Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Austrian Oak, is a name synonymous with action-packed blockbusters. But beyond the muscles and explosions, lies a comedic talent that often gets overlooked. From accidental humor to intentional gags, Schwarzenegger’s comedic journey is a testament to his versatility and willingness to poke fun at himself. This comprehensive analysis delves into each of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s comedy films, ranking them from least to most hilarious, providing insights into their plots, comedic elements, and lasting impact.

From Action Hero to Comedy King: Schwarzenegger’s Unexpected Transition

Schwarzenegger’s initial foray into Hollywood was marked by action films with outlandish premises and larger-than-life characters. However, as his career progressed, he began to embrace comedic roles, demonstrating a surprising knack for self-deprecating humor and physical comedy. This transition solidified his status as a multifaceted entertainer, capable of delivering both thrilling action and hearty laughs. He took his established action persona and cleverly subverted it, making audiences laugh by playing against type. This exploration of his comedic roles will not include cameos, focusing solely on films where humor was a central element. Let’s dive into the world of Schwarzenegger’s comedic endeavors, starting with the least funny and culminating in his most hilarious performances.

9. Killing Gunther (2017): A Misfire in the World of Assassin Comedy

Killing Gunther, a mockumentary about a group of assassins attempting to eliminate the legendary hitman Gunther (Schwarzenegger), falls flat despite its promising premise. The film relies heavily on tired tropes and gags, failing to capitalize on the mockumentary format’s potential for fresh humor. While Schwarzenegger delivers an over-the-top performance and Bobby Moynihan shines as the explosive expert Donnie, the overall execution lacks comedic finesse. The jokes often miss their mark, and the premise feels outdated. Even Schwarzenegger’s comedic energy can’t save this film from its mediocre script and tired comedic formula.

8. Junior (1994): A Pregnancy Premise That Fails to Deliver

Junior presents a bizarre scenario: Schwarzenegger as a scientist who becomes pregnant as part of a fertility drug experiment. While the concept of a pregnant Arnold is inherently comical, the film struggles to translate this into consistent laughter. The unbelievable premise and reliance on stereotypical pregnant woman jokes fall short of comedic expectations. Emma Thompson’s brilliant physical comedy provides some bright spots, but overall, Junior fails to capitalize on its outlandish concept. It’s a curious experiment that ultimately proves that even the most outlandish premise needs a strong script and well-executed jokes to succeed. You can check out more about his acting career in arnold schwarzenegger movie biography.

7. Jingle All the Way (1996): A Christmas Comedy with a Bizarre Twist

Jingle All the Way captures the chaotic frenzy of Christmas shopping as Schwarzenegger’s character desperately searches for a Turbo Man action figure for his son. The film’s rivalry between Schwarzenegger and Sinbad provides some amusing moments, but the final act’s descent into a superhero battle feels jarring and out of place. While the film has its moments of comedic brilliance, the tonal inconsistency and over-the-top climax prevent it from reaching its full potential. The film’s initial grounded humor about the desperation of holiday shopping is ultimately undermined by its absurd ending.

6. Twins (1988): A Mismatched Pair Delivers Unexpected Laughs

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny Devito in Twins

Twins marked Schwarzenegger’s official comedic debut, pairing him with the diminutive Danny DeVito as his unlikely twin brother. The film’s humor stems from the stark contrast between the two actors, both physically and personality-wise. Schwarzenegger’s portrayal of a naive and lovable giant alongside DeVito’s shrewd conman creates a comedic dynamic that surprisingly works. While the plot becomes convoluted, the central premise and the actors’ chemistry carry the film, proving Schwarzenegger’s comedic potential. This movie successfully showcased Arnold Schwarzenegger as Junior, or at least someone just as lovable and naive.

5. Hercules in New York (1970): A Camp Classic of Accidental Comedy

Hercules in New York is a treasure trove of unintentional humor, thanks to Schwarzenegger’s thick Austrian accent, wooden acting, and the film’s low-budget production values. The sight of a young Schwarzenegger battling cartoonish villains in 1960s New York, coupled with the film’s bizarre dubbing and obvious technical flaws, creates a uniquely entertaining experience. This film is a must-see for fans of so-bad-it’s-good cinema. It’s a testament to the fact that sometimes, the most hilarious moments are the ones that were never intended to be funny.

