Top 10 Liam Neeson Films Ranked

Liam Neeson, an actor known for his versatility, has graced the screen in numerous roles, from battling Batman to training Jedi, leading revolutions, and chasing down kidnappers with his "particular set of skills." He's set to star in the upcoming The Naked Gun reboot, due to release in August 2025. Neeson's career spans genres, from drama and action to rom-coms, showcasing his talent across decades.

But which are Liam Neeson's best films of all time? We've narrowed down his vast filmography to the top 10 Liam Neeson movies, featuring roles as scarred superheroes, caring fathers, masters of the Force, and the ultimate tracker from "Taken."

Here are the 10 best Liam Neeson movies, ranked. Be sure to also check out our list of upcoming Liam Neeson movies for a glimpse into his future projects.

The 10 Best Liam Neeson Movies

11 Images10. 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: Available to rent on Amazon and most platforms

Liam Neeson shines as part of the ensemble cast in Richard Curtis' beloved Christmas rom-com, Love Actually. His portrayal of a grieving widower who supports his stepson's romantic endeavors offers a heartfelt performance, showcasing Neeson's ability to convey warmth and tenderness amidst his typically stern demeanor.

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: Stream on Disney+, or rent on Amazon and most platforms

In the polarizing Star Wars Prequel Trilogy, Liam Neeson's portrayal of Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn stands out as a pivotal figure. As Obi-Wan's mentor, Qui-Gon introduces us to the Force and the Skywalker Saga. Neeson's commanding presence adds depth to the Jedi's narrative, and his recent return in Disney+'s Obi-Wan Kenobi series was a welcome reprise.

Explore where The Phantom Menace ranks in our list of the best Star Wars movies or see its place in the Star Wars timeline.

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 to rent on most platforms

Liam Neeson's compelling performance as Michael Collins earned him critical acclaim and several acting awards. Playing a leader in the Irish struggle for independence, Neeson's magnetic and passionate portrayal completes a trilogy of powerful historical dramas following Schindler's List and Rob Roy. The film co-stars Julia Roberts, Aidan Quinn, Stephen Rea, Alan Rickman, and Brendan Gleeson.

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, or rent on Amazon and most platforms

Liam Neeson's second collaboration with Martin Scorsese, Silence, is a thoughtful exploration of faith and resilience. Playing the Jesuit Cristóvão Ferreira, Neeson's enigmatic performance is central to the narrative about two priests in 17th-century Japan. This contemplative work reflects Scorsese's passion project, echoing his style seen in Kundun.

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: Available to rent on Amazon and most platforms

In Kinsey, Liam Neeson delivers a nuanced portrayal of the pioneering "sexologist" Alfred Kinsey. Directed by Bill Condon, Neeson's depiction of Kinsey's intellectual fervor and dedication to understanding human sexuality garnered widespread acclaim. The film co-stars Laura Linney, John Lithgow, and Peter Sarsgaard, making it a standout in Neeson's career.

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: Stream on Max, or rent on Amazon and most platforms

Liam Neeson plays a crucial role in the reinvention of the Caped Crusader in Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins. As the mentor who trains Bruce Wayne, only to reveal himself as the formidable Ra's al Ghul, Neeson brings both grace and gravitas to the Dark Knight Trilogy. Discover where it ranks among the best Batman movies or its place in the Batman movie timeline.

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 rent on Amazon and most platforms

Liam Neeson stars as the titular character in Sam Raimi's Darkman, a thrilling blend of horror and adventure. As a scientist turned vengeful vigilante, Neeson's portrayal of the disfigured Darkman is both intense and engaging, marking a significant shift in Raimi's filmmaking style from his Evil Dead roots.

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

Though overshadowed by Braveheart, Rob Roy remains a standout in Liam Neeson's career. His portrayal of the Scottish clan chief battling sadistic nobles is fueled by passion and fury. With strong performances from co-stars Jessica Lange and the Oscar-nominated Tim Roth, Rob Roy is a compelling historical drama.

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: Stream on Hulu, or rent on other platforms

Taken transformed Liam Neeson into a full-fledged action hero, marking a career-defining moment. The film's tight plot and Neeson's commanding performance as a father with a "particular set of skills" captivated audiences, leading to numerous sequels and a new wave of thrillers featuring Neeson.

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 most acclaimed role comes in Schindler's List, which won Best Picture and earned Neeson his only Oscar nomination. Playing Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist who saves over 1200 Jewish refugees during the Holocaust, Neeson delivers a performance filled with both horror and heart, cementing this film as a masterpiece.

Upcoming Liam Neeson Movies

Liam Neeson's upcoming projects include the highly anticipated The Naked Gun reboot, set for release on August 1, 2025. Other films in development include thrillers Cold Storage and Riker's Ghost, action movies The Mongoose and Hotel Tehran, 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 every Liam Neeson movie in order of release, here is a comprehensive list:

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? Let us know in the comments.

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