Hasta la vista baby! It’s time to go over the best Arnold Schwarzenegger films that every Arnie fans needs to see which films you should get down with and which films you need to be back to see again and again! Now, let’s get to the chopper!
Batman and Robin (1997)
Ah, Batman and Robin from 1997, a campy superhero spectacle that polarized audiences with its flamboyant and over-the-top style. Directed by Joel Schumacher, this film delves into the world of Gotham City, where Batman, portrayed by George Clooney, and his faithful sidekick Robin, played by Chris O’Donnell, face off against the chilling Mr. Freeze, portrayed by Arnold Schwarzenegger in his first villain role since the original Terminator film. While it received mixed reviews upon release, Batman and Robin has since gained a cult following in a so bad it’s good kind of way. In particular it’s Arnie and his ice based puns that make it a continued hit. Ice to see you!
Conan the Barbarian (1982)
In this epic fantasy film, Schwarzenegger portrays the iconic warrior Conan. With its sweeping landscapes, brutal action, and Schwarzenegger’s physicality, Conan the Barbarian established Schwarzenegger as a leading man in the action genre. Before even the Terminator, it was this film that made Arnie a star and moved him on the embarrassing Hercules in New York.
The Sixth Day (2000)
The Sixth Day, released in 2000, is a science fiction thriller directed by Roger Spottiswoode. Set in the near future, the film stars Schwarzenegger as Adam Gibson, a man who discovers he has been replaced by a clone after people thought he had been killed. As he fights to uncover the truth and reclaim his identity, Gibson becomes entangled in a dangerous conspiracy involving cloning technology and ethical dilemmas.
Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003)
While not as highly regarded as the first two, Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines still delivers intense action and Schwarzenegger’s return as the Terminator after twelve years. The film is something of a rehash of the second film, but isn’t quite the series outstaying it’s welcome as the later Genisys and dark Fate. The T800 is still a lot of fun to see in this film.
Jingle All the Way (1996)
Jingle All the Way, released in 1996, stars Schwarzenegger as Howard Langston, a workaholic father determined to get his son the hottest Christmas toy of the season, Turbo-Man! Faced with chaotic shopping malls and relentless competition, Howard embarks on a hilarious and frantic adventure to find the elusive toy, encountering colourful characters along the way, including Sinbad as a fellow desperate parent who he goes to war with to get the last Turbo-Man.
End of Days (1999)
End of Days is an apocalyptic action thriller set in New York. Arnie is a former cop who finds himself thrust into a battle with the Devil himself. In a race against time before the millennium approaches, Arnie must stop Satan, portrayed by Gabriel Byrne, who targets a young woman named Christine. You see the Devil wants Christine to bear his child.
Predator (1987)
In this intense sci-fi action film, Schwarzenegger leads an elite team of soldiers as they face off against an extra-terrestrial creature in the jungles of Central America. This is such a cool film for the fact that for the first half an hour of the film you could think it was just going to be like Rambo, but then blam! An alien warrior appears to start fighting Arnie and Jesse the Body Ventura.
True Lies (1994)
Directed by James Cameron, this action-comedy sees Schwarzenegger as a secret agent leading a double life. His wife, played by Jamie Lee Curtis is unaware of his being a spy and thinks he’s the most boring man on earth.
Kindergarten Cop (1990)
I’m a policeman not a princess! Kindergarten Cop, is an action comedy directed by Ivan Reitman. The film stars Arnold Schwarzenegger as Detective John Kimble, an undercover cop tasked with finding a dangerous criminal’s ex-wife and son before the criminal does. Posing as a kindergarten teacher, Kimble finds himself in a hilariously unable to handle a class of children even though he’s the big bad cop.
Commando (1985)
Commando is a high-octane action film in which Schwarzenegger plays a retired Special Forces colonel who goes on a mission to rescue his kidnapped daughter. Known for its over-the-top action sequences and Schwarzenegger’s memorable one-liners, Commando remains a fan favourite. Let off some steam Bennett!
Twins (1988)
Twins stars Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito as unlikely twins separated at birth. Because of course they are! Julius Benedict, portrayed by Schwarzenegger, is a physically and intellectually gifted individual who embarks on a journey to find his long-lost brother, Vincent, played by DeVito, a small-time hustler with a knack for trouble.
The Running Man
Set in a totalitarian future, the Running Man stars Schwarzenegger as Ben Richards, AKA The Butcher of Bakersfield, a wrongly convicted man forced to participate in a deadly televised game show called The Running Man. In this brutal competition, contestants must fight for their lives against a series of ruthless and formidable stalkers, all in a bid for their freedom. This reunited Arnie with Jesse Ventura as Captain Freedom, and also has other stalkers such as Professor Sub Zero and Dynamo.
Total Recall (1990)
Directed by Paul Verhoeven, this sci-fi action film follows Schwarzenegger as a construction worker who discovers his memories may be implanted and embarks on a thrilling journey to Mars. With its mind-bending plot, you can never be sure if what you are seeing is reality or part of the implanted memory.
The Terminator (1984)
The film that launched Schwarzenegger’s career as an action star, The Terminator showcases him as a relentless cyborg assassin sent from the future who is sent back in time to kill the mother of a resistance fighter who would defeat the robots. Directed by James Cameron, this sci-fi thriller established Schwarzenegger as his most iconic character and gave him the iconic ‘I’ll be back’ catchphrase.
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
The best Arnie film is by far Terminator 2. Widely regarded as one of the greatest action movies of all time, the film flipped the script on the first movie by having Arnie as the hero rather than the villain. The film has the perfect balance between action, drama, and great humour. There are so many iconic moments and thrilling battles between the T-800 played by Arnold and the ruthless T-1000 played by Robert Patrick.
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