Liam Neeson, an Oscar-nominated actor, has captivated audiences with his versatile performances across genres, from battling Batman to training Jedi, leading revolutions, and using his "particular set of skills" to chase down kidnappers. With a career spanning decades, Neeson has starred in dramas, action films, rom-coms, and more, showcasing his range and depth as an actor. As we look forward to his upcoming role in the *The Naked Gun* reboot set for release in August 2025, let's dive into his top 10 films that have left an indelible mark on cinema.
Curious about what's next for Liam Neeson? Don't miss our list of upcoming Liam Neeson movies to get a glimpse of his future projects.
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. Playing a grieving widower, Neeson's heartfelt performance as he helps his stepson navigate young love adds a touching layer to the film. Known for his intense roles, Neeson's display of warmth and tenderness here is a delightful surprise.
9. Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace (1999)
Liam Neeson's portrayal of Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn in The Phantom Menace anchors the film amidst the polarizing Star Wars Prequel Trilogy. As Obi-Wan's mentor, Qui-Gon's journey introduces us to the Force's deeper mysteries. Neeson's commanding presence and recent reprisal of the role in Disney+'s Obi-Wan Kenobi reaffirm his impact on the saga.
See where The Phantom Menace ranks on our list of the best Star Wars movies or explore the Star Wars timeline to see its place in the universe.
8. Michael Collins (1996)
Liam Neeson's compelling performance as the titular character in Neil Jordan's Michael Collins earned him critical acclaim and several awards. As a leader in Ireland's fight for independence, Neeson's portrayal is both magnetic and passionate, rounding out a trilogy of impactful historical dramas following Schindler's List and Rob Roy. Co-starring Julia Roberts, Aidan Quinn, Stephen Rea, Alan Rickman, and Brendan Gleeson, this film is a must-watch.
7. Silence (2016)
In Martin Scorsese's Silence, Liam Neeson delivers a powerful supporting performance as Cristóvão Ferreira, a Jesuit priest who renounces his faith under torture. This contemplative film, a passion project 25 years in the making, showcases Neeson's ability to embody complex characters in Scorsese's reflective storytelling.
6. Kinsey (2004)
Liam Neeson's portrayal of Alfred Kinsey in Kinsey is a testament to his ability to delve into complex biographical roles. Directed by Bill Condon, Neeson captures the essence of the pioneering sexologist, challenging societal norms and collecting groundbreaking data on human sexuality. With co-stars Laura Linney, John Lithgow, and Peter Sarsgaard, this film is a compelling study of a revolutionary figure.
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 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 success. His portrayal adds depth and intensity to the Dark Knight Trilogy, making it a standout in the Batman franchise.
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)
Liam Neeson's role as the vengeful scientist in Sam Raimi's Darkman showcases his ability to embrace darker, more violent characters. As a man left deformed and seeking revenge, Neeson's performance blends horror with high-stakes adventure, marking a significant transition for Raimi from his Evil Dead roots.
3. Rob Roy (1995)
Though overshadowed by Braveheart, Rob Roy remains a powerful showcase for Liam Neeson. Playing the titular Scottish clan chief, Neeson delivers a passionate performance, supported by stellar co-stars Jessica Lange and Tim Roth. This film is a gripping tale of honor and rebellion in 18th-century Scotland.
2. Taken (2008)
Taken catapulted Liam Neeson into the realm of action heroes, with his portrayal of a determined father on a mission to rescue his daughter. This tightly plotted thriller not only revitalized Neeson's career but also became a cultural phenomenon, spawning sequels and cementing his status as a formidable action star.
1. Schindler’s List (1993)
Liam Neeson's career-defining role in Steven Spielberg's Schindler's List earned him an Oscar nomination and the film a Best Picture win. Playing Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist who saved over 1200 Jewish refugees during the Holocaust, Neeson's performance is both haunting and heartfelt, making this film a timeless masterpiece.
Upcoming Liam Neeson Movies
Liam Neeson's future projects are eagerly anticipated, with the The Naked Gun reboot set to hit theaters on August 1, 2025. Other films in the pipeline 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 look at Liam Neeson's filmography, here's 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, check out our guides to the best Keanu Reeves movies and the top Ryan Reynolds movies.
