Liam Neeson, an iconic figure in cinema, has graced our screens in a diverse array of roles—from battling Batman to training Jedi, leading revolutions, and employing a "particular set of skills" to chase down kidnappers. As we eagerly await his upcoming role in the *The Naked Gun* reboot, set to release in August 2025, we take a moment to celebrate his remarkable career. From dramatic masterpieces to thrilling action films, Neeson's versatility has captivated audiences for decades. Here, we've carefully selected his top 10 films, showcasing his range from scarred superheroes to caring fathers and masters of the Force. Dive into our list of the best Liam Neeson movies, and don't forget to check out his upcoming projects for a glimpse into what's next for this legendary actor.
The 10 Best Liam Neeson Movies
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10. Love Actually (2003)
Image credit: Universal Pictures
Director: Richard Curtis | Writer: Richard Curtis | Stars: Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Laura Linney | Release Date: November 14, 2003 | Where to watch: Available for rent on Amazon and most platforms
Liam Neeson's role in Richard Curtis's Christmas-themed rom-com, Love Actually, is a heartwarming standout. Playing a grieving widower who helps his stepson woo a classmate, Neeson's tender performance adds depth and warmth to the film, showcasing a softer side to his typically stern persona.
9. Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace (1999)
Image credit: 20th Century Fox
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: Stream on Disney+, or rent on Amazon and most platforms
Liam Neeson's portrayal of Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn in The Phantom Menace anchors the polarizing Star Wars prequel trilogy. As Obi-Wan's mentor, Qui-Gon's commanding presence and tragic end leave a lasting impact. Neeson's recent reprise of the role in Disney+'s Obi-Wan Kenobi further cements his legacy within the Skywalker Saga.
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: Available for rent on most platforms
Liam Neeson's performance in Neil Jordan's Michael Collins earned him critical acclaim and several awards. As the titular leader in the Irish struggle for independence, Neeson delivers a magnetic and impassioned portrayal, rounding out a trilogy of impactful biographical dramas following Schindler's List and Rob Roy.
7. Silence (2016)
Image credit: Paramount Pictures
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, or rent on Amazon and most platforms
In Martin Scorsese's Silence, Liam Neeson plays the enigmatic Jesuit Cristóvão Ferreira, whose recantation under torture drives the film's contemplative narrative. A passion project 25 years in the making, Silence showcases Neeson's ability to navigate complex moral landscapes.
6. Kinsey (2004)
Image credit: Fox Searchlight Pictures
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: Available for rent on Amazon and most platforms
Liam Neeson's portrayal of Alfred Kinsey in Kinsey is one of his most lauded roles. Directed by Bill Condon, Neeson captures the intelligence and obsession of the pioneering "sexologist," delivering a powerful performance in this critically acclaimed biographical drama.
5. Batman Begins (2005)
Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
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: Stream on Max, or rent on Amazon and most platforms
Liam Neeson's role as the warrior who trains Bruce Wayne and later reveals himself as Ra's al Ghul is pivotal to Batman Begins. His commanding performance sets the stage for the Dark Knight Trilogy, adding both grace and gravitas to the film.
4. Darkman (1990)
Image credit: Universal Pictures
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 rent on Amazon and most platforms
In Sam Raimi's Darkman, Liam Neeson plays a scientist turned vigilante, using fake faces to seek revenge. His portrayal of the gruesome superhero is both thrilling and darkly humorous, marking a significant transition for Raimi from horror to high-stakes adventure.
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: Stream on Kanopy and Prime Video, or rent on most platforms
Liam Neeson's portrayal of the Scottish clan chief in Rob Roy is a standout, delivering a performance fueled by fury and fervor. Despite being overshadowed by Braveheart, Rob Roy remains a powerful character-driven drama, with Neeson's performance earning critical acclaim.
2. Taken (2008)
Image credit: EuropaCorp Distribution
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: Stream on Hulu, or rent on other platforms
Taken marked a career-defining moment for Liam Neeson, transforming him into a full-fledged action hero. The film's tight plot and Neeson's commanding performance, especially in the iconic phone call scene, have cemented Taken as a classic action thriller.
1. Schindler’s List (1993)
Image credit: Universal Pictures
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 performance in Schindler's List is his crowning achievement, earning him an Oscar nomination. Playing Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist who saves over 1200 Jewish refugees during the Holocaust, Neeson delivers a heart-wrenching and powerful portrayal in Steven Spielberg's masterpiece.
Upcoming Liam Neeson Movies
Liam Neeson's future projects are eagerly anticipated, with the 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, the political thriller Charlie Johnson in the Flames, Ice Road 2: Road to the Sky, and a sequel to Run All Night. Stay tuned for more details on these exciting projects.
Liam Neeson Movie List
For those interested in Liam Neeson's complete filmography, here is a comprehensive 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)
What is the best Liam Neeson movie?
- Taken
- Schindler's List
- Rob Roy
- Darkman
- Batman Begins
- Kinsey
- Silence
- Michael Collins
- The Phantom Menace
- Love Actually
- Something else (let us know in the comments!)
And that's our pick of the best Liam Neeson movies! Did your favorite film make the cut? Or can we expect a man with a "particular set of skills" to knock at our door? Let us know in the comments.
Looking for more movie lists? Take a look at our guide to the best Keanu Reeves movies as well as the top Ryan Reynolds movies.
