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 romantic endeavors. 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 The Phantom Menace anchors the film with his commanding presence. As Obi-Wan's mentor, Qui-Gon introduces audiences to the deeper aspects of the Force, and Neeson's recent reprisal of the role in Disney+'s Obi-Wan Kenobi reaffirmed his impact on the Star Wars saga.
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. His magnetic performance as the leader of the Irish struggle for independence is both passionate and powerful, rounding out a trilogy of historical dramas that includes Schindler's List and Rob Roy.
7. Silence (2016)
In Martin Scorsese's Silence, Liam Neeson plays the enigmatic Cristóvão Ferreira, a Jesuit priest who renounces his faith under torture. This role, part of a film that took 25 years to come to fruition, showcases Neeson's ability to delve into complex, contemplative characters.
6. Kinsey (2004)
Liam Neeson's portrayal of Alfred Kinsey in Kinsey is both intelligent and obsessive, capturing the essence of the pioneering sexologist. Directed by Bill Condon, this biographical drama received glowing reviews and highlighted Neeson's ability to embody complex historical figures.
5. Batman Begins (2005)
Liam Neeson plays a pivotal role in Batman Begins as the mentor who trains Bruce Wayne, only to reveal himself as the villainous Ra's al Ghul. His performance adds depth and intensity to the film, helping to launch Christopher Nolan's acclaimed Dark Knight Trilogy.
4. Darkman (1990)
In Darkman, Liam Neeson embodies a vengeful scientist who uses synthetic faces to exact revenge. This role, directed by Sam Raimi, showcases Neeson's ability to blend horror with high-stakes adventure, marking a significant transition in Raimi's career.
3. Rob Roy (1995)
Liam Neeson's portrayal of the Scottish clan chief in Rob Roy is both fierce and heartfelt. Despite being overshadowed by Braveheart, Neeson's performance, alongside Jessica Lange and Tim Roth, remains a standout in his career.
2. Taken (2008)
Taken transformed Liam Neeson into an action icon. His role as a father using his "particular set of skills" to rescue his daughter is both intense and memorable, marking a career-defining moment that led to numerous action thrillers.
1. Schindler’s List (1993)
Liam Neeson's performance in Schindler's List is his most acclaimed, earning him an Oscar nomination. Playing Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist who saved over 1200 Jewish refugees during the Holocaust, Neeson delivers a powerful portrayal of a man transformed by compassion and courage.
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 films in the pipeline include thrillers like Cold Storage and Riker's Ghost, action movies such as The Mongoose and Hotel Tehran, and political thrillers like Charlie Johnson in the Flames and Ice Road 2: Road to the Sky, along with 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 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 selection of the best Liam Neeson movies! Did your favorite make the list? 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.
