Liam Neeson has carved an illustrious career, battling Batman, training Jedi, leading revolutions, and using his "particular set of skills" to chase down kidnappers. From drama to action and even rom-coms, Neeson's versatility has kept him a beloved figure in cinema. His upcoming role in the The Naked Gun reboot, set for release in August 2025, is highly anticipated. But what are Liam Neeson's best films? Here's our curated list of his top 10 movie roles, showcasing his range from scarred superheroes to caring fathers and beyond.
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
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10. Love Actually (2003)
In Richard Curtis' beloved Christmas-themed rom-com Love Actually, Liam Neeson shines as a grieving widower who lovingly supports his stepson in a quest to woo a classmate. This tender performance stands out amidst Neeson's more typical roles, showcasing his warmth and emotional depth.
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 Star Wars Prequel Trilogy. As mentor to Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon serves as the saga's entry-point hero, and Neeson's commanding presence imbues the Jedi's plight with gravitas. Despite Qui-Gon's tragic end, Neeson recently reprised the role in Disney+'s Obi-Wan Kenobi, delighting fans.
See where The Phantom Menace ranks on our list of the best Star Wars movies or check out the Star Wars timeline to see where it fits.
8. Michael Collins (1996)
Liam Neeson's performance in Michael Collins earned him critical acclaim and several awards. As the titular leader of Ireland's early-20th-century struggle for independence, Neeson's magnetic presence and passion highlight this impactful film. Co-starring Julia Roberts, Aidan Quinn, Stephen Rea, Alan Rickman, and Brendan Gleeson, Michael Collins is a testament to Neeson's ability to command historical dramas.
7. Silence (2016)
In Martin Scorsese's contemplative Silence, Liam Neeson delivers a nuanced performance as Cristóvão Ferreira, a Jesuit priest who renounces his faith under torture. This role, following their collaboration in Gangs of New York, is central to the film's exploration of faith and resilience, showcasing Neeson's depth as an actor.
6. Kinsey (2004)
Liam Neeson's portrayal of the groundbreaking "sexologist" Alfred Kinsey in Kinsey is lauded for its intelligence and depth. Directed by Bill Condon, Neeson captures Kinsey's obsessive nature and his rebellion against the era's anti-sex propaganda. Co-starring Laura Linney and John Lithgow, Kinsey is a compelling biographical drama.
5. Batman Begins (2005)
Liam Neeson plays a pivotal role in the reinvention of the Caped Crusader in Batman Begins. As the warrior who trains Bruce Wayne, only to reveal himself as the formidable Ra's al Ghul, Neeson adds depth to the Dark Knight Trilogy. His performance is instrumental in setting the tone for this acclaimed series.
See where Batman Begins ranks on our list of the best Batman movies or how it fits into the Batman movie timeline.
4. Darkman (1990)
Liam Neeson's role as the vengeful scientist in Sam Raimi's Darkman is a thrilling blend of horror and high-stakes adventure. His portrayal of a man using fake faces to seek revenge is both giddily violent and deeply moving, marking a significant moment in Neeson's career.
3. Rob Roy (1995)
In Rob Roy, Liam Neeson delivers a powerful performance as the Scottish clan chief battling sadistic nobles. Despite competition from Braveheart, Neeson's portrayal stands out, supported by stellar performances from Jessica Lange and Tim Roth. This film is a testament to Neeson's ability to embody historical figures with intensity and fervor.
2. Taken (2008)
Taken redefined Liam Neeson's career, turning him into an action hero. This tight, impeccably plotted thriller showcases Neeson's ability to command the screen as a driven, intense lead. The film's iconic phone call scene cemented Neeson's status as a formidable force in action cinema.
1. Schindler’s List (1993)
Liam Neeson's performance in Schindler's List is his crowning achievement. Playing Oskar Schindler, a Nazi party member who saves over 1200 Jewish refugees during the Holocaust, Neeson earned an Oscar nomination. This Steven Spielberg masterpiece, which won Best Picture, showcases Neeson's ability to convey both horror and heart.
Upcoming Liam Neeson Movies
Curious about Liam Neeson's future projects? The The Naked Gun reboot, set to release on August 1, 2025, is one to watch. Other upcoming films include thrillers like Cold Storage and Riker's Ghost, action movies such as The Mongoose and Hotel Tehran, political thriller Charlie Johnson in the Flames, Ice Road 2: Road to the Sky, and the Run All Night sequel. Stay tuned for more details on these exciting projects.
Liam Neeson Movie List
For those interested in every Liam Neeson movie in order of release, here's the complete 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)
And that's our pick of the best Liam Neeson movies! Did your favorite film make the list? 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.
