Top 10 Liam Neeson Films Ranked

Liam Neeson has carved out an illustrious career, battling iconic characters like Batman, training Jedi, leading revolutions, and using his "particular set of skills" to chase down kidnappers. He's set to star in the upcoming The Naked Gun reboot, scheduled for release in August 2025. Neeson's versatility shines through his work in drama, action, and even rom-coms, consistently showcasing his talent across various genres.

Below, we've curated a list of Liam Neeson's top 10 movies, highlighting his most memorable roles, from scarred superheroes to caring fathers and Jedi masters. We've also included details on where to watch these films and a peek at Neeson's upcoming projects.

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' beloved Christmas rom-com, Love Actually, Liam Neeson plays a grieving widower who supports his stepson's budding romance. Neeson's performance brings a touch of warmth and tenderness, showcasing his ability to convey deep emotional connection amidst his typically 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 in The Phantom Menace is a standout in the polarizing Star Wars Prequel Trilogy. Qui-Gon serves as a pivotal figure, mentoring Obi-Wan and introducing audiences to the Force's complexities. Neeson's commanding presence and recent reprisal in Disney+'s Obi-Wan Kenobi underscore his lasting impact on the franchise.

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

In Michael Collins, Liam Neeson delivers a riveting performance as the titular Irish revolutionary leader. His portrayal earned critical acclaim and several awards, cementing his status as a leading man in historical dramas. The film, featuring a stellar cast including Julia Roberts and Alan Rickman, offers a powerful look at Ireland's fight for independence.

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

Liam Neeson collaborates with Martin Scorsese once more in Silence, playing the enigmatic Cristóvão Ferreira. The film, a contemplative journey about Jesuit priests in 17th-century Japan, showcases Neeson's ability to embody complex characters in Scorsese's reflective narrative style.

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

Liam Neeson's portrayal of sexologist Alfred Kinsey in Kinsey is both intelligent and obsessive, earning him widespread critical praise. Directed by Bill Condon, the film delves into Kinsey's groundbreaking work on human sexuality, with Neeson's performance capturing the essence of his character's drive and determination.

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

Liam Neeson plays a crucial role in Batman Begins, training Bruce Wayne and later revealing himself as Ra's al Ghul. His performance adds depth and intensity to the film, contributing significantly to the success and tone of Christopher Nolan's 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, Liam Neeson embodies the titular character, a scientist turned vigilante seeking revenge after a brutal attack leaves him disfigured. His performance in this Sam Raimi-directed film blends horror and adventure, showcasing Neeson's versatility and ability to command the screen.

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

Liam Neeson stars as the titular Scottish clan chief in Rob Roy, delivering a powerful performance that stands out despite the overshadowing release of Braveheart the same year. With co-stars Jessica Lange and Tim Roth, Neeson's portrayal is fueled by passion and intensity, making the film a compelling historical drama.

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 marked a career-defining moment for Liam Neeson, catapulting him into action stardom. The film's tight plot and Neeson's commanding performance as a father on a mission to rescue his kidnapped daughter solidified his status as an action hero. While sequels followed, the original Taken remains a standout for its intensity and iconic scenes.

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

Liam Neeson's portrayal of Oskar Schindler in Schindler's List is his most acclaimed role, earning him an Oscar nomination. This Steven Spielberg masterpiece, which won Best Picture, showcases Neeson's ability to convey the transformation of a Nazi party member into a savior of over 1200 Jewish refugees during the Holocaust.

Upcoming Liam Neeson Movies

Liam Neeson's future projects include the highly anticipated The Naked Gun reboot, set to release on August 1, 2025. He also has several other films in development, including 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 chronological list of his movies:

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)

Did your favorite Liam Neeson film make our list? Share your thoughts in the comments below! For more movie recommendations, explore our lists of the best Keanu Reeves and top Ryan Reynolds movies.