Over the years,Liam Neesonhas proven himself to be a talented dramatic actor and a compelling action hero, and Prime Video streams a number of his movies, from fan-favorites to critical successes. Neeson’s career first began in 1978 when he made his on-screen debut in a film calledPilgrim’s Progress.Though he collected various supporting roles for the next decade or so,it wasn’t until Neeson portrayed Oskar Schindler in 1993’sSchindler’s Listthat he truly rose to prominence. Since then,Neeson has appeared in popular filmssuch asTakenandStar Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.
Every viewer will have their own opinion about which of Neeson’s movies is his best. Oftentimes, critics and audiences are starkly divided on whether a Neeson movie was a hit or not. Either way,Prime Video has a surprisingly wide selectionof Neeson movies in its catalog, and the following five can probably be considered his best, at least among those specific entries.These movies have high critical scores, dedicated fans, and stories that make them interesting enoughto stand out within Neeson’s decades-long career.
Honest Thief
Cast
Honest Thief follows Tom Carter, a career bank robber played by Liam Neeson, who decides to turn himself in and return the stolen money for a reduced sentence. However, his plans are thwarted when corrupt FBI agents double-cross him, leading to a gripping pursuit as Carter seeks to clear his name and protect his loved ones. The film is directed by Mark Williams and also stars Kate Walsh and Jai Courtney.
Those who particularly love to seeNeeson in a high-intensity action role,Honest Thiefis a solid watch. Released in 2020, the movie stars Neeson as Tom Dolan, a professional bank robber who agrees to return all of his stolen money is exchange for a lowered prison sentence. However,Dolan’s deal is disrupted when two FBI agents frame him for murder.From there, Dolan must clear his name and get revenge against those who have wronged him.
At first glance,Honest Thiefmay not seem like the best option on Neeson’s resume. The film has a rather disappointing 41% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, with many arguing that the film was bland and lacked originality. Yet, the movie’s audience score is an entirely different story. Ranking it at an 87%,viewers laudedHonest Thiefas being entertaining and an easy watch, with Neeson giving yet another rousing performance. Thus, it may just be worth the watch.
Breakfast on Pluto
Breakfast on Pluto is a film set in the 1970s centered on Patrick “Kitten” Braden, a young Irish transgender woman. She embarks on a journey from her small town to London, seeking love, acceptance, and her estranged mother amidst the backdrop of political unrest and personal discovery.
Yet another Neeson movie that has divided critics and audiences isBreakfast on Pluto.In this film, a boy named Patrick is left on the steps of a rectory as a baby. A priest, coincidentally his birth father, finds him and puts him in an abusive foster home. From there,Patrick grows up in a dark situation, but continues to strive towards his true identity. He eventually identifies as a transgender woman and pursues new and dangerous careers. Neeson plays Patrick’s priest father.
Every Liam Neeson Movie Streaming On Netflix
Netflix currently has multiple action and drama movies starring actor Liam Neeson to stream, including Run All Night and The Ballad of Buster Scruggs.
Breakfast on Plutohas an average 58% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, but boasts an 80% audience score. Those who have loved the movie note thatCillian Murphy’s Patrick, otherwise known as Kitten, is an admirable and fierce character who is deeply entertaining to watch. Though Neeson only plays a minor role, he also brings authenticity to his role. All in all, this may be a hidden gem among Neeson’s works, and one that more people should try and see.
Michael Collins
Michael Collins follows the pivotal involvement of its titular character in the formation of the Irish Free State during the 1920s. As he navigates the complexities of his political mission, Collins faces opposition from those striving for complete Irish independence.
ThoughNeeson is well-known for his action movies,his more traditional dramas are just as thrilling. In the 1996 war film,Michael Collins,Neeson plays the titular character, a real life man who led the Irish Republican Armywith his friends in the early 20th century. Yet, when Collins betrays his people to protect his life, he is put in the position where he must choose between his friends and his beliefs or his safety. Neeson stars alongside Aidan Quinn, Alan Rickman, and Julia Roberts.
Unlike the previous entries,Michael Collinsis well-liked by both critics and audiences. The movie succeeds at showing the complexities of uprisings, and how even the most charismatic and passionate people can be taken down by those who have more power and resources.Neeson is captivating in his role, and arguably, it is one that stands outfrom his other parts. As Collins, Neeson is inspirational and relatable.
The Grey
The Grey follows a group of oil workers who fend off a pack of hungry wolves in the Alaskan wilderness after a plane crash leaves them stranded in the Alaskan wilderness. The cast includes Liam Neeson, Frank Grillo, Dermot Mulroney, Dallas Roberts, Nonso Anozie, and Joe Anderson.
An interesting twist on Neeson’s typical action fare isThe Grey.In this film, Neeson plays John Ottway, a man who works at an oil refinery for weeks at a time. After a particularly difficult shift, Ottway and his colleagues board a plane, ready to take a much-needed vacation at home. However,when their plane crashes in the Alaskan wilderness, the men must work together to survive the freezing temperatures, lack of food, and the predators hidden in the trees.
The movie is unapologetically brutal, and Neeson reaches the same level, putting his all into playing the grizzled and skilled Ottway.
Based on the premise alone,The Greyis clearly a thrilling ride. The movie is unapologetically brutal, and Neeson reaches the same level, putting his all into playing the grizzled and skilled Ottway.Not only doesThe Greykeep audiences invested with its high-stakes action plot, but it also delves into much deeper questionsabout life and death and what men stand for. All in all, this is a great movie for those who want to see Neeson at his grittiest.
In the Land of Saints and Sinners
In the Land of Saints and Sinners is set in a remote Irish village where Finbar, burdened by past transgressions, seeks redemption. As he confronts the cost of his past actions, the film delves into themes of morality and redemption, exploring the limits of atonement in the face of an unforgiving history.
Finally, the best Neeson movie available to stream on Prime Video isIn the Land of Saints and Sinners.This film follows Neeson as assassin Finbar Murphy who long ago gave up his weapons to enjoy some peace and quiet in the Irish countryside.Murphy’s off-grid life is threatened when a group of terrorists arrive in the small town, and he discovers that they have been abusing a local girl. From there, Murphy must decide whether to stay hidden or protect those around him.
Husbands and Wives (1992)
Widows (2018)
Harry Rawlins
Ultimately,In the Land of Saints and Sinnersmay be one of Neeson’s very best action movies. The movie is a slow burn that is just as concerned with building up good characters as it is creating riveting action sequences. The historical context of this movie makes it even more interesting, and it is a joy to see Neeson appear alongside other amazing Irish actors. When it comes to Prime Video, this is the very bestLiam Neesonmovie to watch.
