Liam Neeson has carved a remarkable path through cinema, showcasing his versatility by battling Batman, mentoring Jedi, leading revolutions, and delivering unforgettable action as a father with a "particular set of skills." His journey from drama to action and even rom-coms has solidified his place as a beloved figure in Hollywood. As we approach the much-anticipated release of his role in the The Naked Gun reboot in August 2025, let's dive into the 10 best Liam Neeson movies that have defined his illustrious career.
Here's our curated list of the top 10 Liam Neeson films, ranked:
The 10 Best Liam Neeson Movies
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10. Love Actually (2003)
Liam Neeson shines in the ensemble cast of Richard Curtis's beloved Christmas rom-com, Love Actually. As a grieving widower, Neeson's heartfelt performance as he guides his stepson through the trials of young love offers a poignant glimpse into his softer side, a contrast to his typically stern on-screen persona.
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 the mentor to Obi-Wan Kenobi, Qui-Gon's journey introduces fans to the broader Star Wars universe. Despite his tragic fate, Neeson's recent reprisal of the role in Disney+'s Obi-Wan Kenobi series was a cherished return.
8. Michael Collins (1996)
In Michael Collins, Liam Neeson delivers a powerhouse performance as the titular revolutionary leader in Ireland's fight for independence. His magnetic portrayal earned critical acclaim and several awards, marking him as a formidable force in historical dramas.
7. Silence (2016)
Liam Neeson's collaboration with Martin Scorsese in Silence brings depth to the role of Cristóvão Ferreira, a Jesuit priest facing a crisis of faith. This film, a passion project for Scorsese, showcases Neeson's ability to navigate complex emotional landscapes.
6. Kinsey (2004)
In Kinsey, Liam Neeson embodies the groundbreaking sexologist Alfred Kinsey, delivering a performance that captures the character's intellectual curiosity and relentless drive. This role further cements Neeson's reputation for tackling challenging biographical narratives.
5. Batman Begins (2005)
Liam Neeson plays a pivotal role in Batman Begins as Ra's al Ghul, mentor turned adversary to Bruce Wayne. His performance is crucial to the film's success, providing both the moral compass and the ultimate challenge for the Dark Knight.
4. Darkman (1990)
In Darkman, Liam Neeson dives into the world of superheroes with a vengeance, portraying a disfigured scientist seeking justice. His role in this Sam Raimi classic blends horror and action, showcasing Neeson's range as an actor.
3. Rob Roy (1995)
Liam Neeson's commanding performance in Rob Roy as the Scottish clan chief fighting against oppressive nobles is both fierce and heartfelt. Despite competing with Braveheart in the same year, Neeson's portrayal stands out as one of his best.
2. Taken (2008)
Taken marked a turning point in Liam Neeson's career, transforming him into an action icon. The film's intense plot and Neeson's iconic phone call scene have cemented its place in cinematic history, propelling him into a series of thrilling action films.
1. Schindler’s List (1993)
Liam Neeson's performance in Schindler's List is nothing short of masterful. Playing Oskar Schindler, his portrayal captures the complexity of a man who transforms from a self-serving businessman to a savior of over 1,200 Jewish refugees. This role earned Neeson his only Oscar nomination and remains his most celebrated work.
Upcoming Liam Neeson Movies
Liam Neeson's future projects are eagerly anticipated, with The Naked Gun reboot set for release on August 1, 2025. Fans can also look forward to thrillers like Cold Storage and Riker's Ghost, action-packed adventures such as The Mongoose and Hotel Tehran, and political thrillers like Charlie Johnson in the Flames. Additional films on the horizon include 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's a list of his movies in chronological order:
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 pick of the best Liam Neeson movies! Did your favorite film make the cut? 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.
