Top 10 Liam Neeson Films Ranked

Liam Neeson, an Oscar-nominated actor known for his diverse roles spanning drama, action, and even rom-coms, has left an indelible mark on cinema. From battling Batman to training Jedi, leading revolutions, and utilizing his "particular set of skills" to chase down kidnappers, Neeson's career is nothing short of legendary. With the upcoming The Naked Gun reboot set for August 2025, fans eagerly anticipate his next move. Here, we rank his top 10 films, showcasing his range from scarred superheroes to caring fathers and beyond.

Here are the 10 best Liam Neeson movies, ranked. Don't forget to check out our list of upcoming Liam Neeson movies to stay updated on 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

In Richard Curtis's beloved Christmas-themed rom-com Love Actually, Liam Neeson shines as a grieving widower who helps his stepson woo a classmate. This tender performance stands out as a heartwarming departure from Neeson's typically stern roles, showcasing his ability to convey warmth and empathy.

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

Despite the mixed reception of the Star Wars Prequel Trilogy, Liam Neeson's portrayal of Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn in The Phantom Menace is a standout. As Obi-Wan's mentor, Qui-Gon anchors the film with his commanding presence and deep connection to the Force. Neeson's recent reprise of the role in Disney+'s Obi-Wan Kenobi further cements his legacy within the Star Wars universe.

Explore where The Phantom Menace ranks on our list of the best Star Wars movies and 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 performance as the titular character in Neil Jordan's Michael Collins earned him critical acclaim and numerous awards. As a leader in Ireland's struggle for independence, Neeson's portrayal is both magnetic and impassioned, fitting perfectly into his trilogy of historical dramas alongside Schindler's List and Rob Roy. The film features a strong cast including 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 collaboration with Martin Scorsese in Silence is a profound exploration of faith and endurance. Playing the Jesuit Cristóvão Ferreira, Neeson's character grapples with the renunciation of his faith under torture. This reflective, contemplative film, a passion project 25 years in the making, showcases Neeson's depth and versatility.

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 embodies the role of the pioneering "sexologist" Alfred Kinsey with intelligence and obsession. Directed by Bill Condon, this biographical drama received glowing reviews for Neeson's performance, highlighting his ability to portray complex historical figures. Co-stars Laura Linney, John Lithgow, and Peter Sarsgaard contribute to the film's success.

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 pivotal role in Batman Begins as the mentor who trains Bruce Wayne, only to reveal himself as the dangerous Ra's al Ghul. Neeson's performance adds depth and complexity to the film, setting the stage for the acclaimed Dark Knight Trilogy. See where Batman Begins ranks among the best Batman movies and 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 a disfigured scientist seeking revenge in Sam Raimi's Darkman. His portrayal of the titular character, who uses synthetic faces to assume different identities, combines horror and high-stakes adventure. Neeson's performance marks a thrilling transition for Raimi 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 released in the same year as Braveheart, Rob Roy stands on its own as a compelling historical drama. Liam Neeson delivers a powerful performance as the Scottish clan chief, fueled by fury and fervor. The film's strong cast, including Jessica Lange and Oscar-nominated Tim Roth, enhances Neeson's commanding presence.

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 is a career-defining film for Liam Neeson, showcasing his ability to lead an action thriller with precision and intensity. The movie's tight plot and memorable phone call scene cemented Neeson's status as an action hero, paving the way for numerous sequels and thrillers that followed.

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 performance in Schindler's List is widely regarded as his best, earning him an Oscar nomination. As Oskar Schindler, Neeson brilliantly portrays a man transformed by conscience, saving over 1200 Jewish refugees during the Holocaust. This Steven Spielberg masterpiece won Best Picture and remains a testament to Neeson's acting prowess.

Upcoming Liam Neeson Movies

Liam Neeson's future projects are highly anticipated, with the The Naked Gun reboot slated 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. Stay tuned for release dates and more information.

Liam Neeson Movie List

For those interested in every Liam Neeson movie in chronological order, here's 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 Huner (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)

That's our selection of the best Liam Neeson movies! Did your favorite make the list? Let us know in the comments.

For more movie lists, explore our guides to the best Keanu Reeves movies and the top Ryan Reynolds movies.