10 Underrated Liam Neeson Action Movies That Flew Under Your Radar

Liam Neeson is known for his intense action roles, but his filmography goes beyond the blockbuster hits. While movies like Schindler’s List and Taken solidified Neeson’s status as a Hollywood icon, he has also taken on a range of lesser-known films that showcase his versatility and depth as an actor. From complex characters in psychological thrillers to emotionally charged performances in intimate dramas, these underrated gems highlight the breadth of his talent.

Many of these action films did not receive the widespread recognition they deserved but remain standout examples of Neeson’s skill. Whether it’s his portrayal of a tortured soul seeking redemption or a man battling external and internal forces, these films offer a chance to see him in roles just as compelling as some of Neeson’s best action movies. They allow audiences to rediscover one of cinema’s most dynamic actors through a fresh lens.

10 Five Minutes of Heaven (2009)

The Movie Takes Place In Liam Neeson’s Native Northern Ireland

Liam Neeson talking on the phone in Five Minutes of Heaven

In Five Minutes of Heaven, Neeson plays Alistair Little, a former UVF member who, decades after committing a politically motivated murder in Northern Ireland, is set to meet the victim’s brother in a televised reconciliation. The film explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the legacy of violence, with Neeson delivering a gripping performance as a man weighed down by his past sins.

Liam Neeson was born in 1952 in Ballymena, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. He is the son of a primary school caretaker and a cook.

While Five Minutes of Heaven received critical praise, it didn’t achieve mainstream recognition. Neeson’s portrayal of Alistair is subtle but powerful, capturing the quiet agony of a man attempting to atone for his past. The film’s heavy subject may have limited its audience. Still, Neeson’s performance, paired with the film’s exploration of human frailty and forgiveness, makes it an underappreciated gem in his filmography.

9 Darkman (1990)

Liam Neeson Takes On The Superhero Genre

Darkman marked one of Neeson’s earlier forays into the superhero genre, where he plays Dr. Peyton Westlake, a scientist left disfigured after a brutal attack. Now living in the shadows as the vengeful Darkman, he uses synthetic skin and his skills to seek justice against those who wronged him. Directed by Sam Raimi, the film blends horror, action, and sci-fi elements in a dark, stylized manner that Raimi is now well-known for.

While Darkman has achieved cult status, Neeson’s performance remains underappreciated within the broader scope of his career. This was one of his first roles where he truly leaned into his ability to highlight deep emotional pain alongside action-heavy sequences. His portrayal of a broken man on the edge of sanity is gripping, but the film’s genre-bending nature may have alienated mainstream audiences at the time.

8 The Commuter (2018)

Liam Neeson Proves The Commute Home Can Be Murder

In The Commuter, Neeson stars as Michael MacCauley, an ex-cop turned insurance salesman whose routine train ride home turns into a dangerous game of life and death. When a mysterious woman offers him substantial money to identify a fellow passenger, Michael finds himself caught in a high-stakes conspiracy. The film is a gripping blend of action and suspense as Neeson navigates through moral dilemmas while trying to save his fellow commuters.

The Commuter
earned $36.3 million in the United States and Canada and $83.6 million in other territories, bringing its worldwide total to $119.9 million.

Despite its intriguing premise and Neeson’s compelling performance, The Commuter didn’t quite capture the widespread recognition it deserved. The film showcases Neeson’s ability to convey vulnerability and determination, making his character relatable even in extreme circumstances. Critics viewed The Commuter as another standard action flick, but Neeson’s intense performance elevates it beyond typical genre fare, making it a more nuanced thriller than many gave it credit for.

7 Cold Pursuit (2019)

For Liam Neeson, Revenge Is A Dish Best Served Cold

In Cold Pursuit, Neeson plays Nels Coxman, a quiet snowplow driver in a small Colorado town whose life is turned upside down when his son dies under suspicious circumstances (a drug overdose). Driven by grief and a thirst for revenge, Nels embarks on a violent mission to take down the drug cartel responsible for his son’s death. The film, filled with dark humor and bloody vengeance, is an unusual mix of thriller and satire.

Cold Pursuit Ending Explained

Liam Neeson’s 2019 action-thriller movie Cold Pursuit has a bloody ending that speaks to the film’s deeper meaning and sets up a potential sequel.

Cold Pursuit didn’t achieve the commercial success expected from a Neeson action film. This is mainly due to its unique tone. The movie combines a revenge thriller with quirky, dark comedy moments, which may have confused some audiences. However, Neeson’s portrayal of a grieving father on a mission for justice is sharp, balancing moments of raw emotion with the film’s offbeat style, making it an overlooked gem.

6 The A-Team (2010)

Liam Neeson Takes TV Show Nostalgia To The Big Screen

In the big-screen adaptation of the 1980s TV show, Neeson plays Colonel John “Hannibal” Smith, the leader of a group of former Special Forces operatives framed for a crime they didn’t commit. The film is a high-energy action comedy that follows the team as they plot their revenge and clear their names. Neeson’s charm and wit shine through as a clever and resourceful leader.

