Liam Neeson has once again captured viewers’ attention with his newest film, Ice Road: Vengeance, which climbed to the top of Netflix’s U.S. movie charts following its recent release. Known for his breakthrough action role in Taken (2008), Neeson has since built a strong reputation as an action star, and this latest installment highlights that continued appeal.
Directed by Jonathan Hensleigh, Ice Road: Vengeance is the follow-up to 2021’s The Ice Road, featuring Neeson reprising his role as Mike McCann. The story focuses on Mike confronting dangerous mercenaries while attempting to scatter his late brother’s ashes on Mount Everest. Since its release, the film has outpaced competitors such as The Wrong Paris (2025), aka Charlie Sheen (2025), and KPop Demon Hunters (2025) to become the most-watched film in the U.S. on Netflix as of September 17.
The Evolution of Liam Neeson’s Action Movie Career
Although Neeson was not originally known as an action icon, the success of Taken in 2008 firmly established him in that genre. Following the initial movie, several sequels ensued, but his action persona soon transcended the franchise. Films like The Grey (2011), Unknown (2011), Non-Stop (2014), and Run All Night (2015) solidified Neeson’s presence as a reliable leading man in mid-budget thrillers, often relying on his name and simple, impactful titles to attract viewership.
In recent years, Neeson has remained active in the genre with titles such as Cold Pursuit (2019), The Ice Road (2021), and In the Land of Saints and Sinners (2023). While most of these films have not generated sequels, Ice Road: Vengeance marks a rare continuation of one of his action stories, supporting the longevity of his role as an action hero.
Mixed Reactions but Streaming Success for Ice Road: Vengeance
Although Ice Road: Vengeance did not have a traditional theatrical run and went nearly straight to video on demand before arriving on Netflix, its strong streaming performance reflects Neeson’s continued drawing power among audiences. The recognizable presence of Neeson on the movie’s poster, alongside the clear, evocative title, likely helped viewers identify the genre and set expectations immediately.
However, critical responses have not been favorable. The movie holds a low 17% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many critics noting a lack of originality and little distinction from Neeson’s previous dozen action films. ScreenRant’s Ben Gibbons offered a more positive view, giving it a 7 out of 10 review, standing out amid the mostly negative opinions.
On Rotten Tomatoes’ Popcornmeter, which measures viewer satisfaction, the film earned only 29%, suggesting many audiences felt underwhelmed. Yet, numerous user comments indicate that predictability was part of the film’s appeal, as fans accepting its familiar formula remained engaged despite knowing what to expect.
The Casting Highlights of Ice Road: Vengeance
Alongside Liam Neeson as Mike McCann, the cast includes Fan Bingbing playing Dhani Yangchen, adding depth to the film’s character lineup. The story’s focus on Mike’s battle with mercenaries while fulfilling a personal mission to honor his brother’s memory on Mount Everest adds an emotional layer beneath the action sequences.
The Future of Neeson’s Action Career After Ice Road: Vengeance
Despite critical skepticism, the streaming success of Ice Road: Vengeance signals that Liam Neeson’s status as an action star remains intact. While it may not become a landmark in his filmography, the movie offers enough entertainment for fans who appreciate watching Neeson in intense roles involving confrontations and high-stakes drama. This latest achievement suggests that Neeson’s involvement in the action genre is far from concluded, and audiences may continue to see him in similarly styled thrillers in the near future.
