Liam Neeson’s action thriller success continues to grow as his 2014 film A Walk Among the Tombstones gains significant attention on streaming platforms, surpassing even his 2008 blockbuster Taken in critical acclaim. The movie has climbed Paramount+’s charts recently, drawing audiences who appreciate Neeson’s intense yet seasoned approach to action roles.
This neo-noir thriller, directed and written by Scott Frank and adapted from Lawrence Block’s 1992 novel, showcases Neeson as former NYPD detective Matt Scudder, now working as an unlicensed private investigator involved in a dangerous case. Fans have responded strongly to the film’s gritty narrative and layered characters, helping it stand alongside mainstream hits such as Mel Gibson’s The Patriot and Top Gun: Maverick.
Plot and Performances: What Drives the Film’s Edge
“Matt Scudder (Liam Neeson), formerly part of the NYPD, now works as an unlicensed private detective. His latest client is a drug trafficker (Dan Stevens) whose wife was kidnapped and brutally murdered, and as Scudder delves deeper, he finds that the crime’s sequence is the modus operandi of the perpetrators. Before they can strike again and destroy other lives, Scudder races through the back streets of New York to catch the killers, blurring the lines between lawful and criminal as he goes.”
— Official synopsis
The cast includes Dan Stevens as Kenny Kristo, David Harbour as Ray, and Boyd Holbrook as Peter Kristo, providing a strong ensemble that supports Neeson’s lead. The story’s tense atmosphere and urban setting amplify the film’s dark, suspenseful tone, adding layers to the narrative of justice and retribution.
Critical Reception: Why A Walk Among the Tombstones Tops Taken
While Taken remains the most iconic film that launched Neeson’s reputation as an action star, critics have given A Walk Among the Tombstones a higher score on Rotten Tomatoes, with 68% compared to Taken’s 60%. This distinction highlights how the latter’s realistic storytelling and atmospheric tension resonate more with critics, underscoring Neeson’s capability to bring depth to his action hero persona beyond explosive set pieces.
The film’s nuanced approach, paired with Neeson’s restrained yet powerful performance, contributes to its critical appreciation. Despite Neeson’s statements about retiring from action roles, his ongoing projects suggest otherwise, keeping his fans eagerly anticipating more.
Upcoming Projects and Shifts in Neeson’s Career
Liam Neeson, now 72, has several films in development that promise to sustain his presence in action and thriller genres. These include Cold Storage, the international action movie Hotel Tehran alongside Zachary Levi, the heist film 4 Kids Walk Into a Bank, and The Mongoose, which follows Neeson as Ryan Fang Flanagan, a war hero involved in a high-profile cross-country chase after being wrongfully accused.
Additionally, Neeson is set to star in a reboot of the comedy classic The Naked Gun. Directed by Akiva Schaffer, this project will see Neeson parody his own action hero image by stepping into the role of Frank Drebin Jr., originally portrayed by Leslie Nielsen. The cast for this reboot is star-studded, including Pamela Anderson, Paul Walter Hauser, Kevin Durand, Danny Huston, Liza Koshy, Cody Rhodes, CCH Pounder, and Busta Rhymes. The Naked Gun reboot is scheduled for release on August 1, 2025, through Paramount Pictures.
Legacy and Impact of Neeson’s Action Thrillers
The ongoing success of A Walk Among the Tombstones on streaming services illustrates the enduring appeal of Liam Neeson’s brand of action thrills, which combines a seasoned, weathered hero with intense, suspenseful storytelling. This film’s higher rating compared to Taken challenges common expectations and highlights the evolving tastes of audiences and critics alike.
As Neeson continues to explore both serious roles and self-parodies, his career reflects a dynamic interplay between legacy and reinvention. The popularity of his lesser-known but critically stronger films affirms that Neeson’s action thriller success is not limited to one signature movie but spread across multiple compelling projects that leverage his unique screen persona.
