Arnold Schwarzenegger Hated That They Remade ‘Total Recall’

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If you didn’t like the remake of Total Recall, imagine how the director of the original must have felt!

I recently heard a fascinating story from Arnold Schwarzenegger himself. He was at a screening of a remake of one of his old films, and he shared what it was like watching someone else step into a role he’d made famous. It really got me thinking about how actors feel when their iconic movies get revisited!

Schwarzenegger believes the 1980s and 90s produced the best action films of all time. He’s often frustrated by recent remakes, arguing that the originals are already perfect. He specifically questioned the need to redo a film like Total Recall, calling it a pointless exercise.

The one exception, Schwarzenegger explained, is the new remake of The Running Man.

He explained that throughout interviews, he’d often mentioned one film he felt turned out well, but lacked the resources to fully realize its futuristic setting. That film was Running Man. While he considered it a strong action movie, he believed it could be even better if remade.

You can watch Schwarzenegger’s full comments below:

READ MORE: Every Predator Movie, Ranked From Worst to Best

The 2012 remake of Total Recall featured Colin Farrell in the role originally played by Arnold Schwarzenegger. He plays Douglas Quaid, a man who visits a company that implants artificial memories, hoping to experience a fake vacation as a secret agent. However, the procedure unexpectedly unlocks his true memories – revealing he was actually a real secret agent whose memories had been erased.

Paul Verhoeven’s 1990 film, Total Recall, is a violent, funny, and thought-provoking exploration of what’s real and who we are. The 2012 remake, directed by Len Wiseman, is rated PG-13, lacks humor, and simply isn’t engaging. While the idea of revisiting Total Recall isn’t necessarily a bad one, this remake unfortunately didn’t work.

Arnold Schwarzenegger is happy with the remake of The Running Man, directed by Edgar Wright. Glen Powell stars as Ben Richards, a man struggling to survive in a grim, controlling future where a dangerous game show, The Running Man, keeps the population in line. Powell’s character enters the show to earn money for his daughter’s medical bills. The film also features Josh Brolin, Colman Domingo, Lee Pace, and Michael Cera.

Edgar Wright’s The Running Man is in theaters now.

Every Arnold Schwarzenegger Movie, Ranked From Worst to Best

42. Hercules in New York (1970)

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s acting career began with a comedic take on the Hercules stories he enjoyed growing up. While Hercules in New York feels surprisingly personal – it’s essentially the story of someone struggling to adjust to a new country – it’s unfortunately a poorly made film. His already noticeable accent was so strong that the filmmakers had to hire someone to completely re-record all of his lines. Even in a role he’d longed to play, Schwarzenegger appears awkward and uncomfortable; his acting is so stiff that it’s almost offensive to trees, who have played themselves convincingly in movies for over a century.

41. The Jayne Mansfield Story (1980)

Ten years after his initial rise to fame, Arnold appeared in a TV movie about a famous actress. While casting Schwarzenegger as the narrator, considering his English accent from the early 80s, wasn’t the best decision, the film does offer glimpses of his developing on-screen charisma, even though it’s largely a forgettable production.

40. Around the World in 80 Days (2004)

This remake of the classic Jules Verne story is painfully unfunny, and features Arnold Schwarzenegger playing a Turkish prince. It turned out to be Schwarzenegger’s last film for six years, likely because he soon became Governor of California. After being involved in such a flop, it’s easy to see why he needed a break. If this was the best he could deliver in 2004, focusing on his new role in Sacramento was a smart move.

39. Killing Gunther (2017)

Taran Killam’s first time directing doesn’t quite live up to its potential, despite a humorous performance from Arnold Schwarzenegger as a legendary assassin. Schwarzenegger isn’t in the movie much—he’s mostly talked about—but when he does appear, his character, Gunther, performs a hilariously bad country song.

38. Scavenger Hunt (1979)

Arnold Schwarzenegger has a very small role in this unremarkable film, which is similar to Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World. It’s about several teams competing in a scavenger hunt to win a wealthy man’s fortune. He plays a gym teacher who yells at Tony Randall and unintentionally knocks him out a window with a medicine ball. There’s not much else to say about his part.

