The Surprising Musical That Arnold Schwarzenegger Calls His All-Time Favorite

When people think of Arnold Schwarzenegger, they picture the ultimate action hero: larger-than-life, armed to the teeth, and battling insurmountable odds on the big screen. From The Terminator to Predator, his cinematic legacy is built on brawn, bravado, and sheer adrenaline.

But behind the muscles and mayhem, Schwarzenegger has a softer side—one that unexpectedly reveals itself through his love for one of the most celebrated musicals of all time: The Sound of Music.

A Connection to Home

In an interview with Rotten Tomatoes, Schwarzenegger spoke at length about his admiration for the 1965 classic. “It’s another one of the movies that I just think the world of,” he said. “Very, very entertaining.” The film, with its iconic songs, breathtaking Austrian landscapes, and heartwarming story of the von Trapp family, clearly holds a special place in his heart.

Schwarzenegger, who hails from Austria, noted how The Sound of Music showcased his homeland in all its scenic glory. “Because, you know, 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.”

For the action star, the film is more than just an entertaining musical—it’s a cinematic love letter to the place where he grew up. Schwarzenegger even visited many of the filming locations in Salzburg and the surrounding Alps, deepening his connection to the movie’s picturesque settings.

A Resonant Storyline

It’s not just the visuals that captivate Schwarzenegger. The film’s narrative of discipline giving way to freedom, set against the backdrop of impending political turmoil, strikes a chord with the actor’s own life journey. Known for his intense self-discipline as a bodybuilder and his later ventures into acting, business, and politics, Schwarzenegger sees a reflection of his own experiences in the von Trapps’ story of courage and resilience.

“It’s a really spectacular, entertaining film,” he said. “And it tells a lot about that era in Austria.”

Beyond the Genre

While Schwarzenegger is not generally a fan of musicals, The Sound of Music stands apart. Its themes of love, perseverance, and moral clarity resonate deeply with him, making it a natural fit for someone whose most famous roles often revolve around the triumph of good over evil.

Hearing Schwarzenegger praise a beloved musical that seems so far removed from his action-packed filmography is a delightful reminder of his multifaceted personality. Beneath the tough exterior lies a man with an enduring affection for the beautiful hills and timeless melodies of his homeland—a man who finds joy in a story that’s as much about heart as it is about history.

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s love for The Sound of Music reveals a different dimension of the action legend. It proves that even the toughest heroes have a soft spot, and that even someone who looks like a human fortress can be moved by the simple, joyful power of a classic musical.