Arnold Schwarzenegger Movies In Order: The Ultimate Guide

Oct 30, 2025 by Team 58 views

Hey movie buffs! Ever wondered how to binge-watch all of Arnold Schwarzenegger's iconic films in the right order? You've come to the right place. This guide will walk you through every single movie featuring the Austrian Oak, from his early bodybuilding days to his action-packed Hollywood blockbusters and beyond. Buckle up, because it’s going to be a wild ride filled with muscles, explosions, and unforgettable one-liners.

Why Watch Arnold Schwarzenegger Movies in Order?

Let's be real, Arnold isn't just an actor; he's a cultural icon. Watching his films chronologically allows you to witness his incredible transformation from a relatively unknown bodybuilder to a global superstar. Seeing his growth as an actor, the evolution of his character choices, and the trends in action cinema over the decades adds layers of appreciation to his work. Plus, you get to see his hairstyles evolve—trust me, it's worth it! Also, for those of you who are big fans of action, there's something about seeing how special effects and action sequences have evolved. Early Schwarzenegger movies might seem a little cheesy by today's standards, but they set the stage for the over-the-top action we love today. And for those interested in film-making, it's like a masterclass on how to build a successful movie career.

Furthermore, watching the movies in order provides a narrative arc of Arnold's career. You’ll notice how his roles changed as he aged and how he adapted to different genres. He wasn't just an action hero; he ventured into comedy, drama, and even family films. This journey showcases his versatility and willingness to experiment. Additionally, many of Arnold's films have sequels or are part of franchises. Watching them in order ensures you follow the storyline correctly and appreciate the character development over time. Consider the Terminator series; each film builds upon the previous one, adding depth to the characters and the overall mythology. Watching them out of order would be like reading a book starting from the middle—you'd miss crucial details and context.

And who can forget the sheer entertainment value? Arnold's movies are a blast! Whether it's his witty one-liners, the over-the-top action, or the memorable characters, there's always something to enjoy. Watching these films is a fun way to relax, unwind, and appreciate a true cinematic legend. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and get ready for an epic movie marathon. By the end of it, you’ll not only know all of Arnold’s movies in order, but you’ll also have a newfound appreciation for his contributions to film history.

The Complete List of Arnold Schwarzenegger Movies in Chronological Order

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. Here's the definitive list of Arnold Schwarzenegger movies in the order they were released. Get ready to update your watchlist!

1. Hercules in New York (1970)

Synopsis: Arnold's first credited role (under the pseudonym Arnold Strong) sees him as Hercules, who, bored with Olympus, descends to New York City and gets into various fish-out-of-water shenanigans.
Why it's important: It's a hilarious and campy start to his career, showcasing his physique and early acting attempts. Essential for seeing how far he's come.

2. The Long Goodbye (1973)

Synopsis: A brief, uncredited appearance as a muscleman in Robert Altman's neo-noir classic.
Why it's important: It's a blink-and-you'll-miss-it role, but it's part of his early Hollywood journey.

3. Stay Hungry (1976)

Synopsis: Arnold plays a bodybuilder training for the Mr. Universe competition. He even won a Golden Globe for his performance!
Why it's important: A significant role that highlighted his charisma and acting potential beyond just his physique.

4. Pumping Iron (1977)

Synopsis: A documentary that follows Arnold and other bodybuilders as they prepare for the Mr. Olympia and Mr. Universe competitions.
Why it's important: This film catapulted Arnold into the mainstream, showcasing his personality, ambition, and dedication to bodybuilding.

5. The Villain (1979)

Synopsis: A comedic Western where Arnold plays Handsome Stranger, a parody of classic Western heroes.
Why it's important: A fun departure from his bodybuilding roles, showing his willingness to try different genres.

6. Scavenger Hunt (1979)

Synopsis: A comedy about a group of people competing in a wild scavenger hunt to win an inheritance.
Why it's important: A minor role, but it adds to his diverse filmography from this period.

7. Conan the Barbarian (1982)

Synopsis: Arnold stars as Conan, a barbarian warrior seeking revenge for the death of his parents.
Why it's important: This film launched him into superstardom, proving he could lead a major action film. The movie's success solidified Arnold's place in Hollywood and paved the way for future action roles. The sword and sorcery genre found a new icon, and audiences couldn't get enough of Arnold's raw power and intensity.

