Arnold Schwarzenegger on His Biggest Film Regret: “When my kids get out of line, they’re sent to their rooms and forced to watch it”

Arnold Schwarzenegger has built a career on blockbuster hits, unforgettable one-liners, and a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most recognizable action stars. From The Terminator to Predator and Total Recall, his name is tied to some of the most successful films in cinema history. Yet even he admits that not every project was a triumph. The actor opened up about which movie he considers the low point of his career.

The film in question is Red Sonja, the 1985 fantasy adventure that aimed to capitalize on the sword-and-sorcery craze of the time. Schwarzenegger did not headline the movie but played a supporting role as Kalidor. Despite his popularity during the mid-1980s, the film was poorly received both by critics and audiences. It flopped at the box office, failed to gain traction in home video sales, and over time became one of the least remembered entries in his filmography.

Schwarzenegger has never hidden his disappointment with Red Sonja. Speaking in a lighthearted way, he once joked that it was so bad he used it as punishment at home. “When my kids get out of line, they’re sent to their rooms and forced to watch it,” he said. The comment reflects both his humor and his blunt honesty about the missteps in his career.

The movie starred Brigitte Nielsen in the title role, with Sandahl Bergman and Ronald Lacey also appearing. It was directed by Richard Fleischer, who had previously worked with Schwarzenegger on Conan the Destroyer. Despite the star power involved, the story failed to capture the same magic as the Conan films. The plot, which follows Sonja’s quest for revenge and a magical talisman, was criticized for weak writing, uneven acting, and uninspired action sequences.

At the time, Schwarzenegger was already a rising star, and his cameo-style role was marketed as a bigger part than it actually was to attract audiences. This led to disappointment from fans who expected more of his signature screen presence. Nielsen, who was making her film debut, struggled under the weight of leading a big-budget production. Combined with a muddled script, the project never stood a chance.

Despite its failure, Red Sonja has become a small curiosity for fans of 1980s fantasy cinema. For collectors and those interested in Schwarzenegger’s early career, it remains a talking point—though more often as a cautionary tale than a celebration.

Over the years, the actor has looked back at his career with humor and perspective. While he admits the movie was a mistake, it also marked a stepping stone on his journey. Within just a few years, he would headline massive box office hits that defined his career and made him a household name worldwide.

Interestingly, Hollywood has not completely abandoned the Red Sonja property. Several attempts have been made to reboot the story, with new versions announced but often delayed. The character itself, originating from the comics inspired by Robert E. Howard’s Conan the Barbarian universe, still holds a place in pop culture.

For Schwarzenegger, however, the 1985 film is a reminder that even the biggest stars sometimes choose projects that simply don’t work out. His willingness to poke fun at himself shows the confidence of someone who knows his legacy won’t be defined by a single flop.

What do you think—was Schwarzenegger too harsh on Red Sonja, or is it truly his worst film? Share your thoughts in the comments.