He has played mentors and men with a very particular set of skills, yet one of his all-time favorite films stars him. Can you guess the four titles Liam Neeson swears by?
Asked by Letterboxd last year to name the films that shaped him, Liam Neeson reached for the canon and a personal milestone. His picks range from Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai to John Ford touchstones like The Quiet Man and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, plus a salute to Ford’s full body of work. One choice hits close to home: Michael Collins, Neil Jordan’s Venice-laureled portrait of Ireland’s struggle, with Neeson alongside Julia Roberts and Alan Rickman.
Liam Neeson uncovers his favorite films
Liam Neeson, the world-renowned Irish actor, has never shied away from tackling complex and iconic roles. From his powerful portrayal of Oskar Schindler in Schindler’s List to his heroic turn as Qui-Gon Jinn in Star Wars, he’s carved out one of the richest filmographies in cinema history. But what movies have inspired someone with such a remarkable career?
In a revealing interview last year with Letterboxd, Neeson shared his four all-time favorite films, works that not only influenced his craft but also hold deep personal significance. What’s more, one of these movies happens to feature his own unforgettable performance.
A masterclass in classic cinema
Neeson’s picks paint a picture of a man with a deep appreciation for timeless storytelling. Among his favorites is Michael Collins, a 1996 historical drama directed by Neil Jordan where Neeson brought to life the Irish revolutionary leader. Not only is it one of Neeson’s favorites, but it also represents one of his most celebrated performances.
But his love for cinema stretches far and wide. He listed The Quiet Man (starring legends John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara), an Irish-American romance directed by John Ford, as a personal favorite. Adding to the list are Akira Kurosawa’s masterful Seven Samurai, a film lauded for its epic scale and emotional depth, and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, another John Ford classic featuring Jimmy Stewart and Lee Marvin. Neeson also gave a special nod to John Ford’s broader body of work, which he clearly admires.
Spotlight on Michael Collins
Among the four, perhaps the most personal connection lies with Michael Collins. Neeson’s magnetic performance as the titular character earned him critical acclaim, cementing his status as one of Ireland’s finest actors. The film dives into the complexities of the Irish fight for independence, with a stellar cast that includes Julia Roberts and Alan Rickman.
The movie’s accolades further demonstrate its impact. Neil Jordan secured the prestigious Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, while Neeson himself received a Best Actor award for his role. It is not often an actor considers a film of their own as a favorite, a testament to its emotional and historical significance.
Classics you can’t miss
For anyone looking to dive into a mixture of epic tales, heartfelt stories, and cinematic brilliance, these four titles offer a perfect selection:
Michael Collins (1996): A gripping historical account.
The Quiet Man (1952): A tender romance set in Ireland.
Seven Samurai (1954): A genre-defining Japanese epic.
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962): A Western about justice and legacy.
For fans of Liam Neeson or lovers of classic films, these are, thankfully, widely available on VOD, DVD, and Blu-ray. So, why not revisit or discover these timeless works?
A tribute to timeless storytelling
With such an intriguing list, Neeson reveals not just his cinematic tastes, but a lineage of timeless storytelling that continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike. His selections remind us why great films endure: they are not just about entertainment but about evoking emotion, sparking conversations, and leaving a legacy that transcends generations.