10 Best Liam Neeson Action Movies, Ranked by Rotten Tomatoes

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In today’s world, with an abundance of streaming platforms available at our convenience, deciding on something to watch can be quite challenging. Not every movie is worth investing your time into, and given the vast amount of content being produced these days, it’s beneficial to have a quick guide – a talented actor whose name alone promises quality, intensity, and a powerful screen presence. One such actor is Liam Neeson. Regardless if he’s spearheading a thriller, taking charge in an epic historical production, or lending his voice to a small animated wizard in “The Lego Movie”, Neeson always delivers captivating performances that significantly enhance the films he graces with his presence.

Over the past five decades, this Irish actor has built a captivating career in action movies, seamlessly transitioning between dramatic masterpieces, genre-blending thrillers, and blockbuster extravaganzas. He’s faced off against wolves, donned the cape as Batman, portrayed both historical and fictional revolutionaries, and become synonymous with the gruff, weary antihero of the modern action renaissance ushered in by the Taken series. However, his filmography extends beyond box office triumphs, showcasing his knack for choosing significant roles. Rotten Tomatoes ranks his best action films, but be warned: these scores barely scratch the surface of his talent.

10
‘Taken’ (2008)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 60%

In the movie “Taken”, Liam Neeson swiftly transformed into a typical action movie character. The story revolves around Bryan Mills, a retired CIA agent possessing a unique set of skills, who relentlessly hunts down the Parisian criminal underground after his daughter is abducted by human traffickers. What makes “Taken” captivating isn’t just its fast-paced and streamlined narrative, but its effectiveness: Director Pierre Morel skillfully maintains the action as sharp and violent, with a rhythm that never slows down. While some critics might have found the film predictable, viewers appreciated its brilliance—the movie encapsulated the essence of revenge thrillers, paving the way for an entire decade of action-packed cinema.

The Birth of a New 2000s Action Icon

For Liam Neeson, Taken wasn’t just another part; it was a transformation. Prior to this role, he had built a reputation as a distinguished dramatic actor, recognized for his performances in historical epics and morally intricate roles. However, Bryan Mills is unlike anything he’s portrayed before – a relentless, proficient force of nature, fueled by an unwavering purpose. What makes Neeson’s portrayal successful is that, unlike the comedic action heroes of past films, his intensity never wavers. He doesn’t enjoy the violence; instead, he navigates it with sober precision, and this seriousness elevates the movie above its B-movie origins. In less capable hands, Taken would have been a forgettable straight-to-video thriller. With Neeson, it became a contemporary masterpiece.

9
‘Gangs of New York’ (2002)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 73%

Martin Scorsese’s movie titled “Gangs of New York” is an expansive historical drama filled with violence and marked by ambition. This film unfolds in the Five Points district of 1860s Manhattan, where Leonardo DiCaprio’s character Amsterdam Vallon confronts Daniel Day-Lewis’s Bill the Butcher in a struggle for the heart of the city. The grandiose scenes, harsh realism, and dramatic narrative style make this film an enduring classic within the crime genre. Although the pace can sometimes be uneven, Scorsese’s masterful direction creates a New York that is as perilous as it is captivating.

A Brutal, Blood-Soaked Origin Story

In Gangs of New York, Liam Neeson’s performance, albeit short, leaves a significant impact. As Priest Vallon, the noble Irish gang leader whose death sparks the entire plot, he symbolizes honor in a lawless environment. His role is almost mythical; his demise isn’t so much a plot device as it is a catastrophic event. His spirit pervades every subsequent scene. Despite his limited screen time, Neeson conveys an understated power that intensifies the impact of his character’s absence. Without him, there would be no narrative—just disorder and chaos.

8
‘Five Minutes of Heaven’ (2009)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 75%

The movie titled “Five Minutes of Heaven” deviates from typical action flicks, yet it’s equally intense as Liam Neeson’s most physically demanding roles. This film narrates the story of two individuals; one is a former UVF member (portrayed by Neeson), and the other is the brother of the man he killed (James Nesbitt). Director Oliver Hirschbiegel prefers to avoid grand spectacles, instead opting for psychological combat. He crafts a suspenseful thriller that gradually builds tension, replacing gunfights with unsettling, silent encounters. The apprehension doesn’t stem from the threat of violence, but rather from its unavoidable burden.

A Different Kind of Violence

In the movie, Liam Neeson delivers a captivating portrayal as Alistair Little, a man who was once a terrorist struggling with the weight of his past transgressions. Unlike his typical roles where he unleashes intense action or righteous anger, here he plays against type, exhibiting only guilt and a quest for redemption. Instead of outbursts for revenge, we see a character tormented by his conscience, yearning for forgiveness. In contrast to films that let Neeson express his intensity through physical actions, Five Minutes of Heaven compels him to internalize this energy, resulting in one of his most subtly impactful performances.

