If you’re a fan of the Terminator series, you might be wondering the best way to watch these iconic sci-fi films. The Terminator movies follow a complex timeline, featuring time travel and a mix of different characters across various eras. To watch the Terminator movies in chronological order, start with “The Terminator” (1984), followed by “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” (1991), and so on.
Knowing the order can enhance your viewing experience and help you understand the storyline better. From the rise of Skynet to the battles against the machines, each movie adds depth to this thrilling saga.
By watching in chronological order, you can see the evolution of the characters and the unfolding of key events. Whether you’re re-watching or seeing them for the first time, this order will make the epic story clearer and more engaging.
Terminator Movies in Release Order
| S.no | Movies | Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Terminator | October 26, 1984 |
| 2 | Terminator 2: Judgment Day | July 3, 1991 |
| 3 | Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines | July 2, 2003 |
| 4 | Terminator Salvation | May 21, 2009 |
| 5 | Terminator Genisys | July 1, 2015 |
| 6 | Terminator: Dark Fate | November 1, 2019 |
Terminator Movies in Chronological Order
1. The Terminator (1984)
The Terminator, released on October 26, 1984, is a classic sci-fi movie directed by James Cameron. It stars Arnold Schwarzenegger as the Terminator, a cyborg assassin sent from the future.
The film follows a human soldier named Kyle Reese, played by Michael Biehn. He travels from the year 2029 to 1984 to protect Sarah Connor, portrayed by Linda Hamilton. The Terminator’s mission is to kill Sarah because her future son will lead a resistance against the machines.
The film opens with a bleak future where machines rule. Kyle Reese arrives in 1984 and finds Sarah Connor. The Terminator relentlessly hunts Sarah.
The movie is known for its intense action scenes and memorable lines. One of the most famous lines is “I’ll be back,” spoken by Arnold Schwarzenegger. This movie helped launch both Schwarzenegger’s and Cameron’s careers.
IMDb Rating 8.1/10
2. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) is a key film in the Terminator series. Directed by James Cameron, this movie is known for its groundbreaking special effects and thrilling storyline.
The plot follows Sarah Connor and her son, John. They are pursued by a new, advanced terminator called the T-1000. The T-1000, made of liquid metal, can morph into any shape. This makes it a formidable enemy. Meanwhile, a reprogrammed T-800, played by Arnold Schwarzenegger, is sent back to protect John.
The movie explores themes of fate and free will. It questions whether the future can be changed or if it is set in stone. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) also delves into the bond between humans and machines. John forms a father-son relationship with the T-800.
IMDb Rating 8.6/10
3. Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003)
Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines is a 2003 science fiction action film. This movie is the third in the Terminator series. Directed by Jonathan Mostow, it follows the events of Terminator 2: Judgment Day.
In this film, you see Arnold Schwarzenegger return as the Terminator. He is sent back in time to protect John Connor and Kate Brewster. They are targeted by a new and advanced Terminator known as the T-X.
The plot focuses on stopping Skynet from launching a nuclear attack. Unlike the previous films, the story shows a more advanced model of Terminator—T-X. The T-X has more deadly capabilities and can control other machines.
IMDb Rating 6.3/10
4. Terminator Salvation (2009)
Terminator Salvation is the fourth movie in the Terminator series. It came out in 2009. The movie is directed by McG and stars Christian Bale and Sam Worthington.
This movie takes you to the year 2018. The story shows a post-apocalyptic world where machines rule. John Connor, played by Christian Bale, is a key leader in the human resistance.
In the movie, you will also meet Marcus Wright, played by Sam Worthington. Marcus is a mysterious man with no memory of his past. As the story unfolds, you learn more about him and his ties to the machines.
The movie focuses more on action and special effects. You will see intense scenes and battles between humans and machines. The film has a darker tone compared to the earlier movies.
This entry in the franchise adds new layers to the Terminator storyline. It helps you understand the ongoing battle between humans and machines. The movie is key to the series’ lore and sets the stage for future events.
IMDb Rating 6.5/10
5. Terminator: Dark Fate (2019)
Terminator: Dark Fate was released on November 1, 2019. Directed by Tim Miller, the movie marks a significant point in the Terminator series.
This movie is unique as it ignores the events of the previous sequels: Terminator 3, Terminator Salvation, and Terminator Genisys. Instead, it serves as a direct sequel to Terminator 2: Judgment Day. This means it continues the story of Sarah Connor and John Connor after their victory over Skynet in 1997.
The main plot follows Sarah Connor and a new augmented human, Grace. Their mission is to stop an advanced liquid Terminator called the Rev-9. The Rev-9 is sent from the future to kill a young girl named Dani Ramos, whose fate is essential to the survival of humanity.
IMDb Rating 6.2/10
6. Terminator Genisys (2015)
Terminator Genisys is the fifth movie in the Terminator series. It was released on July 1, 2015. This movie offers a fresh take on the timeline.
The film starts in the year 2029. John Connor sends Kyle Reese back to 1984 to save his mother, Sarah Connor. When Reese arrives, he discovers things are not what he expected.
Sarah Connor is already aware of the Terminators. She has been preparing for years with the help of a reprogrammed T-800, known as “Pops.” The film offers thrilling action scenes and reimagines iconic moments from the original movies. Its unique storyline makes it a notable entry in the series.
IMDb Rating 6.3/10
Frequently Asked Questions
Which entry in the Terminator series is considered the best by fans and critics?
Many fans and critics often regard “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” as the best movie in the series. The film is praised for its action sequences, story, and character development. Directed by James Cameron, it introduced new special effects that were groundbreaking at the time.
How does Terminator: Salvation relate to the events of Terminator 3?
“Terminator: Salvation” takes place after “Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines.” It portrays a post-apocalyptic world after Skynet has triggered Judgment Day. You see John Connor taking a leadership role in the human resistance against Skynet. The movie dives deeper into the war between humans and machines.
Has there been a release of a Terminator 7, and where does it fit in the series?
As of now, there has not been a release of a “Terminator 7.” The most recent film in the series is “Terminator: Dark Fate,” which serves as a direct sequel to “Terminator 2: Judgment Day.” This film ignores the events of the movies released after the second installment and brings back the original characters.