Arnold Schwarzenegger: The Ultimate Movie List
Hey everyone! Let's dive into the incredible filmography of one of Hollywood's most iconic action stars: Arnold Schwarzenegger. From his bodybuilding days to becoming a global superstar, Arnold has delivered some of the most memorable and quotable movies ever. Whether you're a long-time fan or just discovering his work, this list will guide you through the must-watch movies of the Austrian Oak. So grab your popcorn, and let's get started!
Early Career and Breakthrough Roles
Arnold's journey to Hollywood stardom began with his impressive bodybuilding career. His physique and charisma caught the attention of filmmakers, leading to his initial roles. Although these early films weren't always critical successes, they laid the groundwork for his future dominance in action cinema. Let's take a look at some of these foundational movies.
Hercules in New York (1970)
Hercules in New York marks Arnold Schwarzenegger's debut in a feature film. Credited as "Arnold Strong," he plays Hercules, who descends from Mount Olympus to experience the bustling life of New York City. The film is known for its campy humor and low-budget production values, providing a unique and somewhat comical introduction to Schwarzenegger's acting career. While it's not a cinematic masterpiece, Hercules in New York holds a special place in Arnold's filmography as his first foray into acting. The plot revolves around Hercules' fish-out-of-water experiences as he navigates the challenges of modern urban life, encountering various comical situations and characters. Despite its flaws, the film offers a glimpse into the early potential of Schwarzenegger as a screen presence. The scenes of Hercules interacting with the city's inhabitants are particularly memorable, showcasing Arnold's physical prowess and nascent comedic timing. For fans of Schwarzenegger, Hercules in New York is a must-see curiosity, offering a nostalgic look at the beginning of his legendary career. The film's over-the-top nature and Arnold's earnest performance contribute to its enduring charm, making it a memorable, if not entirely polished, start to his Hollywood journey.
Stay Hungry (1976)
In Stay Hungry, Arnold Schwarzenegger plays Joe Santo, a bodybuilder preparing for the Mr. Universe competition. This film provided Arnold with a role that aligned more closely with his real-life persona, allowing him to showcase his physique and charisma. Stay Hungry is a comedy-drama that explores themes of ambition, identity, and the pursuit of dreams. Arnold's performance earned him a Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year, signaling his potential as a leading man. The film's plot centers around a young businessman who becomes entangled in the world of bodybuilding, leading to a series of personal and professional challenges. Arnold's portrayal of Joe Santo is both humorous and heartfelt, capturing the dedication and discipline required to succeed in the competitive world of bodybuilding. The film also features Jeff Bridges and Sally Field, adding to its appeal and critical acclaim. Stay Hungry is significant in Arnold's career as it demonstrated his ability to handle more complex roles and work alongside established actors. The film's success helped to elevate his profile and paved the way for future opportunities in mainstream cinema. For those interested in Arnold's early work, Stay Hungry is a standout film that showcases his talent and versatility.
The Rise of the Action Icon
The 1980s marked Arnold's ascent to superstardom with a string of action-packed blockbusters. These films not only solidified his status as an action icon but also made him a household name around the world. His imposing physique, combined with his often humorous delivery of one-liners, created a unique and enduring appeal.
Conan the Barbarian (1982)
Conan the Barbarian is the film that truly launched Arnold Schwarzenegger into the mainstream. As Conan, Arnold embodies the fierce warrior seeking revenge for the death of his parents. The film is a visually stunning sword-and-sorcery epic filled with intense action sequences and memorable characters. Conan the Barbarian established Arnold as a credible action hero, showcasing his ability to command the screen with both his physicality and presence. The movie follows Conan's journey from slavery to becoming a formidable warrior, as he confronts the evil Thulsa Doom, played by James Earl Jones. The film's dark and gritty atmosphere, combined with its epic scope, resonated with audiences and critics alike. Arnold's performance as Conan is both stoic and powerful, capturing the character's relentless determination and inner strength. Conan the Barbarian is a landmark film in the fantasy genre and a pivotal moment in Arnold's career, solidifying his status as a box-office draw and setting the stage for his future action roles. The film's success led to a sequel, Conan the Destroyer, further cementing Arnold's place in Hollywood history.
