Liam Neeson’s action movies are usually a safe bet, but “The Marksman” is one of his more overlooked entries from recent years. The 2021 action-thriller barely made a dent at the box office, pulling in just $23 million worldwide, which meant it slipped past many viewers. Of course, during that time, theatrical markets were still recovering from the pandemic.
Now that it’s landed on Netflix, though, the movie has a chance to find the audience it missed the first time around. And given how reliably Neeson’s titles soar on the biggest streaming service, it wouldn’t be surprising to see “The Marksman” shoot up the top 10, maybe even securing the No. 1 spot in the coming days.
Unlike some of Neeson’s recent high-octane releases, this isn’t a loud, glossy blockbuster, but a lean road-chase thriller anchored by his gruff performance. With fresh visibility on streaming and plenty of built-in appeal for action fans, “The Marksman” seems primed for a second shot at success. Here’s everything to know about this action-thriller before adding it to your Netflix watchlist.
What is ‘The Marksman’ about?
Jim Hanson (Liam Neeson) is a widowed, ex‑Marine sniper living on a struggling ranch near the Arizona–Mexico border. One day, he crosses paths with Rosa and her young son, Miguel, who are fleeing a violent Mexican cartel. In a shoot‑out, Rosa (Teresa Ruiz) is fatally wounded and entrusts Jim with her son’s protection, giving him a Chicago address to take Miguel (Jacob Perez) to his family.
Hanson breaks Miguel out of Border Patrol custody, and the two go on a dangerous road trip toward the boy’s relatives. As they travel, they’re relentlessly pursued by cartel enforcers and even a corrupt officer. Along the way, Jim uses his military skills to defend Miguel, and the two form an unlikely bond.
Should you stream ‘The Marksman’ on Netflix?
Any Liam Neeson fan probably already knows what they’re in for since most of the star’s action movies follow a familiar formula. Neeson playing a flawed or disgruntled man who ends up kicking butt has practically become its own subgenre, and “The Marksman” fits snugly into that mold. It’s arguably one of his least original setups, but the combination of Neeson’s presence, his perpetually grim expression, and a poster featuring him clutching a sniper rifle is more than enough to draw in fans of the genre.
“The Marksman” centers on Neeson’s character, Jim, who is a solitary Arizona rancher and former Marine marksman who’s still grieving his wife and barely keeping his land afloat. Aside from the occasional visit from his daughter, Sarah (Katheryn Winnick), Jim spends most days isolated, wanting nothing more than to be left in peace.
That quiet routine shatters when he encounters Rosa and her 11-year-old son, Miguel, fleeing across the U.S.–Mexico border with cartel gunmen on their heels. Jim soon finds himself torn between following the rules and stepping in to protect the pair, sparking a moral dilemma that sets the entire story in motion.
From there, “The Marksman” leans into the familiar trope of a man tasked with protecting a child, with the two forming a bond over the course of the story. This setup has appeared in movies like “Logan,” “Man on Fire,” and “Leon: The Professional,” so it’s not exactly new territory. Still, the evolving relationship between the characters and the obstacles they face along the way remain compelling.
Of course, anyone pressing play on a movie like this expects plenty of action, so it’s worth noting that the action isn’t particularly impressive. This isn’t a spectacle-heavy blockbuster, with dramatic explosions or Neeson performing wild stunts. Instead, the movie takes a more realistic, emotional approach to its action, which may feel a bit subdued or bland to viewers expecting an absolute thrill ride.
“The Marksman” ends up telling a straightforward story without many surprises, but the strong performances from Neeson and young co-star Perez make it easy to enjoy despite the predictable plot.
Much like its box office performance, “The Marksman” didn’t fare well with critics, earning just 37% on Rotten Tomatoes. Audiences, however, responded much more positively, giving it a solid 83% score. The site’s critics consensus reads: “The Marksman benefits from having Liam Neeson in the lead, but this formulaic action thriller should have aimed higher.”
However, now that “The Marksman” is streaming on Netflix, it’s primed to enter the top 10, attracting both longtime Neeson fans and newer viewers looking for a solid, no-frills thriller. Sometimes, the comfort of a well-worn Neeson archetype is exactly the appeal, and in this case, it’s likely enough to make the movie a satisfying watch for anyone in the mood for a straightforward, gripping ride.
Stream "The Marksman" on Netflix now.
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