Liam Neeson has left an indelible mark on cinema, from his gripping performances in dramas to his iconic roles in action films. From battling Batman to training Jedi, and even charming audiences in rom-coms, Neeson's versatility is unmatched. Here's a refined list of his top 10 films, showcasing his range and the depth he brings to every role. For a glimpse into his future projects, don't forget to check out our list of upcoming Liam Neeson movies.
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: Rent on Amazon and most platforms
Liam Neeson shines in this ensemble rom-com as a grieving widower helping his stepson navigate love. His tender performance stands out, showcasing a softer side amidst his typically stern roles.
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
As Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn, Neeson anchors the Star Wars prequel with his commanding presence. Despite the film's mixed reception, his portrayal remains a highlight, and his recent return in Disney+'s Obi-Wan Kenobi was warmly received.
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
Neeson's portrayal of the Irish revolutionary Michael Collins is both magnetic and heartfelt, earning him critical acclaim and several awards. This film is a testament to his ability to embody historical figures with passion and depth.
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 this contemplative drama, Neeson plays a Jesuit priest who renounces his faith under torture. His role adds a profound layer to this Martin Scorsese masterpiece, which took 25 years to bring to the screen.
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
Neeson's portrayal of sexologist Alfred Kinsey is both intelligent and intense, capturing the essence of a man challenging societal norms. His performance in this biographical drama received widespread praise.
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
As the mentor and eventual antagonist Ra's al Ghul, Neeson's performance is pivotal in setting the tone for the Dark Knight Trilogy. His nuanced portrayal adds depth to the film's exploration of justice and vengeance.
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
Neeson's role as the vengeful Darkman showcases his ability to blend horror and action. His performance as the disfigured scientist seeking justice is both thrilling and haunting.
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
Neeson delivers a powerful performance as the Scottish clan chief Rob Roy. His portrayal of a man fighting against injustice is both fierce and compelling, cementing this film as one of his finest.
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 revitalized Neeson's career, turning him into an action icon. His role as a father with a "particular set of skills" is both intense and memorable, making this film a standout in his repertoire.
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
Neeson's portrayal of Oskar Schindler is the pinnacle of his career. His nuanced performance in this Steven Spielberg masterpiece, which won Best Picture, showcases his ability to convey both horror and humanity.
Upcoming Liam Neeson Movies
Liam Neeson's future projects promise more excitement. The most anticipated is 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-packed adventures such as The Mongoose and Hotel Tehran, and the political thriller Charlie Johnson in the Flames. Fans can also look forward to Ice Road 2: Road to the Sky and a Run All Night sequel.
Liam Neeson Movie List
For those interested in exploring Neeson's entire filmography, here's a comprehensive list of his movies in order of release:
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 curated selection of Liam Neeson's best films! Did your favorite make the list? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
For more movie lists, explore our guides on the best Keanu Reeves and Ryan Reynolds films.
