Top 10 Best Liam Neeson Movies You Can’t Miss
Liam Neeson has built a legendary career on physically demanding roles in films like Non-Stop, Unknown, and the iconic Taken franchise. At 73, he’s still as relevant as ever, and his recent, unexpected turn as Frank Drebin Jr. in The Naked Gun has everyone talking. If that performance has you wanting to dive deeper into his extensive filmography, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a list of 10 of the Best Liam Neeson Movies that you absolutely should watch.
10. Darkman (1990)
- Director: Sam Raimi
- Cast: Liam Neeson, Frances McDormand
- IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 6.4/80%
In this early Sam Raimi gem, Neeson plays Peyton Westlake, a scientist who develops a groundbreaking synthetic skin. After being brutally attacked and left for dead by a crime boss, he transforms into the vengeful vigilante known as Darkman. Neeson expertly transitions from a dedicated scientist to a rage-fueled anti-hero, captivating audiences with his raw and powerful performance.
9. Nell (1994)
- Director: Michael Apted
- Cast: Jodie Foster, Liam Neeson
- IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 6.5/57%
Nell tells the story of a young woman (Jodie Foster) who, after a lifetime of isolation, struggles to connect with the outside world. Neeson shines as Jerry Lovell, the kind and grounded doctor whose warmth provides an essential emotional anchor for the film. While Jodie Foster received a lot of praise for her leading role, Neeson’s authentic and heartfelt portrayal was a crucial part of the film’s emotional depth.
8. Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999)
- Director: George Lucas
- Cast: Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman
- IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 6.5/54%
While the prequel trilogy is often debated, Neeson’s performance as the Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn is universally praised. Set 32 years before the original trilogy, this film follows Qui-Gon and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi as they protect Queen Amidala. Neeson’s commanding presence and ability to convey the character’s wisdom and integrity made Qui-Gon Jinn a standout figure in the Star Wars universe.
7. The Grey (2012)
- Director: Joe Carnahan
- Cast: Liam Neeson, Frank Grillo
- IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 6.7/80%
In this intense survival thriller, Neeson leads a group of oil workers stranded in the Alaskan wilderness after a plane crash. As sharpshooter John Ottway, he must protect the group from a pack of aggressive wolves. Neeson’s raw and emotionally vulnerable performance grounds the film’s gritty narrative. Although some critics were mixed on the film’s pacing, Neeson’s powerful and commanding presence was a highlight for everyone.
6. Rob Roy (1995)
- Director: Michael Caton-Jones
- Cast: Liam Neeson, Jessica Lange
- IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 6.9/73%
Neeson takes on the role of Robert Roy MacGregor, a rugged Scottish clansman who becomes an outlaw after being betrayed by those he trusted. The film chronicles his journey to protect his family and clear his name. Neeson’s performance as the titular hero was widely praised for its authenticity and depth, particularly in the film’s most intense and emotionally charged scenes. For those curious about the Rank of Liam Neeson’s movies, Rob Roy consistently places high on lists due to its powerful storytelling and performance.
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5. Michael Collins (1996)
- Director: Neil Jordan
- Cast: Liam Neeson, Aidan Quinn, Julia Roberts
- IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 7.1/78%
This biographical drama tells the true story of Michael Collins, the legendary Irish revolutionary who fought for Ireland’s independence from British rule. Neeson’s powerful and passionate portrayal of Collins was so impactful that it’s hard to imagine anyone else in the role. His hard work paid off, earning him the Best Actor award at the 53rd Venice International Film Festival, where the film also won the prestigious Golden Lion. This is one of the Best Liam Neeson Movies and a definite must-watch.
4. The Naked Gun (2025)
- Director: Akiva Schaffer
- Cast: Liam Neeson, Pamela Anderson
- IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 7.1/90%
A recent addition to Neeson’s filmography, The Naked Gun sees him step into the shoes of Frank Drebin Jr., the son of the legendary detective. In a rare comedic turn, Neeson brings the laughs as a clumsy cop trying to save his police squad. His ability to balance the film’s goofy humor with more serious moments was a major highlight, and his performance has earned him praise from both critics and audiences. If you’re looking for an overview of Liam Neeson’s 10 Best Movies, this new entry is a strong contender.
3. Taken (2008)
- Director: Pierre Morel
- Cast: Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace
- IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 7.7/60%
This is the film that redefined Neeson’s career and solidified his status as a top-tier action hero. As retired CIA officer Bryan Mills, he embarks on a relentless quest to rescue his daughter from human traffickers. The film’s intense action and brutal confrontations captivated audiences, and Mills’ iconic line, “I will look for you, I will find you, and I will kill you,” became a cultural phenomenon.
2. Batman Begins (2005)
- Director: Christopher Nolan
- Cast: Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Liam Neeson
- IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 8.2/85%
Christopher Nolan’s trilogy-starter gives us the definitive origin story of Christian Bale’s Batman. Neeson’s role as Henri Ducard, who is later revealed to be the formidable Ra’s al Ghul, is a masterclass in shifting character. He seamlessly transitions from a wise mentor to a ruthless villain, creating a character that is both compelling and menacing. His incredible chemistry with Christian Bale made their final showdown all the more powerful.
1. Schindler’s List (1993)
- Director: Steven Spielberg
- Cast: Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley, Ralph Fiennes
- IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 9.0/98%
Widely considered a cinematic masterpiece, Schindler’s List is a powerful, black-and-white film based on a true story from World War II. Neeson’s portrayal of Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist who saved over 1,100 Jews from Nazi persecution, is an unforgettable performance. His ability to capture the complex, charismatic, and ultimately compassionate nature of Schindler anchored the entire film and earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. It’s a role that left a lasting impact on everyone who saw it, and a perfect example of the Best Liam Neeson Movies.
From the emotional depth of Schindler’s List to the iconic action of Taken, Liam Neeson’s filmography is a testament to his versatility and enduring talent. Whether he’s playing a historical hero, a Jedi Master, or a bumbling cop, his performances consistently elevate the material. This list of the Best Liam Neeson Movies offers a great starting point for anyone looking to explore the incredible range of a true cinematic legend. We hope you enjoy revisiting these classics or discovering new favorites!