Liam Neeson surprised many movie fans by becoming one of Hollywood’s leading action stars later in his career. While his role in the Star Wars prequels initially boosted his popularity, it was the 2008 thriller Taken that truly established him as a major force in action cinema. However, the actor’s career includes numerous lesser-known but notable action movies worth attention for fans seeking more than his mainstream hits.
Before Taken, Neeson had action roles stretching back to the late 1980s and early 1990s. Over the past two decades, he has appeared in a variety of action films, some receiving less acclaim or box office success but still delivering memorable performances. These films reveal different facets of Neeson’s range within the action genre and deserve a closer look.
Next of Kin (1989): A Gritty Family Feud in Appalachia
In the 1989 film Next of Kin, Liam Neeson plays Briar Gates, in a story centered on revenge and family loyalty. The plot follows Patrick Swayze’s character, Truman Gates, who left his Appalachian home for a Chicago police career. After Truman’s younger brother Gerald is murdered by mobsters, Briar returns seeking violent retribution.
The tension builds as Truman attempts legal justice while Briar embarks on a bloody path of vengeance. Although Neeson appears only in about half the movie, his depiction of Briar adds raw intensity. The film introduces a large family showdown that ignites when the rest of the Appalachian clan arrives. Despite a mixed critical reception with a 50% Rotten Tomatoes score, fans of Neeson’s early action work should explore this film to observe his evolving presence before breaking out as a lead action star.
Darkman (1990): Neeson as a Cult Superhero Figure
Darkman stands out among Liam Neeson’s overlooked action movies as a cult favorite, blending horror and superhero styles. Directed by Sam Raimi, it features Neeson as Dr. Peyton Westlake, a scientist who invents synthetic skin to help burn victims. After a brutal attack by a crime boss leaves Westlake disfigured and his lab destroyed, he undergoes experimental surgery that removes his ability to feel pain.
Armed with his ability to withstand extreme injuries and using his synthetic skin to disguise himself, Westlake pursues revenge against those who destroyed his life. Though not a mainstream blockbuster, the film earned praise for its mix of humor and action, and Neeson’s performance was widely noted. It also helped establish a unique superhero niche prior to the comic book explosion in cinema. While the sequels lacked Raimi and Neeson’s involvement, Darkman remains a standout early role.
The A-Team (2010): Leading the Action Reboot
The 2010 remake of The A-Team cast Liam Neeson as John “Hannibal” Smith, taking on the role originally portrayed by George Peppard in the 1980s TV show. Alongside Bradley Cooper and other stars, Neeson led the team of elite military operatives assigned to help those in desperate situations. Despite its entertaining action sequences, the film was poorly received by critics and underwhelmed at the box office.
Directed by Joe Carnahan with producers Tony Scott and Ridley Scott involved, the film faced criticism for its lighter story despite a talented cast and crew. Nonetheless, it has grown a devoted cult following since release. While it ranks below many of Neeson’s solo action efforts, The A-Team remains a notable attempt to revive a beloved franchise with modern action thrills.
Unknown (2011): Complex Identity and Mystery Thriller
Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, Unknown starred Liam Neeson as Dr. Martin Harris, a man waking from a coma only to find that no one recognizes him, including his wife. This psychological action thriller explores themes of mistaken identity and hidden pasts. Harris struggles to uncover the truth while confronting violent adversaries and his own fractured memory.
Although initially met with lukewarm reviews, Unknown has gained more appreciation over time for its suspense and Neeson’s gripping performance. The film’s layered plot challenges audiences as Harris navigates a dangerous world filled with uncertain allies and enemies. A television series sequel is reportedly in development, with Neeson attached as executive producer, signaling ongoing interest in this property.
Non-Stop (2014): A High-Flying Thriller
One of Neeson’s most underrated action films is Non-Stop, a tense thriller set entirely on a transatlantic flight. His character, Bill Marks, is a U.S. Air Marshal and former New York City police officer who becomes the prime suspect when a terrorist demands a ransom via text messages, threatening to kill passengers at 20-minute intervals.
Non-Stop’s claustrophobic setting and escalating tension drive a compelling storyline filled with twists. The film was a box office success, grossing over $222 million on a $50 million budget, and earned better critical reception than many comparable thrillers, with a 62% rating. It is often viewed as a missed opportunity to launch a new franchise comparable to Die Hard, offering plenty of action and intrigue.