7
‘Michael Collins’ (1996)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 78%

Neil Jordan’s “Michael Collins” is a captivating biographical drama that delves into the life of the Irish revolutionary leader, focusing on his significant contributions to Ireland’s struggle for independence and the treacherous internal conflicts that ultimately led to his demise. The movie combines elements of historical grandeur with the tension of a political thriller, vividly portraying a nation teetering on the edge of change. Jordan skillfully explores the moral intricacies surrounding Collins’ decisions, unflinchingly depicting violence as both a requirement and a burden. Some critics have raised doubts about its historical accuracy, but “Michael Collins” still stands as an engrossing exploration of the interplay between power, ideology, and personal sacrifice.

The Weight of Revolution

Liam Neeson’s portrayal of Collins in this role is one of his most powerful performances yet. He masterfully balances depicting a historical figure as an iconic symbol and a relatable man. The character he creates is filled with charisma, ambition, and the heavy weight of knowing that each decision could cost him his life. Unlike some interpretations of similar characters, Neeson doesn’t make Collins into a martyr or saint, but rather a man grappling with the impossible. His speeches are powerful, his quiet moments are filled with pain, and the sense of his eventual downfall hangs heavily over every scene. It’s remarkable skill on Neeson’s part that despite the film’s tragic ending, you find yourself hoping he can outrun destiny.

6
‘The Grey’ (2011)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 80%

Initially, “The Grey” appears to be a hard-hitting survival thriller, set in the harsh Alaskan wilderness where a team of oil rig workers survive after their plane crashes, battling against a fierce pack of wolves. However, beneath this brutal and icy facade, there’s a more profound exploration – a contemplation on life, death, faith, and the indomitable human spirit to keep fighting even in hopeless situations. Director Joe Carnahan masterfully strips the film down to its bare essentials, imbuing it with an almost philosophical gloominess while showcasing some of Liam Neeson’s most intense action scenes throughout his career. Though wolves may be their immediate adversary, “The Grey” is essentially a confrontation with death in all its manifestations.

Survival at Its Most Primal

In a different interpretation, if “Taken” established Liam Neeson as an action star, “The Grey” transformed him into something profoundly captivating – a symbol of silent, relentless endurance. As Ottway, the film’s unwilling leader, Neeson is at his most raw and intense. He portrays a man who has already lost everything, yet continues to struggle for survival, battling through the frozen wilderness with a blend of desperation and stoic acceptance. His performance oozes weariness – each movement, every gaze at the merciless horizon, reflects the burden of a man aware of his dwindling time. However, there’s a poetic elegance in how he fights until the very end. The climactic scene, where he confronts the alpha wolf, is one of the most hauntingly beautiful moments in recent action cinema – not due to violence, but because of the quiet, unsaid defiance in Neeson’s eyes.

5
‘Darkman’ (1990)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 83%

Prior to Sam Raimi revolutionizing the superhero genre with “Spider-Man”, he introduced the world to “Darkman” – an intensely stylized, pulpy revenge thriller that seems like it was penned as a heartfelt homage to both classic Universal horror and 1940s serials. The movie centers around Dr. Peyton Westlake, a gifted scientist who is severely disfigured after a mob attack. Believed to be deceased, he exploits his experimental artificial skin to transform into a vengeful anti-hero, functioning covertly and dispensing justice through a combination of brutality and theatricality. With Raimi’s distinct visual style – quick zooms, extreme angles, and dynamic action scenes – “Darkman” emerges as an intriguing, adrenaline-pumping forerunner to today’s superhero craze.

The Birth of a Cult Classic

For Liam Neeson, the role in “Darkman” marked a significant departure from his usual action roles as it required an entirely different approach. His portrayal in this film was unlike anything else in his career – raw, dramatic, and genuinely heartbreaking. As Westlake, he navigated between tormented sorrow and intense rage, convincingly portraying the film’s operatic eccentricity as well as its emotional depth. Unlike typical hero characters, Neeson’s Westlake was a man who had lost his identity, forced to dwell in the shadows. What makes Neeson compelling in this role is that, despite being covered in prosthetics and engaged in excessive action scenes, he never lost sight of Westlake’s humanity. This performance propelled “Darkman” above its B-movie origins, transforming it into a cult classic that remains fresh and innovative even today.

4
‘Silence’ (2016)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 83%

Martin Scorsese’s movie titled “Silence” carries an air of devotion rather than the conventional feel of a film. Based on Shūsaku Endō’s novel, the narrative revolves around two 17th-century Jesuit priests (Andrew Garfield and Adam Driver) who journey to Japan in quest of their mentor, Father Ferreira (Liam Neeson), rumored to have abandoned his faith amidst severe persecution. The movie unfolds with a thoughtful calmness, shunning dramatic spectacles for quiet torment, moral uncertainties, and the gradual encroachment of doubt. It’s a film that provokes more inquiries than it resolves, making it one of Scorsese’s most complex and insightful productions.

