When the concept of the American Dream comes up, one should think of Arnold Schwarzenegger. Born in Austria, Arnold’s career has done it all. At the age of 15, he began lifting weights and became an icon in body building with winning the Mr. Universe title at age 20 and Mr. Olympia title a total of seven times. He is widely regarded as either the greatest or one of the two greatest bodybuilders of all time. From there, Arnold went into film and became a Hollywood superstar with films such as Conan the Barbarian, The Terminator film series, Predator and other films. From 2003-2011. He became governor of California. Only in America, that dreams can come true and anything is possible.
Conan- Conan the Barbarian (1982) & Destroyer (1984)
In the world of sword and sorcery, Arnold brings the fame character to life as a larger-than-life figure. Have you seen how jacked Arnold was in this film? Homeboy looked like he bicep curled horses. Even though the movie was all-time great, Arnold made sure that Conan knew the meaning of life: to crush your enemies, the see them driven before you and hear the lamentations of the women.
The Terminator- The Terminator Film Series
In a role that scared me at first and then was made awesome. Arnold was a BEAST as the killing machine sent back in time. Cameron knew what he was doing and Arnold was great in the first two films. Whether it was iconic lines like “I’ll Be Back” or “Hasta la vista, Baby” Arnold was masterful. T2 is one of the best sequels of all time.
Major Alan “Dutch” Schaefer- Predator (1987)
You want a thrilling film with a creature that hunts down an elite military team, then this is the film for you. In a film that has many great one-liners, i.e. Get to the Choppa, you are sure to enjoy this ride. Let’s not forget that this film has the ICONIC bicep scene between Arnold and Weathers. Let’s not forget that the story is good and the intensity is high.
Detective John Kimble- Kindergarten Cop (1990)
Arnold shows his comedic chops with being a tough police detective working undercover as a kindergarten teacher to apprehend drug dealer. It is hilarious to watch as Arnold’s character first struggles to keep kids in line and then becoming a lovable teacher. It is a really cute movie and really got away from Arnold’s action pack side.
Agent Harry Tasker/Harry Rehnquist- True Lies (1994)
Honestly, this is one of Arnold’s best films. He plays a U.S. government agent who struggles to balance his double life as a spy with his familial duties. It is hilarious and packed with action and humor. The dance scene is funny, the riding the horse in an elevator is hilarious and the family dynamic of Harry’s life will make you chuckle.
Douglas “Doug” Quaid/Carl Hauser- Total Recall (1990)
Total Recall is one of those Arnold Schwarzenegger’s films where Arnold actually does some good acting along with being a really entertaining movie. I would say that this is a Top 5 Arnold movie. The film is really good with action, suspense and some twist and turns. Also, the visual effects and storyline are really good in this film. Who would’ve thought that Arnold being a spy while his memories are messed up would be a decent movie?
Benjamin A. “Ben” Richards- The Running Man (1987)
Before there were movies like the Hunger Games and Death Race, where people got their pleasure from watching violent television shows that pit people against each other in life and death situations, there was the movie the Running Man. Arnold is Arnold in this film and the only way to describe it is the Hunger Games on steroids, that seems to have more action stars than anything else.
Colonel John Matrix- Commando (1985)
Arnold kicks a lot of asses and takes no names in this film where his daughter is kidnapped, and former unit being killed. This is an unequivocal 80s Schwarzenegger movie. If you want an okay plot, it has it. If you want action, where everything is blowing up or people getting killed, this film defiantly has it. If you want a film with more one-liners than a comedy show, you bet your ass this film has it.
U.S. Marshal John “Eraser” Kruger- Eraser (1996)
This is one of Arnold’s finest performances. In this film, homeboy is a U.S. Marshall protecting Vanessa L. Williams as she is set to testify. The action is amazing, and the weaponry is insane with a top-secret electromagnetic rifle and it’s one that you have to see to believe. There are many one-liners and Arnold fights a plane. If that doesn’t say it all, I don’t know what does.
Detective Jack Slater/Himself/Hamlet- Last Action Hero (1993)
In a film that makes fun of his whole career, this is one of Arnold’s flops but hey it is entertaining. The whole film is a satire of the action genre and clichés. Before Inception, this film contained several parodies of action films within action films. Also, you get to see Arnold small performance of Hamlet which is hilarious.