37. The Expendables 3 (2014)

It’s really odd that the biggest action stars of their time joined forces for a series of movies, especially considering the action sequences weren’t very good. The Expendables 3 was the weakest film of the three, but Arnold Schwarzenegger isn’t to blame – he clearly enjoyed reprising his role as Trench Mauser.

36. Iron Mask (2019)

This Russian-Chinese movie teams up action stars Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jackie Chan, though it’s a sequel to a previous Russian hit called Viy featuring Jason Flemyng. Their storylines don’t really connect – Flemyng travels through China, while Chan’s character is imprisoned in London’s Tower, overseen by Schwarzenegger as a strict warden. Schwarzenegger doesn’t appear much, and is gone after the first hour, but he clearly enjoys playing the role of a collector and fighting with prisoners. Despite their age, Chan and Schwarzenegger have an energetic and clever action scene together, making you wish they’d collaborated earlier in their careers – ideally in a stronger, more focused film than this complicated fantasy.

35. The Expendables (2010)

During his time as Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger mostly avoided appearing in movies. However, he made a brief, uncredited appearance in the first Expendables film. This scene was special because it brought together three of the biggest action stars from the 1980s – and former business partners – on screen for the very first time. While it doesn’t quite reach the iconic status of the coffee shop scene in Heat, it was still a fun moment to see Arnold exchanging witty lines with Sylvester Stallone and Bruce Willis.

34. Jingle All the Way (1996)

I tend to enjoy Arnold Schwarzenegger movies more when they deal with themes of fatherhood, family, and what it means to be a man. The one exception is Jingle All the Way, a silly Christmas movie about a father frantically searching for a popular toy. Unlike his other films, which usually have deeper meanings hidden beneath the action, Jingle All the Way is very straightforward. While that makes it interesting to compare with his other work, it’s not very compelling on its own, especially if you’re not familiar with his career as a whole.

33. The Expendables 2 (2012)

While none of The Expendables movies are particularly great, the second film is the strongest, largely due to the direction of Simon West, known for Con Air. The Expendables 2 marked Arnold Schwarzenegger’s return to acting after serving as Governor, and he seems genuinely happy to be back doing what he does best, even though his role is relatively small.

32. End of Days (1999)

The late 1990s and early 2000s were a turning point in Arnold Schwarzenegger’s career. After years of being a huge star, his popularity started to dip, and some health problems made it harder for audiences to see him as an invincible action hero. This led him to try different, more unusual roles. While some of these experiments worked out, others didn’t. The film End of Days was one of the less successful attempts. It’s a weak supernatural thriller that tried and failed to capitalize on fears surrounding the year 2000. The themes explored in the movie – a flawed man dealing with failure and family loss – would be handled better in his later work, especially as his personal life became more complicated.

31. Red Sonja (1985)

Ever wonder why Arnold Schwarzenegger hasn’t appeared in a historical action film for over three decades? The new movie Red Sonja will likely give you the answer.

30. Collateral Damage (2002)

Similar to the premise of End of Days, Collateral Damage unfortunately came out at a difficult time – October 2001, shortly after the 9/11 attacks – and involved firefighters and terrorist bombings. Its release was delayed to winter 2002, but it didn’t perform well in theaters, as audiences weren’t eager to see a movie about fighting terrorists. However, those watching it now will find a solid thriller – directed by Andrew Davis, who also made The Fugitive – and another look at Arnold Schwarzenegger playing a hero grappling with failure.

29. The Last Stand (2013)

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s return to acting didn’t quite live up to expectations, which was surprising considering it was directed by the talented Kim Jee-woon. The film failed to showcase Schwarzenegger’s usual charisma, and he seemed a bit out of practice playing a sheriff in a small town who’s trying to prevent a drug lord from fleeing across the border to avoid facing charges.

28. Raw Deal (1986)

This movie isn’t as polished as many of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s films from the 80s, and that could be a good thing! It suits the film’s low-budget, B-movie vibe. The story of Arnold going undercover with the mob is pretty standard, but it starts with a famously funny scene where he reprimands his wife for throwing a cake at him while she’s drunk. He famously tells her, ‘You should not drink and bake.’

