Arnold Schwarzenegger, the "Governator" of Hollywood, had an impressive career as an action star in the 80's and 90's. In this blog post, we take a look at the 10 highest-grossing films of this period that made Schwarzenegger one of the greatest action heroes of all time.
1. The Terminator (1984)
- Arnold Schwarzenegger embodied the iconic killer robot, the Terminator, sent back in time to kill Sarah Connor, played by Linda Hamilton. The film became a cult classic and established Schwarzenegger as a superstar. Schwarzenegger was originally set to play the role of Reese, but director James Cameron was so impressed by his presence that he offered him the iconic role of the Terminator. The film became a breakthrough success and established the Terminator as one of the most iconic characters in cinematic history.
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2. Predators (1987)
- In this action film, Schwarzenegger plays Major Alan "Dutch" Schaefer, the leader of an elite force in a jungle being hunted by an alien hunter. "Predator" was a huge hit and cemented Schwarzenegger's status as an action icon. During filming, the actors spent a lot of time in the jungles of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and had to face the harsh conditions. It was Arnold Schwarzenegger who came up with the idea for the famous handshake with Carl Weathers in the film.
3. Total Recall (1990)
- Schwarzenegger stars in this sci-fi action film adaptation of Philip K. Dick's short story. In "Total Recall" he plays a man who thinks he's just a simple construction worker, but soon becomes embroiled in a complex conspiracy. Richard Dreyfuss was originally slated to play the lead, but Schwarzenegger was so drawn to the story that he took on the project. The film combined action, sci-fi, and a mind-bending plot that captivated audiences.
4. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
- The sequel to "Terminator" set new standards for action films. Schwarzenegger returned as the good Terminator, this time trying to protect Sarah Connor's son John. The film won four Oscars and is considered a milestone in the action genre. With a budget of over 100 million dollars, this film was one of the most expensive films of its time. The groundbreaking visual effects, particularly the liquid metal T-1000 figure, wowed audiences and earned the film four Oscars.
5. Conan the Barbarian (1982)
- In this fantasy adventure film, Schwarzenegger plays the legendary warrior Conan, who seeks revenge for the death of his parents. The film was a huge hit and helped cement Schwarzenegger's reputation as an action hero. Actors such as Sylvester Stallone and Dolph Lundgren were originally in talks to play Conan before Schwarzenegger took on the role. The film was a breakthrough for Schwarzenegger and cemented his status as an action star.
You can get the best T-shirts and more about Arnold here: SCHWARZENEGGER – DRAMAMONKS
6. Running Man (1987)
- In this dystopian action film, Schwarzenegger plays convict Ben Richards as he struggles to survive on a deadly game show. "Running Man" was another box office success for Schwarzenegger. The film is based on a short story by Stephen King of the same title, although King wrote the story under his pseudonym Richard Bachman. "Running Man" combines dark social criticism with fast-paced action.
7. Twins (1988)
- This comedy film features an unusual combination as Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito star as identical twins who are completely different. The film was a commercial success and showcased Schwarzenegger's comedic talent. "Twins" was an unusual comedy since Schwarzenegger was usually seen in action movies. The idea of him and Danny DeVito acting as twins proved successful and showcased his versatility as an actor.
8.Red Heat (1988)
- Schwarzenegger plays a Soviet police officer who works with an American colleague to hunt down a dangerous drug dealer in this action film. "Red Heat" was another solid hit at the box office. "Red Heat" was the first American film to be shot in Moscow after years of filmmaking being banned in the Soviet Union. The collaboration between Schwarzenegger and Soviet actor James Belushi was an attraction for audiences.
9. Last Action Hero (1993)
- In this meta action comedy, Schwarzenegger plays himself as an action hero and is drawn into the real world of a young moviegoer. Although the film received mixed reviews upon release, it has garnered a loyal following over time. "Last Action Hero" was originally planned as a direct competitor to "Jurassic Park", but the film's release was postponed to avoid competition. The meta elements and references to other action films made it a fun adventure for movie fans.
10. Kindergarten Cop (1990)
- In this family comedy, Schwarzenegger plays a cop posing as a kindergarten teacher to track down an escaped criminal. The film was an unexpected success and showcased a different side of Schwarzenegger's acting talent. Schwarzenegger was so excited about the idea of the film that he gave up part of his salary to help the budget. "Kindergarten Cop" was a huge hit with families and showcased Schwarzenegger's talent in a heartwarming role.
You can get the best T-shirts and more about Arnold here: SCHWARZENEGGER – DRAMAMONKS
The 80's and 90's were an era of fame and success for Arnold Schwarzenegger. With his unique characters, unmistakable presence and charm, he has captivated generations of viewers. Which of these films is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
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