The Terminator (1984)
The Terminator is a science fiction masterpiece directed by James Cameron. Arnold plays the T-800, a cyborg assassin sent from the future to eliminate Sarah Connor, played by Linda Hamilton. This role is perhaps Arnold's most iconic, with his cold, emotionless portrayal of the Terminator becoming instantly recognizable. The Terminator is a thrilling and suspenseful film that explores themes of artificial intelligence, fate, and the resilience of humanity. The film's innovative special effects and tightly paced plot made it a critical and commercial success, launching both Arnold and James Cameron into the stratosphere. Arnold's performance as the Terminator is chilling and unforgettable, delivering lines like "I'll be back" with iconic precision. The film's impact on popular culture is undeniable, spawning numerous sequels, spin-offs, and adaptations. The Terminator remains a benchmark in the science fiction genre and a defining moment in Arnold's career, showcasing his ability to portray both menacing villains and, later in the series, heroic figures. For fans of action and science fiction, The Terminator is an essential film that continues to captivate audiences with its groundbreaking visuals and compelling story.
Commando (1985)
In Commando, Arnold plays John Matrix, a retired special forces operative who must rescue his daughter from a group of mercenaries. This film is known for its over-the-top action sequences and memorable one-liners, solidifying Arnold's reputation as an action superstar. Commando is a high-octane, adrenaline-fueled ride that delivers non-stop thrills and excitement. The film's plot is straightforward but effective, providing a perfect showcase for Arnold's physical prowess and charisma. As John Matrix, Arnold is virtually unstoppable, taking on an entire army of bad guys with an arsenal of weapons and hand-to-hand combat skills. Commando is a quintessential 1980s action film, embracing its over-the-top nature and delivering a pure, unadulterated dose of entertainment. The film's success further cemented Arnold's status as a box-office draw and a leading figure in the action genre. For fans of classic action films, Commando is a must-see, offering a perfect blend of explosive action, humor, and unforgettable moments.
Predator (1987)
Predator is a science fiction action film that pits Arnold against an alien hunter in the jungles of Central America. As Major Alan "Dutch" Schaefer, Arnold leads an elite military team on a rescue mission that quickly turns into a fight for survival. Predator is a suspenseful and visually stunning film that combines elements of action, horror, and science fiction. The film's creature design and special effects were groundbreaking at the time, creating a truly terrifying and formidable adversary. Arnold's performance as Dutch is both commanding and vulnerable, as he and his team are slowly picked off by the Predator. Predator is known for its intense action sequences, memorable characters, and quotable lines. The film's success spawned a franchise of sequels, prequels, and spin-offs, further solidifying its place in popular culture. For fans of action and science fiction, Predator is a must-see, offering a thrilling and unforgettable cinematic experience.
Comedy and Continued Success
While Arnold is best known for his action roles, he also ventured into comedy with great success. These films showcased his versatility as an actor and introduced him to a wider audience. His ability to combine action and humor made him a unique and beloved figure in Hollywood.
Twins (1988)
Twins pairs Arnold with Danny DeVito in a comedy about genetically engineered twins who were separated at birth. Arnold plays Julius Benedict, a highly intelligent but socially awkward twin, while DeVito plays Vincent Benedict, a street-smart con artist. Twins is a hilarious and heartwarming film that explores themes of family, identity, and acceptance. The chemistry between Arnold and DeVito is undeniable, creating a comedic duo that audiences adored. The film's success demonstrated Arnold's ability to handle comedic roles and broadened his appeal beyond the action genre. Twins is a lighthearted and entertaining film that offers a refreshing change of pace from Arnold's action-heavy roles. The film's success led to further collaborations between Arnold and DeVito, solidifying their comedic partnership.
