Arnold Schwarzenegger: Every Movie Ranked!

Hey guys! You know, when we talk about action movie legends, one name that always comes up is Arnold Schwarzenegger. From his bodybuilding days to conquering Hollywood, Arnold has given us some of the most iconic and memorable films ever. So, let's dive into a comprehensive ranking of all his movies, from the absolute bangers to the ones that might make you scratch your head. Get ready for a nostalgic trip filled with explosions, one-liners, and plenty of Austrian accents!

The Early Years & Breakthrough Roles

Arnold's early film career was a mix of trying to find his footing and capitalizing on his incredible physique. Before he became a household name, he was mostly seen in smaller roles, often playing strong, silent types. One of his earliest roles was in Hercules in New York (1970). It’s a campy, low-budget flick where Arnold is credited as "Arnold Strong." The movie is pretty rough around the edges, but it’s a fun look at his beginnings. Then came The Long Goodbye (1973), a brief appearance but part of his journey. Stay Hungry (1976) earned him a Golden Globe for New Star of the Year, showcasing his potential beyond just muscles. Pumping Iron (1977) is a game-changer! This documentary really launched Arnold into the mainstream. It gave everyone a glimpse into the world of competitive bodybuilding and showed off Arnold's charisma and determination. It's fascinating to see how he strategized and dominated the sport. The Villain (1979) saw Arnold trying his hand at comedy alongside Kirk Douglas. It's a bit of a goofy Western, but it showed Arnold was willing to experiment. These early roles laid the foundation, but it wasn't until the 1980s that Arnold truly exploded onto the scene.

The Golden Age of Action

The 1980s and early 90s were the time for action movies, and Arnold was leading the charge. This era cemented his status as a global superstar. Conan the Barbarian (1982) was a massive breakthrough. This sword-and-sorcery epic showcased his imposing presence and established him as a legit action hero. The film's success proved that Arnold could carry a big-budget movie. Conan the Destroyer (1984) followed up on the success of the first film, though it didn't quite reach the same heights. Still, it was a fun adventure. Then came The Terminator (1984). Oh man, this movie! It's a sci-fi masterpiece directed by James Cameron. Arnold played the relentless, emotionless T-800, and his performance was iconic. The Terminator became one of the most recognizable characters in cinematic history, and the film catapulted Arnold to superstardom. Red Sonja (1985) was an attempt to capitalize on the popularity of sword-and-sorcery films, but it didn't quite hit the mark. It’s considered one of his weaker films. Commando (1985) is pure, unadulterated action. Arnold plays a retired special forces operative who has to rescue his daughter. The movie is filled with over-the-top violence and cheesy one-liners – everything you could want from an 80s action flick. Raw Deal (1986) saw Arnold as an ex-FBI agent going undercover. It's a decent action film, but not one of his most memorable. Predator (1987) is another classic. This sci-fi action horror film pits Arnold against an alien hunter in the jungle. It's intense, suspenseful, and features some incredible special effects. The Running Man (1987) is a dystopian action film based on a novel by Stephen King. Arnold plays a wrongly accused man who has to fight for his survival on a deadly game show. It's a fun, over-the-top action movie with a lot of social commentary. Red Heat (1988) paired Arnold with James Belushi in a buddy cop action-comedy. It's a fun movie that plays on the cultural differences between the US and the Soviet Union. Twins (1988) was a surprising turn for Arnold. He teamed up with Danny DeVito in a comedy about genetically engineered twins. It showed Arnold's range as an actor and was a huge box office success. Total Recall (1990) is a mind-bending sci-fi thriller directed by Paul Verhoeven. Arnold plays a construction worker who discovers that his memories have been altered. The movie is full of twists and turns, and it's visually stunning. Kindergarten Cop (1990) saw Arnold blend action and comedy again, this time as an undercover cop who has to pose as a kindergarten teacher. It's a heartwarming and funny movie that showed a different side of Arnold. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) is considered by many to be one of the greatest action movies of all time. James Cameron returned to direct, and the special effects were groundbreaking. Arnold's portrayal of the T-800 was even more complex this time around, as he evolved from a villain to a protector.

Experimentation and Later Career

As the 90s progressed, Arnold started to experiment with different roles and genres. While he remained a box office draw, some of his later films didn't quite reach the same heights as his earlier work. Last Action Hero (1993) was a meta-action comedy that poked fun at the genre tropes. While it had some clever ideas, it didn't resonate with audiences at the time. True Lies (1994) reunited Arnold with James Cameron in an action-comedy about a secret agent whose wife thinks he's a boring salesman. It's a fun and exciting movie with some incredible action sequences. Junior (1994) was another comedy with Danny DeVito, this time about a scientist who becomes pregnant. It was a bit of a bizarre concept, and it didn't quite work. Eraser (1996) saw Arnold back in action mode as a US Marshal who specializes in protecting witnesses. It's a solid action film, but nothing groundbreaking. Batman & Robin (1997) is often considered one of the worst Batman movies ever made. Arnold played Mr. Freeze, and while his performance was memorable, the movie as a whole was a critical disaster. End of Days (1999) was a supernatural action thriller about a former cop who has to stop Satan from bringing about the end of the world. It was a decent attempt at a different genre, but it didn't quite hit the mark. The 6th Day (2000) is a sci-fi action film about cloning. Arnold plays a pilot who is cloned without his knowledge. It's an interesting concept, but the execution was lacking. Collateral Damage (2002) saw Arnold as a firefighter who seeks revenge after his family is killed in a bombing. It's a straightforward action film with a personal stake for the hero. Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003) brought Arnold back as the T-800, but without James Cameron at the helm, it didn't quite live up to the previous two films. Around the World in 80 Days (2004) was a family-friendly adventure film where Arnold had a supporting role. It was a fun movie, but not one of his most memorable. After his stint as Governor of California, Arnold returned to acting with The Expendables (2010), an ensemble action film featuring many of the biggest action stars of the 80s and 90s. He had a smaller role, but it was great to see him back on screen. Terminator Genisys (2015) was another attempt to reboot the Terminator franchise, but it didn't quite work. Arnold returned as the T-800, but the story was convoluted and confusing. Maggie (2015) was a departure for Arnold, a zombie drama where he played a father caring for his infected daughter. It was a more serious and emotional role for him. Aftermath (2017) was another dramatic role for Arnold, based on a true story about a man who seeks revenge after losing his family in a plane crash. Terminator: Dark Fate (2019) reunited Arnold with Linda Hamilton and James Cameron (as producer). It was a better Terminator movie than the previous few, but it still didn't quite capture the magic of the first two. Kung Fury 2 (2023) is an action comedy film. Arnold is featured in this movie.

The Undisputed Legacy

So, there you have it – a comprehensive look at Arnold Schwarzenegger's film career. From his early roles to his action-packed prime and his later experimentation, Arnold has left an indelible mark on Hollywood. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just discovering his work, there's no denying his impact. He’s not just an action star; he’s a cultural icon. His movies have entertained generations, and his story is a testament to hard work and determination. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and enjoy the ride! And remember, he'll be back… for more movies, that is! What are your favorite Arnold flicks? Let me know in the comments below!