Top 10 Liam Neeson Films Ranked

Liam Neeson, the acclaimed actor known for his versatility and commanding presence, has delivered numerous unforgettable performances throughout his illustrious career. From battling Batman to training Jedi, from leading revolutions to using his "particular set of skills" to chase down kidnappers, Neeson has captivated audiences across genres. As he gears up for the upcoming The Naked Gun reboot, set to hit theaters in August 2025, we take a look back at his top 10 films, showcasing his range from superheroes to caring fathers and beyond.

Curious about Liam Neeson's future projects? Check out our list of upcoming Liam Neeson movies for a glimpse into what's next for this iconic actor.

The 10 Best Liam Neeson Movies

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10. Love Actually (2003)

Image credit: Universal PicturesDirector: 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-themed rom-com, Love Actually, Liam Neeson plays a grieving widower who supports his stepson's romantic endeavors. This tender portrayal showcases Neeson's softer side, contrasting his typical action-hero roles and adding a heartfelt layer to the ensemble cast.

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

Image credit: 20th Century FoxDirector: 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 polarizing Star Wars Prequel Trilogy. As Obi-Wan's mentor, Qui-Gon introduces audiences to the Force's mysteries and the Jedi's plight. Neeson's recent reprise of the role in Disney+'s Obi-Wan Kenobi series reaffirmed his iconic status in the Star Wars universe.

8. Michael Collins (1996)

Image credit: Warner Bros.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

Liam Neeson's portrayal of the titular revolutionary in Neil Jordan's Michael Collins earned him widespread acclaim and several awards. As a leader in Ireland's struggle for independence, Neeson's passionate performance is a testament to his ability to embody historical figures with depth and intensity.

7. Silence (2016)

Image credit: Paramount PicturesDirector: 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 Martin Scorsese's reflective drama Silence, Liam Neeson plays Cristóvão Ferreira, a Jesuit priest who renounces his faith under torture. This role, part of Scorsese's passion project, showcases Neeson's ability to delve into complex, contemplative characters.

6. Kinsey (2004)

Image credit: Fox Searchlight PicturesDirector: 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 stars as Alfred Kinsey, the pioneering "sexologist," in Bill Condon's Kinsey. Neeson's portrayal captures the intelligence and obsessive nature of Kinsey, earning critical acclaim and highlighting his ability to tackle challenging biographical roles.

5. Batman Begins (2005)

Image credit: Warner Bros. PicturesDirector: 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's role as the mentor-turned-villain Ra's al Ghul in Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins is pivotal to the film's success. His commanding presence and nuanced performance help set the stage for the Dark Knight Trilogy, making this one of his most impactful roles.

4. Darkman (1990)

Image credit: Universal PicturesDirector: 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 Sam Raimi's cult classic Darkman, Liam Neeson plays a disfigured scientist turned vigilante. His performance blends horror and high-stakes adventure, marking a significant moment in his career as he transitions into action roles.

3. Rob Roy (1995)

Image credit: MGM/UA Distribution Co.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 delivers a powerful performance as the titular Scottish clan chief in Rob Roy. Despite competing with Braveheart for attention, Neeson's portrayal of the honorable yet fierce Rob Roy stands out as one of his finest roles.

2. Taken (2008)

Image credit: EuropaCorp DistributionDirector: 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 Liam Neeson's career, turning him into a full-fledged action hero. The film's tight plot and Neeson's intense performance, especially in the iconic phone call scene, have cemented Taken as a modern action classic.

1. Schindler’s List (1993)

Image credit: Universal PicturesDirector: 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 Steven Spielberg's Schindler's List is his most celebrated role. Earning him an Oscar nomination, Neeson's performance captures the complexity of a man who transforms from a Nazi party member to a savior of over 1200 Jewish refugees during the Holocaust.

Upcoming Liam Neeson Movies

Liam Neeson's future projects are eagerly anticipated, with the most notable being the The Naked Gun reboot, set for 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, and more, including Ice Road 2: Road to the Sky and a Run All Night sequel.

Liam Neeson Movie List

For a comprehensive list of Liam Neeson's films in order of release date, see below:

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)