Liam Neeson, a versatile actor known for his roles across various genres, has delivered unforgettable performances throughout his career. From battling Batman to training Jedi, leading revolutions, and using his "particular set of skills" in action-packed thrillers, Neeson's filmography is diverse and impactful. As we look forward to his upcoming role in the *The Naked Gun* reboot set for August 2025, let's delve into the 10 best Liam Neeson movies, showcasing his range from superheroes to caring fathers and beyond.

Interested in Liam Neeson's future projects or want to join a community of film enthusiasts? Check out our upcoming Liam Neeson movies list and join the conversation on our platform.

The 10 Best Liam Neeson Movies

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10. Love Actually (2003)

Director: Richard Curtis | Writer: Richard Curtis | Stars: Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Laura Linney | Release Date: November 14, 2003 | Where to watch: Available to rent on Amazon and other major platforms

In Richard Curtis's beloved holiday film Love Actually, Liam Neeson delivers a heartwarming performance as a grieving widower helping his stepson navigate young love. This role showcases Neeson's ability to convey warmth and tenderness, contrasting his more familiar action-hero persona.

9. Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace (1999)

Director: George Lucas | Writer: George Lucas | Stars: Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Jake Lloyd | Release Date: May 19, 1999 | Review: IGN's The Phantom Menace review | Where to watch: Stream on Disney+ or rent on Amazon and other platforms

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 role as a mentor to Obi-Wan Kenobi anchor the film, with his character's tragic end leaving a lasting impact. Neeson's recent reprisal in Obi-Wan Kenobi further cements Qui-Gon's legacy.

For a broader perspective, see where The Phantom Menace ranks on our list of the best Star Wars movies and explore the Star Wars timeline.

8. Michael Collins (1996)

Director: Neil Jordan | Writer: Neil Jordan | Stars: Aidan Quinn, Stephen Rea, Alan Rickman | Release Date: October 11, 1996 | Where to watch: Available to rent on most major platforms

Liam Neeson's performance as the titular character in Michael Collins earned him widespread acclaim and several awards. As a leader in Ireland's fight for independence, Neeson's magnetic and passionate portrayal caps a trilogy of historical dramas, following Schindler's List and Rob Roy. Co-starring Julia Roberts and a strong ensemble cast, this film is a powerful depiction of a pivotal moment in history.

7. Silence (2016)

Director: Martin Scorsese | Writer: Martin Scorsese, Jay Cocks | Stars: Adam Driver, Andrew Garfield, Tadanobu Asano | Release Date: December 23, 2016 | Review: IGN's Silence review | Where to watch: Stream on Kanopy or rent on Amazon and other platforms

In Silence, Liam Neeson reunites with Martin Scorsese to play Cristóvão Ferreira, a Jesuit priest who renounces his faith under torture. This supporting role is central to the film's exploration of faith and endurance, showcasing Neeson's ability to convey complex emotions in Scorsese's contemplative masterpiece.

6. Kinsey (2004)

Director: Bill Condon | Writer: Bill Condon | Stars: Laura Linney, Chris O'Donnell, John Lithgow | Release Date: November 12, 2004 | Review: IGN's Kinsey review | Where to watch: Available to rent on Amazon and other platforms

Liam Neeson stars as Alfred Kinsey in this biographical drama, earning critical acclaim for his portrayal of the pioneering sexologist. Directed by Bill Condon, Kinsey highlights Neeson's ability to delve into the psyche of a driven, intelligent character, supported by a strong cast including Laura Linney and John Lithgow.

5. Batman Begins (2005)

Director: Christopher Nolan | Writer: Christopher Nolan, David S. Goyer | Stars: Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Katie Holmes | Release Date: June 15, 2005 | Review: IGN's Batman Begins review | Where to watch: Stream on Max or rent on Amazon and other platforms

Liam Neeson's role as Ra's al Ghul in Batman Begins is pivotal to the film's success and the broader Dark Knight Trilogy. As Bruce Wayne's mentor who later becomes his adversary, Neeson's performance adds depth and intensity, contributing significantly to the film's critical and commercial acclaim. Explore where Batman Begins fits within our list of the best Batman movies and the Batman movie timeline.

4. Darkman (1990)

Director: Sam Raimi | Writer: Chuck Pfarrer, Sam Raimi, Ivan Raimi, and more | Stars: Frances McDormand, Colin Friels, Larry Drake | Release Date: August 24, 1990 | Review: IGN's Darkman review | Where to watch: Stream on AMC+ Apple TV Channel or rent on Amazon and other platforms

In Darkman, Liam Neeson plays a disfigured scientist seeking revenge, marking a transition for director Sam Raimi from horror to action-adventure. Neeson's portrayal of the titular character, blending horror with high-stakes adventure, showcases his versatility and ability to embody complex, vengeful characters.

3. Rob Roy (1995)

Director: Michael Caton-Jones | Writer: Alan Sharp | Stars: Jessica Lange, John Hurt, Tim Roth | Release Date: April 7, 1995 | Where to watch: Stream on Kanopy and Prime Video or rent on most platforms

Liam Neeson's portrayal of the Scottish clan chief in Rob Roy is a testament to his ability to lead a film with both fury and passion. Despite competing with Braveheart in the same year, Rob Roy stands out for its character-driven narrative and Neeson's compelling performance, supported by strong co-stars like Jessica Lange and Tim Roth.

2. Taken (2008)

Director: Pierre Morel | Writer: Luc Besson, Robert Mark Kamen | Stars: Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Leland Orser | Release Date: February 27, 2008 | Review: IGN's Taken review | Where to watch: Stream on Hulu or rent on other platforms

Taken redefined Liam Neeson's career, turning him into an action hero with its tight plot and intense action sequences. The film's iconic phone call scene and Neeson's portrayal of a relentless father seeking his daughter's kidnappers catapulted him into a new era of thrilling performances.

1. Schindler’s List (1993)

Director: Steven Spielberg | Writer: Steven Zaillian | Stars: Ben Kingsley, Ralph Fiennes, Caroline Goodall | Release Date: December 15, 1993 | Review: IGN's Schindler's List review | Where to watch: Stream on Netflix or rent on Amazon and other platforms

Liam Neeson's performance as Oskar Schindler in Schindler's List is widely regarded as his finest work. Earning an Oscar nomination, Neeson's portrayal of the German industrialist who saved over 1200 Jewish refugees during the Holocaust is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. This Steven Spielberg masterpiece won Best Picture and is a testament to Neeson's profound acting abilities.

Upcoming Liam Neeson Movies

Liam Neeson's upcoming projects are eagerly anticipated by fans. The most notable is the The Naked Gun reboot, set to premiere on August 1, 2025. Other films in the works 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. Stay tuned for more details as these projects progress.

Liam Neeson Movie List

For those interested in exploring Liam Neeson's entire filmography, here's a comprehensive list of his movies in order of release:

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)

What is the best Liam Neeson movie?

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And that concludes our selection of the best Liam Neeson movies! Did your top pick make the list? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

For more cinematic recommendations, explore our lists of the best Keanu Reeves movies and the top Ryan Reynolds movies.