A Test of Faith and Endurance

In the movie “Silence,” Liam Neeson’s role, though short, is crucial and his acting is truly exceptional. As Father Ferreira, he casts a significant shadow over the storyline, embodying an idealistic spirit crushed by the harsh realities of human perseverance. When he eventually appears on screen, it’s not his physical appearance that has changed, but rather his spiritual essence. The zealous missionary is gone, replaced by a man who has surrendered to circumstances that once defined him. Neeson portrays Ferreira with a sense of tragic acceptance, his voice filled with the burden of compromise. He’s not the antagonist or a warning tale; he’s merely a man who has been broken. Neeson’s skill in conveying so much through so little makes his presence in the film heart-wrenching, and his performance continues to resonate long after the end credits.

3
‘Batman Begins’ (2005)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 84%

Christopher Nolan’s Batman Begins revolutionized the approach to making superhero films. It moved away from the comic tone of previous Batman adaptations and presented a realistic, psychologically complex origin story that portrayed its hero as a mythic figure. The movie chronicles Bruce Wayne’s journey from an avenger orphan to Gotham’s masked guardian, combining raw realism with epic showmanship. The cinematography is somber and dramatic, Hans Zimmer’s music is intense, and the fight scenes at last granted Batman the physical prowess he had long been due. This wasn’t merely a superhero film—it was an action-thriller in disguise.

The Mentor Who Shapes the Dark Knight

In the role of Ra’s al Ghul, Liam Neeson offers one of his most subtly intimidating performances in his career. Initially appearing as Bruce Wayne’s mentor, Henri Ducard, within the League of Shadows, Neeson radiates wisdom and power. As the story unfolds, his true identity as the film’s main antagonist becomes apparent, adding to the impact. Ra’s al Ghul is not a typical comic-book villain with maniacal laughter, but rather a man who sincerely believes in his cause—his version of justice is uncompromising. Neeson portrays him with a composed, almost fatherly certainty. This performance perfectly complements Christian Bale’s Bruce Wayne, creating a dynamic between them that transcends traditional hero-villain tropes and delves into something more intimate, even reminiscent of Shakespearean drama. In a film brimming with impressive performances, Neeson’s presence serves as the underlying rhythm, making Batman Begins feel truly epic.

2
‘The Ballad of Buster Scruggs’ (2018)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 89%

In simpler terms, Joel and Ethan Coen are renowned for portraying the grim irony of life in a unique way, and “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs” encapsulates their style as an anthology film with six parts, set in the Old West. Each tale functions like a small morality story, exploring topics such as destiny, greed, mortality, and the harsh apathy of the frontier. The movie alternates between humorous and grim tones, yet all segments reflect the Coens’ distinctive blend of poetic speech, well-defined characters, and existential worry. It’s one of their most stylistically daring productions and one of the most visually impressive Western films of the 21st century.

A Coen Brothers Morality Play

In an emotionally resonant scene, Liam Neeson portrays a taciturn, world-weary showman called the impresario in the film’s most poignant section titled “Meal Ticket“. Accompanied by Harry Melling, who plays a talented yet handicapped orator, this duo travels from town to town, providing recitals of literature and poetry for meager remuneration. Despite Neeson’s character seldom speaking, his enigmatic screen presence is undeniably powerful – an emaciated, steely-eyed capitalist whose underlying desperation gradually transforms into a subtle menace. The haunting quality of Neeson’s performance lies in its understatement; he masterfully conveys the dark reality of his choices without resorting to words. In a movie brimming with thought-provoking contemplations, “Meal Ticket” stands out as its most heartrending episode, and thanks to Neeson’s exceptional minimalistic acting, it leaves an indelible impression.

1
‘Widows’ (2018)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%

Steve McQueen’s movie “Widows” may appear to be just a heist flick at first glance, but it is actually a complex examination of power, loss, and the oppressive force of expectations beneath the surface. Originating from a 1983 British television series, this film focuses on four women, led by Viola Davis’s character Veronica Rawlings, who find themselves managing the consequences of their husbands’ criminal activities. In “Widows”, you will find all the glossy action and nail-biting plot twists expected in a crime thriller, but it truly shines due to its innovative take on the genre. Instead of following the usual revenge narrative, McQueen transforms the story into something more complex, intimate, and politically relevant. Known for his attention to detail and emotional intensity, McQueen directs with a deft touch, crafting a film where even the subtlest scenes brim with tension.

A Heist Movie with More Than Just Money at Stake

In the core of “Widows”, Liam Neeson delivers an emotionally gripping portrayal as Harry Rawlings, my late husband whose actions ignite the entire storyline. What truly sets Neeson apart is that he’s not simply a plot device; rather, his influence permeates every scene, dictating my thoughts, doubts, and moments of strength.

Liam Neeson’s portrayal of Harry exudes an authentic warmth and vulnerability that intensifies the agony of his character’s actions. He transcends the typical crime figure, embodying love, loss, and deception so convincingly that his presence serves as the core of the film’s most heart-wrenching plot twist. The chemistry between Neeson and Viola Davis is palpable, creating a deeply emotional bond that makes the betrayal in “Widows” seem like a real, tangible blow. Neeson’s talent lies in his subtlety; he never overacts or pushes too hard, instead allowing his performance to linger in the minds of viewers long after the movie ends. It is a testament to his craftsmanship that even when Harry isn’t on screen, his influence remains powerful.

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2025-03-23 04:34