#18. MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE (GARY GODDARD, 1987)
Lundgren is back! And this time he’s not a robot super soldier or a killer boxer – he is well… He-Man! Looking back, this movie may be all sorts of cheesy. But Lundgren is in peak physical condition for the film. Using only his heavy sword and powerful muscles to defeat Skeletor, who has so few muscles that he actually has a skull for a face. Seems like someone has a little muscle envy if you ask us.
This was Lundgren’s first time starring in his own film and so his acting chops aren’t particularly up to snuff. But that doesn’t stop him from being an all around ripped warrior in every scene. What he lacks in acting he made up with his incredible knowledge and skill in martial arts. His suggestions even lead to some changes in the film, where he basically choreographed some fight scenes using his world-champion knowledge.
His look became so iconic that it cemented him into the action film world, allowing him to star in future classics (one of which has already shown up on this list). In fact, he was so memorable as He-man that all future toys produced were modeled after his physique. You can’t beat that. And He-Man can’t beat getting a place on this list.
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Photo courtesy of: Muscle & Strength