The Forgotten Gen-X Actor Who Became the Richest Movie Star of All Time

1. The Terminator 1984，IMDB Rating: 8.1, IMDB Votes: 933900, ID: 0088247
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It is about a robot assassin from the future, the Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger), who is sent back in time and tasked with killing Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton), the mother of John Connor, the future leader of the Human Resistance. Shows the struggle for survival against an unstoppable enemy.
2. Predator 1987，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 460449, ID: 0093773
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Predator is a high-energy action film that blends sci-fi and horror elements. Arnold Schwarzenegger leads a team of commandos in the South American jungle, only to face a deadly extraterrestrial hunter. Schwarzenegger’s physical and emotional vulnerability adds depth to his performance, making Predator one of his best films.
3. Total Recall 1990，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 357962, ID: 0100802
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Total Recall is a mind-bending sci-fi adventure that explores themes of identity and reality. Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as Douglas Quaid, a construction worker who discovers his entire life is a false memory. The plot, based on a story by Philip K. Dick, keeps viewers guessing until the end. Schwarzenegger’s performance as a confused and frightened innocent adds depth to the film.
4. Kindergarten Cop 1990，IMDB Rating: 6.2, IMDB Votes: 164256, ID: 0099938
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Kindergarten Cop is a delightful blend of action and comedy, showcasing Arnold Schwarzenegger’s versatility as an actor. He plays a tough cop who goes undercover as a kindergarten teacher to catch a drug dealer. The film’s heartwarming moments and big laughs make it an entertaining watch.
5. Jingle All the Way 1996，IMDB Rating: 5.7, IMDB Votes: 116810, ID: 0116705
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Jingle All the Way is a fun and energetic holiday film that captures the frantic search for the season’s hottest toy. Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as a busy father trying to find a TurboMan action figure for his son. Despite its materialistic view of Christmas, Schwarzenegger’s charisma and the film’s comedic moments make it a holiday classic.
6. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest 1975，IMDB Rating: 8.7, IMDB Votes: 1081536, ID: 0073486
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Jack Nicholson’s portrayal of R.P. McMurphy in ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’ is a masterclass in acting, showcasing his ability to bring complex characters to life. Adapted from Ken Kesey’s novel of the same name. The film follows McMurphy (Jack Nicholson), who is committed to a mental institution for a misdemeanour and tries to escape incarceration by feigning mental illness.
7. The Shining 1980，IMDB Rating: 8.4, IMDB Votes: 1119977, ID: 0081505
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It is based on Stephen King’s novel of the same name. The film follows writer Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) who travels with his family to work as a winter caretaker at the remote Snowmass Lodge. In his isolation, Jack gradually falls under the influence of the lodge’s supernatural powers and descends into madness, beginning to threaten his wife and son.
8. Batman 1989，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 407811, ID: 0096895
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Tim Burton’s Batman redefined the superhero genre with its dark, gothic aesthetic and memorable performances. Jack Nicholson’s imposing and charismatic Joker steals the show with his over-the-top portrayal. It tells the story of how Bruce Wayne takes on the persona of Batman and confronts the evil villain, the Joker.
9. The Departed 2006，IMDB Rating: 8.5, IMDB Votes: 1436717, ID: 0407887
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Martin Scorsese’s ‘The Departed’ is a gripping crime drama that showcases the talents of its stellar cast, including Jack Nicholson as the ruthless mob boss Frank Costello. It tells the story of the latent struggle between the Boston police and the mob.
10. Rocky 1976，IMDB Rating: 8.1, IMDB Votes: 635382, ID: 0075148
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Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky is an inspiring underdog story that has become a cultural icon. It tells the story of the struggles of Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone), an amateur boxer in Philadelphia. Rocky lives in poverty, doing small boxing matches and various jobs, when one day he is given an unexpected opportunity – to challenge Apollo Creed, the heavyweight boxing champion of the world.
11. First Blood 1982，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 278973, ID: 0083944
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First Blood is a heart-pounding action film that showcases the physical prowess and emotional depth of Sylvester Stallone as John Rambo, a Vietnam veteran who is pushed to the brink of extinction by a small-town cop. The film’s themes occasionally seem straightforward, but its intense chase sequences and Stallone’s excellent performance make this film an action classic.
12. What’s Eating Gilbert Grape 1993，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 256203, ID: 0108550
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What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1993) is a touching portrayal of family and responsibility, anchored by standout performances from Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio. The film’s exploration of small-town life and the struggles of caring for a disabled sibling is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. It’s a beautifully crafted film that resonates with anyone who has ever felt the weight of familial duty.
13. Demolition Man 1993，IMDB Rating: 6.7, IMDB Votes: 195811, ID: 0106697
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Demolition Man is a fun and satirical sci-fi action film that pits Stallone’s rugged cop against Wesley Snipes’ flamboyant villain in a dystopian future. The movie cleverly balances action with social commentary, and the chemistry between Stallone and Sandra Bullock adds a charming touch.
14. The Expendables 2010，IMDB Rating: 6.4, IMDB Votes: 366946, ID: 1320253
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The Expendables is a high-octane action extravaganza that brings together some of the biggest names in the genre. Stallone leads a team of mercenaries on a mission filled with explosions, gunfights, and camaraderie. While the plot is predictable and the dialogue can be cheesy, the film delivers on its promise of non-stop action and nostalgia for fans of 80s and 90s action movies.
15. The Waterboy 1998，IMDB Rating: 6.2, IMDB Votes: 180381, ID: 0120484
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The Waterboy is a hilarious sports comedy starring Adam Sandler as the socially awkward waterboy turned football star. The film’s charm lies in its absurd humor and Sandler’s endearing performance, supported by a strong cast including Kathy Bates and Henry Winkler. It’s a feel-good movie that, despite its silliness, delivers plenty of laughs and heart.