Liam Neeson, an actor known for his versatility and commanding presence, has graced the screen in a variety of roles, from battling Batman to training Jedi, leading revolutions, and using his "particular set of skills" to chase down kidnappers. With an upcoming role in the The Naked Gun reboot set for release in August 2025, Neeson continues to captivate audiences across genres. Here, we delve into the 10 best Liam Neeson movies, showcasing his range from superheroes to caring fathers and beyond.
Here are the 10 best Liam Neeson movies, ranked. Be sure to also check out our list of upcoming Liam Neeson movies for a glimpse into his future projects.
The 10 Best Liam Neeson Movies
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10. Love Actually (2003)
In Richard Curtis' beloved Christmas-themed rom-com, Love Actually, Liam Neeson delivers a heartfelt performance as a grieving widower who supports his stepson's quest to win over a classmate. This role showcases Neeson's ability to convey warmth and tenderness, a departure from his more familiar stern demeanor.
9. Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace (1999)
Liam Neeson's portrayal of Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn in Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace is a standout in the polarizing prequel trilogy. As Obi-Wan's mentor, Qui-Gon serves as a pivotal figure in the Skywalker Saga, and Neeson's commanding presence adds depth to the Jedi's struggle. His recent reprisal of the role in Disney+'s Obi-Wan Kenobi further cements his impact on the franchise.
8. Michael Collins (1996)
Liam Neeson's portrayal of the titular character in Neil Jordan's Michael Collins earned him critical acclaim and several awards. Playing a leader in Ireland's early 20th-century struggle for independence, Neeson's magnetic and impassioned performance is a highlight of his career, following his roles in Schindler's List and Rob Roy.
7. Silence (2016)
In Martin Scorsese's Silence, Liam Neeson plays the enigmatic Jesuit Cristóvão Ferreira, whose recantation of faith under torture is central to the film's narrative. This role, part of a 25-year passion project for Scorsese, showcases Neeson's ability to embody complex characters in contemplative, reflective works.
6. Kinsey (2004)
Liam Neeson's portrayal of Alfred Kinsey in Kinsey is one of his most acclaimed roles. Directed by Bill Condon, Neeson captures the intelligence and obsession of the pioneering sexologist, delivering a powerful performance in this biographical drama.
5. Batman Begins (2005)
Liam Neeson plays a pivotal role in Batman Begins, training Bruce Wayne before revealing himself as the villainous Ra's al Ghul. His performance is crucial to the film's success and the launch of Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight Trilogy, showcasing his ability to embody both mentor and adversary with equal intensity.
4. Darkman (1990)
In Darkman, Liam Neeson plays a scientist turned vigilante, using his gruesome transformation to seek revenge. This role marks a thrilling transition for Sam Raimi from horror to high-stakes adventure, with Neeson delivering a captivating performance as the titular character.
3. Rob Roy (1995)
In Rob Roy, Liam Neeson delivers a powerful performance as the Scottish clan chief battling sadistic nobles. Though released the same year as Braveheart, Rob Roy stands out as a character-driven drama, with Neeson's portrayal fueled by fury and fervor.
2. Taken (2008)
Taken is a career-defining film for Liam Neeson, transforming him into an action hero with its tight plot and memorable phone call scene. This film not only reinvigorated his career but also set the stage for a series of intense thrillers and action-packed adventures.
1. Schindler’s List (1993)
Liam Neeson's performance in Schindler's List is his finest, earning him an Oscar nomination. Playing Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist who saves over 1200 Jewish refugees during the Holocaust, Neeson delivers a masterful portrayal of a man driven by both horror and heart in Steven Spielberg's acclaimed masterpiece.
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 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 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.
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