Arnold Schwarzenegger's Best Military Movies: Ranked

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the action-packed world of Arnold Schwarzenegger and his unforgettable military movie roles. From battling Predators in the jungle to leading commando raids, Arnold has given us some truly iconic moments. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and let's rank some of his best military movies!

1. Predator (1987)

Predator absolutely tops the list, guys. In this sci-fi action masterpiece, Arnold plays Major Alan "Dutch" Schaefer, the leader of an elite military rescue team. What starts as a seemingly simple mission in the jungles of Central America quickly turns into a desperate fight for survival against a technologically advanced alien hunter. The movie is a masterclass in suspense, blending intense action sequences with a palpable sense of dread. Arnold's portrayal of Dutch is perfect – he's tough, resourceful, and believable as a seasoned military leader. The dynamic within the team, featuring characters like Dillon (Carl Weathers) and Blain (Jesse Ventura), adds depth to the narrative, making their eventual confrontation with the Predator even more impactful.

The film's success lies in its ability to create a truly menacing and unforgettable villain. The Predator itself, with its advanced weaponry and cloaking technology, is a formidable foe that pushes Dutch and his team to their absolute limits. The jungle setting becomes a character in itself, adding to the sense of isolation and vulnerability. The special effects, particularly the Predator's invisibility cloak and thermal vision, were groundbreaking for their time and still hold up remarkably well today. The movie's iconic one-liners, many delivered by Arnold himself, have become ingrained in pop culture. Lines like "Get to the chopper!" and "If it bleeds, we can kill it" are instantly recognizable and perfectly encapsulate the film's over-the-top action and memorable characters. Predator isn't just a military movie; it's a cultural phenomenon that continues to influence the action and science fiction genres. Its blend of intense action, suspenseful storytelling, and groundbreaking special effects makes it a timeless classic that remains a must-watch for fans of Arnold Schwarzenegger and military action films.

2. Commando (1985)

Next up, we've got Commando! This movie is pure, unadulterated 80s action at its finest. Arnold plays John Matrix, a retired elite commando whose daughter is kidnapped by a group of mercenaries seeking revenge. What follows is an explosive rampage as Matrix tears through anyone and anything standing in his way to rescue his daughter. The film is packed with over-the-top action sequences, ridiculous one-liners, and an impressive body count. Commando isn't trying to be a deep or thought-provoking film; it's simply a high-octane thrill ride designed to entertain.

Arnold's portrayal of John Matrix is iconic, showcasing his physical prowess and charisma. The film's success lies in its simplicity and its commitment to delivering non-stop action. From the opening scenes of Matrix living a peaceful life in the mountains to the climactic assault on the villains' heavily fortified compound, the movie never lets up. The supporting cast, including Rae Dawn Chong as Cindy and Vernon Wells as Bennett, adds to the film's entertainment value. Cindy's initial skepticism and eventual embrace of Matrix's violent methods provide a touch of humor, while Bennett's over-the-top villainy makes him a perfect foil for Arnold's stoic hero. The film's practical effects, including explosions and stunt work, are impressive and contribute to the film's visceral impact. Commando is a quintessential 80s action film that showcases Arnold Schwarzenegger at his best, delivering a non-stop thrill ride filled with explosions, one-liners, and plenty of over-the-top action. It remains a beloved classic among fans of the genre and a testament to Arnold's enduring appeal as an action star.

3. Raw Deal (1986)

Raw Deal offers a slightly different take on Arnold's action persona. He plays Mark Kaminsky, an ex-FBI agent who is given a second chance by being sent undercover to infiltrate the Chicago Mafia. While not strictly a military movie, Kaminsky's background and skills are definitely military-esque, and he approaches his mission with the precision and ruthlessness you'd expect from a trained soldier. The film has a gritty, neo-noir feel, setting it apart from some of Arnold's more over-the-top action flicks. Raw Deal delivers a compelling story of betrayal, redemption, and justice, all wrapped in a package of intense action sequences and memorable characters. Arnold's portrayal of Mark Kaminsky showcases his ability to blend physicality with emotional depth, making him a believable and compelling protagonist.

