The 10 Worst Arnold Schwarzenegger Movies Ranked—Which Film Earns the Bottom Spot?

Arnold Schwarzenegger has become a household name thanks to his iconic roles in blockbuster films like The Terminator, Predator, and Total Recall. However, even the Austrian Oak has had his share of missteps, with some movies failing to live up to the hype or fall flat with critics and audiences alike. Below is a ranked list of the 10 worst Arnold Schwarzenegger movies, based on their Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer scores, with additional context about each film’s reception and performance.

1. End of Days (1999)

Tomatometer Score: 11%
IMDb Rating: 5.8
Directed by Peter Hyams, End of Days has Schwarzenegger playing a retired police officer tasked with stopping the Devil from taking over New York City. Despite its intriguing premise, the film was critically panned for its muddled plot and over-the-top performances. The 11% score reflects the lackluster reception from critics, with many finding it a forgettable, ill-conceived action-horror hybrid.

2. Batman & Robin (1997)

Tomatometer Score: 12%
IMDb Rating: 3.8
Schwarzenegger’s portrayal of Mr. Freeze in Joel Schumacher’s Batman & Robin is often cited as one of the most cringe-worthy performances in superhero film history. The film is famous for its campy tone, bizarre dialogue, and excessive use of ice-related puns. With a dismal 12% on Rotten Tomatoes, Batman & Robin is often considered one of the worst entries in the Batman franchise and a low point in Schwarzenegger’s career.

3. Hercules in New York (1970)

Tomatometer Score: No score
IMDb Rating: 3.3
This is Schwarzenegger’s film debut, and it’s as bad as it sounds. Directed by Arthur Allan Seidelman, Hercules in New York features Arnold as the titular hero, but with an embarrassing performance and a ridiculous premise. The film has no official Tomatometer score, but its low IMDb rating of 3.3 says it all. Schwarzenegger’s wooden acting and the film’s cheesy special effects have made it a cult classic for all the wrong reasons.

4. Collateral Damage (2002)

Tomatometer Score: 19%
IMDb Rating: 5.5
In Collateral Damage, directed by Andrew Davis, Schwarzenegger plays a firefighter seeking revenge for the death of his family in a terrorist bombing. While the film was released shortly after the September 11 attacks, its portrayal of terrorism felt tone-deaf, and critics found the plot lacking in originality and substance. The film scored just 19% on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting a critical consensus that the film missed the mark.

5. Iron Mask (2019)

Tomatometer Score: 19%
IMDb Rating: 4.8
Iron Mask is a fantasy action film where Schwarzenegger plays a minor role alongside Jackie Chan. Directed by Oleg Stepchenko, the movie is a mess of incoherent plotlines and poor production values. Despite featuring two major action stars, the film was a critical failure, scoring only 19% on Rotten Tomatoes. Its lack of a compelling story or engaging performances makes it one of Schwarzenegger’s lesser-known but critically weak outings.

6. Jingle All the Way (1996)

Tomatometer Score: 19%
IMDb Rating: 5.8
Directed by Brian Levant, Jingle All the Way is a Christmas comedy in which Schwarzenegger plays a father scrambling to find the year’s most popular toy. While the movie is beloved by some as a holiday guilty pleasure, it was panned for its predictable humor and forced performances, particularly from Schwarzenegger. The 19% score reflects its lack of critical acclaim, despite being a commercial hit.

7. Red Sonja (1985)

Tomatometer Score: 21%
IMDb Rating: 5.1
In this sword-and-sorcery adventure, Schwarzenegger has a supporting role while Brigitte Nielsen takes the lead as the titular warrior. Directed by Richard Fleischer, Red Sonja is often cited as one of Schwarzenegger’s weaker efforts, with critics calling it a dull and forgettable fantasy film. With a 21% score on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s easy to see why this film didn’t resonate with audiences.

8. Conan the Destroyer (1984)

Tomatometer Score: 26%
IMDb Rating: 5.9
As the sequel to Conan the Barbarian, Conan the Destroyer never quite lived up to the expectations set by its predecessor. Directed by Richard Fleischer, the film’s lighter tone and more family-friendly approach failed to capture the gritty, intense spirit of the original, earning it a 26% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. While not a complete disaster, the film lacked the same raw appeal and critical success as Schwarzenegger’s earlier work in the genre.

9. Terminator Genisys (2015)

Tomatometer Score: 26%
IMDb Rating: 6.3
Terminator Genisys attempted to reboot the beloved Terminator franchise, but it failed to impress both critics and fans. While Schwarzenegger reprised his iconic role as the Terminator, the film’s convoluted plot, inconsistent tone, and unnecessary time travel elements led to a 26% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite the film’s commercial success, it was seen as a missed opportunity to revitalize the franchise, leaving many disappointed with the final product.

10. Raw Deal (1986)

Tomatometer Score: 31%
IMDb Rating: 5.6
In Raw Deal, Schwarzenegger plays a former cop going undercover to take down the mafia. Directed by John Irvin, the film has a basic plot and lacks the excitement and tension that Schwarzenegger’s best films usually offer. With a 31% rating, Raw Deal is often cited as one of his early, forgettable action films that never fully lived up to the hype.

Conclusion

While Arnold Schwarzenegger is often celebrated for his legendary roles in films like The Terminator, Predator, and Total Recall, his filmography also includes a number of misfires that have earned their place on this list. From campy superhero appearances to muddled action flicks, these 10 films represent some of the lowest points in Schwarzenegger’s career, proving that even Hollywood legends can have a few duds. However, these films, whether they failed critically or simply didn’t resonate with audiences, also contribute to the diverse range of roles that Schwarzenegger has tackled over the years.