Arnold Schwarzenegger is arguable the biggest name in action film history, we have seen him rise from body builder to 80’s sensation to Governor. He is an icon from the movies that will always be remember for his on liners that have become popular culture. ‘I’ll Be Back’ will be the most iconic. I simply couldn’t cut this down to top 5 so I will use the top 10 format.
10. Gordy Brewer – Collateral Damage (2002)
Gordy is a fire fighter whose family are killed in a terrorist attack, they end up being considered Collateral Damage. Gordy ends up going after the terrorist group solo seeking revenge. This ended up almost getting forgotten and ends up being one everyone should go back and give a go, this was also the last major film before his political career.
9. Jericho Cane – End Of Days (1999)
Jericho goes up against the devil who wants to come back to Earth on the strike of the new millennium. I liked this one because it starts to bring Arnold into a serious role in action.
8. Dr Alex Hesse – Junior (1994)
Alex and his partner are working on experiement on a fertility project but after losing the funding he decides to use it on himself making himself pregnant. This is the best comedy of Arnold’s career with perfect partnership with Danny DeVito.
7. Harry Tasker – True Lies (1994)
Harry is a spy who is suffering with marriage problem so he has to solve his problems and save the world all at once. This could easily be the most perfect film on this list but I have only seen once.
6.John Matrix – Commando (1985)
John Matrix has to save his daughter after she is kidnapped by an old friend, John uses all his skills to get her back and shows his dark side.
5. Wade Vogel – Maggie (2015)
Wade is struggling as his daughter is turning into a zombie, he gets to spend time before she turns in what is easily Arnold’s best performance of his career, even if the story is darker and not as fun this is a surprise that has to be watched.
4. Ben Richards – Running Man (1987)
Ben Richards is a cop that gets framed leading him to have to enter the deadly Running Man competition for television entertainment. This is a Stephen King adaptation that is easily by biggest guilty pleasure.
3.Dutch – Predator (1987)
Dutch is the leader of military unit in the jungle who end up coming up against a deadly predator from another world. I have always loved this film and it really made the human vs alien idea work to a new level.
2. Terminator – The Terminator Franchise (1984-2015)
Terminator is easily the most iconic character ever played by Schwarzenegger and has ranged over 30 years. This has the most iconic lines of his career ‘I’ll Be Back’.
1. Douglas Quaid/ Hauser –Total Recall (1990)
Douglas starts as a happily married man whose goes for a holiday only to find a memory block which leads to him going to find the truth. I think this is almost the most popular because the film is just brilliant and fun which is what you would always say about Schwarzenegger.
