When it comes to action stars and people to call on when you need someone found and rescued, Liam Neeson is near the top of the list. Starring in some of the biggest franchises in movie history, there is no shortage of notable films with Liam Neeson in them.
Determining the top 25 best Liam Neeson movies is a challenging task. Based on Neeson’s performances, scripts, action, drama, visuals, and more, here are the top 25 best Liam Neeson ranked from across his legendary career.
1. Schindler’s List (1993)
- Where to Watch: Vudu, Prime Video, Apple TV
Where to begin with one of the greatest films ever to grace the silver screen? Steven Spielberg’s Nazi Germany-era feature film is an absolute masterpiece, carried by its horrifying imagery, riveting messaging, and a performance that is still unmatched to this day by its lead star, Liam Neeson.
Schindler’s List isn’t just the best Neeson movie by a long shot; it is one of the greatest films ever made. This is an absolute must-watch for anyone; just be prepared to stomach the horrors of what is, sadly, rooted in real-life atrocities.
2. Taken (2008)
- Where to Watch: Prime Video, Apple TV
Ignoring the memes momentarily, the original Taken is one of the best action films to come out of the 21st century. On a search to find his daughter's kidnappers before it is too late, Neeson goes on a thrilling journey across the world to save her. Full of emotion, drama, and high-stakes action, this is the finest action movie Neeson has ever done.
3. Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999)
- Where to Watch: Disney+
In recent years, the Star Wars prequels have been much more highly regarded than when they first came out. Even when the movies first launched, though, one aspect was stellar from the beginning: Liam Neeson’s Qui-Gon Jinn. While the story is unnecessarily bulky and the action is meager until the end, Neeson thrills from start to finish.
4. Batman Begins (2005)
- Where to Watch: HBO Max
The first in the trilogy and by far the most overshadowed, there is no denying how fantastic Christopher Nolan’s first Batman movie kicks off. With Liam Neeson on board as the riveting master of Bruce Wayne, the action, drama, and visuals are unbelievably striking.
5. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe (2005)
- Where to Watch: Disney+
Based on the beloved novels, this first attempt at a modern live-action adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia is an instant classic. Liam Neeson is impeccable and undeniable in his emotional and spiritual performance as the heartwarming Aslan.
6. The Lego Movie (2014)
- Where to Watch: HBO Max
Liam Neeson has a mostly smaller role in this masterful ensemble cast as the Good Cop and Bad Cop. Short and sweet, his role is one of the best parts of this already fantastic animated feature flick. There is a reason that everyone was singing about how “Everything Is Awesome” for years.
7. Ordinary Love (2019)
- Where to Watch: Hulu
Liam Neeson and Lesley Manville are undeniably impressive as the leads in this emotional drama about a relatively average married couple who have to go through traumatic circumstances. The writing and these two stars’ unmatched talent make this a must-watch. Just grab a tissue or two.
8. Husbands and Wives (1992)
- Where to Watch: Vudu, Prime Video, Apple TV
At times funny and other times romantic and constantly dramatic, this tale of two marriages falling apart has nonstop all-star performances from its cast. While Neeson plays more of a minor role in this film, it is a funnier and more unique role for the legend.
9. Widows (2018)
- Where to Watch: Vudu, Prime Video, Apple TV
Liam Neeson plays another side role in this film, carried by its phenomenal cast of four widows who now have to pick up where their dead husbands left off. If you want one of the best heist movies in the 21st century, look no further than this groundbreaking action film.
10. Ponyo (2008)
- Where to Watch: HBO Max
While animated films aren’t his forte, Ponyo is one exception as Neeson voiced one of the lead characters in this Studio Ghibli classic from Hayao Miyazaki. This unforgettable and visually-striking anime take on The Little Mermaid is prime material for viewers of all ages.
11. Kinsey (2004)
- Where to Watch: Vudu, Prime Video, Apple TV
Liam Neeson takes a step back from his more action-focused roles for a quieter, introspective look at the real-life story of a man who challenged the idea of education in the school system. Powerful and thoughtful, it adds just the right level of drama to the well-written plot.
