Liam Neeson’s Netflix action thriller, The Marksman, has climbed to the number one spot on the streaming platform in the U.S., attracting renewed attention four years after its theatrical debut. The film’s current popularity follows a 2021 release that saw mixed critical reception but significant interest from audiences, illustrating the ongoing appeal of Neeson-led action movies.
Mixed Critical Response and Audience Support
Directed by Robert Lorenz, The Marksman stars Liam Neeson as a rancher on the Arizona border, tasked with protecting a young Mexican boy, portrayed by Jacob Perez, from a violent cartel. Despite its strong premise, critics criticized the movie for relying on familiar action thriller conventions, resulting in a 37% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes. However, audiences were much more receptive, as demonstrated by an 83% Popcornmeter score—showing a divide between critics and general viewers over the film’s merits.
Box Office Outcome and Cast
The Marksman did not achieve major success at the box office, grossing around $23 million, which matched its estimated production budget. In addition to Neeson and Perez, the movie features performances from Harry Maldonado, Teresa Ruiz, and Juan Pablo Raba. The film’s journey from a modest theatrical run to digital dominance underscores the power of streaming platforms in reviving interest in previously overlooked titles.
Liam Neeson’s Continuing Impact on the Action Genre
The success of The Marksman fits within a broader career trend for Neeson, whose turn in Taken (2008) established him as a go-to action star. Since then, he has led a string of thrillers, including Cold Pursuit (2019), Honest Thief (2020), and The Ice Road (2021), as well as more recent releases such as Blacklight (2022) and Memory (2022). Neeson also starred in the comedic reboot of The Naked Gun (2025), demonstrating his ability to branch into different genres.
Future Projects for the Action Star
Liam Neeson has indicated that although his days as a full-time action hero may be nearing their conclusion, he is not stepping away from the genre entirely. Upcoming projects include action thrillers like Hotel Tehran and The Mongoose, and he is set to return to comedy with the mystery 4 Kids Walk Into a Bank. This mix of projects signals both continuity and change in his career, ensuring his continued visibility in Hollywood.
The Marksman’s Enduring Appeal
The film’s renewed success on Netflix highlights Liam Neeson’s sustained popularity with viewers, as it continues to outperform new titles such as Frankenstein (2025), In Your Dreams (2025), A Merry Little Ex-Mas (2025), and Being Eddie (2025). While The Marksman may not have been celebrated by critics, its current standing as a Netflix favorite demonstrates that audience interest in Neeson’s brand of action storytelling remains strong, reflecting the ongoing relevance of genre films on streaming platforms.
The Cast of The Marksman
Liam Neeson stars as Jim, the determined rancher at the center of the film’s narrative. Jacob Perez plays Miguel, the boy he vows to protect. Notable supporting roles include Harry Maldonado, Teresa Ruiz, and Juan Pablo Raba, each contributing to the movie’s engaging portrayal of its high-stakes story set against the Arizona border.
