Every Arnold Schwarzenegger Movie That Has Grossed Over $100 Million At The Box Office

Summary

• Arnold Schwarzenegger's iconic career includes bodybuilding, politics, Hollywood, and starring in huge blockbusters.
• The Terminator franchise brought Schwarzenegger fame, setting him up as a legendary action star.
• Schwarzenegger's financial success from movies like Terminator, Total Recall and True Lies solidified his iconic status.

Arnold Schwarzenegger might be famous for his acting skills, but many people forget that he also had a successful career as a bodybuilder before he entered Hollywood. Born in Austria in 1947, Schwarzenegger began lifting weights at the age of 15 and quickly rose to prominence in the world of bodybuilding.

He won his first Mr. Universe title at the age of 20 and went on to win the title four more times. In 1970, Arnold Schwarzenegger won his first Mr. Olympia's title, and he went on to win that title seven times in total. Schwarzenegger's success in bodybuilding helped establish him as one of the most iconic figures in sports history. He later transitioned into a successful career in Hollywood, starring in blockbuster films such as Terminator and Predator.

The strongman/actor was also the governor of California. During his time in office, Schwarzenegger implemented a number of controversial policies, such as cutting funding for public education and opposing same-sex marriage. However, he also made strides in promoting environmentalism and advocating for renewable energy.

Despite his political career, Schwarzenegger has remained active in the worlds of bodybuilding and acting. Arnold Schwarzenegger's movie roles include some of the biggest action films of our time and have made $4 billion in total at the box office worldwide, according to The Numbers. Here are Arnold Schwarzenegger's biggest movies.

Updated April 2024: Arnold Schwarzenegger revealed that one of the roles that made him famous, "Terminator" was not originally supposed to be his franchise. Instead, the role was supposed to be for OJ Simpson. However, after seeing Simpson in action, director James Cameron did not think he was believable in the role. As such, it went to Schwarzenegger. While this is something that Schwarzenegger should have celebrated, he recently revealed that he has trouble when it comes to celebrating. This is why Schwarzenegger encourages his fans to take a moment and celebrate their accomplishments, so it fuels them for more success in the future.

18 Twins (1988)

Box Office Gross: $217 Million

• Starring role

Arnold Schwarzenegger stars in the movie Twins as Julius Benedict, a genetically-engineered superhuman who discovers he has a twin brother named Vincent, played by Danny DeVito.

The two embark on a hilarious and heartwarming journey to find their birth mother and learn about each other's vastly different lives. Along the way, they encounter various obstacles and enemies, but ultimately find a bond that transcends their physical differences.

17 Total Recall (1990)

Box Office Gross: $261 Million

• Starring role

Arnold Schwarzenegger stars in the movie Total Recall as a man who discovers that his memories are not his own and sets out on a dangerous mission to uncover the truth. Total Recall is set in a dystopian future where people can purchase memories to live out their wildest fantasies.

As Schwarzenegger's character delves deeper into his own past, he realizes that he may have been a part of a rebellion against the corrupt government. With the help of a mysterious woman, played by Sharon Stone, he navigates through a dangerous world of deception and violence to uncover the truth and ultimately save himself and those he loves.

16 Kindergarten Cop (1990)

Box Office Gross: $202 Million

• Starring role

Arnold Schwarzenegger stars in the movie Kindergarten Cop as a tough cop who goes undercover as a kindergarten teacher to catch a drug lord. The film is a hilarious comedy that showcases Schwarzenegger's comedic talent and his ability to balance action and humor.

Despite being known for his tough-guy roles in movies like Terminator and Predator, Arnold Schwarzenegger proves to be a natural in the role of a kindergarten teacher. The film unfortunately has been banned recently due to its said portrayal of police traumatizing school children.

15 Terminator 2 (1991)

Box Office Gross: $515 Million

• Starring role

Arnold Schwarzenegger is most well known for the Terminator franchise. In Terminator 2 the plot line follows a reprogrammed Terminator who is sent back in time to protect John Connor, the future leader of the resistance against machines.

Terminator 2 was a critical and commercial success, winning four Academy Awards and proving that Arnold is clearly an iconic action star.

14 Last Action Hero (1993)

Box Office Gross: $137 Million

• Starring role

Arnold Schwarzenegger stars in the movie Last Action Hero as Jack Slater, a fictional character in a popular action movie franchise. The film follows Danny Madigan, a young boy who is magically transported into the world of Jack Slater and must help him defeat the villainous Benedict.

Along the way, Danny learns important lessons about heroism and the power of imagination. Last Action Hero was released in 1993 and was directed by John McTiernan, who also directed the first two Die Hard movies.

13 True Lies (1994)

Box Office Gross: $365 Million

• Starring role

Arnold Schwarzenegger stars in True Lies as a secret agent who leads a double life, hiding his dangerous job from his wife (Jamie Lee Curtis) and daughter.

True Lies is known for its thrilling action sequences and comedic moments, and it was a box office success upon its release in 1994. The film remains a beloved classic in Schwarzenegger's filmography and the action genre as a whole.

12 Junior (1994)

Box Office Gross: $108 Million

• Starring role

Arnold Schwarzenegger stars in the movie Junior as a scientist who becomes pregnant after a successful experiment. The movie explores themes of gender roles and societal expectations, as well as the ethics of reproductive technology.

Despite mixed reviews, Arnold Schwarzenegger's performance in Junior was praised for his comedic timing and willingness to take on a non-traditional role.

11 Eraser (1996)

Box Office Gross: $234 Million

• Starring role

Arnold Schwarzenegger stars in the movie Eraser as a U.S. Marshal who must protect a witness from a dangerous conspiracy. Throughout the film, Schwarzenegger's character, John Kruger, must use his expertise in covert operations and weaponry to outsmart the villains and keep the witness safe.

Kruger's determination and quick thinking are put to the test as he faces countless obstacles and close calls. Despite the danger, Kruger remains focused on his mission, determined to see it through to the end.

10 Jingle All The Way (1996)

Box Office Gross: $130 Million

• Starring role

Arnold Schwarzenegger stars in the movie Jingle All the Way as a workaholic father who goes to extreme lengths to find a popular toy for his son on Christmas Eve. Throughout the movie, Arnold's character, Howard, encounters a number of obstacles in his quest to find the coveted Turbo-Man action figure.

He battles his way through a crowded mall, fights off a group of Santas, and even breaks into a neighbor's house in his desperation to secure the toy. Despite all of his efforts, Howard ultimately learns an important lesson about the true meaning of Christmas.

9 Batman & Robin (1997)

Box Office Gross: $238 Million

• Supporting role

Arnold Schwarzenegger plays a villain in the 1997 movie Batman & Robin. He portrayed the character of Mr. Freeze, a scientist who turns into a cold-hearted criminal after an accident in his lab. Schwarzenegger's performance received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike, with some praising his over-the-top portrayal while others found it cheesy and cartoonish.

Despite the criticism, Batman & Robin was a box office success and earned Arnold Schwarzenegger a $25 million salary! It has since gained a cult following among fans of the Batman franchise.