Liam Neeson's illustrious career spans from battling superheroes to training Jedi, leading revolutions, and showcasing his "particular set of skills" in thrilling pursuits. His versatility has seen him excel in drama, action, rom-coms, and more, with his latest project, a reboot of The Naked Gun, set to release in August 2025. Here, we've curated a list of his top 10 films, showcasing his diverse and impactful roles.
The 10 Best Liam Neeson Movies
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10. Love Actually (2003)
In the ensemble cast of Richard Curtis' beloved holiday rom-com, Love Actually, Liam Neeson shines as a grieving widower dedicated to helping his stepson navigate young love. Neeson's warmth and tenderness in this role provide a stark contrast to his usual action-hero persona, making it a memorable performance.
9. Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace (1999)
As Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn, Liam Neeson anchors the polarizing Star Wars prequel. His portrayal of Obi-Wan's mentor adds depth and gravitas to the film, making Qui-Gon an unforgettable character. Neeson's return to the role in Disney+'s Obi-Wan Kenobi series was a testament to his enduring impact.
8. Michael Collins (1996)
Liam Neeson's portrayal of the titular Irish revolutionary in Michael Collins earned him widespread acclaim and several awards. His magnetic performance captures the passion and complexity of Collins, cementing Neeson's place in historical biographical dramas.
7. Silence (2016)
In Martin Scorsese's reflective Silence, Liam Neeson plays Cristóvão Ferreira, a Jesuit priest who renounces his faith under torture. His enigmatic performance at the heart of this contemplative film, a passion project for Scorsese, showcases his range and depth as an actor.
6. Kinsey (2004)
Liam Neeson's role as Alfred Kinsey in the biographical drama Kinsey is a testament to his ability to embody complex characters. Directed by Bill Condon, Neeson's portrayal of the pioneering sexologist is both intelligent and obsessive, earning him critical acclaim.
5. Batman Begins (2005)
Liam Neeson plays a pivotal role in the reinvention of the Dark Knight in Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins. As the mentor turned villain, Ra's al Ghul, Neeson's performance is crucial to the film's success, helping to launch the acclaimed Dark Knight Trilogy.
4. Darkman (1990)
In Sam Raimi's cult classic Darkman, Liam Neeson embodies the vengeful scientist turned vigilante. His performance blends horror and adventure, showcasing his ability to tackle diverse and challenging roles.
3. Rob Roy (1995)
Liam Neeson's portrayal of the Scottish clan chief in Rob Roy is a standout in his career. Despite competition from Braveheart, Neeson's performance, alongside Jessica Lange and Tim Roth, delivers a compelling narrative of honor and rebellion.
2. Taken (2008)
Taken redefined Liam Neeson's career, turning him into an action hero icon. The film's tight plot and Neeson's commanding performance as a father with a "particular set of skills" have made it a classic in the action genre.
1. Schindler’s List (1993)
Liam Neeson's career-defining role as Oskar Schindler in Steven Spielberg's Schindler's List earned him an Oscar nomination. His portrayal of the German industrialist who saved over 1200 Jewish refugees during the Holocaust is both haunting and heartfelt, making it his best film to date.
Upcoming Liam Neeson Movies
Liam Neeson continues to captivate audiences with upcoming projects. The highly anticipated The Naked Gun reboot is set to release on August 1, 2025. Other projects in the pipeline include thrillers like Cold Storage and Riker's Ghost, action films such as The Mongoose and Hotel Tehran, and political thrillers like Charlie Johnson in the Flames. Fans can also 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 Liam Neeson's entire filmography, here's a comprehensive list of his movies in chronological order:
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 showcases the breadth of his talent and the impact he's had on cinema. Did your favorite make the cut? Let us know in the comments.
For more movie recommendations, explore our lists of the best Keanu Reeves and top Ryan Reynolds movies.