Arnold Schwarzenegger Movies: The Ultimate List

Hey movie buffs and action fans! Are you ready to dive into the incredible filmography of one of the biggest action stars of all time? We're talking about none other than Arnold Schwarzenegger! From his humble beginnings as a bodybuilder to becoming a Hollywood icon, Arnold has given us some of the most memorable and badass movies ever. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and let's explore the ultimate Arnold Schwarzenegger movie list!

Early Career & Breakthrough Roles

Before he was the Terminator or Dutch in Predator, Arnold was making a name for himself in the world of bodybuilding and low-budget films. These early roles, while not always cinematic masterpieces, showcased his impressive physique and undeniable screen presence. Let's take a look at some of those early ventures.

Hercules in New York (1970)

Alright, guys, let's be real. Hercules in New York isn't winning any awards for acting or special effects. It's campy, it's cheesy, and Arnold's voice is dubbed (yikes!). But, hey, it's where it all started! Arnold plays Hercules, the son of Zeus, who gets bored with Mount Olympus and decides to check out the Big Apple. Hilarity ensues as he gets into fish-out-of-water situations and shows off his amazing strength. This movie is so bad, it's good, and it's a must-watch for any die-hard Arnold fan who wants to see how far he's come.

Stay Hungry (1976)

Stay Hungry is a bit of a departure from Arnold's later action-heavy roles. In this film, he plays Joe Santo, a bodybuilder training for the Mr. Universe competition. It's a more dramatic role that allowed Arnold to show a different side of his acting abilities. He even won a Golden Globe for New Star of the Year for his performance! The movie explores themes of ambition, dedication, and the pursuit of dreams. Plus, you get to see Arnold flexing those legendary biceps, so what's not to love?

Conan the Barbarian (1982)

Now we're talking! Conan the Barbarian was Arnold's breakthrough role, catapulting him into the mainstream and solidifying his status as an action star. As Conan, Arnold embodies the raw power and intensity of Robert E. Howard's iconic character. The movie is a brutal and epic fantasy adventure filled with sword fights, sorcery, and vengeance. It's a classic tale of a warrior seeking revenge against the warlord who slaughtered his family. The visuals are stunning, the score is epic, and Arnold's performance is unforgettable. If you haven't seen Conan, drop everything and watch it now!

The Action Hero Era

With the success of Conan, Arnold entered his golden age as an action hero. He starred in a string of blockbuster hits that defined the genre and made him a household name. These movies are filled with explosions, one-liners, and unadulterated awesomeness. Let's check out some of the highlights:

The Terminator (1984)

I'll be back. Need I say more? The Terminator is a sci-fi masterpiece that cemented Arnold's place in cinematic history. As the relentless T-800, a cyborg assassin sent from the future, Arnold is absolutely terrifying. The movie is a perfect blend of action, suspense, and science fiction, with groundbreaking special effects and a gripping storyline. It's a timeless classic that continues to thrill audiences today. And let's be honest, Arnold's deadpan delivery of iconic lines like "Hasta la vista, baby" is pure gold.

Commando (1985)

Get ready for some over-the-top action! In Commando, Arnold plays John Matrix, a retired special forces operative who must rescue his daughter from a group of mercenaries. This movie is pure adrenaline, with non-stop action, explosions galore, and some of the most quotable lines in action movie history. It's a total blast from start to finish, and it's a perfect example of the over-the-top action that defined the 80s. If you're looking for a movie to turn your brain off and just enjoy the ride, Commando is the one.

Predator (1987)

Predator is a sci-fi action horror classic that pits Arnold against a deadly alien hunter in the jungles of Central America. As Dutch, the leader of an elite military team, Arnold is tough, resourceful, and ready for anything. The movie is suspenseful, action-packed, and visually stunning, with groundbreaking creature effects that still hold up today. It's a thrilling ride from beginning to end, and it's a testament to Arnold's versatility as an actor. Plus, who can forget that iconic line: "Get to the chopper!"

The Running Man (1987)

In a dystopian future where reality TV has gone to the extreme, Arnold stars as Ben Richards, a wrongly accused police officer forced to compete in a deadly game show called The Running Man. This movie is a satirical and action-packed thrill ride with plenty of over-the-top violence and dark humor. Arnold is at his wisecracking best, and the movie is a fun and entertaining commentary on the media and society. It's a must-see for fans of sci-fi action and anyone who enjoys a good dose of social commentary.

Total Recall (1990)

Total Recall is a mind-bending sci-fi thriller directed by Paul Verhoeven. Arnold plays Douglas Quaid, a construction worker who discovers that his memories have been implanted and that he may be a secret agent. The movie is visually stunning, with groundbreaking special effects and a complex plot that will keep you guessing until the very end. It's a dark, violent, and thought-provoking film that explores themes of identity, memory, and reality. And let's not forget the iconic line: "Get your ass to Mars!"

Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

Considered by many to be one of the greatest action movies of all time, Terminator 2: Judgment Day sees Arnold return as the T-800, but this time he's a good guy! Sent back in time to protect a young John Connor from the even more advanced T-1000, Arnold delivers a performance that is both heartwarming and badass. The movie is a visual masterpiece, with groundbreaking special effects that still impress today. It's a perfect blend of action, suspense, and emotion, and it's a must-see for any movie fan.

Later Career & Beyond

While Arnold's action hero days may be behind him, he has continued to work steadily in Hollywood, taking on a variety of roles and proving that he's more than just a muscleman. Let's take a look at some of his later projects:

True Lies (1994)

Directed by James Cameron, True Lies is an action-comedy that sees Arnold playing Harry Tasker, a secret agent who leads a double life. The movie is hilarious and action-packed, with some of the most impressive stunts ever filmed. Arnold is great in the role, showcasing his comedic timing and his ability to handle both action and humor. It's a fun and entertaining movie that is perfect for a night out with friends.

Eraser (1996)

In Eraser, Arnold plays John Kruger, a U.S. Marshal who specializes in erasing the identities of people in the Witness Protection Program. The movie is a high-octane action thriller with plenty of explosions, gunfights, and suspense. Arnold is in his element as the tough and resourceful Kruger, and the movie is a solid entry in his action filmography.

End of Days (1999)

End of Days sees Arnold battling the forces of evil as Jericho Cane, an ex-cop who must stop Satan from bringing about the end of the world. The movie is a dark and gritty action thriller with some impressive special effects and a storyline that is both intriguing and disturbing. Arnold is great in the role, bringing his signature intensity and physicality to the part.

The Expendables Franchise (2010-2014)

Arnold joined forces with a who's who of action stars in The Expendables franchise. These movies are over-the-top action fests that pay homage to the action movies of the 80s and 90s. Arnold is great as Trench Mauser, a rival mercenary who occasionally teams up with Sylvester Stallone's Barney Ross. The movies are a lot of fun and are a must-see for any action fan.

Aftermath (2017)

Aftermath is a dramatic thriller where Arnold plays Roman Melnyk, a man who seeks revenge after his family is killed in a plane crash. This movie is a departure from Arnold's usual action roles, and it allows him to showcase his acting abilities in a more nuanced and emotional way. It's a powerful and moving film that is a testament to Arnold's versatility as an actor.

Conclusion

So there you have it, guys! The ultimate Arnold Schwarzenegger movie list. From his early roles to his action hero heyday to his later career, Arnold has given us some of the most memorable and entertaining movies of all time. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just discovering his work, there's something for everyone in Arnold's filmography. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and enjoy the ride!