Total Recall (1990)
Total Recall is a science fiction action film directed by Paul Verhoeven. Arnold plays Douglas Quaid, a construction worker who discovers that his memories have been implanted, leading him on a dangerous journey to Mars. Total Recall is a visually stunning and intellectually stimulating film that explores themes of identity, reality, and memory. The film's groundbreaking special effects and complex plot made it a critical and commercial success. Arnold's performance as Quaid is both intense and nuanced, as he struggles to unravel the truth about his past. Total Recall is known for its over-the-top violence, dark humor, and memorable characters. The film's success further cemented Arnold's status as a leading figure in the action genre and showcased his ability to handle complex and challenging roles.
Kindergarten Cop (1990)
Kindergarten Cop is a comedy that sees Arnold playing John Kimble, a tough police detective who goes undercover as a kindergarten teacher to catch a drug dealer. The film is a hilarious and heartwarming story about a tough guy learning to connect with children. Kindergarten Cop showcases Arnold's comedic talents and his ability to play against type. The film's success demonstrated his versatility as an actor and broadened his appeal to family audiences. The contrast between Arnold's imposing physique and his interactions with the children creates many humorous and heartwarming moments. Kindergarten Cop is a lighthearted and entertaining film that remains a favorite among fans of Arnold's work.
Later Career and Political Life
In the 2000s, Arnold transitioned into politics, serving as the governor of California from 2003 to 2011. After his time in office, he returned to acting, reprising some of his most iconic roles and taking on new challenges.
Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003)
Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines sees Arnold reprising his role as the Terminator in a new chapter of the saga. This film continues the story of the battle between humans and machines, with Arnold's Terminator once again tasked with protecting John Connor from a new and improved threat. Terminator 3 delivers the action and excitement that fans of the series have come to expect, with groundbreaking special effects and intense sequences. Arnold's performance as the Terminator is as iconic as ever, delivering his signature lines and showcasing his physical prowess. While the film received mixed reviews, it was a commercial success and demonstrated Arnold's enduring appeal as an action star.
The Expendables Franchise (2010-2014)
The Expendables franchise is a series of action films that bring together some of the biggest names in the genre, including Arnold Schwarzenegger. These films are a throwback to the classic action movies of the 1980s and 1990s, featuring over-the-top violence, memorable characters, and plenty of explosions. Arnold plays Trench Mauser, a fellow mercenary and rival of Sylvester Stallone's character, Barney Ross. The Expendables films are a celebration of action cinema and a showcase for the talents of its iconic stars. Arnold's presence in the franchise adds to its appeal, as he reunites with many of his contemporaries for a series of action-packed adventures. The films are a must-see for fans of the genre, offering a nostalgic and entertaining experience.
Aftermath (2017)
Aftermath is a drama film that sees Arnold in a more serious and nuanced role. He plays Roman Melnyk, a construction foreman whose family is killed in a plane crash. The film explores the themes of grief, revenge, and forgiveness, as Roman seeks to come to terms with his loss and confront the air traffic controller who was responsible for the accident. Aftermath is a departure from Arnold's action-heavy roles, showcasing his ability to handle complex and emotional material. His performance as Roman is powerful and moving, demonstrating his range as an actor. The film is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant story that offers a different perspective on Arnold's talents.
Conclusion
Arnold Schwarzenegger's filmography is a testament to his enduring appeal and versatility as an actor. From his early roles in Hercules in New York and Stay Hungry to his iconic performances in The Terminator, Conan the Barbarian, and Twins, Arnold has left an indelible mark on Hollywood. His ability to combine action, comedy, and drama has made him a beloved figure around the world. Whether you're a long-time fan or just discovering his work, there's no shortage of great movies to enjoy in Arnold Schwarzenegger's incredible filmography. So, what are you waiting for? Dive in and experience the magic of the Austrian Oak!