Liam Neeson, the versatile actor known for his roles ranging from battling Batman to training Jedi, leading revolutions, and chasing kidnappers with a "particular set of skills," is gearing up for a new adventure with the upcoming reboot of The Naked Gun, set to release in August 2025. Throughout his illustrious career, Neeson has seamlessly transitioned between genres, earning an Oscar nomination and captivating audiences with his commanding presence and emotional depth.
But which of Liam Neeson's films stand out as the best of all time? We've meticulously curated a list of his top 10 movie roles, showcasing his versatility from scarred superheroes to caring fathers, Jedi masters, and the relentless protagonist of "Taken."
Here are the 10 best Liam Neeson movies, ranked. Be sure to also explore our list of upcoming Liam Neeson movies to get 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 heartfelt performance as a grieving widower who helps his stepson navigate young love. Neeson's tender portrayal contrasts his usual stern demeanor, offering a rare glimpse into his capacity for warmth and making his role one of the film's most touching aspects.
9. Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace (1999)
Despite the mixed reception of the Star Wars Prequel Trilogy, Liam Neeson's portrayal of Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn in The Phantom Menace stands as a pillar of strength. As the mentor to Obi-Wan Kenobi, Qui-Gon introduces us to the saga, and Neeson's commanding presence lends gravity to the Jedi's struggles. His recent reprisal of the role in Disney+'s Obi-Wan Kenobi series was a poignant return to the beloved character.
See where The Phantom Menace ranks on our list of the best Star Wars movies or check out the Star Wars timeline to see where it fits.
8. Michael Collins (1996)
Liam Neeson's portrayal of the titular character in Neil Jordan's Michael Collins earned him widespread acclaim and several acting awards. Playing the leader in Ireland's early 20th-century struggle for independence, Neeson's magnetic and passionate performance completes a trilogy of historical biographical dramas that includes Schindler's List and Rob Roy. The film also stars Julia Roberts, Aidan Quinn, Stephen Rea, Alan Rickman, and Brendan Gleeson.
7. Silence (2016)
In his second collaboration with Martin Scorsese following Gangs of New York, Liam Neeson stars in the contemplative Silence, a film about 17th-century Jesuit priests searching for their missing mentor in Edo-era Japan. Neeson's enigmatic performance as Cristóvão Ferreira, who recants his faith under torture, anchors the narrative. This reflective piece was a passion project for Scorsese, taking 25 years to come to fruition.
6. Kinsey (2004)
Liam Neeson stars as Alfred Kinsey in the biographical drama Kinsey, directed by Bill Condon. His portrayal of the pioneering "sexologist" challenging the era's sexual taboos earned him critical acclaim. Neeson captures Kinsey's intelligent and obsessive nature, delivering a compelling performance in a film co-starring Laura Linney, John Lithgow, and Peter Sarsgaard.
5. Batman Begins (2005)
Liam Neeson plays a pivotal role in the creation of Batman in Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins. As the mentor who trains Bruce Wayne, only to later reveal himself as the villainous Ra's al Ghul, Neeson's performance is crucial to the film's success. His portrayal adds depth and complexity to both the hero's journey and the Dark Knight Trilogy.
See where Batman Begins ranks on our list of the best Batman movies or how it fits into the Batman movie timeline.
4. Darkman (1990)
In Sam Raimi's Darkman, Liam Neeson plays a scientist turned vigilante after a horrific accident leaves him disfigured. Neeson's portrayal of the titular character, who uses synthetic faces to exact revenge, is both thrilling and darkly comedic. This film marks a significant transition for Raimi, blending horror with high-stakes adventure.
3. Rob Roy (1995)
Though overshadowed by Braveheart, Rob Roy remains a standout in Liam Neeson's career. Playing the titular Scottish clan chief battling sadistic nobles in the 18th century, Neeson delivers a passionate and powerful performance. Supported by Jessica Lange and an Oscar-nominated Tim Roth, this film is a compelling character study.
2. Taken (2008)
Taken marked a turning point in Liam Neeson's career, transforming him into an action icon. This tightly plotted action thriller showcases Neeson's ability to command the screen as a relentless father on a mission. Though sequels followed, the original Taken remains a standout for its intensity and Neeson's memorable performance.
1. Schindler’s List (1993)
Liam Neeson's performance in Schindler's List is his finest work, earning him an Oscar nomination. Playing Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist who saves over 1200 Jewish refugees during the Holocaust, Neeson delivers a powerful and nuanced portrayal. The film, which won Best Picture among other accolades, is a testament to Neeson's ability to convey both horror and humanity.
Upcoming Liam Neeson Movies
Liam Neeson's future projects are eagerly anticipated, with the most notable being the The Naked Gun reboot, scheduled for release on August 1, 2025. Neeson's upcoming slate includes a range of genres, from thrillers like Cold Storage and Riker's Ghost to action films such as The Mongoose and Hotel Tehran, as well as the 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
Explore every Liam Neeson movie 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 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, check out our guides to the best Keanu Reeves movies and the top Ryan Reynolds movies.
