arnold schwarzenegger movies chronological order

Daniel Parker

3 min read

·

23-02-2025

1

0

Share

Meta Description: Embark on a chronological adventure through the legendary filmography of Arnold Schwarzenegger! From his early roles to iconic blockbusters, this guide lists every Arnold Schwarzenegger movie in order, complete with release dates and captivating insights into his career. Relive the action, the humor, and the sheer cinematic power of the Austrian Oak!

The Terminator and Beyond: Arnold Schwarzenegger Movies in Chronological Order

Arnold Schwarzenegger. The name alone evokes images of bulging biceps, one-liners, and explosive action sequences. His movies have become ingrained in popular culture, defining a generation of action cinema. This chronological list explores the career of this cinematic icon, from his early roles to his later, more nuanced performances.

Early Years and Rise to Stardom (1969-1982)

• Hercules in New York (1969): Schwarzenegger's very first film role, a surprisingly comedic albeit low-budget effort. This early foray shows a glimpse of his future screen presence.

• Stay Hungry (1976): An early role showcasing his physique and a step towards more serious acting.

• Pumping Iron (1977): A documentary highlighting Schwarzenegger's intense bodybuilding world, a fascinating look into the man behind the legend.

• The Villain (1979): A small part, but marks his continuing climb in the film industry.

• Conan the Barbarian (1982): This swords-and-sorcery epic catapulted Schwarzenegger to international stardom, showcasing his physical prowess and undeniable screen presence.

• Conan the Destroyer (1984): A sequel to his breakout success, continuing the adventures of the legendary barbarian.

The Action Icon is Born (1984-1999)

• The Terminator (1984): A sci-fi masterpiece that solidified Schwarzenegger’s place as an action icon. This film's impact on cinema is undeniable.

• Commando (1985): Over-the-top action and memorable one-liners. Pure, unadulterated Schwarzenegger entertainment.

• Raw Deal (1986): A gritty crime thriller with plenty of Schwarzenegger’s trademark action.

• Predator (1987): A jungle-set showdown against an alien hunter, a classic action sci-fi film. The tension and suspense are palpable.

• The Running Man (1987): A dystopian action thriller featuring Schwarzenegger's charismatic charm amidst intense action sequences.

• Twins (1988): A comedic departure for the action star, highlighting his surprising comedic timing. This showcases a different side of his talents.

• Red Heat (1988): An action buddy-cop movie pairing Schwarzenegger with Jim Belushi.

• Total Recall (1990): A mind-bending science fiction thriller with stunning visuals and plenty of action. This Philip K. Dick adaptation is a cult classic.

• Kindergarten Cop (1990): Another surprisingly comedic role demonstrating range. This family-friendly film shows his softer side.

• Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991): The sequel surpasses the original in scale, effects, and emotional depth, a science fiction landmark. This film elevated the action genre.

• Last Action Hero (1993): A meta-cinematic action-comedy that didn't quite match expectations, though still features plenty of action.

• True Lies (1994): A James Cameron-directed action-comedy demonstrating impressive stunt work.

• Eraser (1996): A high-octane action thriller with plenty of explosions and car chases.

• Jingle All the Way (1996): A family Christmas comedy, a far cry from his usual roles.

• Batman & Robin (1997): A widely panned superhero film, however, it’s a noteworthy part of his filmography.

• The Sixth Day (2000): A science fiction thriller exploring themes of cloning and identity.

• Collateral Damage (2002): An action-packed thriller that takes place in South America.

Later Career and Beyond (2003-Present)

• The Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003): A return to the franchise, though not as critically acclaimed as its predecessors.

• Around the World in 80 Days (2004): A family-friendly adventure film.

• The Expendables (2010): Part of an ensemble cast in an action-packed all-star movie.

• The Expendables 2 (2012): Reprising his role in the sequel.

• Escape Plan (2013): A prison-break action thriller alongside Sylvester Stallone.

• Sabotage (2014): A darker, grittier action thriller that showcases his acting skills.

• Terminator Genisys (2015): Another installment in the Terminator franchise.

• Maggie (2015): A more dramatic role showcasing a different side of his acting talent.

• Terminator: Dark Fate (2019): A later installment in the iconic franchise.

This list provides a comprehensive chronological journey through the career of Arnold Schwarzenegger. From bodybuilding documentaries to groundbreaking science fiction, his impact on cinema is undeniable. Each film offers a glimpse into his evolution as an actor and his enduring legacy as an action icon. Remember to check individual movie release dates in your region, as they may vary slightly.