Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Surprising Favorite Movie—And It’s Not an Action Flick!

While Arnold Schwarzenegger is best known for his roles as a tough, action-packed hero in films like The Terminator and Predator, his love for cinema spans beyond the world of explosive gunfights and intense battles. Schwarzenegger, who has demonstrated his comedic talents in movies like Twins and Kindergarten Cop, recently revealed his deep admiration for a classic musical, surprising fans who may only associate him with action flicks.

In a recent interview with Rotten Tomatoes, Schwarzenegger shared one of his all-time favorite films: the iconic The Sound of Music. “The Sound of Music is another one of the movies that I just think the world of. Very, very entertaining,” he said, reflecting on the movie’s special place in his heart.

The 1965 musical, set in Austria, features timeless music and a heartwarming story of the von Trapp family. Schwarzenegger, who was born in Thal, Austria, just outside the city of Graz, felt a personal connection to the film’s portrayal of his homeland. “It’s Austria: the music, the look of it. I think it was really a movie that was a very interesting story but it sold my homeland visually in such a spectacular way,” he explained. Schwarzenegger’s love for the film is more than just an appreciation for its entertainment value; it also highlights his admiration for how it captured the beauty and history of Austria, particularly in its stunning scenes set against the backdrop of the Alps.

“I have gone, of course, to all of the various different locations that they shot the scenes and all that in Salzburg and around in the Alps,” he added. “It’s a really spectacular, entertaining film. And it tells a lot about that era in Austria.”

Schwarzenegger’s admiration for The Sound of Music is notable not only because it’s a musical—an unlikely favorite for the man often associated with tough-guy roles—but also because it’s a reminder of his roots. The film, set in 1938, was released just a few years before Schwarzenegger’s birth, making it a cultural touchstone for the actor. He would have been aware of the real-life von Trapp family and the impact of World War II on Austria during his early years, making the movie’s themes even more poignant.

Beyond The Sound of Music, Schwarzenegger’s film preferences reflect his diverse taste in cinema. Alongside action films like Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven and the 1973 version of Westworld, he also enjoys E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and Titanic. “I don’t get stuck in one genre or the other,” he said, explaining that he’s drawn to films that are unique, entertaining, and well-directed. “The key thing always is, are they unique? Are they very entertaining? Are the characters really well written? And is it directed really well and interesting? So it’s all about how do they entertain you and suck you into the story.”

Although Schwarzenegger admitted that musicals aren’t typically his thing, he shared his admiration for La La Land (2016), a recent film that reignited his love for musicals. “When La La Land came out, I just loved that movie,” he said. “I thought it was truly – yeah, I thought it was the best movie of the year, without any doubt.”

Schwarzenegger’s honesty about his fondness for The Sound of Music and La La Land is a refreshing break from his macho persona, showing that even the toughest of action heroes can have a soft spot for well-crafted musicals. And given his reputation, no one would dare laugh at him for it—after all, who would challenge Arnold Schwarzenegger’s taste in films when they’ve seen him take on a cyborg or an alien?