Liam Neeson, the versatile actor known for his roles in action, drama, and even romantic comedies, has an illustrious career spanning decades. From battling Batman to training Jedi, Neeson's performances have captivated audiences worldwide. As we look forward to his upcoming role in the The Naked Gun reboot, set to release in August 2025, let's celebrate his cinematic journey by ranking his 10 best films of all time. These include iconic roles as scarred superheroes, caring fathers, and a Jedi master, showcasing his remarkable range and talent.
Here are Liam Neeson's top 10 films, ranked:
The 10 Best Liam Neeson Movies
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10. Love Actually (2003)
In Richard Curtis' beloved Christmas rom-com Love Actually, Liam Neeson shines as a grieving widower who supports his stepson's romantic endeavors. This tender role highlights Neeson's warmth, a stark contrast to his usual stern demeanor, adding depth and emotion to the film.
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 stands out in The Phantom Menace. As Obi-Wan's mentor, Qui-Gon serves as our guide into the saga, and Neeson's commanding presence brings a gravitas to the film. His recent reprisal of the role in Obi-Wan Kenobi on Disney+ was a welcome return.
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 powerful performance as the titular leader in Neil Jordan's Michael Collins earned him critical acclaim and several awards. His portrayal of the Irish revolutionary is passionate and magnetic, rounding off a trilogy of impactful biographical dramas after Schindler's List and Rob Roy. The film co-stars a talented ensemble including Julia Roberts, Aidan Quinn, Stephen Rea, Alan Rickman, and Brendan Gleeson.
7. Silence (2016)
Liam Neeson collaborates once again with Martin Scorsese in Silence, a contemplative film about two Jesuit priests in 17th-century Japan searching for their missing mentor. Neeson's role as Cristóvão Ferreira, a man who renounces his faith under duress, is central to the story. This film, a passion project for Scorsese, showcases Neeson's ability to handle complex, reflective roles.
6. Kinsey (2004)
In Kinsey, Liam Neeson delivers a compelling performance as the pioneering sexologist Alfred Kinsey. Directed by Bill Condon, Neeson embodies Kinsey's obsessive drive to challenge societal norms and collect data on human sexuality. This role, alongside co-stars Laura Linney, John Lithgow, and Peter Sarsgaard, showcases Neeson's ability to portray intelligent and driven characters.
5. Batman Begins (2005)
Liam Neeson plays a pivotal role in the reinvention of the Batman saga in Batman Begins. As the mentor who trains Bruce Wayne, only to reveal himself as the villainous Ra's al Ghul, Neeson's performance is crucial to the film's narrative. His portrayal adds depth and intensity to the Dark Knight Trilogy, making it a standout in his career.
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 Darkman, Liam Neeson plays a disfigured scientist seeking revenge using his synthetic skin technology. Directed by Sam Raimi, Neeson's portrayal of the titular character is both thrilling and darkly humorous, marking a transition for Raimi from horror to high-stakes adventure.
3. Rob Roy (1995)
Despite being overshadowed by Braveheart, Rob Roy remains a standout in Liam Neeson's filmography. Playing the titular Scottish clan chief, Neeson delivers a passionate performance, supported by strong performances from Jessica Lange and Tim Roth. This film is a powerful character study of a man driven by honor and vengeance.
2. Taken (2008)
Taken marked a turning point in Liam Neeson's career, transforming him into an action hero. This tightly plotted thriller showcases Neeson's ability to command the screen as a relentless father on a mission to save his daughter. The film's iconic phone call scene has become a cultural touchstone, leading to a series of sequels and solidifying Neeson's place in action cinema.
1. Schindler’s List (1993)
Liam Neeson's most acclaimed role is undoubtedly in Schindler's List, Steven Spielberg's masterpiece about Oskar Schindler's efforts to save over 1200 Jewish refugees during the Holocaust. Neeson's performance earned him an Oscar nomination, and the film itself won Best Picture among many other accolades. His portrayal captures the complexity of Schindler's transformation, making this film a landmark in his career.
Upcoming Liam Neeson Movies
Looking ahead, Liam Neeson fans have much to anticipate. The most notable upcoming project is the The Naked Gun reboot, scheduled for release on August 1, 2025. Neeson will also star in several thrillers and action films, including Cold Storage, Riker's Ghost, The Mongoose, Hotel Tehran, Charlie Johnson in the Flames, Ice Road 2: Road to the Sky, and a sequel to Run All Night. While most of these projects are yet to have confirmed release dates, they promise to showcase Neeson's enduring versatility and star power.
Liam Neeson Movie List
For those interested in exploring Liam Neeson's entire film career, here is a comprehensive 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 concludes our list of Liam Neeson's best films! 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 Ryan Reynolds movies.
