While Liam Neeson is more widely known for his dramatic roles, it can be surprising to rediscover just how many action films are under his belt. It’s a giant leap from playing Oskar Schindler in Schindler's List to becoming an outright action hero, yet he manages to sell both.
Though older, his convincing physicality and established dramatic abilities can elevate the smallest thriller. For the purposes of this list, the film must be listed as an action film on IMDb, and cameos will be omitted.
A Walk Among The Tombstones (2014) - 6.5
Director Scott Frank works predominantly as a well-regarded screenwriter, with works ranging from a Steven Spielberg classic (e.g. Minority Report) to Hugh Jackman’s final Wolverine outing. But this is a book adaptation, and the translation from page to screen may have contributed to the problematic pacing.
The issues in A Walk Among The Tombstones are particularly noticeable compared to Neeson’s other frenetic adventures due to the glum atmosphere. However, that’s also the film’s appeal, and the full cast delivers fitting performances. This is simply a moody throwback to straightforward detective films, but that can be enough with the right characterization.
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999) - 6.5
Neeson’s gravitas is a perfect fit for Qui-Gon Jinn’s attitude. He is both stern and caring, dignified and wise. However, he is also just rebellious enough to fit subsequent continuity, and to explain his adamant pursuit of the prophecy. Overall, the first of the Star Wars prequel trilogy wildly veers back and forth in tone.
The Phantom Menace alternates between goofy antics and the then Senator Palpatine's compelling conspiracy to dismantle the Republic from within. While some performances in the film are certainly questionable, Neeson as a Jedi Master is a powerful presence and sturdy foundation for the prequels, which have since earned more love than hate in the years afters its initial polarizing release.
Run All Night (2015) - 6.6
Director Jaume Collet-Serra has collaborated with Neeson four times, and their tandem proved to be the most potent of Neeson's action-packed resurgence. The movies these two made together are each enjoyable, despite some of their issues. Run All Night in particular is a play on classic mob thrillers, rooted in typical themes surrounding sons and fathers.
Surprisingly, Neeson begins the film as a relatively unlikable character. Instead of an everyman or a righteous hero with a tragic past, his character Jimmy Conlon -- an alcoholic ex-mob hitman -- is searching for redemption. It’s a nice change of pace, and Neeson methodically earns sympathy. The action itself turns outrageous, but is certainly tremendous fun.
The A-Team (2010) - 6.7
Rather than imitating the original series altogether, this strange film discovers its own brand of cheesy fun. This was director Joe Carnahan’s first collaboration with Neeson, who is introduced by killing a dog with his bare hands. Admittedly, this is both silly and somewhat unlikable.
But the film leans into slick, goofy adventures, and the cast clearly had a great time writing this love letter to the original show. It’s a rather messy story thanks to its constantly frenetic pace and endless twists and turns. Fortunately, the action scenes themselves are cleverly composed.
The Grey (2011) - 6.8
Unexpectedly profound, this freezing tale of survival incorporates a bold darkness in Neeson’s protagonist, Ottway. The escalating fight against the relentless wolves and nature itself only reflects Ottway’s suicidal feelings before the plane crash. This approach may be a bit too straightforward for some, but it resonates deeply thanks to the execution.
Neeson’s character is more tangible and grounded compared to his other action films. The wolves themselves are convincing, and the deafening plane crash at the start is legitimately terrifying. The survival elements and tortured protagonist make this film far more intimate than one might expect, and surely one of the best survival films period.
Unknown (2011) - 6.8
Director Jaume Collet-Serra discovers his formula here, establishing the same tone and approach that would fuel the other Neeson collaborations. The duo work to each other’s benefit. Jaume Collet-Serra lends kinetic action sequences and pulpy ideas that are genuinely entertaining, while Neeson’s physicality and striking performances sell it.
The mystery here ultimately amounts to The Bourne Identity. This can feel somewhat disappointing, given a premise that could lead anywhere, but Neeson’s pursuit of the truth at least emphasizes suspense until the latter half of the film.
Non-Stop (2014) - 6.9
Jaume Collet-Serra’s second outing with Neeson resolves quite a few issues. It has a better supporting cast, and a more consistent tone throughout. The contained environment lends itself to suspenseful thrills, and invokes the mood of a classic Agatha Christie novel. The twists are well-earned, methodically exploiting audience expectations, and the sense of urgency is constant.
However, the ticking clock doesn’t feel like a cheap gimmick. Instead, it’s very much a fun joyride. Neeson’s suffering hero is sympathetic, and the action sequences escalate nicely.
The Lego Movie (2014) - 7.7
All of the bright comedy and creative adventures culminate in a surprising and poignant ending help make the underestimated The Lego Movie in an instant classic. Frenetic from beginning to end, the movie can sometimes feel overwhelming, but never in an unsatisfying way. Themes about identity and freedom are familiar, but expertly handled in a fun new meta way.
Meanwhile, Liam Neeson’s triple-role as Good/Bad Cop and his dad Pa Cop is an absolute delight. His voice smoothly alternates between that trademark intensity and a hilarious opposite. It’s a fun twist on Neeson’s longtime reputation for older audiences, but anyone can enjoy the dizzying mood swings.
Taken (2008) - 7.8
Taken is the definitive Liam Neeson action film, and surely what inspired his subsequent success in the genre. While Neeson had certainly dabbled in the genre before, his role as the determined and unstoppable father was such a resounding success that it became the default template for his ensuing slew of action hits.
Bryan Mills (Neeson) is instantly sympathetic, with a clear mythology and antagonists that are unfortunately all too real. The fighting sequences and shootouts are grounded and gritty, but the hero is also consistently required to outwit his opponents. After carefully drawing realistic and compelling characters, the film unleashes imaginative thrills, set against a parent’s worst nightmare. The tone and dazzling action sequences left many clamoring for more, and that's exactly what they got through what became the Taken trilogy.
Batman Begins (2005) - 8.2
Evidently, training Obi-Wan Kenobi wasn’t enough. As Bruce Wayne’s mentor and first major villain, Liam Neeson is a more ferocious character yet never one-dimensional. His Ra's al Ghul is easily one of Batman's greatest villains on-screen. His motivations are legitimately understandable, though misled.
The backstory of his wife, later elaborated upon, earns genuine sympathy and he does carry a distinct respect and care for Bruce, which makes their eventual clash tragic. These rich layers are familiar in director Christopher Nolan’s extensive filmography but something rarely seen in superhero movies. At the time of its release, Batman Begins was something audiences sorely needed especially after the last Batman movie left a bad campy taste in their mouths.