40 Years Later, the “Quintessentially 80s” Action Movie That Defined the Decade Is a Hit on Free Streaming

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If you’re craving a dose of 1980s action, look no further than Arnold Schwarzenegger! He practically defined the decade with iconic roles in films like Conan the Barbarian, The Terminator, Predator, The Running Man, and even the comedic Twins. But for pure, explosive action, one movie stands out: Commando. Luckily, this ’80s classic is currently available to watch for free!

I was so excited to see that Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Commando is currently free to stream on Tubi! Everyone’s really getting into it – it’s the eighth most popular movie on there right now. It’s such a classic from the ’80s, when Arnold was totally ruling the action movie scene. The cast was amazing too – Vernon Wells, Rae Dawn Chong, David Patrick Kelly, Dan Hedaya, Bill Duke, and even a young Alyssa Milano all starred in it! Mark L. Lester directed, and the script was written by Jeph Loeb, Matthew Weisman, and Steven E. de Souza. Basically, it’s about…

Okay, so “Commando” throws you right into the life of John Matrix, played by Arnold Schwarzenegger – a total badass ex-Special Forces operative trying to live a quiet life with his daughter, Jenny. That peace is shattered when his old commander shows up with some grim news: his former teammates are being systematically eliminated. Before he can even process that, Jenny is snatched by a ruthless ex-dictator, Arius, who wants Matrix to use his skills to help him regain power. But let me tell you, Arius made a huge mistake. This isn’t a story about a soldier being forced into service; it’s about a father unleashing hell to get his daughter back. Matrix isn’t complying with demands, he’s going on the offensive, and he’s taking Arius down, period.

The plot of Commando is completely wild and feels like it could only have been made in the 80s—and the action is even more extreme. It’s packed with huge explosions, villains flying through the air, and Arnold Schwarzenegger making incredibly bold choices, like charging into battle shirtless with just a knife and a rocket launcher (though, to be fair, those aren’t the worst weapons to have!). When it came out, Commando became a key movie in defining the action genre of the 1980s, alongside other iconic films like First Blood, Lethal Weapon, Die Hard, and Schwarzenegger’s other popular action movies.

‘Commando’s Reception Has Mellowed With Time


20th Century Fox

When Commando came out, it was a huge success, earning $57 million around the world. While that number might not seem impressive today, it was a massive amount of money back then. Over the years, though, modern viewers have largely lost interest in the film, often seeing it as a product of the 1980s. If review sites like Rotten Tomatoes had existed at the time, Commando probably would have received a score of 90% or higher from audiences.

Despite mixed reviews over the years, as of 2025, Commando maintains a 68% approval rating from both critics and audiences. Many still enjoy the film for its nostalgic value – one viewer commented that it perfectly captures the 1980s and brings back fond memories. However, not everyone is a fan, with one critic wishing a different outcome for a key character.

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2025-10-30 14:02