Arnold Schwarzenegger's '80s Thriller 'Raw Deal' Streams Free on Tubi

The 1980s action film that helped pave the way for Schwarzenegger's later sci-fi hit 'Total Recall' is now available to watch for free.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The 1985 Arnold Schwarzenegger thriller "Raw Deal," which helped the actor broaden his acting range beyond his typical action hero roles, is now streaming for free on the Tubi platform. The film, which was a box office disappointment at the time, is considered an anomaly in Schwarzenegger's filmography and led to him taking on the lead role in the later sci-fi hit "Total Recall."

Why it matters

"Raw Deal" represents an important transition point in Schwarzenegger's career, as he sought to move beyond being typecast as a one-dimensional action star. While the film was not a commercial success, it demonstrated his ability to take on more complex dramatic roles, which would serve him well in future blockbusters like "Total Recall." The free streaming availability on Tubi also provides an opportunity for modern audiences to discover this lesser-known entry in the Schwarzenegger canon.

The details

Directed by John Irvin and written by Gary DeVore and Norman Wexler, "Raw Deal" stars Schwarzenegger as Mark Kaminski, a former FBI agent who is given a "raw deal" and demoted to a small-town sheriff. He is then recruited by his old mentor, Harry Shannon (Darren McGavin), to go undercover and infiltrate the Chicago underworld to seek revenge for his son's murder. Kaminski soon finds himself embroiled with a femme fatale (Kathryn Harrold), a hardened local cop (Ed Lauter), and a group of ruthless mobsters.

  • "Raw Deal" was released in theaters in 1985.
  • The film is now streaming for free on Tubi in February 2026.

The players

Arnold Schwarzenegger

An Austrian-American actor, producer, businessman, and former professional bodybuilder who rose to fame as a leading man in Hollywood action films in the 1980s and 1990s.

John Irvin

A British film director known for directing gritty, realistic films such as "Ghost Story" and "Hamburger Hill."

Darren McGavin

An American actor best known for his roles in "A Christmas Story" and the TV series "Kolchak: The Night Stalker."

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What they’re saying

“Schwarzenegger claims that working with Irvin, who he described as "a real actor's director," greatly improved his acting skills.”

— Arnold Schwarzenegger (Collider)

What’s next

Audiences can now stream "Raw Deal" for free on the Tubi platform to discover this lesser-known entry in Arnold Schwarzenegger's filmography.

The takeaway

"Raw Deal" represents an important transition point in Schwarzenegger's career, as he sought to move beyond being typecast as a one-dimensional action star. While the film was not a commercial success, it demonstrated his ability to take on more complex dramatic roles, which would serve him well in future blockbusters.