The Best Liam Neeson Movies, Ranked

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In The Commuter, Liam Neeson plays Michael MacCauley, an insurance salesman and former cop, who embarks on his routine train journey home, only to find himself entangled in a deadly conspiracy. A mysterious woman offers him $100,000 to identify a hidden passenger before the last stop, plunging him into a high-stakes investigation that puts everyone aboard the train in danger. As the journey progresses, the puzzle unravels, pulling MacCauley into a whirlwind of suspicion and peril that tests his wit, courage, and determination.

Despite garnering mixed reviews for its predictable narrative, The Commuter managed to resonate with fans of Neeson, who admired his transformation from an ordinary man into a reluctant hero.

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Non-Stop features Liam Neeson as Bill Marks, a U.S. air marshal grappling with personal grief, who finds himself in a tense mid-air crisis. On a transatlantic flight, he receives a series of anonymous text messages threatening to kill a passenger every 20 minutes unless $150 million is transferred into a secure account. As the deadline approaches, Marks must use his skills and instincts to identify the perpetrator and save the passengers while battling suspicions from the crew and passengers about his own intentions.

The film, directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, received generally positive reviews upon its release. Critics lauded Neeson’s compelling performance, appreciating his unique blend of vulnerability and strength. Without question, his portrayal serves as a notable high point in this thrilling airborne mystery.

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Taken is a high-octane thriller featuring Liam Neeson as Bryan Mills, a retired CIA operative, who springs into action when his daughter Kim is kidnapped during a trip to Paris. Unleashing his specialized skills, Bryan embarks on a relentless pursuit to rescue Kim from the clutches of human traffickers. The plot unfolds with gripping intensity as Bryan navigates the dark underworld, leaving a trail of destruction in his quest to bring his daughter home safely.

The film proved to be a surprise box office sensation, raking in a staggering $226 million worldwide against a relatively modest budget of $25 million. This unexpected success not only amplified its commercial reputation but also solidified Liam Neeson as a full-blown action star. Neeson’s portrayal of the relentless Bryan Mills effectively transformed his image, establishing him as a dominant figure in the action thriller genre.

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A Walk Among the Tombstones follows private investigator Matthew Scudder, played by Liam Neeson, as he delves into a dark and twisted case. Tasked with finding the kidnappers and murderers of drug traffickers’ wives, Scudder uncovers a haunting series of crimes that leads him down a treacherous path. As he unravels the truth, Scudder confronts his own demons while racing against time to rescue the next potential victim.

The film received a mixed reception upon its release in 2014 from both critics and audiences. While many praised Neeson’s performance and the movie’s atmospheric tone, others found the plot to be predictable and lacking in originality. Still, A Walk Among the Tombstones managed to find an audience appreciative of its dark and gritty style.

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In Rob Roy, Liam Neeson takes on the role of the eponymous Scottish hero, Robert Roy MacGregor. The film follows MacGregor’s struggles against a powerful aristocrat, Archibald Cunningham, who seeks to destroy his family and livelihood. The plot follows MacGregor’s journey of resilience, as he fights for justice, honor, and the survival of his clan in a gripping tale of courage and sacrifice.

Although the film, directed by Michael Caton-Jones, barely broke even at the box office, it garnered widespread acclaim from both critics and audiences alike. Tim Roth, Neeson’s co-star in the film, nabbed an Oscar nomination for his exceptional portrayal of Cunningham.

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In The Mission, Liam Neeson delivers a fantastic turn as Fielding, a devoted Jesuit missionary in 18th-century South America. The plot revolves around the struggle of the missionaries to protect the Guarani Indigenous people from the exploitative forces of colonial powers. As tensions escalate, the film explores themes of faith, sacrifice, and the clash between spirituality and worldly interests in a captivating and poignant narrative.

The Mission is an exceptional film that excels in every aspect, from its masterful direction to the stellar performances from the cast. It should come as no surprise that the movie received several Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Cinematography.

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Liam Neeson portrays the titular character in Michael Collins, an Irish revolutionary and political leader. The film delves into the story of Collins’ pivotal role in the Irish War of Independence and the subsequent Irish Civil War. As Collins navigates the complex political landscape, the plot explores his efforts to organize guerrilla warfare against the British and negotiate a treaty that leads to the establishment of the Irish Free State.

Michael Collins earned critical acclaim and multiple accolades, including two Academy Award nominations for Best Cinematography and Best Original Music Score. Furthermore, Liam Neeson’s outstanding portrayal of Michael Collins garnered a well-deserved Golden Globe nomination.

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In The Grey, Liam Neeson stars as John Ottway, a skilled marksman and survival expert working in the Alaskan oil fields. The plot revolves around Ottway and a group of oil workers who must fight for their lives when their plane crashes in the remote Alaskan wilderness. Battling harsh weather conditions and a pack of relentless wolves, Ottway leads the group in a desperate struggle for survival, testing their strength, resilience, and will to live.

The film, directed by Joe Carnahan, was a box office hit, earning nearly $80 million globally against a budget of $25 million. Moreover, it garnered acclaim from both critics and audiences alike, thanks to its captivating narrative and the exceptional performances delivered by Neeson and the talented supporting cast.

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Kinsey centers around the life and work of Alfred Kinsey, a renowned American biologist and sexologist. Portrayed by Liam Neeson, Kinsey’s groundbreaking research on human sexual behavior challenged societal norms and sparked controversy. The film delves into his personal journey, exploring his relationships, struggles, and the impact of his work on both science and society.

Under the direction of Bill Condon, Liam Neeson delivers a compelling performance as Alfred Kinsey, supported by an ensemble cast that includes Peter Sarsgaard, Chris O’Donnell, and Laura Linney. The latter received a well-deserved Oscar nomination for her performance as Clara McMillen in the film.

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Schindler’s List is a powerful and poignant film based on the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist who saved over a thousand Jews during the Holocaust. The plot follows Schindler’s transformation from a profit-driven businessman to a compassionate savior as he risks everything to protect the lives of his Jewish workers from the Nazis. The movie serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the atrocities of the Holocaust.

Directed by Steven Spielberg, Schindler’s List features a stellar cast, including Liam Neeson, who delivers a remarkable performance as Oskar Schindler. The film also stars Ralph Fiennes, Ben Kingsley, and Caroline Goodell.

It received widespread critical acclaim and received numerous prestigious accolades, including seven Academy Awards. In addition to securing Best Picture and Best Director, Schindler’s List also garnered a Best Actor nomination for Liam Neeson’s outstanding performance.