The film's success lies in its ability to create a believable and engaging world of crime and corruption. The Chicago setting adds to the film's gritty atmosphere, while the supporting cast, including Kathryn Harrold as Amy and Sam Wanamaker as Luigi Patrovita, provides depth and complexity to the narrative. Amy's vulnerability and resilience make her a compelling character, while Patrovita's ruthlessness and ambition make him a formidable antagonist. The action sequences in Raw Deal are well-choreographed and exciting, showcasing Arnold's physical prowess and his ability to handle weapons with precision. The film's climactic showdown is particularly memorable, as Kaminsky confronts his enemies in a hail of bullets and explosions. Raw Deal is a solid action film that offers a more nuanced and character-driven story than some of Arnold Schwarzenegger's other works. Its blend of gritty realism, intense action, and compelling characters makes it a worthwhile addition to his filmography and a treat for fans of the action genre.

4. The 6th Day (2000)

Okay, so The 6th Day isn't exactly a military movie, but it features themes and elements that resonate with the military genre. Arnold plays Adam Gibson, a charter pilot who stumbles upon a dark secret: humans are being illegally cloned. He's then thrust into a fight for his life against powerful forces who want to silence him. While Adam isn't a soldier, his resourcefulness, combat skills, and determination in the face of overwhelming odds mirror those of a military hero. The movie explores themes of identity, mortality, and the ethical implications of advanced technology. The 6th Day is a thought-provoking and action-packed thriller that showcases Arnold Schwarzenegger's ability to blend science fiction with intense action sequences.

The film's success lies in its ability to create a believable and engaging futuristic world. The concept of human cloning raises intriguing ethical questions, while the action sequences are well-choreographed and exciting. Arnold's portrayal of Adam Gibson is compelling, as he struggles to come to terms with the fact that he has been replaced by a clone. The supporting cast, including Michael Rapaport as Hank and Tony Goldwyn as Michael Drucker, adds depth and complexity to the narrative. Hank's loyalty and humor provide moments of levity, while Drucker's ruthless ambition makes him a formidable antagonist. The special effects in The 6th Day are impressive, particularly the cloning technology and the futuristic vehicles. The film's climactic showdown is a thrilling and suspenseful sequence that showcases Arnold's physical prowess and his ability to outsmart his enemies. The 6th Day is a solid science fiction thriller that offers a blend of thought-provoking themes, intense action, and memorable characters. It's a worthy addition to Arnold Schwarzenegger's filmography and a treat for fans of the science fiction genre.

5. Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003)

While the Terminator is a cyborg assassin, the future war sequences in Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines definitely have a military vibe. Arnold returns as the T-800, sent back in time to protect John Connor from the T-X, a more advanced Terminator. The scenes depicting the war between humans and machines are intense and feature futuristic weaponry and tactics. Terminator 3 delivers a thrilling and action-packed experience that stays true to the spirit of the original films. Arnold Schwarzenegger's portrayal of the T-800 remains iconic, as he effortlessly blends emotionless cyborg with flashes of humor and humanity. The film's success lies in its ability to balance intense action sequences with a compelling story of survival and sacrifice.

The action sequences in Terminator 3 are bigger and bolder than ever before, showcasing groundbreaking visual effects and stunning stunt work. The T-X, played by Kristanna Loken, is a formidable and relentless antagonist, pushing the T-800 to his limits. The film's climactic battle is a spectacular display of destruction, as the Terminators clash in a fight for the fate of humanity. Terminator 3 is a worthy addition to the Terminator franchise, offering a thrilling and action-packed experience that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Its blend of intense action, compelling characters, and groundbreaking visual effects makes it a must-watch for fans of the science fiction genre.

Honorable Mentions

• Total Recall (1990): While set on Mars and involving a rebellion, the militaristic elements are strong.
• Eraser (1996): Arnold plays a U.S. Marshal who protects witnesses, often using military-style tactics.

So, there you have it – a ranking of Arnold Schwarzenegger's best military (and military-adjacent) movies! Whether he's battling aliens, leading commando raids, or taking down the Mafia, Arnold always brings the action and the one-liners. What are your favorite Arnold military movies? Let us know in the comments below!