12. The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018)
- Where to Watch: Netflix
Liam Neeson plays a role in one of the six stories in this anthology Wild West film. While his role isn’t as prominent as in some of the other movies, there’s no denying the terrific balance of dark humor and high-octane action here.
13. A Monster Calls (2016)
- Where to Watch: Netflix
Liam Neeson takes on one of the most unique roles in his career as a monster guiding a young boy alone and needing help in this coming-of-age drama. Powerful and full of memorable fantasy moments, it smartly navigates its disturbing and heartfelt themes.
14. Silence (2016)
- Where to Watch: Vudu, Prime Video, Apple TV
Thought-provoking and gripping, this movie tells the story of two Portuguese Christian missionaries in feudal Japan trying to locate their leader, played by Liam Neeson. It is sometimes quiet, other times captivating, and always buoyed by the three fantastic leads.
15. Darkman (1990)
- Where to Watch: Vudu, Prime Video, Apple TV
Well before Sam Raimi would redefine superhero movies forever with his Spider-Man trilogy, Darkman arrived on the scene with Liam Neeson as the caped crusader. This is far from your typical superhero flick, though, having a cult status with its hefty dose of violence, traumatic elements, and wild protagonist.
16. The Grey (2012)
- Where to Watch: Vudu, Prime Video, Apple TV
This is the ultimate survival drama in Liam Neeson’s career, seeing his character and seven others lost in the wintery wilderness as they have to survive the dangers of hunger, wild wolves, and the cold. It is highly dramatic and gripping for nearly every moment of the film.
17. Michael Collins (1996)
- Where to Watch: Vudu, Prime Video, Apple TV
Liam Neeson once again dominates this movie as the lead hero from start to finish. This is one of his most underrated films, as a revolutionary Irish man who finds himself having to murder the people he once called his allies.
18. Les Miserables (1998)
- Where to Watch: Vudu, Prime Video, Apple TV
Long before the beloved masterful live-action remake, this original rendition of the beloved musical stars Liam Neeson as the anchoring lead of Jean Valjean in the story of tragedy, triumph, and overcoming adversity. Neeson steals the show in this otherwise passable adaptation.
19. Five Minutes of Heaven (2009)
- Where to Watch: Prime Video, Apple TV
Both Liam Neeson and James Nesbitt dominate this movie as the two leads. With intertwined pasts and Nesbitt seeking revenge against Neeson, this turns his typical roles on their heads. Watch it for the terrific moments between these two stars.
20. Unknown (2011)
- Where to Watch: Vudu, Prime Video, Apple TV
From a glance, this movie seems like a stellar premise about a man who awakens from an accident with no one recognizing him and people trying to kill him. In the end, the plot is a bit messy, but the action and Neeson’s performance as the lead remain intriguing.
21. The Bounty (1984)
- Where to Watch: Vudu, Prime Video, Apple TV
Liam Neeson takes a backseat role in this movie, telling the infamous story of the HMS Bounty mutiny. The ship is full of incredible stars and blazing performances, even if the movie's visuals don’t hold quite well these days.
22. Rob Roy (1995)
- Where to Watch: Vudu, Prime Video, Apple TV
Dark and unique for Liam Neeson, this is a period piece set in 18th-century Scotland. Neeson stars as a herder down in the dumps after losing his friend, being indebted, and facing a terrible assault against his wife. He goes on a quest to survive and take revenge against those who hurt him.
23. Gangs of New York (2002)
- Where to Watch: Peacock
When it comes to classic action movies with star-studded casts and a thrilling direction from Martin Scorsese, look no further than this movie. Liam Neeson plays more of a supporting role in the elevated gang violence film, full of powerful performances from the entire cast.
24. Cold Pursuit (2019)
- Where to Watch: HBO Max
This remake film isn’t too far from Neeson’s other classic action films. Out for revenge and the truth after his son dies mysteriously, this otherwise normal man must bend the law to find justice amidst an ongoing turf war.
25. A Walk Among the Tombstones (2014)
- Where to Watch: Netflix
A former NYPD officer, Liam Neeson, stars as a private investigator trying to find the truth behind the murder of his client’s wife. Ultimately, it will take him throughout the underbelly of New York City to get justice. Derivative, to say the least, Neeson at least sells the role among the gritty action.
This article was produced and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.
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