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The Terminator

The Terminator

Your future is in its hands.

1984107 minRMidcredits score: 98th percentile of all films
Director
James Cameron
Starring
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Michael Biehn, Linda Hamilton, Paul Winfield

In the post-apocalyptic future, reigning tyrannical supercomputers teleport a cyborg assassin known as the "Terminator" back to 1984 to kill Sarah Connor, whose unborn son is destined to lead insurgents against 21st century mechanical hegemony. Meanwhile, the human-resistance movement dispatches a lone warrior to safeguard Sarah. Can he stop the virtually indestructible killing machine?

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Terminator?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Terminator streaming on Pluto TV (free), Prime Video, The Roku Channel (free) and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Terminator?

The Terminator earns 13 badges, led by Top 1% in Action and Stood the test of time.

Show 5 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is The Terminator worth watching?

The Terminator's Midcredits score is the 98th percentile of all films, from 2.2M ratings across 6 sources. 90% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

98th percentile

Better received than 98% of films

99th percentile among Action98th percentile among 1980s
Acclaim (how much people like it)96th
Approval (how many liked it)98th

80 /100

96th percentile of all films

98th percentile among Action98th percentile among 1980s

Critics 84 · Audience 80

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

Most people land high, with a thin tail of low scores from those it didn't reach.

90% liked it

98th percentile of all films

98th percentile among Action98th percentile among 1980s
90% rated it 7–1010% rated it 1–6

Critics 90% · Audience 89%

On Rotten Tomatoes, critics and audiences approve at similar rates.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 8 wins / 13 noms overall

99th percentile

2.2M ratings across platforms

99th percentile among Action99th percentile among 1980s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 41% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$6.4M
Opening weekend$4M
Domestic gross$38M
Worldwide gross$78M

Returned 12.2× its budget — 82nd percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A low-budget but influential sci-fi action film that mixes chase-thriller tension with a killer-machine premise and strong Arnold Schwarzenegger presence.

Fans praised

  • Arnold's iconic, physical performance as the Terminator
  • Taut, relentless pacing with palpable dread and tension
  • Clever fusion of sci-fi, action, and horror on a low budget

Detractors panned

  • Thin character writing outside the antagonist
  • Pacing feels uneven in stretches
  • Some cheap, dated production values

What stands out

Originality85

Fresh twist on killer-robot and time-travel tropes; hugely influential

Tension85

Unrelenting chase and survival stakes keep the suspense high

Atmosphere82

Grimy, dread-soaked LA nightscape; palpable sense of menace

ActingDivisive78

Schwarzenegger's minimalist menace is iconic; supporting cast solid but less memorable

PacingDivisive76

Tense and relentless overall, but some mid-film lulls

Plot and story74

Time-travel assassination premise is original and clear, though logic gets paradoxical

Effects and spectacleDivisive72

Impressive practical effects and stop-motion for 1984, though not T2-level

CharactersDivisive62

The Terminator is a great villain; Sarah Connor and Kyle Reese are archetypal but lightly sketched

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 14 points higher than women.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Under-30s vs over-30s 7 points apart
  • Critics vs users 3 points apart
  • US vs non-US even

Watch experience

What is The Terminator like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Scary: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want to be scared.

It is intense, never lets up and leaves you haunted.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Scary.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseDreadThrilling
Heaviest: throughout
Register
Bleak · 8% of filmsBrutal · 7% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film presents its dystopian premise and relentless violence with earnest intensity, never winking at the audience.
The rideThe film sustains a high-pressure chase from the opening to the final confrontation, with dread and tension dominating nearly every scene.
StructureThe story unfolds in chronological order from the arrival of the Terminator and Reese through the final confrontation.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Haunted.

Haunting · 14% of filmsUnsettling
Why it leaves you this wayThe relentless menace of the Terminator and the grim future it represents linger, while the tragic love story adds a bittersweet undertone.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).MonsterPredator
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% (this title) · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Predator: A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).

21% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe story follows Sarah Connor hunted by an unstoppable cyborg assassin sent from the future, with Kyle Reese protecting her as they flee through Los Angeles.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfSurvival
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15% (this title): Survival 17% (this title) · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% (this title) · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Survival

SurvivalFate · 1% of films
Warns its theme: Presents its theme as a danger or a coming cost.Global stakes: Consequences reach the world.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores the primal fight for survival against an unstoppable machine, while also examining themes of destiny and the human will to endure.
StanceThe film warns about the dangers of unchecked technology and nuclear war, while focusing on Sarah and Kyle's desperate fight against a seemingly unstoppable machine.

The world

Contemporary
ElectronicOrchestral modernSupportive music · original score · Brad Fiedel
SettingLos Angeles in 1984, where a cyborg assassin from a post-apocalyptic future hunts a young waitress
MusicThe pulsing, minimalist synth score, especially the iconic main theme, perfectly captures the relentless mechanical menace of the Terminator.

Content guide

Is The Terminator okay for kids?

R

The Terminator is rated R. As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at severe (83/100), sexual content at intense (67/100), language at intense (65/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (33/100) and frightening material at intense (75/100). Overall it is heavier than 71% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 20 other countries
  • UK18
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany16
  • FranceTP
  • Ireland18
  • South Korea19
  • Brazil14
  • Denmark15
  • FinlandK-16
  • Hungary18
  • ItalyT
  • MexicoB-15
  • Netherlands16
  • Norway15
  • Poland18
  • PortugalM/16
  • Russia16+
  • Spain18
  • Sweden15
  • Switzerland18
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 82% of all filmsHeavier than 71% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Severe
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 71%
Sex & Nudity
Intense
heavy for an R-rated film
heavier than 83%
Profanity
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 48%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 25%
Frightening / Intense
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 71%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Heavy almost across the board: violence, frightening material, sexual content, and language. Everything else sits at or below what R-rated films usually carry.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does The Terminator have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Terminator?

Cast

Arnold Schwarzenegger
as Terminator
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Michael Biehn
as Kyle Reese
Breakout: Their highest-reaching film role at the time, and they went on to a career at least 3 times their standing then.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Linda Hamilton
as Sarah Connor
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Paul Winfield
as Traxler
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Lance Henriksen
as Vukovich
newcomer then · star now
Rick Rossovich
as Matt
Breakout: Their highest-reaching film role at the time, and they went on to a career at least 3 times their standing then.
Bess Motta
as Ginger
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Earl Boen
as Silberman
Dick Miller
as Pawn Shop Clerk
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Shawn Schepps
as Nancy
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like The Terminator?

Movies like The Terminator include Terminator: Dark Fate (2019), Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003) and Miracle Mile (1988). Of the 12 closest matches, most are sci-fi films, and several are films about fate.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

8 of these 12 share its world: dystopian. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with The Terminator?

291 other films share the rarest tag below, up against: robot or ai. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.