Top 10 Liam Neeson Films Ranked
- By Bella
- Apr 19,2025
Liam Neeson has graced the screen in a myriad of roles, from battling Batman to training Jedi, leading revolutions, and using his "particular set of skills" to chase down kidnappers. His upcoming role in the The Naked Gun reboot, set for release in August 2025, is highly anticipated. Neeson's versatility has seen him transition seamlessly from drama to action, and even into rom-coms, showcasing his enduring appeal and talent.
But which of Liam Neeson's films stand out as his best? We've carefully curated a list of his top 10 movies, celebrating his diverse roles, from scarred superheroes and caring fathers to a master of the Force and the relentless protagonist of Taken.
Here are the 10 best Liam Neeson movies, ranked. Don't forget to 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 delivers a touching performance as a grieving widower who helps his stepson navigate love. Known for his stern demeanor, Neeson's portrayal of warmth and tenderness in this film is a highlight that adds depth to the ensemble cast.
9. Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace (1999)
Despite the polarizing reception of the Star Wars Prequel Trilogy, Liam Neeson's portrayal of Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn in The Phantom Menace stands out. As Obi-Wan's mentor, Qui-Gon serves as the entry point into the Skywalker Saga, bringing a commanding presence and gravitas to the film. Neeson's recent reprise of the role in Disney+'s Obi-Wan Kenobi further cements Qui-Gon's impact.
8. Michael Collins (1996)
Liam Neeson's portrayal of the titular character in Neil Jordan's Michael Collins earned him critical acclaim and several acting awards. Playing a leader in the early 20th-century Irish struggle for independence, Neeson's magnetic and impassioned performance rounds off his trilogy of historical dramas, following Schindler's List and Rob Roy. The film also features notable performances by Julia Roberts, Aidan Quinn, Stephen Rea, Alan Rickman, and Brendan Gleeson.
7. Silence (2016)
Liam Neeson reunites with Martin Scorsese in Silence, a reflective and contemplative film about two Jesuit priests in 17th-century Japan. Neeson plays the enigmatic Cristóvão Ferreira, whose recanting of faith under torture is at the heart of the story. This passion project, 25 years in the making, showcases Neeson's ability to bring depth and complexity to challenging roles.
6. Kinsey (2004)
Liam Neeson's portrayal of Alfred Kinsey in Kinsey is lauded for its intelligence and obsessive nature. Directed by Bill Condon, the film explores Kinsey's groundbreaking work on human sexual behavior against the backdrop of an era rife with anti-sex propaganda. Neeson's performance is complemented by a strong cast including Laura Linney, John Lithgow, and Peter Sarsgaard.
5. Batman Begins (2005)
Liam Neeson plays a pivotal role in Batman Begins, training Bruce Wayne to become a force of vengeance before revealing himself as Ra's al Ghul, leader of the League of Shadows. Neeson's dual role as mentor and antagonist is crucial in launching Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight Trilogy, delivering a performance full of grace and gravitas.
4. Darkman (1990)
In Darkman, Liam Neeson plays a scientist turned vengeful vigilante, left deformed and seeking justice through the use of synthetic faces. This film marks Sam Raimi's transition from horror to high-stakes adventure, with Neeson delivering a thrilling performance that blends violence with ghoulish charm.
3. Rob Roy (1995)
Though released in the same year as Braveheart, Rob Roy remains a powerful film, showcasing Liam Neeson's best starring roles. As the Scottish clan chief battling sadistic nobles, Neeson's performance is driven by fury and fervor, complemented by exceptional co-stars Jessica Lange and Tim Roth, the latter receiving an Oscar nomination.
2. Taken (2008)
Taken marks a career-defining moment for Liam Neeson, transforming him into a full-fledged action hero. This tightly plotted action flick, with its iconic phone call scene, reinvigorated Neeson's later career, despite the lesser sequels that followed. His portrayal of a driven and relentless protagonist is unforgettable.
1. Schindler’s List (1993)
Liam Neeson's best film, Schindler's List, won Best Picture and earned Neeson his only Oscar nomination for his role as Oskar Schindler. This Steven Spielberg masterpiece captures Neeson's ability to portray both horror and heart, telling the story of a German industrialist who saves over 1200 Jewish refugees from the Holocaust.
Upcoming Liam Neeson Movies
Liam Neeson's future projects are eagerly awaited, with the The Naked Gun reboot set to release on August 1, 2025. Other films in the pipeline include thrillers like Cold Storage and Riker's Ghost, action-packed movies such as The Mongoose and Hotel Tehran, political thriller Charlie Johnson in the Flames, Ice Road 2: Road to the Sky, and the sequel to Run All Night.
Liam Neeson Movie List
For those interested in Liam Neeson's complete filmography, here is a 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 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)
And 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.
