Before the sharp sentiments of “Schindler’s List,” the adventurous appeal of the “Star Wars” prequels, and the edge-of-the-seat thrill of “Taken,” Northern Irish actor Liam Neeson began his acting journey in theatre in Belfast. He moved to cinema in the 1970s with his debut performance in Ken Anderson’s “Pilgrim’s Progress.” Rapidly developing his filmography, Neeson left behind the innocent charm of his debut for more complex dramatic roles in films like “The Mission” and arguably his most well-known work, “Schindler’s List.” The latter earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor while solidifying his status as an A-list actor in Hollywood.
In his later career, Neeson moved away from the dialogue-driven dramas and towards the action thriller genre. His role as an ex-CIA father in “Taken” was the first of many action heroes the actor would go on to play. Though much of this period became tiring for his fans, “Taken” remains a classic of modern Hollywood action, and several of Neeson’s performances hold up even today. Even still, the actor continued to commit to more serious works like “Silence” and films of other genres, like “The Grey.” Celebrating his versatility and ability to captivate audiences, this list delves into Neeson’s top ten performances.
10. Rob Roy (1995)
A historical drama set in the early 18th century Scottish Highlands, Michael Caton-Jones’ “Rob Roy” (1995) follows the titular Robert Roy MacGregor (Liam Neeson), a Scottish clan chief and cattleman who winds up in conflict with the English aristocracy. After borrowing money from the Marquess of Montrose to help his clan, trouble arises when Montrose’s men steal the money. The story then becomes a tale of revenge, justice, and personal integrity as Rob Roy battles to protect his family’s name and secure his future. The film provides a richly textured vision of Scotland, merging personal drama with the rugged beauty of the Highlands, with Tim Roth playing the villainous Archibald Cunningham, whose sadistic cruelty propels much of the conflict.
Yet it’s Liam Neeson’s portrayal of Rob Roy that stands out the most. As usual, he is both stoic and emotional. His physical presence and deep, resonant voice ensure a gravitas to the role that makes his sense of honor entirely palpable throughout the runtime. Neeson embodies a quiet dignity, making him the story’s emotional core, whether in moments of tender love with his wife, Mary MacGregor (Jessica Lange), or brutal interactions with Cunningham. His performance infuses the film with an intense profundity, as he embodies a man fighting for survival and moral righteousness. Neeson’s nuanced portrayal of vulnerability and strength makes him the standout in an already strong cast and, ultimately, the most compelling aspect of “Rob Roy.”
9. Darkman (1990)
A typical genre endeavor by Sam Raimi, “Darkman” is a dark, action-packed superhero thriller that blends comic book sensibilities with horror and sci-fi elements. The film follows Peyton Westlake (Liam Neeson), a scientist developing synthetic skin that could revolutionize medical science. However, after a brutal attack by a crime syndicate led by Robert Durant (Larry Drake), Westlake is left disfigured and presumed dead. Surviving the attack, Westlake becomes “Darkman,” a vigilante figure who disguises himself using experimental skin to avenge those who wronged him. The film is marked by Raimi’s trademark frenetic direction, with grotesque visuals, over-the-top violence, and dark humor, making ”Darkman” a cult classic in the superhero genre.
Neeson’s portrayal of Peyton Westlake/Darkman is the film’s emotional anchor. Despite the character’s physical transformation and descent into madness, Neeson brings a deep humanity to the role. His ability to communicate pain, loss, and rage without undermining the film’s extravagance is a testament to his skill. Neeson expertly balances Westlake’s suffering with Darkman’s ferociousness, making the character sympathetic and terrifying. His performance ensures that, amid the film’s wild stylistic flourishes, there’s a heart to the story, which is a man struggling to rebuild himself, having lost everything. Neeson’s dedication to the role significantly elevates ” Darkman,” making it a study in anger and revenge and a pulpy action flick.
8. Batman Begins (2005)
Christopher Nolan’s Hollywood breakthrough and the first entry in his famous “Dark Knight” trilogy follows Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) in his vengeful mission to rid Gotham of its crime. Early in the film, Wayne ends up in a Bhutan prison, where he is found by Henri Ducard (Neeson), who eventually recruits him into the League of Shadows, an organization with already punitive plans for Gotham. Disturbed by these schemes, Wayne burns down the organization’s monastery, killing their leader, Ra’s al Ghul, but leaving Ducard alive. Afterward, Wayne returns to Gotham and starts implementing justice without committing murder.
