Arnold Schwarzenegger Names His Six Favourite Movies of All Time

I’ve been following in the footsteps of Arnold Schwarzenegger as he points out a closely-knit collection of movies spanning various genres and eras. These cinematic touchstones have left an indelible mark on mainstream cinema, with selections ranging from family-friendly sci-fi to gritty crime dramas, a timeless musical, a groundbreaking romance disaster epic, a contemporary Western, and an early warning of theme park technology run amok. Each pick showcases remarkable craftsmanship, cultural resonance, and enduring influence that can be traced in subsequent movies and cinematic trends.

This analysis takes a detailed view of the six movies he highlighted. For each movie, you’ll discover essential aspects like the narrative plot, the creators involved, the innovative methods used in production, as well as the accolades and achievements that came after their release.

‘E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial’ (1982)

Under the guidance of renowned director Steven Spielberg, this captivating science fiction tale unfolds around a California boy named Elliott who encounters and shields an alien that has found itself in distress. The film skillfully combines realistic animatronics and visual effects to breathe life into its main character, while the iconic John Williams score provides a memorable soundtrack. Upon its premiere, it shattered box office records and garnered numerous Academy Awards for its outstanding work in music, sound, and other top categories.

As a movie critic, I must say that the production brilliantly utilized suburban locations around Los Angeles, seamlessly integrating the breathtaking flying bicycle scenes through clever rigging and expert optical compositing at Industrial Light and Magic. The enchanting E.T. puppet, meticulously designed and engineered by Italian artist Carlo Rambaldi, brought a remarkable level of expressiveness to the close-ups, making this alien character feel more real than ever. The film’s merchandising, re-releases, and home video performance have ensured that E.T.’s story continues to captivate new audiences long after its initial theatrical run.

‘The Godfather’ (1972)

Francis Ford Coppola transforms Mario Puzo’s novel into a film focusing on shifts in leadership within a New York criminal dynasty, the Corleones. Marlon Brando and Al Pacino headline the cast, while Gordon Willis contributes to the movie’s distinctive low-key cinematography that became synonymous with its dark, moody aesthetic. The film earned accolades as Best Picture, along with acting and screenplay awards, and it served as a blueprint for narrative structures in organized crime cinema that subsequent works often emulated.

Nino Rota created the music score, which is now iconically linked with the series. The production process was extensive, featuring numerous shots of New York City, authentic set designs for the postwar era, and costumes to match. This movie’s success gave birth to follow-ups that delved deeper into the family’s story and ventures, and it continues to be a significant topic in film classes and professional discussions about adapting stories.

‘The Sound of Music’ (1965)

Robert Wise helms the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, titled “The Sound of Music,” which centers around Maria, the von Trapp family, and their journey through a significant transformation in Austria. Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer headline the ensemble, offering captivating performances of songs such as “Do Re Mi” and “My Favorite Things.” The film’s grandiose choreography brought these numbers to life on screen. This cinematic adaptation received multiple accolades, including Best Picture and Best Director, and has since been recognized as one of the most successful musical films ever made.

Photographing scenes both within and near Salzburg, alongside studio work, helps create a vivid sense of location for the story. The production team emphasized wide-angle cinematography and precise audio recording to accommodate ensemble singing and orchestration. Over the years, re-releases and sing-along screenings have kept the movie popular, while the soundtrack album reached significant sales targets in numerous countries.

‘Titanic’ (1997)

James Cameron’s movie focuses on passengers traveling aboard the Titanic, primarily revolving around the characters Jack and Rose as they encounter the ship’s tragic end. The filmmakers utilized a large-scale set, intricate miniature models, expansive water tank scenes, and digital technology to portray the sinking event. It matched the record for the most Oscar wins including Best Picture and Best Director, and it went on to become one of the highest earning films globally.

Filming occurred at a custom-built studio in Baja California, featuring specialized sets and a vast marine tank. Cameron’s crew combined motion control miniatures, live stunts, and digital crowds to populate the ships and lifeboats. The collaboration between composer James Horner and singer Céline Dion on a hit theme song resonated worldwide, and the movie went on to surpass two billion dollars at the box office through cinematic releases and subsequent re-runs.

‘Unforgiven’ (1992)

In this Western movie, Clint Eastwood both directs and takes on the lead role, portraying a former gunfighter who accepts one final task. His old comrade and a new ally become involved as well. The film was recognized with awards for Best Picture and Best Director, while Gene Hackman’s performance as a sheriff in a small town earned him an acting accolade. This movie’s success signified a significant milestone for the Western genre within modern cinema.

David Webb Peoples’ script underwent an extended period of refinement before Clint Eastwood decided to bring it to life, preserving its initial mood and layout. Filming was carried out in Alberta, with sets constructed carefully to hide any signs of modern buildings, and the production prioritized natural light and authentic effects for shootouts and weather conditions. Lennie Niehaus’ music contributes to a subtle soundtrack that aligns beautifully with the movie’s thematic emphasis on consequences and aftermath.

‘Westworld’ (1973)

In the science fiction thriller, “Westworld,” written and directed by Michael Crichton, the story unfolds in a high-end resort where guests engage with realistic robots within various fantasy settings. The narrative centers around two tourists whose trip takes a dangerous turn when malfunctions lead to lethal actions among the androids. Yul Brynner’s portrayal of an unyielding gunslinger significantly contributes to creating the menacing atmosphere that climaxes the film.

The movie is remarkable for its innovative use of computer-generated imagery in its portrayal of an android’s perspective, created by digitally pixelating live-action footage. This groundbreaking idea paved the way for subsequent investigations into artificial intelligence, theme park management systems, and human-machine interactions, as seen in the TV series ‘Westworld’. Moreover, it demonstrated how complex science fiction could be successfully produced on a modest budget and with existing tools, thanks to smart editing techniques.

Share your own six picks in the comments and tell readers which titles you would add next.

2025-09-03 20:30