27. Batman & Robin (1997)

This movie is a strange case – it’s objectively bad, yet I find myself watching it repeatedly without really knowing why. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s terrible ice puns as Mr. Freeze are ridiculous, but I’ve been quoting them for over two decades. Beyond the awful jokes, though, Mr. Freeze is actually a surprisingly compelling Schwarzenegger character: a husband haunted by letting his wife down and desperately trying to fix things, all while making endless cold-related quips.

26. Terminator Genisys (2015)

This movie features a sixty-something Schwarzenegger battling a younger version of himself – a fight to the death! It’s a surprisingly interesting idea within what is, unfortunately, a fairly weak Terminator sequel. While it doesn’t quite live up to the original, it does introduce some clever new takes on the familiar concept. It’s just a shame the movie ends with a lot of loose ends and unanswered questions.

25. Maggie (2015)

While the 2010s weren’t great for Arnold Schwarzenegger at the box office, they did bring some interesting film choices. As an action star getting older and with fewer big-budget opportunities, he started exploring different types of movies. One example is Maggie, a unique film that blends horror with family drama, where Schwarzenegger plays a father facing the heartbreaking decision of whether to end the life of his daughter, who has contracted a zombie virus.

24. Stay Hungry (1976)

This film, directed by Bob Rafelson – known for Five Easy Pieces – marked a turning point for Arnold Schwarzenegger, earning him positive reviews and a Golden Globe for Best Acting Debut. The story centers on a rich young man who aims to buy a gym, where he unexpectedly falls in love with an employee and befriends a bodybuilder preparing for the Mr. Universe competition. It’s not hard to figure out who Schwarzenegger plays in the movie!

23. Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003)

Despite often being overlooked because James Cameron and Linda Hamilton weren’t involved, Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines shows Arnold Schwarzenegger at his most humorous and self-aware. Instead of getting clothes from a tough crowd, his Terminator ends up accidentally wearing a male stripper outfit after wandering into a ladies’ night event. The film also features a particularly daring and bleak ending, unusual for a big-budget Hollywood movie.

22. Conan the Destroyer (1984)

The second Conan movie often gets a bad rap, likely because viewers expecting the dark, violent style of the first film were surprised by its more colorful, comic-book-like tone. However, if you approach it separately, it’s actually quite enjoyable. The action is well-done, the fantasy aspects are engaging – the story was even created by writers from the Conan comics, Gerry Conway and Roy Thomas – and the humor is genuinely funny, especially Schwarzenegger’s performance when playing a drunken character.

21. Sabotage (2014)

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s recent films are surprisingly compelling, and this one is no exception. He plays a soldier burdened by sorrow and remorse – it even makes you wonder if the actor himself reflects on past actions. The film is a gritty, action-packed take on a classic whodunit, directed by David Ayer, where members of Schwarzenegger’s special DEA team are systematically eliminated over stolen drug money. The ending, which transforms Arnold into a classic gunslinger, is arguably one of the most powerful scenes of his career.

20. Aftermath (2017)

This film is filled with sorrow, anger, and intense action, but it’s a far cry from a typical action movie. Arnold Schwarzenegger plays a man devastated when his family dies in a plane crash, caused by the mistake of an air traffic controller (played by Scoot McNairy). The movie expertly plays with our expectations of Schwarzenegger and his usual roles, creating a revenge story that’s both rewarding and unexpected. It’s a surprisingly thought-provoking film, especially coming from an action star like him.

19. Red Heat (1987)

I have to admit, while Arnold and Jim Belushi make a fun pair as a Russian and American cop duo in Red Heat, I was hoping for something more. Considering it paired the biggest action star of the time with a truly fantastic action director like Walter Hill – the guy behind classics like 48 Hrs. and The Warriors – just ‘good’ feels a little underwhelming. I expected a masterpiece, and while it’s enjoyable, it didn’t quite reach that level for me.

18. Junior (1994)

While intended as a follow-up to the hit comedy Twins, with the same director and stars Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito, Junior doesn’t quite deliver the laughs, and falls short on that front. However, it’s a remarkably odd movie, making it hard to dismiss completely. The film centers around Schwarzenegger playing a fertility doctor who artificially inseminates himself to test a new drug – and that’s actually the most normal part of the story. Anyone interested in the gender dynamics of 1990s romantic comedies should definitely watch Junior; it’s surprisingly insightful.