Run All Night (2015): A Crime Thriller About Redemption
Run All Night features Neeson as Jimmy “The Gravedigger” Conlon, an ex-Irish mafia assassin forced to protect his son after killing his former boss’s son in a desperate moment. The film explores themes of family loyalty and redemption against a backdrop of organized crime in New York City.
Despite relatively modest box office returns and mixed critical reviews, the movie possesses a strong cast including Ed Harris and Joel Kinnaman, delivering engaging performances amid solid action sequences. Netflix’s continued popularity of Run All Night demonstrates its lasting appeal to audiences seeking gritty, character-driven crime thrillers.
Men in Black: International (2019): Neeson as a Double Agent
Men in Black: International attempted to reboot the popular sci-fi franchise by shifting focus to a London branch of the secret agency. Liam Neeson plays High T, the head of the London office, who turns out to be a traitor working against his new partner, played by Chris Hemsworth. Alongside Tessa Thompson, the new agents must protect an alien from unknown threats while uncovering betrayal within their ranks.
Despite drawing upon star power and franchise familiarity, the film underperformed commercially and critically, earning only a 23% Rotten Tomatoes score. Nonetheless, its intriguing cast dynamics and a surprising villain role for Neeson offer a fresh take on Men in Black lore, which some fans continue to enjoy despite mixed reviews.
Honest Thief (2020): A Heist Thriller Amid Pandemic Challenges
Released during the COVID-19 pandemic, Honest Thief suffered limited theatrical exposure but gained attention for Neeson’s compelling role as Tom Dolan, a bank robber seeking to turn himself in by returning his stolen money. Unexpectedly, Dolan finds himself framed by corrupt FBI agents trying to cover up their crimes, forcing him to go on the run to clear his name.
While critics were largely dismissive, the film resonated strongly with audiences, achieving an 87% audience approval rating. Neeson’s portrayal of a former U.S. Marine battling a corrupt system highlights his continued appeal in gritty, personal action dramas.
Memory (2022): A Contract Killer Battling Alzheimer’s
In Memory, Liam Neeson takes on the role of Alex Lewis, a contract assassin living in Mexico who develops early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. The story deviates from typical revenge action, focusing instead on a man struggling with his fading memory while refusing to kill an assigned target – a young girl.
This moral refusal sets off a violent chain of events, as rival killers and corrupt officials seek to eliminate him. Despite critical skepticism that it falls short of previous Neeson thrillers, Memory received an 80% audience rating, with many praising Neeson’s nuanced performance and the film’s tense atmosphere under director Martin Campbell.
Blacklight (2022): Political Conspiracy and Vigilante Justice
Blacklight features Neeson as Travis Block, an off-the-books FBI fixer dedicated to protecting the agency at any cost except killing innocents. When he discovers corrupt orders targeting political activists and innocent civilians, Block finds himself hunted by his own agency as he attempts to expose wrongdoing.
Although the film was critically panned, earning only a 12% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, audiences responded far more positively, with an 82% approval score. Blacklight continues the theme of Neeson playing determined, lone operatives who confront powerful enemies, reinforcing his status as an action mainstay even amid mixed reviews.
These ten overlooked Liam Neeson action movies illustrate his versatility and dedication within the genre beyond the blockbuster success of Taken. Each offers distinct stories and characters, ranging from gritty revenge dramas to high-concept thrillers, showing why Neeson remains a compelling figure for fans of intense action storytelling. As he continues to star in new projects, audiences can explore these hidden gems to fully appreciate the breadth of his work.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Liam Neeson a billionaire?
A. Reports indicate Liam Neeson’s net worth is expected to be about $145 million by 2024.
Q. What is Liam Neeson’s religion?
A. Raised in a Catholic family, he was given the name Liam after a priest from the area. He has three sisters named Elizabeth, Bernadette, and Rosaleen.
Q. What religion is Liam Neeson?
A. He mentioned that being a Catholic in a mostly Protestant town made him careful. He once felt like a “second-class citizen” there. However, he also said he never felt “inferior or even different” at the town’s mainly Protestant technical college.