Admittedly, Nolan’s aristocratic sensibilities and almost academic approach to storytelling become overbearing at times, but “The Dark Knight” trilogy still feels mostly rewarding. Despite playing a relatively less exciting villain in the series, especially compared to Ledger’s Joker in “The Dark Knight,” Neeson showcases impressive range as Ducard/Ra’s al Ghul by masking his character with an initially mentorlike nobility, which later reveals itself to be a determined villainy. This duality is an excellent opportunity for Neeson to exercise his versatility, making his performance stand out in the film. More importantly, Neeson assists Nolan in creating a superhero film that helms a self-serious tone and moral ambiguity. This may seem a little too self-satisfied at times, especially compared to more unapologetic genre works like Raimi’s “Spiderman” trilogy, but it is held together by the fantastic performances.
7. The Mission (1986)
Roland Joffé’s “The Mission” feels somewhat lesser when compared to other films that delve into themes of spirituality and faith, particularly Martin Scorsese’s “Silence,” which will be discussed later in this list. Nonetheless, it’s a stunningly shot film with notable performances from the two leads, Jeremy Irons and Neeson. The story follows two Jesuit priests, Father Gabriel (Irons) and Father John Fielding (Neeson), who go to South America to convert its people. A past trader of enslaved people and skilled swordsman, Rodrigo Mendoza (Robert De Niro), also joins them in an attempt at redemption for his past actions. Gabriel and Mendoza, however, eventually have to fend for themselves when the land is transferred from Spain to Portugal, whose government intends to enslave the indigenous population.
Like his other roles, Neeson plays Fielding with a certain calmness that is fitting for the film’s themes. His tranquil presence contrasts the chaos and turmoil that imbues much of the rest of the narrative, making Neeson’s performance a valuable and steadying contribution to the film. Even in front of maestros like De Niro and Irons, Neeson is able to leave an understated yet powerful mark. This trifecta of main performances props up much of the film’s success.
6. Taken (2008)
Of the several Hollywood 21st-century action thrillers in Neeson’s filmography, “Taken” remains the most popular and influential one. The story follows ex-CIA officer and ex-Green Beret Bryan Mills (Neeson), who takes a trip to Paris when human traffickers kidnap his daughter Kim (Maggie Grace). With the gun-toting vengeful tone of “John Wick” and the straight-eyed efficiency of the likes of “Bourne,” Mills is the first of the action heroes Neeson would play. Despite its existence in a subgenre full of shallow slogs, “Taken” is tightly scripted, exceptionally efficient, and endlessly fun.
Neeson’s performance here has become an icon of the action genre. In his famous “I will find you” monologue, he displays a palpable helplessness followed by an unrelenting glimpse of determined fury. But even beyond this, Neeson manages to commit entirely to a role that asks for physical acting with a thread of human vulnerability running through it. Not only does Neeson achieve this balance, but he also rightly plays Mills with a bit of stiffness, reflecting his character’s age and outdated training compared to his opponents (whom he still brings down delightfully).
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5. Michael Collins (1996)
As the film world, particularly award shows, becomes oversaturated with biopics, only a few become memorable, often because of their central performances. One such biopic is Neil Jordan’s “Michael Collins.” The story follows the infamous titular leader of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) (Neeson) and his journey through divisive politics. Themes like these are inherently difficult to handle, particularly concerning the persistence of British colonialism and the complex implications surrounding the IRA. Jordan’s film tells its important story effectively, but it is mainly successful due to Neeson’s performance, for which it received the Volpi Cup award, Golden Globe, and BAFTA nominations.
As controversial as his role is, there’s a strong empathy for Neeson’s performance as Collins and a palpable passion for the liberation of the Irish people from British rule. Much like the film’s narrative itself, it’s a complicated role to play, demanding nuanced acting skills and the ability to make the audience sympathize with a figure with several flaws. However, Neeson rises to the occasion to achieve this and plays one of the most challenging characters of his career well. His performance is central to the film’s success, particularly in how it adds depth to Collins’ journey and makes it resonate with the audience.
