Top 10 Liam Neeson Films Ever

Liam Neeson, an actor renowned for his versatility, has captivated audiences across genres ranging from action-packed thrillers to heartfelt dramas. From his iconic role as a determined father in "Taken" to his Oscar-nominated performance in "Schindler's List," Neeson's filmography showcases his ability to embody a wide array of characters. Here, we rank his top 10 movies, celebrating his contributions to cinema and highlighting the roles that have defined his career.

The 10 Best Liam Neeson Movies

11 Images

10. Love Actually (2003)

Image credit: Universal Pictures
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 Christmas-themed rom-com, Neeson plays a grieving widower who supports his stepson's budding romance. This role showcases Neeson's ability to convey warmth and tenderness, contrasting with his often-seen stern demeanor.

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

Image credit: 20th Century Fox
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, Neeson anchors the Star Wars prequel trilogy with his commanding presence. His portrayal of Obi-Wan's mentor adds depth to the saga, and his return in the "Obi-Wan Kenobi" series on Disney+ was a testament to the character's enduring impact.

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

Neeson's portrayal of the Irish revolutionary Michael Collins earned him critical acclaim and several awards. His magnetic performance captures the passion and complexity of a leader in the struggle for independence.

7. Silence (2016)

Image credit: Paramount Pictures
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 this contemplative drama, Neeson plays a Jesuit priest who renounces his faith under persecution. His role in Martin Scorsese's passion project adds an enigmatic layer to the film's exploration of faith and suffering.

6. Kinsey (2004)

Image credit: Fox Searchlight Pictures
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

Neeson's portrayal of pioneering sexologist Alfred Kinsey is both intelligent and nuanced. His performance in this biographical drama earned him widespread praise and highlighted his ability to delve into complex characters.

5. Batman Begins (2005)

Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
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

As the mentor and eventual antagonist Ra's al Ghul, Neeson plays a pivotal role in the reinvention of Batman. His performance adds depth to the film, setting the stage for the acclaimed Dark Knight Trilogy.

4. Darkman (1990)

Image credit: Universal Pictures
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 this cult classic, Neeson plays a disfigured scientist turned vigilante. His energetic performance in Sam Raimi's blend of horror and action showcases his range and ability to embody darker, more intense roles.

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

Neeson delivers a powerful performance as the titular Scottish clan chief in this historical drama. His portrayal, alongside a stellar cast, brings to life the story of a man fighting against corrupt nobles.

2. Taken (2008)

Image credit: EuropaCorp Distribution
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" redefined Neeson's career, turning him into an action hero with its gripping narrative and his memorable performance as a father using his "particular set of skills" to rescue his daughter. This film set the stage for numerous action thrillers.

1. Schindler’s List (1993)

Image credit: Universal Pictures
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

Neeson's portrayal of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved over 1,200 Jewish refugees during the Holocaust, is his most acclaimed role. His nuanced performance in this Steven Spielberg masterpiece earned him an Oscar nomination and cemented his place in cinematic history.

Upcoming Liam Neeson Movies

Liam Neeson's future projects include the highly anticipated "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," 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 extensive filmography, here is a comprehensive 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)

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? 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.