Liam Neeson, a versatile actor known for his roles ranging from superheroes to caring fathers, has left an indelible mark on cinema. From his iconic performances in action thrillers to his nuanced portrayals in dramas, Neeson's filmography is a testament to his range and skill. We've curated a list of his top 10 movies, showcasing his most memorable roles, from scarred superheroes and Jedi masters to the relentless father in "Taken."
Be sure to also check out our list of upcoming Liam Neeson movies to see what exciting projects he has lined up.
The 10 Best Liam Neeson Movies
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10. Love Actually (2003)
Liam Neeson shines in Richard Curtis' beloved Christmas rom-com, "Love Actually," where he plays a grieving widower who supports his stepson's budding romance. His performance brings a tender warmth to the film, showcasing a side of Neeson that contrasts beautifully with his more familiar, stern demeanor.
9. Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace (1999)
Liam Neeson's portrayal of Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn in "The Phantom Menace" remains a highlight of the Star Wars prequel trilogy. His commanding presence and mentorship of Obi-Wan Kenobi anchor the film. Neeson's return as Qui-Gon in Disney+'s "Obi-Wan Kenobi" series further cemented his impact on the franchise.
See where "The Phantom Menace" ranks on our list of the best Star Wars movies or explore its place in the Star Wars timeline.
8. Michael Collins (1996)
In "Michael Collins," Liam Neeson delivers a powerful performance as the titular Irish revolutionary leader. His portrayal earned him widespread acclaim and several acting awards, solidifying his place in historical biopics following "Schindler's List" and "Rob Roy."
7. Silence (2016)
Liam Neeson collaborates once again with Martin Scorsese in "Silence," a contemplative film about Jesuit priests in 17th-century Japan. Neeson's enigmatic role as Cristóvão Ferreira adds depth to the story, reflecting the film's themes of faith and endurance.
6. Kinsey (2004)
In "Kinsey," Liam Neeson embodies the pioneering "sexologist" Alfred Kinsey, delivering a performance that captures the character's intellect and determination. Directed by Bill Condon, the film received critical acclaim and further showcased Neeson's ability to handle complex, biographical roles.
5. Batman Begins (2005)
Liam Neeson plays a pivotal role in "Batman Begins," both as Bruce Wayne's mentor and the villainous Ra's al Ghul. His performance is crucial to the film's success, helping to launch Christopher Nolan's acclaimed Dark Knight Trilogy.
See where "Batman Begins" ranks on our list of the best Batman movies and its place in the Batman movie timeline.
4. Darkman (1990)
In "Darkman," Liam Neeson delivers a thrilling performance as a disfigured scientist seeking vengeance. The film marks Sam Raimi's transition from horror to high-adventure cinema, with Neeson's portrayal adding a gritty, vengeful edge to the superhero genre.
3. Rob Roy (1995)
"Rob Roy" showcases Liam Neeson's prowess as the titular Scottish clan chief, fighting against oppressive nobles. Despite being overshadowed by "Braveheart," Neeson's performance, alongside Jessica Lange and Tim Roth, stands out as a compelling character study.
2. Taken (2008)
"Taken" transformed Liam Neeson into an action hero, with his portrayal of a relentless father on a mission to save his daughter. The film's tight pacing and Neeson's commanding presence made it a standout in the action genre, spawning sequels and cementing his later career trajectory.
1. Schindler’s List (1993)
Liam Neeson's performance in "Schindler's List" is his most celebrated, earning him an Oscar nomination. Playing Oskar Schindler, who saved over 1200 Jewish refugees during the Holocaust, Neeson's portrayal is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, contributing to the film's status as a cinematic masterpiece.
Upcoming Liam Neeson Movies
Liam Neeson's future projects promise to keep fans engaged. The most anticipated is the "The Naked Gun" reboot, set to release on August 1, 2025. Other films on the horizon include thrillers like "Cold Storage" and "Riker's Ghost," action movies such as "The Mongoose" and "Hotel Tehran," and more, including "Charlie Johnson in the Flames," "Ice Road 2: Road to the Sky," and the "Run All Night" sequel.
Liam Neeson Movie List
For a comprehensive look at Liam Neeson's film career, here is a 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'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.
