Arnold Schwarzenegger Movies: A Chronological Journey

Hey movie buffs! Ever wondered where to begin your epic Arnold Schwarzenegger film marathon? Look no further, because we're about to embark on a chronological journey through the cinematic world of the one and only, Arnold! This list will take you from his early bodybuilding days to his global stardom. Get ready to revisit some of the most iconic action flicks, comedies, and dramas that have defined Arnold's legendary career. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and let's dive into the Arnold Schwarzenegger movie list in order!

The Early Years and Hercules in New York (1970 - 1980)

Our adventure begins in the 1970s, where we witness the nascent stages of Arnold's acting career. It's fascinating to see how the young bodybuilder transitioned from the world of competitive physique to the silver screen. Initially, he took on roles that capitalized on his imposing physique and striking presence. These movies, while perhaps not critically acclaimed, are fascinating artifacts of Arnold's early efforts and offer a glimpse into his development as a performer. Arnold Schwarzenegger's early roles served as a foundation for his future success, providing him with experience in front of the camera and helping him learn the nuances of acting. These roles show a raw, unpolished Arnold, a stark contrast to the polished action hero we would later come to know and love. These movies are interesting from a historical perspective. It's cool to watch Arnold's evolution from a bodybuilder to a Hollywood star.

His debut, Hercules in New York (1970), is a cult classic. While the film is not a masterpiece by any stretch, it is notable for being Arnold's first foray into acting. The movie is known for its low budget and dubbed dialogue due to Arnold's thick accent at the time. Despite the challenges, it's a must-see for dedicated Arnold fans, a chance to witness his initial steps towards movie stardom. In this movie, the dialogue was dubbed because of his accent, making it even more unique and quirky.

Following his debut, Arnold appeared in a few other projects during the 1970s, including The Long Goodbye (1973), Stay Hungry (1976), which earned him a Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year, and Pumping Iron (1977). "Pumping Iron" is a documentary that is a fascinating look into the world of bodybuilding and Arnold's life during his prime. The film helped solidify his fame and popularity in the bodybuilding world, but it also opened doors for him to reach mainstream audiences. These early films, while not all blockbusters, provided valuable experience and visibility that would prepare him for the roles that would come later.

Rise to Stardom: Conan and Beyond (1980 - 1985)

The early 1980s marked a turning point in Arnold's career, with roles that truly showcased his star power and cemented his status as a Hollywood icon. These films not only highlighted his physical prowess but also introduced audiences to his charisma and unique screen presence. Arnold Schwarzenegger's filmography would begin to flourish during this period, and he would become known for his tough characters and one-liners. This decade saw Arnold transition from a newcomer to a bonafide action hero, capable of carrying major motion pictures. The roles he took on during this era defined the action genre for years to come and had a massive impact on the entertainment industry.

Conan the Barbarian (1982) was a breakthrough role. This film was a critical moment for Arnold's career. It showcased his physical presence and acting ability. The film's success established Arnold as a leading man and helped pave the way for his future roles in action films. The movie's success made Arnold a household name. This role was a turning point, demonstrating his appeal to a wider audience. The role required him to do fight scenes and to deliver his lines with a commanding presence. It was a role that played to his strengths, using his muscular physique to full effect.

Following Conan, Arnold starred in Conan the Destroyer (1984), The Terminator (1984), and Red Sonja (1985). The Terminator is one of the most iconic action movies of all time, and it made Arnold a global superstar. As the menacing cyborg, Arnold delivered a performance that was both physically imposing and chillingly emotionless. The Terminator catapulted Arnold to the A-list and became a landmark achievement in the action genre. The movie's success helped establish Arnold as a major star and a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood.

Action Hero Era: Blockbusters Galore (1986 - 1993)

The late 1980s and early 1990s were the golden age of Arnold Schwarzenegger's action stardom. During this period, he became a box-office powerhouse, starring in a string of commercially successful and critically acclaimed films. This period is when Arnold Schwarzenegger's acting career hit its peak. His roles were not only action-packed but also demonstrated his comedic timing and versatility. This era saw Arnold at his absolute best, captivating audiences worldwide with his signature blend of brawn, humor, and one-liners. These movies became some of the highest-grossing films of all time and further cemented Arnold's status as the ultimate action hero.

Commando (1985) continued Arnold's streak of action hits. He played a one-man army, demonstrating his incredible strength and combat skills. The movie is known for its over-the-top action and iconic moments, becoming a fan favorite. Predator (1987) is one of the greatest action movies of all time, pitting Arnold against an alien hunter in the jungles of Central America. This film is a classic and one of the best action movies of the era. The movie is famous for its suspenseful atmosphere and groundbreaking special effects.

Arnold starred in the comedy Twins (1988) with Danny DeVito, showcasing his comedic abilities. This film was a departure for Arnold and demonstrated his versatility. Total Recall (1990) is a sci-fi action film that remains a cult classic to this day. Kindergarten Cop (1990) saw Arnold taking on a comedy role. He played a tough cop who goes undercover as a kindergarten teacher. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) is a masterpiece, a sequel that surpasses the original. Arnold's role as the T-800 is both heroic and iconic. He starred in Last Action Hero (1993). This action film provides a meta-commentary on the action genre. This film allowed Arnold to show off his talents, and these movies are some of the best of his career.

Transition and Experimentation (1994 - 2003)

In the mid-1990s, Arnold began to experiment with different genres. His roles became more diverse, showcasing his ability to take on different types of characters. Arnold Schwarzenegger's film choices changed during this time, with roles that were a bit different than the ones he had taken on before. This period saw Arnold taking on more complex roles and challenging his acting skills. The films of this period demonstrated his willingness to evolve as an actor. While he continued to star in action movies, he sought roles that would test his abilities and provide him with new opportunities.

He starred in True Lies (1994) which was a blockbuster hit that combined action and comedy. Junior (1994) was a comedy in which he played a man who becomes pregnant. Eraser (1996) was another action-packed film. Batman & Robin (1997) was a superhero movie. End of Days (1999) was a supernatural action film. The 6th Day (2000) was a science-fiction action film. Collateral Damage (2002) was another action movie. During this period, Arnold sought roles that would showcase his versatility and move his career forward.

The Governator and Return (2003 - Present)

In 2003, Arnold Schwarzenegger was elected as the Governor of California, which led to a hiatus from acting. After his time in politics, he made a comeback to the big screen, reprising some of his most iconic roles and taking on new projects. Arnold Schwarzenegger's career post-politics represents a new phase. His return to acting was highly anticipated, and his fans were eager to see him back in action. He returned with several action films. The movies he appeared in are a mix of sequels and new roles. It was a testament to his enduring popularity and his passion for acting.

He returned to the world of acting with The Expendables (2010) and The Expendables 2 (2012). The Last Stand (2013) and Escape Plan (2013) saw Arnold return to leading roles. Sabotage (2014) and Terminator Genisys (2015) showed Arnold as the Terminator once again. He starred in Killing Gunther (2017), a comedy. He also appeared in Vanguard (2020) and Kung Fury 2 (2022). This phase of his career has been about revisiting old roles and taking on new ones.

Conclusion

So there you have it, folks! A comprehensive Arnold Schwarzenegger movie list in order, from his earliest roles to his recent projects. This list is a testament to Arnold's impact on cinema, and his ability to entertain audiences worldwide. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to his work, this list provides a perfect guide to explore the remarkable filmography of one of the greatest action stars of all time. Enjoy the journey, and happy viewing!