The Governor, The Terminator, Mr. Universe. Arnold Schwarzenegger has been known by many names and earned plaudits for many things throughout his incredible career. One aspect that is sometimes overlooked of his time in Hollywood is his fantastic ability as a film funnyman.
Schwarzenegger is rightfully known as one of cinema's greatest action stars. On multiple occasions, the bodybuilding legend put on his comedy boots and filled theatres with uproarious laughter. His big-screen career is now matched by few, with some of Schwarzenegger's on-screen alter egos seen as some of the most iconic in movie history. Of all of his captivating characters though, some are hilarious.
10 The Humorous Heartthrob Harry Tasker From True Lies
Vastly underrated, especially when compared with the likes of The Terminator, is a term that perfectly fits James Cameron's True Lies. The iconic director had essentially turned Schwarzenegger into one of the planet's biggest movie stars with his 1984 sci-fi smash hit. True Lies would offer up a similarly sensational showing from Arnie, only with far more humor than horror.
Schwarzenegger's Harry Tasker is no stranger to high-stakes action. But, in between the breathtaking stuntwork of True Lies, there are plenty of opportunities for him to get his jokes in. These jokes all hit the target.
9 The Expecting Ace, Dr. Alexander Hesse, From Junior
Arnold Schwarzenegger plays a man who becomes pregnant in the name of science, which may not seem like a concept worthy of the big screen. With expert direction from Ivan Reitman, and some assistance in the form of world-class acting talents Danny DeVito and Emma Thompson, Junior is one of Schwarzenegger's funniest films.
The former Mr. Universe even scooped himself a Golden Globe nomination for his performance in Junior. By 1994, Schwarzenegger had already proven his comedic talents. Junior simply cemented him as an A-lister that could guarantee laughs from an audience.
8 The Outrageous Gunther From Killing Gunther
2017's Killing Gunther may be largely considered a movie misstep on the whole. But, any Schwarzenegger fans will get more than their money's worth from his performance alone.
Seemingly having the time of his life in front of the camera, Arnie puts in one of his most over-the-top, outrageous performances to date. Killing Gunther is far from a career highlight given Schwarzenegger's incredible successes in cinema, but it's certainly a good time for anyone that enjoys The Governator's brand of comedy.
7 The Satirical Sensation Jack Slater From Last Action Hero
Last Action Hero is an easy, enjoyable watch that essentially pits Schwarzenegger against himself - or at least the public's perception of his usual big-screen personas.
As Detective Jack Slater, Schwarzenegger pokes fun at his most famous outings in the action genre, resulting in many hilarious moments throughout. John McTiernan's satire may have struggled to find an audience upon release. Now, thanks to Arnold's amusing action man, Last Action Hero is held as a cult classic.
6 The Giggle Inducing God Hercules From Hercules In New York
One of Schwarzenegger's funniest roles was hardly intended to be as hilarious as it is. Hercules In New York is a disaster of a motion picture. Completed with atrocious costume designs, laughably bad writing, and a nonsensical story centered around the muscular god.
Arnold Strong, as he was credited at the time, makes Hercules In New York watchable today. His charisma is undeniable - even when working with such bad material. There is no film in which Schwarzenegger's Austrian accent is as overpowering as it is in Hercules In New York.
5 The Pun-Tastic Powerhouse Mr. Freeze From Batman And Robin
Whilst some movies managed to reach the so-bad-it's-good territory, 1997's Batman & Robin is largely hated by Bat-fans and the general public alike. If Joel Schumaker's pun-tastic picture does have one saving grace, it's Arnold Schwarzenegger hamming it up as Mr. Freeze.
It's considered one of the worst movies ever made. Although, Arnold throwing out lines like "Ice to meet you!" "Allow me to break the ice." "Chill!" makes Batman & Robin a joy to watch for any fan of the former Mr. Olympia.
4 The Instantly Quotable Ben Richards From The Running Man
For the absolute best in '80s action movie one-liners, look no further than Paul Michael Glaser's The Running Man. In 2021, this 1987 classic plays much like a greatest-hits compilation of Schwarzenegger's most quotable quips. They're funny enough to turn this action thriller into a full-blown comedy.
The fun within The Running Man comes from its ability to deliver thrills whilst not taking itself too seriously. It's a technique that The Austrian Oak would perfect throughout his career, but he rarely got more amusing than he did in The Running Man.
3 The Magnificent Mattress Salesman, Howard Langston, From Jingle All The Way
This Christmas classic features everything - from Schwarzenegger screaming about cookies, to the muscleman having a Santa showdown with former WWE star, The Big Show. Jingle All The Way is easily one of Arnold's most hilarious hits. Jingle All The Way is on top form throughout this 1996 holiday hoot, and the movie remains a popular December tradition even today.
Schwarzenegger's Howard Langston is one of his most memorable personas - pretty remarkable considering that the king of '90s action doesn't touch a gun. Although, he does take to the skies on a jetpack.
2 The Titan, Julius, From Twins
Twins featured Schwarzenegger armed with his signature gigantic biceps and partner in crime, Danny DeVito. Twins had audiences splitting their sides laughing back in 1988.
The former Mr. Universe had shown glimpses of his comedic talents before the light-hearted tale of siblings separated at birth. Twins cemented Schwarzenegger as a man capable of far more than just the action genre, and that he had more than enough funny bones hidden underneath his muscles to make it as a comedy star.
1 The Party Pooper Detective John Kimble From Kindergarten Cop
Another one of Arnold's classic comedic characters, John Kimble fills Kindergarten Cop with hilarious moments and unforgettable lines. Kindergarten Cop also features some of Schwarzenegger's most amusing physical comedy, and it remarkably does so without sacrificing the character's intimidating presence. When the time comes, John Kimble quickly ditches the laughs in favor of the bad-guy fighting brilliance that made Schwarzenegger such a star in the first place.