Liam Neeson, a versatile actor known for his roles in action, drama, and even romantic comedies, has had a prolific career spanning several decades. From battling Batman to training Jedi, Neeson has left an indelible mark on cinema with his compelling performances. Here, we present a curated list of his 10 best films, showcasing his range from scarred superheroes to caring fathers and beyond.
Here are the 10 best Liam Neeson movies, ranked. Be sure to 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 shines as a grieving widower dedicated to helping his stepson woo a classmate. His performance stands out as a tender and heartwarming moment, showcasing Neeson's ability to convey warmth amidst 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 The Phantom Menace is a highlight of the Star Wars prequel trilogy. As the mentor to Obi-Wan Kenobi, Qui-Gon's presence adds depth and gravitas to the saga. Neeson's recent reprisal of the role in Disney+'s Obi-Wan Kenobi series was a welcome return for fans.
See where The Phantom Menace ranks on our list of the best Star Wars movies or check out the Star Wars timeline to see where it fits.
8. Michael Collins (1996)
Liam Neeson's performance in Neil Jordan's Michael Collins earned him widespread acclaim and several awards. Playing the titular Irish revolutionary leader, Neeson's passionate and magnetic portrayal caps off a trilogy of powerful historical dramas after Schindler's List and Rob Roy. The film also features an impressive cast including Julia Roberts, Aidan Quinn, Stephen Rea, Alan Rickman, and Brendan Gleeson.
7. Silence (2016)
In Martin Scorsese's reflective drama Silence, Liam Neeson plays Cristóvão Ferreira, a Jesuit priest who renounces his faith under torture. This second collaboration with Scorsese after Gangs of New York showcases Neeson's ability to tackle complex, morally ambiguous roles in a film that was a 25-year passion project for the director.
6. Kinsey (2004)
Returning to biographical drama with Kinsey, Liam Neeson portrays the pioneering "sexologist" Alfred Kinsey. Under Bill Condon's direction, Neeson delivers a lauded performance, capturing the intelligence and obsession of Kinsey as he challenges the era's sexual taboos. The film co-stars Laura Linney, John Lithgow, and Peter Sarsgaard.
5. Batman Begins (2005)
Liam Neeson plays a pivotal role in Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins as the mentor to Bruce Wayne who later reveals himself as the villainous Ra's al Ghul. Neeson's commanding presence is crucial to the film's success, helping to launch the acclaimed Dark Knight Trilogy.
See where Batman Begins ranks on our list of the best Batman movies or how it fits into the Batman movie timeline.
4. Darkman (1990)
In Sam Raimi's Darkman, Liam Neeson plays a scientist who becomes a vengeful vigilante after a brutal attack leaves him disfigured. Neeson's performance is a thrilling blend of horror and high-stakes adventure, marking Raimi's transition from his Evil Dead roots.
3. Rob Roy (1995)
Though released in the same year as Braveheart, Rob Roy stands out as one of Liam Neeson's best starring roles. As the Scottish clan chief battling sadistic nobles, Neeson delivers a powerful performance alongside Jessica Lange and an Oscar-nominated Tim Roth.
2. Taken (2008)
Taken transformed Liam Neeson into an action icon. As a former CIA operative rescuing his kidnapped daughter, Neeson's performance is both intense and riveting. The film's tight plot and memorable scenes, like the iconic phone call, cemented Neeson's status as a late-career action star.
1. Schindler’s List (1993)
Liam Neeson's career-defining role in Schindler's List earned him an Oscar nomination. As Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist who saves over 1200 Jewish refugees during the Holocaust, Neeson delivers a masterful performance, blending horror and heart in Steven Spielberg's acclaimed masterpiece.
Upcoming Liam Neeson Movies
Liam Neeson has several exciting projects lined up. The most anticipated is the reboot of The Naked Gun, 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 every Liam Neeson movie, here is a comprehensive list 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 your favorite Liam Neeson movie? Let us know in the comments below!
For more movie lists, explore our guide to the best Keanu Reeves movies and the top Ryan Reynolds movies.
