Arnold Schwarzenegger went on to become one of Hollywood’s most recognizable stars during the 1980s, and the actor successfully turned that popularity into an ongoing action hero career. The 1980s was the decade when Arnold Schwarzenegger became one of the greatest movie stars, now let’s see which films received the most critical acclaim.
Red Sonja (1985) – 35
Released after the success of Schwarzenegger’s swords and sorcery films with Conan the Barbarian and Conan the Destroyer, Red Sonja takes a similar approach to the genre, but with a much lesser degree of success. The revenge story was – and in many ways still is – considered problematic, but talk of a remake has been circulating around Hollywood for quite some time and is constantly rearing its head.
Conan the Barbarian (1982) – 43
John Milius’ fitting over-the-top adaptation of Robert E. Howard’s popular titular character is the film that sold Schwarzenegger to mainstream audiences as a leading man years before even the Terminator. over the past decades, the film has remained relatively low on critical ratings, but has become an equally iconic force in popular culture as a result.RELATED:
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Raw Deal (1986) – 44
One of the more traditional thrillers of Schwarzenegger’s career, “Raw Deal” sees the actor play a humble sheriff who is given the opportunity to fake his own death and infiltrate a criminal organization to destroy it from within. Although it ranks alongside some of Schwarzenegger’s most beloved films, The Raw Deal was not a success at the box office, but made the actor a star from the start.
The Running Man (1987) – 45
“Running Man” One of the most widely known films of Arnold Schwarzenegger. The film follows Schwarzenegger’s character as they are embroiled in televised dystopian nightmare gladiatorial games in the film’s vision of the future. The gauntlet of his adventures produced some of the most memorable villains Schwarzenegger has ever faced.
Predator (1987) – 45
Surprisingly low critical ratings, but to this day, John McTiernan’s simple yet sci-fi horror action spawned a franchise in its own right. Predator remains a wildly entertaining action movie that gave Schwarzenegger some of his most enduring lines.
Commando (1985) – 51
Perhaps the most quintessential example of a standalone Schwarzenegger action movie of the time, or perhaps even in general, Commando contains some of the actor’s most quoted one-liners. the explosive ending made it one of the bloodiest and most iconic action films of the decade.RELATED:
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Conan the Destroyer (1984) – 53
the film was not as successful as Conan the Barbarian, but it proved to be more critically acclaimed, perhaps due to its lighter and more adventurous tone. While this was the last time Schwarzenegger played Conan onscreen (Conan stories are another long-awaited project by the actor that remains at the top of fan wish lists), he will reunite with director Richard Fleischer thereafter for a similar role. role in “Red Sonja”.
Twins (1988) – 53
The film is the only straight comedy that Schwarzenegger starred in in the 80s, The Twins saw the actor paired with Danny DeVito as mismatched brothers, and the film provided an early showcase for the comedy techniques that would prolong Schwarzenegger’s film career into the next decade. The talents of the two lead actors and veteran comedy director Ivan Reitman made the film a huge hit, and there has been constant talk of a belated sequel ever since. And from these times until now there are rumors for the creation of a sequel. This film grossed $216.6 million worldwide on an $18 million budget.
Red Heat (1988) – 61
Red Heat was a more comedic venture for Schwarzenegger that fit in with the more family-friendly approach the actor would be cultivating over the next decade. the story follows Schwarzenegger’s Russian cop who tracks down a criminal in Chicago and is forced to team up with sleazy detective Jim Belushi.