Arnold Schwarzenegger burst onto the action film scene in the 1980s with his iconic role in Conan the Barbarian (1982). Directed by John Milius, the film is a fantasy epic that showcases Schwarzenegger’s impressive physique and on-screen charisma as he portrays the fierce warrior Conan, seeking vengeance against the sorcerer who destroyed his village. This film not only established Schwarzenegger as a leading action star but also elevated the sword and sorcery genre during its time. The combination of intense battle sequences, striking visuals, and the haunting score by Basil Poledouris created a memorable cinematic experience that resonates with fans to this day.
Following Conan the Barbarian, Schwarzenegger solidified his status with a series of action-packed films throughout the decade. One of the most notable was The Terminator (1984), directed by James Cameron, where he played the iconic role of a relentless cyborg sent from the future to eliminate the mother of humanity’s savior. This film not only became a massive commercial success but also introduced a groundbreaking portrayal of technology and its implications. The 1980s saw Schwarzenegger branch out into a variety of action films, including Commando (1985), Predator (1987), and Running Man (1987), each showcasing his unique blend of muscle, humor, and catchphrases that would become a hallmark of his career. These films collectively contributed to his legacy as one of the most recognizable action stars of the era.
Here are our rankings for Arnie’s ’80s action films.
9. Red Sonja (1985)
8. Raw Deal (1986)
7. Conan The Destroyer (1984)
6. Red Heat (1988)
5. The Running Man (1987)
4. Commando (1985)
3. Conan The Barbarian (1982)
2. The Terminator (1984)
1. Predator (1987)
What’s your rankings? Comment below.
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Predator would probably be my #1 for Arnold’s 80s films too because I think that he achieved something particularly special with it. I was a fan of Raw Deal when I first saw it and re-watched it recently. Seeing how Arnold could progress as an actor ever since his big breaks as Conan and the Terminator has been interesting. Thank you for this list.
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