Top 10 Liam Neeson Films Ever

Liam Neeson, a cinematic icon, has dazzled audiences with his versatile roles spanning from superheroes to caring fathers, and from Jedi masters to relentless vigilantes. His career, marked by an Oscar nomination and countless memorable performances, continues to captivate with his upcoming role in the eagerly awaited The Naked Gun reboot, slated for release in August 2025. From gripping dramas to action-packed thrillers and heartwarming rom-coms, Neeson's filmography is rich and varied. Here, we've curated a list of the 10 best Liam Neeson movies, showcasing his most impactful roles.

The 10 Best Liam Neeson Movies

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10. Love Actually (2003)

**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 Richard Curtis' heartwarming ensemble rom-com Love Actually, Liam Neeson delivers a touching performance as a grieving widower who supports his stepson's quest for love. Neeson's portrayal of warmth and empathy in this film stands out amidst his more commonly seen intense roles.

9. Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace (1999)

**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

Liam Neeson's portrayal of Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn in The Phantom Menace is a pivotal anchor in the Star Wars prequel trilogy. His commanding presence and mentorship to Obi-Wan Kenobi make him a beloved character, whose recent reprisal in Disney+'s Obi-Wan Kenobi series was a treat for fans.

8. Michael Collins (1996)

**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

In Michael Collins, Neeson's portrayal of the Irish revolutionary leader earned him critical acclaim and multiple awards. His passionate and magnetic performance complements the film's powerful narrative about the struggle for Irish independence.

7. Silence (2016)

**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 Silence, Neeson's role as the enigmatic Cristóvão Ferreira adds depth to this reflective film directed by Martin Scorsese. His performance as a Jesuit priest who recants his faith under duress is a testament to his range as an actor.

6. Kinsey (2004)

**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 role as the pioneering sexologist Alfred Kinsey in Kinsey showcases his ability to delve into complex characters. His portrayal of Kinsey's intellectual and obsessive nature earned him glowing reviews and further solidified his reputation as a dramatic actor.

5. Batman Begins (2005)

**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 crucial role in Batman Begins, both as Bruce Wayne's mentor and as the villainous Ra's al Ghul. His performance adds significant depth and intensity to the film, helping to kickstart Christopher Nolan's iconic Dark Knight Trilogy.

4. Darkman (1990)

**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 Darkman, Neeson's portrayal of a vengeful scientist turned vigilante is both thrilling and haunting. His performance in this Sam Raimi-directed film blends horror with high-adventure, marking a significant transition in Raimi's career.

3. Rob Roy (1995)

**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

Rob Roy features one of Neeson's most compelling performances as the Scottish clan chief. His portrayal, fueled by passion and intensity, earned him widespread acclaim, even amidst competition from other historical epics like Braveheart.

2. Taken (2008)

**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 marked a pivotal moment in Neeson's career, transforming him into an action hero. His role as a relentless father seeking to rescue his kidnapped daughter is both gripping and iconic, leading to a franchise that solidified his status in the action genre.

1. Schindler’s List (1993)

**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

Schindler's List is not only Liam Neeson's best film but also a cinematic masterpiece. His portrayal of Oskar Schindler, who saved over 1200 Jewish refugees during the Holocaust, earned him an Oscar nomination and showcased his ability to convey profound emotion and humanity.

Upcoming Liam Neeson Movies

Liam Neeson's future projects promise to keep fans excited. 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 titles such as The Mongoose and Hotel Tehran, and the political thriller Charlie Johnson in the Flames. Additionally, fans can look forward to Ice Road 2: Road to the Sky and a sequel to Run All Night.

Liam Neeson Movie List

For those interested in exploring every Liam Neeson movie, here is a comprehensive list by 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)

This curated list of Liam Neeson's best films highlights his incredible range and impact on cinema. Did your favorite make the cut? Share your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned for more on Liam Neeson's future projects!