Liam Neeson, the iconic actor known for his versatility and commanding presence on screen, has graced us with a multitude of unforgettable performances across genres. From battling Batman and training Jedi to leading revolutions and using his "particular set of skills" to chase down kidnappers, Neeson's career is nothing short of legendary. His upcoming role in the reboot of "The Naked Gun," set for release in August 2025, is eagerly anticipated by fans worldwide. Here, we delve into the top 10 Liam Neeson movies that showcase his remarkable range and enduring impact on cinema.
Curious about gaming or need advice on Liam Neeson's latest projects? Join our vibrant community on Discord for engaging discussions and support!
The 10 Best Liam Neeson Movies
11 Images
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: Rent on Amazon and most platforms
In the heartwarming ensemble of Richard Curtis' Christmas-themed rom-com, "Love Actually," Liam Neeson delivers a touching performance as a grieving widower. His mission to help his stepson woo a classmate showcases a softer, more emotional side of Neeson, contrasting with his often stern and gruff roles, making it a standout in the film.
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: Disney+ to stream, or rentable on Amazon and most platforms
Despite the mixed reception of the Star Wars Prequel Trilogy, Liam Neeson's portrayal of Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn remains a highlight. As Obi-Wan's mentor, Qui-Gon anchors the narrative, offering a compelling entry into the Skywalker Saga. Neeson's return in Disney+'s "Obi-Wan Kenobi" series further cemented his character's legacy.
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 character in Neil Jordan's "Michael Collins" earned him critical acclaim and several awards. His passionate and magnetic performance as the leader in Ireland's fight for independence marks a high point in his career, complementing his earlier work in historical dramas like "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, rentable on Amazon and most platforms
In Martin Scorsese's reflective drama "Silence," Liam Neeson plays the enigmatic Jesuit Cristóvão Ferreira. His role as a man who renounces his faith under duress is central to the film's narrative, contributing to one of Scorsese's most contemplative works, a passion project developed over 25 years.
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: Rentable on Amazon and most platforms
Liam Neeson's portrayal of Alfred Kinsey in "Kinsey" is lauded for capturing the sexologist's intelligent and obsessive nature. Directed by Bill Condon, this biographical drama showcases Neeson's ability to delve into complex characters, earning him critical praise and further solidifying his reputation in the genre.
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: Max to stream, or rentable on Amazon and most platforms
Liam Neeson plays a pivotal role in Christopher Nolan's "Batman Begins," training Bruce Wayne before revealing himself as the formidable Ra's al Ghul. His performance adds depth and intensity to the film, setting the stage for the acclaimed Dark Knight Trilogy.
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 rentable on Amazon and most platforms
In Sam Raimi's "Darkman," Liam Neeson plays a disfigured scientist turned vigilante. His portrayal of the titular character blends horror and high-stakes adventure, marking a significant transition for Raimi and a showcase of Neeson's range in genre films.
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's compelling performance in "Rob Roy" as the Scottish clan chief fighting against oppressive nobles earned him critical acclaim. Though released in the same year as "Braveheart," "Rob Roy" stands on its own with Neeson's powerful and emotive portrayal.
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: Hulu, or rentable on other platforms
"Taken" transformed Liam Neeson into an action hero, revitalizing his career with its tight plot and iconic phone call scene. This film not only showcased his ability to command an action thriller but also set the stage for a series of intense and thrilling movies.
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 portrayal of Oskar Schindler in Steven Spielberg's "Schindler's List" is considered his finest work. Earning an Oscar nomination, Neeson's performance captures the transformation of a German industrialist into a savior of over 1200 Jewish refugees during the Holocaust, making it a poignant and powerful cinematic achievement.
Upcoming Liam Neeson Movies
For fans eager to see what's next for Liam Neeson, the "The Naked Gun" reboot is set to hit theaters on August 1, 2025. Alongside this, Neeson's slate includes thrillers like "Cold Storage" and "Riker's Ghost," action films such as "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." While most of these projects don't have confirmed release dates yet, they promise to continue showcasing Neeson's dynamic range.
Liam Neeson Movie List
For a comprehensive look at Liam Neeson's filmography, here is a 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)
And that's our selection of the best Liam Neeson movies! Did your favorite make the list? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to explore our guides to the best Keanu Reeves and Ryan Reynolds movies for more cinematic inspiration.