17. The 6th Day (2000)

Okay, let’s be real, The 6th Day definitely tries to recapture the vibe of Total Recall – you’ve got Arnold facing off against a huge conspiracy, and even two Arnolds! But honestly, it works. Seeing Arnold argue with himself is just endlessly entertaining, and it’s a great way to explore his character. Plus, there’s that line – Arnold telling the villain to clone himself with a very colorful suggestion – and honestly, that moment alone makes the whole movie worth watching. It’s just pure Arnold gold!

16. Eraser (1996)

Right before Arnold Schwarzenegger began to change his movie roles, he made one final straightforward action film. It’s about a federal marshal tasked with protecting a witness who’s discovered a dangerous illegal arms trade – including some high-tech rail-guns. By this point in his career, Schwarzenegger was very comfortable with these types of roles, and his performance reflects that. However, the movie still delivers a memorable scene: a man jumps from a plane without a parachute, grabs one while falling, puts it on, and then engages in a daring aerial game with another plane.

15. The Villain (1979)

Looking for a lesser-known Arnold Schwarzenegger movie? Check out this quirky Western featuring a young Arnold alongside veteran Kirk Douglas and Ann-Margret. It’s directed by Hal Needham, who also made Smokey and the Bandit, and it’s unique for trying to capture the fast-paced, comedic energy of a Road Runner cartoon in a live-action film – and surprisingly, it works!

14. Terminator: Dark Fate (2019)

In Dark Fate, Arnold Schwarzenegger has a smaller role than in previous Terminator films, not appearing until halfway through. When he does appear, he delivers some funny moments and subtle nods to his personal life. While the action isn’t as groundbreaking as James Cameron’s Terminator 2—and very few action movies are—it’s still entertaining.

13. Twins (1988)

The humor comes from the contrast between Arnold Schwarzenegger’s large, muscular build and Danny DeVito’s short, stocky physique. That’s the entire basis of the joke.

12. Escape Plan (2013)

Despite a quick appearance together in The Expendables films, Escape Plan marks the first true pairing of Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger. It’s a straightforward, highly enjoyable action thriller where Stallone plays a prison architect who finds himself incarcerated in an inescapable fortress. He teams up with a fellow inmate, played by Schwarzenegger, to break free. The movie doesn’t try to be anything it isn’t – it’s pure, simple action. You could even imagine the characters being named Jack Meat and Gustav Potatoes! Still, Stallone and Schwarzenegger have great chemistry, and Schwarzenegger subtly hints at themes of flawed fatherhood and relationships.

11. Kindergarten Cop (1990)

Following the success of Twins, director Ivan Reitman cleverly combined Arnold Schwarzenegger’s comedic timing with his action persona in Kindergarten Cop. The film features Schwarzenegger as a tough cop who goes undercover as a kindergarten teacher to catch a criminal. It’s a surprisingly effective and funny concept, largely thanks to Arnold’s performance as he interacts with a class of cute but chaotic children. Kindergarten Cop is a significant film in Schwarzenegger’s career, as it coincided with him starting a family of his own, leading him to often portray characters who were unexpectedly or reluctantly becoming fathers onscreen.

10. Pumping Iron (1977)

Many people doubted Arnold Schwarzenegger could succeed in Hollywood because of his muscular physique and unusual size. However, the documentary Pumping Iron proved those qualities could actually be strengths. The film, which focused on the competitive relationship between Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno (who later played the Incredible Hulk), allowed audiences to see Schwarzenegger’s true personality for the first time. It established the character he would become famous for in his movies: driven, strategic, fiercely competitive, and with a playful sense of humor.

9. The Running Man (1987)

Often considered the most scientifically accurate film about the year 2019, it’s also famous for its memorable lines. A perfect example is when Schwarzenegger’s character, Ben Richards, delivers the line, “He was a real pain in the neck,” right after subduing an opponent.