Conan the Barbarian is more than just an action film; it's a cinematic experience. The epic score, stunning visuals, and Arnold's commanding presence create a world that is both brutal and beautiful. The film's themes of revenge, survival, and the will to power resonate deeply, making it a timeless classic. It showcased his ability to embody a character that was both physically imposing and emotionally complex. His portrayal of Conan established him as the go-to actor for roles that required strength, charisma, and a touch of vulnerability. So, if you want to understand why Arnold became a household name, Conan the Barbarian is a must-watch.

8. Conan the Destroyer (1984)

Synopsis: Arnold returns as Conan, this time tasked with escorting a young queen and retrieving a magical artifact.
Why it's important: While not as iconic as the first, it continued his run as a leading action star.

9. The Terminator (1984)

Synopsis: Arnold plays a cyborg assassin sent from the future to kill Sarah Connor.
Why it's important: A career-defining role that cemented his status as an action icon. “I’ll be back” became one of the most famous movie lines ever. The impact of The Terminator on cinema cannot be overstated. It not only solidified Arnold's place as an action icon but also set a new standard for science fiction films. The film's groundbreaking special effects, combined with its suspenseful storyline, created a cinematic experience that was both thrilling and thought-provoking. It's the role that truly made him a household name and turned him into a global superstar.

The Terminator also showcased Arnold's ability to portray a character with minimal dialogue but maximum impact. His portrayal of the relentless, emotionless cyborg was chilling and unforgettable. The film's success spawned numerous sequels, spin-offs, and adaptations, further cementing its place in pop culture history. Watching The Terminator is like taking a trip back to the 80s, but its themes and messages remain relevant today. It's a must-see for any fan of action, science fiction, or just good filmmaking.

10. Red Sonja (1985)

Synopsis: Arnold plays Lord Kalidor, who teams up with Red Sonja to defeat an evil queen.
Why it's important: A fantasy adventure that, while not a critical success, showcases his presence in the genre.

11. Commando (1985)

Synopsis: Arnold plays John Matrix, a retired special forces operative who must rescue his kidnapped daughter.
Why it's important: Pure 80s action goodness with memorable one-liners and over-the-top violence. Commando is the epitome of 80s action cinema, packed with explosive action, cheesy one-liners, and Arnold's larger-than-life persona. The film's simple yet effective plot, combined with its relentless pace, makes it a thrilling ride from start to finish. It's a perfect example of how to create an action film that is both entertaining and memorable. Watching Commando is like stepping into a time machine and experiencing the best of 80s action firsthand.

12. Raw Deal (1986)

Synopsis: Arnold plays an ex-FBI agent who goes undercover to infiltrate the Chicago Mafia.
Why it's important: Another action-packed role that solidified his status as a leading man.

13. Predator (1987)

Synopsis: Arnold leads a team of commandos who are hunted by a deadly alien in the jungle.
Why it's important: A classic sci-fi action film with suspense, great effects, and a memorable monster. Predator is a masterclass in suspenseful action filmmaking, blending elements of science fiction, horror, and military combat into a thrilling cinematic experience. The film's eerie atmosphere, combined with its intense action sequences, creates a sense of dread and excitement that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Arnold's portrayal of Major Alan "Dutch" Schaefer is both commanding and vulnerable, making him a compelling protagonist in this deadly game of cat and mouse.

14. The Running Man (1987)

Synopsis: Arnold plays a wrongly convicted man who must fight for his survival on a deadly game show.
Why it's important: A dystopian action film that's both entertaining and thought-provoking.

15. Red Heat (1988)

Synopsis: Arnold plays a Russian detective who teams up with a Chicago cop to catch a drug dealer.
Why it's important: A fun buddy cop film that showcases his comedic timing and chemistry with James Belushi.

16. Twins (1988)

Synopsis: Arnold and Danny DeVito play unlikely twins separated at birth.
Why it's important: A successful comedic turn that proved he could do more than just action.

17. Total Recall (1990)

Synopsis: Arnold plays a construction worker who discovers that his memories have been altered and he may be a secret agent.
Why it's important: A mind-bending sci-fi thriller with stunning visuals and a complex plot.

18. Kindergarten Cop (1990)

Synopsis: Arnold plays a tough cop who goes undercover as a kindergarten teacher.
Why it's important: Another successful comedy that showcased his versatility.

19. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

Synopsis: Arnold returns as a reprogrammed Terminator, this time protecting John Connor from a new, more advanced Terminator.
Why it's important: Groundbreaking special effects and a compelling story make this one of the greatest sequels of all time. T2 is a cinematic masterpiece that transcends the action genre, offering a complex and emotional story about humanity, technology, and redemption. The film's groundbreaking special effects, combined with its intense action sequences and compelling characters, create a cinematic experience that is both thrilling and thought-provoking.

20. Last Action Hero (1993)

Synopsis: A young boy is magically transported into his favorite action movie, starring Arnold as Jack Slater.
Why it's important: A meta-action comedy that pokes fun at the genre tropes.

21. True Lies (1994)

Synopsis: Arnold plays a secret agent who must balance his dangerous job with his family life.
Why it's important: A fun and action-packed spy comedy directed by James Cameron.

22. Junior (1994)

Synopsis: Arnold plays a scientist who becomes pregnant as part of an experiment.
Why it's important: A quirky comedy that pushed the boundaries of his on-screen persona.

23. Eraser (1996)

Synopsis: Arnold plays a U.S. Marshal who specializes in erasing the identities of people in the Witness Protection Program.
Why it's important: A solid action film that showcased his enduring appeal in the genre.

24. Batman & Robin (1997)

Synopsis: Arnold plays Mr. Freeze in this campy superhero film.
Why it's important: While not a critical success, it's a memorable role in a big-budget superhero movie.

25. End of Days (1999)

Synopsis: Arnold plays an ex-cop who must stop Satan from bringing about the end of the world.
Why it's important: A supernatural action thriller that showcased his ability to tackle darker roles.

26. The 6th Day (2000)

Synopsis: Arnold plays a charter pilot who is cloned without his knowledge and must fight to reclaim his identity.
Why it's important: A sci-fi action film that explores themes of identity and technology.

27. Collateral Damage (2002)

Synopsis: Arnold plays a firefighter who seeks revenge after his family is killed in a bombing.
Why it's important: A more serious and dramatic role for Arnold.

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

Synopsis: Arnold returns as the Terminator to protect John Connor from a new female Terminator.
Why it's important: Another installment in the iconic franchise, with updated special effects and action sequences.

29. Around the World in 80 Days (2004)

Synopsis: Arnold has a cameo as Prince Hapi in this remake of the classic adventure story.
Why it's important: A brief but memorable appearance in a family-friendly film.

30. The Expendables (2010)

Synopsis: Arnold makes a cameo appearance alongside Sylvester Stallone and other action stars.
Why it's important: A fun reunion of action legends.

31. The Last Stand (2013)

Synopsis: Arnold plays a small-town sheriff who must stop a drug cartel from crossing the border.
Why it's important: His first leading role after his time as Governor of California.

32. Escape Plan (2013)

Synopsis: Arnold teams up with Sylvester Stallone to escape from a high-tech prison.
Why it's important: Another action-packed collaboration with Stallone.

33. Sabotage (2014)

Synopsis: Arnold leads a team of DEA agents who are targeted after stealing money from a drug cartel.
Why it's important: A gritty and intense action thriller.

34. The Expendables 3 (2014)

Synopsis: Arnold returns as Trench, joining the Expendables on a new mission.
Why it's important: More action with an ensemble cast of action legends.

35. Terminator Genisys (2015)

Synopsis: Arnold returns as the Terminator in this reboot of the franchise.
Why it's important: A new take on the Terminator story with familiar faces.

36. Maggie (2015)

Synopsis: Arnold plays a father who cares for his daughter as she slowly turns into a zombie.
Why it's important: A departure from his usual action roles, showcasing his dramatic acting skills.

37. Aftermath (2017)

Synopsis: Arnold plays a man who seeks revenge after his family is killed in a plane crash.
Why it's important: Another dramatic role that explores themes of grief and revenge.

38. Killing Gunther (2017)

Synopsis: Arnold plays Gunther, the world's greatest hitman, who is targeted by a group of assassins.
Why it's important: A comedic action film with a fun twist.

39. Terminator: Dark Fate (2019)

Synopsis: Arnold returns as the Terminator, teaming up with Sarah Connor to protect a young woman from a new Terminator.
Why it's important: A direct sequel to Terminator 2, bringing back original cast members.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! The ultimate guide to watching Arnold Schwarzenegger's movies in order. From his early days as a bodybuilder to his reign as an action superstar, Arnold has left an indelible mark on cinema. Grab some popcorn, settle in, and enjoy the ride. And remember, “I’ll be back!”