4. Kindergarten Cop (1990): Undercover Hilarity in the Classroom

Arnold Schwarzenegger sitting next to children in Kindergarten Cop

Kindergarten Cop places Schwarzenegger in an unfamiliar setting: a kindergarten classroom. The film’s humor arises from the clash between Schwarzenegger’s tough-guy persona and the chaotic world of children. His struggles to control a classroom full of rambunctious kids, coupled with his undercover mission to catch a criminal, generate plenty of laughs. Kindergarten Cop is a well-balanced action-comedy with memorable quotes and genuinely funny moments. Schwarzenegger’s fish-out-of-water experience makes for a classic comedic scenario.

3. True Lies (1994): Espionage and Marital Mishaps Fuel the Fun

True Lies blends high-octane action with comedic elements, as Schwarzenegger’s secret agent character tries to balance his dangerous profession with his mundane family life. Jamie Lee Curtis steals the show with her comedic performance as Schwarzenegger’s unsuspecting wife, while the film’s action sequences provide thrilling entertainment. While some jokes haven’t aged well, True Lies remains a highly entertaining action-comedy with memorable performances and impressive set pieces.

2. Commando (1985): An Action Classic That’s Unintentionally Hilarious

Arnold Schwarzenegger firing an RPG in Commando

While not strictly a comedy, Commando is so over-the-top and filled with cheesy one-liners that it becomes unintentionally hilarious. Schwarzenegger’s portrayal of John Matrix, a one-man army on a mission to rescue his daughter, is a masterclass in action hero absurdity. The film’s excessive violence, ridiculous plot, and Schwarzenegger’s deadpan delivery of ludicrous dialogue make it a comedic gem for action movie fans. Check out a full arnold schwarzenegger films list for more of his action-packed filmography. For those who like things a bit edgier, you’ll find that arnold schwarzenegger is a badass in this film and many others.

1. Last Action Hero (1993): A Meta Masterpiece of Action-Comedy

Last Action Hero is not only Schwarzenegger’s best comedy but also one of his most clever and self-aware films. This meta action-comedy satirizes the genre’s tropes while simultaneously delivering thrilling action and hilarious moments. Schwarzenegger’s dual role as Jack Slater and himself allows him to poke fun at his own persona and the action genre as a whole. Last Action Hero is a brilliant and underappreciated gem that deserves recognition as a comedic masterpiece.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Laughter

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s comedic filmography is a testament to his range and willingness to embrace humor. From accidental comedy to intentional spoofs, he has left an indelible mark on the world of comedy. While his action films may be his most famous works, his comedic roles demonstrate a different facet of his talent, solidifying his status as a true Hollywood icon. His ability to laugh at himself and the action genre cemented his place not only as an action star but as a versatile comedic actor.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Comedies

Q: What is Arnold Schwarzenegger’s funniest movie?

A: While humor is subjective, Last Action Hero is widely considered his funniest film due to its clever satire and meta humor.

Q: Why did Arnold Schwarzenegger transition to comedy?

A: While he never fully abandoned action, Schwarzenegger likely explored comedy to showcase his versatility and expand his range as an actor. It also allowed him to poke fun at his established action hero persona, adding another layer to his career.

Q: Are all of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s comedies successful?

A: No, like any actor, he has had both hits and misses in the comedy genre. Films like Junior and Killing Gunther were not as well-received as others.

Q: What makes Arnold Schwarzenegger’s comedic style unique?

A: His comedic style often involves self-deprecating humor, physical comedy, and a deadpan delivery of outlandish lines. He uses his larger-than-life persona to create humorous contrasts and subvert expectations. His unique accent and delivery also contribute to his comedic charm.

We encourage you to share your thoughts and favorite moments from Arnold’s comedies in the comments below. What are your favorite Arnold Schwarzenegger comedic moments? Which film do you think deserves the top spot? Let us know!