8. Conan the Barbarian (1982)

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s natural charm really shines in this movie, based on the classic adventure stories by Robert E. Howard. His impressive physique and distinctive way of speaking made him a convincing barbarian hero from a distant time. (He performed most of his own stunts, too!) The film delivers thrilling action, strange and dangerous villains, and thoughtful ideas from director John Milius, all adding up to a truly enjoyable fantasy experience. (Fans will especially appreciate the DVD commentary with Schwarzenegger and Milius.)

7. Last Action Hero (1993)

Despite being released just a week before the massive hit Jurassic Park, Last Action Hero quickly disappeared from theaters. It deserves a rewatch! Few blockbusters offer this much self-awareness. The film, written by Shane Black, playfully pokes fun at the over-the-top action movies that made him famous. It even features Schwarzenegger questioning his own persona, both as the fictional cop Jack Slater and as the actor “Arnold Schwarzenegger,” who plays Slater—and even meets a fictional version of himself in a thrilling scene. While the cute kid sidekick isn’t as strong as the one in Terminator 2, the film’s satire and fake trailers are spot-on.

6. Commando (1985)

This movie really resonates with me. Being a dad myself, I’d do anything for my children, and I have a soft spot for cheesy one-liners. Plus, the action is over-the-top – the hero can literally break chains with his bare hands! If you’re looking for the ultimate, ridiculous action movie from the 80s, Commando is it. Schwarzenegger spends the whole film fighting, shooting, and cracking jokes as he takes on an army of villains to save his daughter. It’s not high art, but it’s perfect for relaxing and unwinding.

5. Predator (1987)

As a huge movie fan, I always forget how early Arnold and director John McTiernan worked together! This film came out six years before Last Action Hero, and it’s a classic. Honestly, one of the biggest challenges with Arnold in action movies is finding villains who seem like a real threat, but the Predator? Perfect. That alien hunter is seriously creepy – Arnold himself called him “one ugly muthaf—a,” and he wasn’t wrong! Plus, the cast is packed with ’80s action heroes – Bill Duke, Carl Weathers, and even Jesse Ventura all show up. It’s a total blast from the past.

4. True Lies (1994)

Arnold Schwarzenegger and James Cameron teamed up one last time for this fun parody of James Bond films. Schwarzenegger plays a seemingly ordinary family man who secretly leads a double life as a top secret agent. Beyond its incredible action scenes – remember the horse chase? – True Lies explores themes common in Schwarzenegger’s 90s films, like the challenges of settling down and embracing domesticity. It also revisits a favorite trope of his: portraying a character with hidden identities or inner conflict.

3. The Terminator (1984)

With The Terminator, science fiction cinema—and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s career—reached a turning point. The film transformed Schwarzenegger from an action star into a globally recognized name, shifting him from playing characters who were figuratively dangerous to a genuinely menacing killer. Remarkably, Schwarzenegger avoided being defined by this role. Despite appearing as the Terminator in four subsequent films, he never replicated this specific portrayal of the T-800, nor did he ever play such a cold-blooded villain again.

2. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

After seven years, Arnold Schwarzenegger returned to his iconic role in Terminator 2: Judgment Day, a truly unforgettable action film. Director James Cameron delivered spectacular action sequences and pioneered the use of CGI with the groundbreaking liquid metal T-1000 Terminator. The film also introduced a powerful and memorable female action hero in Linda Hamilton’s portrayal of Sarah Connor. Schwarzenegger is both humorous and poignant as a robot learning to navigate the human world, and his final scene is famously moving – if it doesn’t bring a tear to your eye, you might be a machine yourself!

1. Total Recall (1990)

Many consider Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Total Recall to be his greatest film. It’s a thrilling and complex sci-fi story about a construction worker who gets a memory implant of a Martian vacation. This implant unexpectedly reveals what seems to be a hidden past life as a secret agent. Or is it all a delusion caused by the implant itself? Director Paul Verhoeven keeps you guessing, brilliantly using Schwarzenegger’s strengths – his toughness, his humor, and his vulnerability – as a man running for his life, questioning everything he knows. Total Recall captures everything that made Arnold Schwarzenegger so iconic: it’s over-the-top, action-packed, surprisingly funny, and even a little bit thought-provoking.

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2025-11-21 19:06