.

2. Taken (2008)

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: Hulu, or rentable on other platforms

"Taken" catapulted Liam Neeson into action hero status with his iconic role as Bryan Mills, a father using his "particular set of skills" to rescue his kidnapped daughter. This film redefined Neeson's career, leading to a series of successful action thrillers.

1. Schindler’s List (1993)

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 performance as Oskar Schindler in "Schindler's List" is his career-defining role. This Steven Spielberg masterpiece earned Neeson an Oscar nomination and remains a poignant testament to his ability to convey both the horror and the heart of complex characters.

Upcoming Liam Neeson Movies

Liam Neeson's future projects promise more excitement for fans. The most anticipated is the "The Naked Gun" reboot, set to 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," political thriller "Charlie Johnson in the Flames," "Ice Road 2: Road to the Sky," and the "Run All Night" sequel. Stay tuned for more updates on these exciting projects.

Liam Neeson Movie List

For those interested in exploring Liam Neeson's entire filmography, here is a chronological list of his movies:

• 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)

Did your favorite Liam Neeson movie make our top 10 list? Let us know in the comments. For more movie lists, check out our guides on the best Keanu Reeves and top Ryan Reynolds movies.