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Liam Neeson, an Oscar-nominated actor, has captivated audiences with his versatile performances across genres, from battling Batman to training Jedi, leading revolutions, and showcasing his "particular set of skills" in action-packed thrillers. With a career spanning decades, Neeson has starred in dramas, action films, rom-coms, and more, showcasing his range and depth as an actor. Here, we've curated a list of his top 10 films, highlighting his most memorable roles from scarred superheroes to caring fathers and beyond.
Be sure to also check out our list of upcoming Liam Neeson movies to see what exciting projects he has lined up for the future.
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 who supports his stepson's quest to win over a classmate. This role showcases Neeson's ability to convey warmth and tenderness, a departure from his more familiar stern and gruff characters.
9. Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace (1999)
Liam Neeson's portrayal of Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn in The Phantom Menace is a standout in the polarizing Star Wars Prequel Trilogy. As Obi-Wan's mentor, Qui-Gon serves as a pivotal figure in the Skywalker Saga, and Neeson's commanding presence adds depth to the Jedi's narrative. His recent reprisal of the role in Disney+'s Obi-Wan Kenobi series was a welcome return for fans.
8. Michael Collins (1996)
Liam Neeson's portrayal of the titular character in Neil Jordan's Michael Collins earned him critical acclaim and several acting awards. Playing a key figure in Ireland's early 20th-century struggle for independence, Neeson's magnetic and impassioned performance is a highlight of his career, following his roles in Schindler's List and Rob Roy.
7. Silence (2016)
In Martin Scorsese's Silence, Liam Neeson plays the enigmatic Jesuit Cristóvão Ferreira, whose recantation of faith under torture is central to the film's narrative. This contemplative work, a passion project for Scorsese, showcases Neeson's ability to handle complex and reflective roles.
6. Kinsey (2004)
Liam Neeson stars as the pioneering "sexologist" Alfred Kinsey in Bill Condon's Kinsey. His portrayal captures the intelligence and obsession of Kinsey, who challenged the sexual norms of his time. This role earned Neeson widespread praise and solidified his place in biographical dramas.
5. Batman Begins (2005)
Liam Neeson plays a pivotal role in Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins as the mentor who trains Bruce Wayne, only to reveal himself as the villainous Ra's al Ghul. His performance is crucial to the film's success and the launch of the Dark Knight Trilogy, showcasing his ability to embody both friend and foe with equal intensity.
4. Darkman (1990)
In Sam Raimi's Darkman, Liam Neeson plays a scientist turned vigilante who uses synthetic faces to exact revenge. His performance blends horror and high-stakes adventure, marking a significant transition for Raimi from his Evil Dead roots.
3. Rob Roy (1995)
Liam Neeson delivers a powerful performance as the titular Scottish clan chief in Rob Roy. Despite being overshadowed by Braveheart, Neeson's portrayal, alongside strong performances from Jessica Lange and Tim Roth, makes this film a standout in his career.
2. Taken (2008)
Taken is a career-defining film for Liam Neeson, transforming him into an action hero. The film's tight plot and Neeson's commanding performance, especially in the iconic phone call scene, have made it a classic in the action genre.
1. Schindler’s List (1993)
Liam Neeson's performance in Schindler's List, which won Best Picture and earned him an Oscar nomination, is considered his finest work. Playing Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist who saved over 1200 Jewish refugees during the Holocaust, Neeson's portrayal is both haunting and heartfelt.
Upcoming Liam Neeson Movies
Liam Neeson's future projects include the highly anticipated The Naked Gun reboot, set for release on August 1, 2025. Other films in development include thrillers like Cold Storage and Riker's Ghost, action movies such as The Mongoose and Hotel Tehran, and political thrillers like Charlie Johnson in the Flames and Ice Road 2: Road to the Sky, along with a sequel to Run All Night.
Liam Neeson Movie List
For a comprehensive list of Liam Neeson's films in order of release, check out our detailed catalog:
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.
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