Despite being packed with action and humor, The A-Team didn’t resonate as strongly with audiences as expected, with its box office coming in under predictions. However, Neeson’s performance as Hannibal Smith is one of the film’s bright spots. He blends his tough-guy persona with a playful sense of humor. The film’s over-the-top nature may have overshadowed Neeson’s nuanced take on the iconic character, but it remains a fun, underrated action film full of nostalgia for many.

5 Unknown (2011)

A Well-Crafted Thriller With A Great Role For Liam Neeson

Liam Neeson and Frank Langella with serious expressions in Unknown

In Unknown, Neeson stars as Dr. Martin Harris, a man who wakes up from a coma to discover that someone has stolen his identity, and even his wife doesn’t recognize him. The film is a psychological thriller that keeps the audience guessing as Harris tries to unravel the mystery of his own life. Neeson’s ability to convey confusion, fear, and determination makes his character’s journey gripping, reminiscent of Guy Pearce’s work in the similarly-themed Memento.

Although Unknown was generally well-received, it didn’t reach the same heights as other films in Neeson’s action-thriller catalog and received only mixed reviews. Still, the film’s intricate plot and unexpected twists showcase Neeson’s ability to lead a suspenseful narrative while maintaining an emotional core at the same time. It’s a clever and engaging film frequently overlooked in discussions of Neeson’s best work.

4 The Marksman (2021)

Liam Neeson’s Performance Hits The Mark In This One

In The Marksman, Neeson plays Jim Hanson, a grizzled rancher living on the border between the U.S. and Mexico who becomes an unlikely protector for a young boy fleeing a dangerous cartel. The film follows their journey as Jim uses his sharpshooting skills to keep the boy safe while developing a deep bond with him. The story blends elements of road-trip drama with intense action sequences, offering a more personal, grounded take on the usual action genre.

Despite its heartfelt story and Neeson’s strong performance, The Marksman didn’t receive much critical attention. However, Neeson’s portrayal of a broken man seeking redemption adds emotional weight to the film, elevating it beyond a typical action thriller. The film’s slower, character-driven moments showcase Neeson’s ability to balance toughness with vulnerability, making it one of his most emotionally powerful yet underrated performances.

3 Run All Night (2015)

Liam Neeson Portrays A Hitman With A Heart

Run All Night casts Neeson as Jimmy Conlon, a former mob hitman who must protect his estranged son from his old boss after a fatal misunderstanding. The film unfolds throughout one night, setting it apart from other movies in the genre, and is packed with suspenseful action as Conlon battles his criminal past while trying to reconcile with his son. Neeson brings depth to this character, portraying a man haunted by his violent history but desperate for a redemption story.

Liam Neeson’s Top Grossing Movies	Worldwide Box Office
The Dark Knight Rises	$1.09 billion
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace	$1.05 billion
Clash Of The Titans	$493.21 million
Taken 2	$376.15 million
Batman Begins	$375.33 million

While Run All Night is a solid action thriller, it flew under the radar compared to Neeson’s other action films. The father-son dynamic adds emotional weight, allowing Neeson to showcase his ability to combine high-stakes action with heartfelt drama. The film’s solid performances and well-choreographed action sequences deserved greater recognition, but it was unfortunately lost in the shuffle of similar action-packed releases.

2 The Grey (2011)

Liam Neeson In A Tale Of Man Vs. Wolves

The Grey stars Neeson as John Ottway, a skilled marksman working in Alaska who, after a plane crash, must lead a group of oilmen to safety as a pack of wolves pursues them. Set against the harsh, frozen wilderness, the film is a harrowing survival story that forces Ottway to confront the external threat of nature and his existential despair.

Though The Grey received positive reviews, it is often remembered more for its survival story than for Neeson’s profoundly affecting performance. His portrayal of a man battling inner turmoil while physically fighting for survival is raw and unflinchingly human. Neeson’s powerful monologues and stoic resilience bring a philosophical edge to the film, which was overshadowed by its more action-oriented marketing strategy. It’s a shame, as The Grey remains one of the most interesting performances of Neeson’s career.

1 Silence (2016)

Liam Neeson’s Most Underrated Film

Liam-Neeson as Cristóvão Ferreira & Andrew Garfield as Sebastião Rodrigues in Silence (2016). — Custom Image by Debanjana Chowdhury

Directed by Martin Scorsese, Silence is a historical drama in which Neeson plays Father Ferreira, a Jesuit missionary who renounces his faith under persecution in 17th-century Japan. The film follows two young priests searching for Ferreira, hoping to understand why he abandoned his beliefs. Neeson’s role, while smaller compared to co-stars Andrew Garfield and Adam Driver, carries immense emotional weight as he portrays a man grappling with his inner convictions in the face of intense suffering.

Silence didn’t achieve mainstream success, possibly due to its slow pacing and heavy themes. However, Neeson’s performance is a highlight, with his portrayal of Ferreira offering a deeply introspective look at faith and doubt. His quiet, understated performance contrasts sharply with the physical intensity of many of his other roles, making this a standout film for those interested in Neeson’s dramatic range.