The 10 Best Liam Neeson Movies of All Time

Liam Neeson, known for his versatile roles across genres, has left an indelible mark on cinema. From confronting Batman to guiding young Jedi, leading revolutions, and showcasing his "particular set of skills" in action-packed thrillers, Neeson's career spans decades of captivating performances. As we eagerly await his upcoming role in the The Naked Gun reboot set for release in August 2025, let's dive into the 10 best Liam Neeson movies that have defined his illustrious career.

The 10 Best Liam Neeson Movies

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10. Love Actually (2003)

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's beloved Christmas rom-com, Love Actually, Neeson plays a grieving widower helping his stepson woo a classmate. His tender performance offers a glimpse into his capacity for warmth, a stark contrast to his more common stern demeanor.

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

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

Liam Neeson's portrayal of Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn anchors The Phantom Menace. His commanding presence and the character's tragic end have left a lasting impact, further enhanced by his recent reprisal in Disney+'s Obi-Wan Kenobi.

8. Michael Collins (1996)

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 compelling performance as Irish revolutionary Michael Collins earned him critical acclaim and several awards. His magnetic presence anchors this powerful historical drama, showcasing his ability to lead a film with intensity and passion.

7. Silence (2016)

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 Silence, Neeson delivers a haunting performance as Cristóvão Ferreira, a Jesuit priest who renounces his faith under torture. This reflective film, a passion project for Scorsese, showcases Neeson's ability to delve into complex, morally challenging roles.

6. Kinsey (2004)

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 sexologist Alfred Kinsey in Kinsey is both intelligent and obsessive, capturing the essence of a man challenging societal norms. His performance, lauded by critics, highlights his skill in biographical dramas.

5. Batman Begins (2005)

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 Ra's al Ghul in Batman Begins, Neeson plays a pivotal role in Bruce Wayne's transformation into Batman. His dual role as mentor and adversary adds depth to the film, contributing significantly to the success of the Dark Knight Trilogy.

4. Darkman (1990)

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 Darkman, Neeson embodies a vengeful scientist turned vigilante, showcasing his ability to handle both action and horror elements. This film marks a significant transition for director Sam Raimi and highlights Neeson's versatility.

3. Rob Roy (1995)

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

In Rob Roy, Neeson delivers a powerful performance as the Scottish clan chief, showcasing his ability to lead a film with both fury and fervor. Despite competition from Braveheart, this film remains a testament to his acting prowess.

2. Taken (2008)

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 icon. His portrayal of a father with a "particular set of skills" is both intense and memorable, making this film a standout in his action repertoire.

1. Schindler’s List (1993)

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 in Schindler's List is his most acclaimed role, earning him an Oscar nomination. This Steven Spielberg masterpiece showcases Neeson's ability to convey both horror and heart, making it his best film to date.

Upcoming Liam Neeson Movies

Liam Neeson's future projects are eagerly anticipated, with The Naked Gun reboot set to hit theaters 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, and political thrillers like Charlie Johnson in the Flames. Fans can also look forward to Ice Road 2: Road to the Sky and a sequel to Run All Night.

Liam Neeson Movie List

For those interested in exploring Neeson's entire filmography, here is a comprehensive list of his movies in order of release:

• 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)

These are our picks for the best Liam Neeson movies. Did your favorite make the list? Let us know in the comments.

For more movie lists, check out our guides to the best Keanu Reeves movies and the top Ryan Reynolds movies.