3. The Terminator (1984)
Now this is the big one by James Cameron. This is the film that cemented Arnold and his huge man pecks in action film history. It was the perfect role for him; minimal dialogue and acting, and yet he is the most convincing Austrian cyborg we have ever, and will ever see. The film has everything you need from a well-made action film; action, suspense, humour, explosions, big guns (not just his arms), lasers, Hudson as a punk (more so than usual), Linda Hamilton's breasts and Arnold's dong. Even from the opening scene you know this film means business, with huge machines rolling over mountains of human skulls in an apocalyptic war zone. This is a no holds barred violent, bloody action film from the off, from up-close shots of cutting out his eyeballs to blowing away women who answer the door to Sarah Connor. Its the story of an unstoppable machine in pursuit of a defenceless young woman whose destiny it is to give birth to the savour of mankind, John Conner, leader of the fight against the machines. Brilliant, you couldn't write this stuff! But Jimbo did and made a genius casting decision that put Arnie on the action map.
Best quote: Arnie - "Sarah Conner?" Sarah Conner - "Yes?" Arnie - BOOM!