Top 10 Liam Neeson Films Ever

Liam Neeson, an actor renowned for his versatility, has portrayed characters from superheroes to Jedi masters, revolution leaders, and relentless fathers. From his dramatic roles to action-packed thrillers and even romantic comedies, Neeson's filmography spans a wide array of genres. Here, we highlight his top 10 best films, showcasing his most impactful performances.

Here are the 10 best Liam Neeson movies, ranked. Don't forget to check out our list of upcoming Liam Neeson movies to see what exciting projects he has lined up next.

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: Available to rent on Amazon and most platforms

In the beloved holiday rom-com "Love Actually," Liam Neeson delivers a heartwarming performance as a grieving widower who supports his stepson in his romantic endeavors. This role showcases Neeson's softer side, contrasting his more familiar intense and gruff characters.

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: Available to stream on Disney+ or rent 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 and depth to the Star Wars prequel trilogy. His portrayal of the mentor to Obi-Wan Kenobi remains a highlight, and he has recently reprised the role in Disney+'s "Obi-Wan Kenobi."

For more on the Star Wars saga, see where "The Phantom Menace" ranks among the best Star Wars movies or explore the Star Wars timeline.

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 portrayal of the titular character in "Michael Collins" earned him critical acclaim and several awards. Playing the leader in Ireland's struggle for independence, Neeson's performance is both magnetic and passionate, cementing his place in 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: Available to stream on Kanopy or rent on Amazon and most platforms

In "Silence," Liam Neeson delivers a compelling performance as Cristóvão Ferreira, a Jesuit priest who renounces his faith under duress. Directed by Martin Scorsese, this film is a profound exploration of faith and resilience, with Neeson's role at its emotional core.

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

Neeson stars as the pioneering sexologist Alfred Kinsey in "Kinsey," a film that received widespread acclaim for its honest portrayal of human sexuality. Neeson's nuanced performance captures Kinsey's intellectual fervor and dedication to scientific truth.

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: Available to stream on Max or rent on Amazon and most platforms

In "Batman Begins," Liam Neeson plays the dual role of Bruce Wayne's mentor and the villain Ra's al Ghul. His performance is pivotal in setting the tone for Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight Trilogy, showcasing his ability to embody both wisdom and menace.

For more on the Caped Crusader, see where "Batman Begins" ranks among the best Batman movies or explore the Batman movie timeline.

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: Available to stream on AMC+ Apple TV Channel or rent on Amazon and most platforms

Liam Neeson's role as the titular character in "Darkman" is a thrilling blend of horror and action. As a scientist turned vigilante, Neeson's performance is both intense and engaging, marking a significant milestone in his career.

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: Available to 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 fighting against oppressive nobles. His portrayal, alongside stellar performances from Jessica Lange and Tim Roth, makes this film a compelling character study.

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: Available to stream on Hulu or rent on other platforms

"Taken" catapulted Liam Neeson into the realm of action heroes. As a father with a "particular set of skills," Neeson's performance in this tightly plotted thriller redefined his career, leading to a series of successful action films.

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: Available to stream on Netflix or rent on Amazon and most platforms

Liam Neeson's role as Oskar Schindler in "Schindler's List" is his most celebrated performance. This Steven Spielberg masterpiece earned multiple Academy Awards, including a nomination for Neeson, and showcases his ability to convey complex emotions and moral transformation.

Upcoming Liam Neeson Movies

Liam Neeson continues to captivate audiences with upcoming projects. The much-anticipated "The Naked Gun" reboot is set to release on August 1, 2025. Additionally, Neeson is slated to star in several other films, including thrillers like "Cold Storage" and "Riker's Ghost," action-packed movies such as "The Mongoose" and "Hotel Tehran," and the political thriller "Charlie Johnson in the Flames." Fans can also look forward to sequels like "Ice Road 2: Road to the Sky" and a follow-up to "Run All Night."

Liam Neeson Movie List

Here's a comprehensive list of Liam Neeson's 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 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.