Top 10 Liam Neeson Films Ranked
Author: Natalie
Apr 11,2025
Liam Neeson, the versatile actor known for his roles ranging from superheroes to action heroes, has an impressive filmography that spans decades. From battling Batman to training Jedi, leading revolutions, and starring in iconic action films, Neeson's career is both diverse and impactful. Here, we've curated a list of his top 10 films, showcasing his range from drama to action and even rom-coms.
He's battled Batman, trained Jedi, led revolutions, chased down kidnappers using a "particular set of skills," and is set to star in The Naked Gun reboot, due for release in August 2025. The Oscar-nominated Liam Neeson has been fighting the good fight for decades, seamlessly transitioning from drama to action to rom-coms and back to action again.
But which are Liam Neeson's best films of all time? We've narrowed down the actor's extensive catalog to his 10 best movie roles, featuring scarred superheroes, caring fathers, masters of the Force, and the one person you want tracking you down if you get "Taken."
Here are the 10 best Liam Neeson movies, ranked. Also, make sure to check out our list of upcoming Liam Neeson movies for a peek at his future roles.
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. His mission to help his stepson woo a classmate adds a tender touch to the ensemble film, showcasing Neeson's warmth amidst his typically stern presence.
9. Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace (1999)
Liam Neeson's portrayal of Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn in the polarizing Star Wars Prequel Trilogy is a standout. As Obi-Wan's mentor, Qui-Gon serves as our entry-point hero into the Skywalker Saga, and Neeson's commanding presence anchors the film. Despite his tragic end, Neeson reprised the role in Disney+'s Obi-Wan Kenobi, delighting fans once more.
See where The Phantom Menace ranks on our list of the best Star Wars movies or check out the Star Wars timeline to see its placement.
8. Michael Collins (1996)
Liam Neeson's riveting performance as the titular Irish revolutionary leader in Michael Collins earned him widespread acclaim and several acting awards. His magnetic presence and passionate portrayal cap off a 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)
In Martin Scorsese's contemplative drama Silence, Liam Neeson plays the enigmatic Cristóvão Ferreira, a Jesuit priest who recants his faith under torture. This role, his second collaboration with Scorsese after Gangs of New York, is central to the film's narrative about two 17th-century Jesuit priests seeking their mentor in Edo-era Japan. Silence, a passion project 25 years in the making, is one of Scorsese's more introspective works.
6. Kinsey (2004)
Liam Neeson's portrayal of the pioneering sexologist Alfred Kinsey in the biographical drama Kinsey is both intelligent and obsessive. Directed by Bill Condon, the film received glowing reviews and showcased Neeson's ability to tackle complex characters. Co-starring Laura Linney, John Lithgow, and Peter Sarsgaard, Kinsey challenges the anti-sex propaganda of its era and remains a testament to Neeson's versatile acting prowess.
5. Batman Begins (2005)
Liam Neeson plays a pivotal role in the reinvention of the Caped Crusader in Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins. As the warrior who trains Bruce Wayne, only to reveal himself as Ra's al Ghul, Neeson's performance is both formidable and nuanced. His character is instrumental in launching the Dark Knight Trilogy with grace and gravitas.
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 thrilling Darkman, Liam Neeson portrays a disfigured scientist seeking revenge through inventive disguises. His performance as the vengeful vigilante blends horror and high-stakes adventure, marking a pivotal transition for Raimi from his Evil Dead roots to a broader cinematic palette.
3. Rob Roy (1995)
Despite being overshadowed by Braveheart, Rob Roy remains a standout in Liam Neeson's career. His portrayal of the Scottish clan chief battling sadistic nobles is both rousing and character-driven. With phenomenal performances from Jessica Lange and an Oscar-nominated Tim Roth, Rob Roy showcases Neeson's ability to command a historical epic.
2. Taken (2008)
Taken redefined Liam Neeson's career, transforming him into a full-fledged action hero. This tightly plotted action flick showcases Neeson's strength and intensity as a father on a mission to rescue his daughter. The film's memorable phone call scene and its sequels have cemented Neeson's status in the genre of intense thrillers.
1. Schindler’s List (1993)
Liam Neeson's best film, Schindler's List, not only won Best Picture but also earned him an Oscar nomination. His portrayal of Oskar Schindler, the German industrialist who saved over 1200 Jewish refugees during the Holocaust, is a masterpiece of acting, balancing horror and heart in Steven Spielberg's iconic film.
Upcoming Liam Neeson Movies
Liam Neeson's upcoming projects include the much-anticipated The Naked Gun reboot, set to release on August 1, 2025. Other films in the pipeline without confirmed release dates 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.
Liam Neeson Movie List
For a comprehensive list of Liam Neeson's films in order of release date, here it is:
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 pick of the best Liam Neeson movies! Did your favorite film make the cut? Let us know in the comments.
Looking for more movie lists? Take a look at our guide to the best Keanu Reeves movies as well as the top Ryan Reynolds movies.
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