At 75 years old, Arnold Schwarzenegger has cemented his place in Hollywood with iconic films like “The Terminator” and “True Lies.” Variety recently compiled a list of his top 10 most notable roles to celebrate his birthday. Writer Clayton Davis praises Schwarzenegger’s performance as the Terminator robot in “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” (1991), calling it the most impressive role of the Austrian star’s career. The character, a time-traveling machine sent to protect John Connor (Edward Furlong), showcases Schwarzenegger’s best qualities on screen, with a powerful physique and a stoic demeanor that still manages to evoke moments of profound humanity. The chemistry between Schwarzenegger and co-star Linda Hamilton (Sarah Connor) also adds to the film’s appeal.

In “True Lies” (1994), Schwarzenegger plays Harry Tasker, a secret government agent struggling to balance his job and family life. His charming portrayal of the character, combined with impressive dance sequences, made a lasting impression. The on-screen synergy with Jamie Lee Curtis further enhanced the project’s allure. Critics regard the film as one of the best action-comedies of the 1990s.

In “Maggie” (2015), Schwarzenegger takes on the role of Wade, a father whose daughter turns into a zombie. This role diverges from his typical strong and stoic characters, showcasing a more vulnerable and damaged side. The film is beloved by his fans for presenting a different facet of his acting capabilities.

Schwarzenegger’s portrayal of double agent Douglas Quaid in the sci-fi action blockbuster “Total Recall” (1990) is another standout. Despite mixed reviews, critics generally praised Schwarzenegger’s performance.

“The Terminator” (1984) remains one of the most famous films in Schwarzenegger’s more than 50-year Hollywood career. Initially, many doubted his acting skills, believing the film would focus solely on his physique. However, Schwarzenegger surprised audiences with his portrayal of the Terminator, particularly with the iconic line, “I’ll be back.” The film has been preserved in the US Library of Congress for its cultural, historical, and artistic significance.

“Kindergarten Cop” (1990) is considered one of Schwarzenegger’s most entertaining projects. Following a series of action blockbusters, he showcased his charm in this family comedy. He played a detective posing as a kindergarten teacher to solve a case. The film was a box office success, grossing $202 million against a $20 million budget.

In “Twins” (1988), Schwarzenegger and co-star Danny DeVito deliver memorable performances in a classic Hollywood comedy duo. They play estranged twins who reunite to uncover the reason behind their drastically different appearances.

Schwarzenegger’s role as Colonel John Matrix in “Commando” (1985) is iconic in Hollywood action cinema. Although the film received mixed reviews, it remains a quintessential example of Schwarzenegger’s 1980s action-hero style.

Similarly, “Predator” (1987) is another quintessential 1980s action film featuring Schwarzenegger. His presence helped lay the groundwork for the franchise, which has endured for over 30 years.

Finally, Schwarzenegger’s role as Dr. Alexander Hesse in “Junior” (1994) was a significant challenge. Nevertheless, he excelled with the support of talented actress Emma Thompson. The project earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor.

These films highlight Arnold Schwarzenegger’s versatility and enduring impact on Hollywood, solidifying his status as a legendary actor.