4. Kinsey (2004)
Arguably equally as, if not more controversial than, Neeson’s roles in “Suspect” and “Michael Collins,” “Kinsey” is an inherently tricky narrative to navigate, but luckily both director Bill Condon and Neeson achieve this. The film follows the titular Biology professor, Alfred Kinsey, who feels trapped in the company of his domineering father (John Lithgow). Yet, eventually, Kinsey escape this position and carve out a comfortable life for himself and his wife, Clara (Laura Linney, who also received an Oscar nomination for her performance). However, he goes on to realize that his adult university students have a lack of understanding of sexuality. Kinsey addresses this by advocating for greater emphasis on the topic within the university system. Still, when his relatively orthodox colleagues, especially Professor Thurman Rice (Tim Curry), disapprove of this, Kinsey starts to interview volunteers who share their own sexual experiences in detail.
It is another difficult-to-play role that other actors would likely falter with, but Neeson executes it with charm and complexity. Neeson balances obsession and nobility in his character, meandering between his passion for research and his devotion to his family. Much like other performances on this list, Neeson plays Kinsey with subtle gestures and an underlying gut-wrenching tone, making the film all the more impactful.
3. The Grey (2012)
A significant deviation from the average action thriller Neeson has been a part of in his late career, “The Grey” commits to a survival tone with raw, primal energy, making for an unforgettable experience. The film follows a crew on their way home after a month’s shift at an Alaskan oil refinery overseen by sharpshooter John Ottway (Neeson). The crew’s plane goes down in the wilderness, and only eight of them survive, including Ottway. The situation soon turns perilous when a pack of hungry wolves descends upon the remaining survivors, making their journey all the more difficult.
The premise alone is enough for a pervasively harrowing survival thriller, but “The Grey” is equally supported by Neeson’s performance, which imbues the film with a barebones tone and a surprising amount of grief. This is all the more poignant, knowing that the actor stated that he drew upon his late wife passing away to form his character, who has also lost his wife to cancer. Contemplating suicide in the absence of his partner, Ottway becomes an ideal vessel for emotional intensity, which Neeson utilizes brilliantly. His portrayal of a man struggling with survival and deep sorrow elevates the film above the standard action thrillers that came to define the actor’s later career.
2. Silence (2016)
Similar to the topics of “The Mission” previously featured on this list, “Silence” is about Jesuit priest Father Ferreira (Neeson), who goes missing during his mission to convert locals in Japan. News reaches two of his pupils, Father Rodrigues (Andrew Garfield) and Father Garupe (Adam Driver), that Ferreira has apostatized and adopted a new life separate from Christianity. Unable to believe this, the two pupils start a hazardous journey to Japan to find Ferreira.
“Silence” stands out from Martin Scorsese’s already-accomplished oeuvre. His influential gangster flicks, namely “Goodfellas” and “The Departed,” have an undeniable suave, whilst his later works like “The Irishman” and “Killers of the Flower Moon” reinstate the settings of his classic films with a slower pace and an intentionally detached tone. However, “Silence” sees Scorsese at his most meditative, with long takes and quiet yet careful direction. Faith has always been a key theme of interest for the director, and his 2016 masterwork interrogates this unrelentingly, resulting in an experience that is as harrowing as it is cathartic.
Besides the most fixating yet harrowing opening of Scorsese’s modern filmography, Neeson’s role is fairly small and seen almost entirely in the latter half of the film. Still, it remains one of the actor’s most fascinating characters. There’s a conflict in Ferreira’s character between faith and survival, embodied by Neeson with a pain sharper than any other role he has played.
1. Schindler’s List (1993)
Perhaps an expected number one for Neeson’s performance list, “Schindler’s List” doesn’t necessarily surpass the previous films in my eyes, but the acting here is exceptionally memorable. Set in 1939 during WW2, The film follows Oskar Schindler (Neeson) and his mission to protect as many Jewish people as he can by designating them as essential workers for his factory.
Spielberg’s filmography largely relies on a saccharine tone. In many cases, such an approach can become tiresome, but Spielberg has a knack for this kind of storytelling. Most of his work, from “Jaws” to the recent “The Fabelmans,” relies on a sappiness that he never loses control of. Similarly, in “Schindler’s List,” telling such a well-known story in its full emotional intensity without seeming overtly theatrical can be difficult. And though other films have since surpassed this work, it still works incredibly well.
Neeson plays Schindler with an uncertain morality suitable for such a character. At times, he will appease his associates, namely the sadistic Amon Goth (Ralph Fiennes), by putting up a sneery, callous exterior. Yet, he remains one of the heartwarming, genuine characters on his side during the film. Everything leads up to one of the most heart-rending monologues, and Neeson performs it perfectly.
