Top 10 Liam Neeson Films Ever

Liam Neeson, the versatile actor known for his roles ranging from battling Batman to leading revolutions and even training Jedi, continues to captivate audiences with his dynamic performances. From drama to action, and even rom-coms, Neeson's career spans a wide variety of genres, showcasing his incredible range. Here, we present a curated list of his top 10 films, highlighting his most memorable roles—from a grieving father to a Jedi Master, and everything in between.

For a glimpse into what's next for this talented actor, don't forget to check out our list of upcoming Liam Neeson movies.

The 10 Best Liam Neeson Movies

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10. Love Actually (2003)

Director: Richard Curtis | Writer: Richard Curtis | Stars: Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Laura Linney | Release Date: November 14, 2003 | Where to watch: Available for rent on Amazon and most platforms

Liam Neeson shines as part of the ensemble cast in Richard Curtis' beloved Christmas-themed rom-com, "Love Actually." His portrayal of a grieving widower helping his stepson navigate young love is both touching and heartfelt, showcasing Neeson's softer side amidst his typically stern persona.

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: Available to stream on Disney+ or rent on Amazon and most platforms

Liam Neeson's portrayal of Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn in "The Phantom Menace" is a standout amidst the polarizing Star Wars Prequel Trilogy. As Obi-Wan's mentor, Qui-Gon serves as a guiding force, and Neeson's commanding presence adds depth to the Jedi's narrative. His recent reprisal of the role in Disney+'s "Obi-Wan Kenobi" further solidified his legacy as the wise Jedi Master.

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: Available for rent on most platforms

Liam Neeson's performance as the titular character in Neil Jordan's "Michael Collins" earned him critical acclaim and several awards. Playing the leader in Ireland's early 20th-century struggle for independence, Neeson delivers a passionate and magnetic portrayal, rounding out a trilogy of historical dramas that includes "Schindler's List" and "Rob Roy."

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, or rent on Amazon and most platforms

In "Silence," Liam Neeson collaborates with Martin Scorsese for the second time, delivering a compelling supporting role as Cristóvão Ferreira. This film, a passion project for Scorsese, explores the trials of two Jesuit priests in 17th-century Japan, with Neeson's character adding a layer of mystery and reflection to the narrative.

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: Available for rent on Amazon and most platforms

Liam Neeson's role as Alfred Kinsey in "Kinsey" is one of his most critically acclaimed performances. Directed by Bill Condon, the film delves into the life of the pioneering sexologist, and Neeson captures his subject's obsessive dedication to understanding human sexuality, earning praise for his nuanced portrayal.

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: Stream on Max or rent on Amazon and most platforms

Liam Neeson plays a pivotal role in Christopher Nolan's "Batman Begins," training Bruce Wayne before revealing himself as the villainous Ra's al Ghul. His performance is crucial to the film's success, bringing both mentorship and menace to the Dark Knight's origin story.

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 rent on Amazon and most platforms

Liam Neeson's turn as the titular character in Sam Raimi's "Darkman" showcases his versatility as an actor. Playing a disfigured scientist seeking vengeance, Neeson brings a thrilling mix of horror and adventure to this cult classic.

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: Stream on Kanopy and Prime Video, or rent on most platforms

In "Rob Roy," Liam Neeson delivers a powerful performance as the Scottish clan chief battling against corrupt nobles. Though overshadowed by "Braveheart," this film remains a testament to Neeson's ability to portray strong, compelling characters.

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: Stream on Hulu or rent on other platforms

"Taken" marked a turning point in Liam Neeson's career, transforming him into an action hero with his iconic portrayal of a father using his "particular set of skills" to rescue his daughter. This tightly plotted thriller became a benchmark for action films and led to numerous sequels, cementing Neeson's place in the genre.

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 in "Schindler's List" is his crowning achievement, earning him an Oscar nomination. Playing Oskar Schindler, who saves over 1200 Jewish refugees during the Holocaust, Neeson delivers a heart-wrenching and transformative portrayal in Steven Spielberg's masterpiece.

Upcoming Liam Neeson Movies

Liam Neeson's future projects are eagerly anticipated. The most notable upcoming film is the "The Naked Gun" reboot, set to release on August 1, 2025. Other projects on the horizon 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 fans interested in exploring Liam Neeson's complete filmography, here is a list of his movies in order of release date:

• 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)

And that's our pick of the best Liam Neeson movies! Did your favorite film make the cut? 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.