A liquid crystal composition is provided that satisfies at least one characteristic among the characteristics such as a high maximum temperature of a nematic phase, a low minimum temperature of a nematic phase, a low viscosity, a large optical anisotropy, a large dielectric anisotropy, a large specific resistance, a high stability to ultraviolet light and a high stability to heat, or is properly balanced regarding at least two characteristics. An AM device is provided that has a short response time, a large voltage holding ratio, a large contrast ratio, a long service life, and so forth. The liquid crystal composition has a nematic phase, wherein the first component contains a specific five rings compound having a large optical anisotropy and a large dielectric anisotropy, the second component contains a specific compound having a low viscosity. The liquid crystal display device contains the liquid crystal composition having a nematic phase and the composition thereof.