Liam Neeson, an actor renowned for his versatility, has taken on roles that span across genres—from battling Batman to training Jedi, leading revolutions, and chasing kidnappers with his "particular set of skills." Now, with his upcoming role in the The Naked Gun reboot set to release in August 2025, Neeson continues to captivate audiences. Here, we delve into the top 10 Liam Neeson films that showcase his incredible range and talent.
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 Christmas-themed rom-com, portraying a grieving widower who helps his stepson woo a classmate. His performance brings warmth and tenderness to the film, showcasing a side of Neeson often overshadowed by his action 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
Liam Neeson's portrayal of Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn anchors the polarizing Star Wars prequel trilogy. His commanding presence and mentorship of Obi-Wan Kenobi provide a strong foundation for the saga. Neeson's recent reprisal of the role in Obi-Wan Kenobi on Disney+ was a nostalgic treat.
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
In this historical drama, Liam Neeson delivers a magnetic and impassioned performance as the leader of the Irish struggle for independence. His role in Michael Collins earned him critical acclaim and several awards, solidifying his place among the greats in biographical cinema.
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 film by Martin Scorsese, Liam Neeson plays Cristóvão Ferreira, a Jesuit priest who recants his faith under torture. His enigmatic performance is central to the film's exploration of faith and resilience, a testament to Neeson's ability to convey complex emotions.
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 portrays the renowned "sexologist" Alfred Kinsey in this biographical drama. His portrayal captures Kinsey's intelligence and obsession with understanding human sexuality, earning Neeson widespread critical 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
Liam Neeson plays a pivotal role in the reinvention of the Batman saga as Ra's al Ghul, the mentor turned adversary of Bruce Wayne. His performance adds depth and intensity to the film, setting the stage for the iconic 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 this cult classic, Liam Neeson plays a disfigured scientist seeking revenge. His portrayal of the titular character blends horror with high-stakes adventure, showcasing Neeson's ability to excel in genre-defying roles.
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 portrayal of the Scottish clan chief in Rob Roy is a standout performance, marked by fury and fervor. Despite competing with Braveheart at the time, Neeson's role remains a compelling study of leadership and resilience.
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, with his portrayal of a father using his "particular set of skills" to rescue his daughter. The film's tight plot and Neeson's commanding performance have made it a classic in the action genre.
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 role as Oskar Schindler in Steven Spielberg's masterpiece Schindler's List earned him an Oscar nomination. His performance captures the transformation of a Nazi party member into a savior of over 1,200 Jewish refugees, showcasing Neeson's ability to convey both horror and humanity.
Upcoming Liam Neeson Movies
Liam Neeson's upcoming projects include the highly anticipated The Naked Gun reboot, set for release on August 1, 2025. Other films in development include thrillers like Cold Storage and Riker's Ghost, action movies such as The Mongoose and Hotel Tehran, the political thriller Charlie Johnson in the Flames, Ice Road 2: Road to the Sky, and a sequel to Run All Night. Stay tuned for more updates on these exciting projects.
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 film make the list? Let us know in the comments.
For more movie lists, explore our guides on the best Keanu Reeves movies and the top Ryan Reynolds movies.
