Liam Neeson, the versatile actor known for his roles ranging from battling Batman to training Jedi, has had a prolific career spanning decades. From drama to action to rom-coms, Neeson's filmography is as diverse as it is impressive. We've curated a list of the 10 best Liam Neeson movies, featuring roles that highlight his range from scarred superheroes and caring fathers to a master of the Force and the relentless protagonist in "Taken." Here's a look at his top films, ranked from exceptional to truly unforgettable.

Interested in Liam Neeson's future projects? Don't miss our list of upcoming Liam Neeson movies to see what's next for this iconic actor.

The 10 Best Liam Neeson Movies

11 Images10. Love Actually (2003)

Image credit: Universal PicturesDirector: 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 most platforms

In Richard Curtis' beloved Christmas rom-com, Liam Neeson shines as a grieving widower who helps his stepson navigate young love. Amidst an ensemble cast, Neeson's portrayal stands out for its heartfelt warmth, offering a refreshing contrast to his more familiar tough-guy roles.

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

Image credit: 20th Century FoxDirector: 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 most platforms

Liam Neeson's portrayal of Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn anchors the controversial Star Wars prequel. As Obi-Wan's mentor, Qui-Gon introduces audiences to the world of the Force with a commanding presence. Despite his character's tragic end, Neeson's recent reprisal in Disney+'s "Obi-Wan Kenobi" series was a testament to the enduring appeal of his performance.

8. Michael Collins (1996)

Image credit: Warner Bros.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 platforms

Liam Neeson's portrayal of the titular Irish revolutionary leader earned him critical acclaim and several awards. His magnetic performance captures the passion and complexity of Michael Collins, making this film a standout in his career and a significant entry in historical dramas.

7. Silence (2016)

Image credit: Paramount PicturesDirector: 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, rent on Amazon and most platforms

In this Martin Scorsese masterpiece, Liam Neeson plays the enigmatic Cristóvão Ferreira, a Jesuit priest who renounces his faith under duress. Neeson's nuanced performance adds depth to this contemplative film, which explores faith and sacrifice in 17th-century Japan.

6. Kinsey (2004)

Image credit: Fox Searchlight PicturesDirector: 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 most platforms

Liam Neeson delivers a compelling performance as Alfred Kinsey, the pioneering sexologist. His portrayal captures the intellect and obsession of a man challenging societal norms, earning him widespread praise and solidifying "Kinsey" as a significant work in his filmography.

5. Batman Begins (2005)

Image credit: Warner Bros. PicturesDirector: 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 most platforms

Liam Neeson's role as the dual-faced mentor Ra's al Ghul is pivotal in Christopher Nolan's reinvention of the Batman saga. His commanding performance as both a guide and an adversary to Bruce Wayne sets the stage for the acclaimed Dark Knight Trilogy.

4. Darkman (1990)

Image credit: Universal PicturesDirector: 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 most platforms

In Sam Raimi's thrilling blend of horror and adventure, Liam Neeson plays the vengeful scientist Darkman. His intense performance as a man using synthetic faces to exact revenge showcases his versatility and cements his place in the superhero genre.

3. Rob Roy (1995)

Image credit: MGM/UA Distribution Co.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 delivers a powerful performance as the Scottish clan chief Rob Roy. His portrayal, fueled by passion and rage, stands out in this historical epic, earning critical acclaim and showcasing his ability to carry a film with depth and intensity.

2. Taken (2008)

Image credit: EuropaCorp DistributionDirector: 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, catapulting him into the realm of action heroes. His portrayal of Bryan Mills, a father with a "particular set of skills," is both intense and gripping, making this film a modern classic in the action genre.

1. Schindler’s List (1993)

Image credit: Universal PicturesDirector: 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 most platforms

Liam Neeson's career-defining role as Oskar Schindler in Steven Spielberg's masterpiece earned him an Oscar nomination. His portrayal of the German industrialist who saved over 1200 Jewish refugees during the Holocaust is both haunting and heart-wrenching, cementing "Schindler's List" as his finest work.

Upcoming Liam Neeson Movies

Liam Neeson's future looks bright with several exciting projects on the horizon. The most anticipated is the "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-packed titles 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 complete list of Liam Neeson's films in chronological order, check out:

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 Huner (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 your favorite Liam Neeson movie? 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.