Release order
Begin with The Terminator and Terminator 2. After that, use release order to see how each sequel reimagined the consequences of Judgment Day.
Futures worth fighting for
One warning.
Several futures.
A warning from tomorrow begins as a lean chase thriller, then branches into competing versions of the future. The first two films are common ground; the later sequels are best treated as alternative continuations.
Terminator1984–2019About 12 hours
Before you press play
Two ways in.
One great journey.
Story order
Terminator 3 leads into Salvation. Genisys resets events from the beginning, while Dark Fate continues directly from T2 and sets the other sequels aside. We keep those branches separate.
The films / 6 theatrical releases
Terminator
Your viewing guide.
Release order · US theatrical dates where available. Story order is an editorial viewing suggestion.
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The Terminator
A human survivor and a machine arrive from the future with opposing missions.
Directed by James Cameron
With Arnold Schwarzenegger, Michael Biehn, Linda HamiltonUS theatrical release:
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Terminator 2: Judgment Day
The chase reverses roles and expands the stakes for Sarah and John.
Directed by James Cameron
With Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Edward FurlongUS theatrical release:
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Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines
A later sequel follows John as another machine threat approaches.
Directed by Jonathan Mostow
With Arnold Schwarzenegger, Nick Stahl, Claire DanesUS theatrical release:
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Terminator Salvation
The war against the machines moves to the foreground.
Directed by McG
With Christian Bale, Sam Worthington, Moon BloodgoodUS theatrical release:
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Terminator Genisys
Revisits the original mission through an altered timeline.
Directed by Alan Taylor
With Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jason Clarke, Emilia ClarkeUS theatrical release:
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Terminator: Dark Fate
A direct T2 continuation that disregards the earlier sequel branches.
Directed by Tim Miller
With Linda Hamilton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mackenzie DavisUS theatrical release:
Search Amazon for Blu-ray for Terminator: Dark Fate (opens in a new tab)Paid link · Search resultsCheck the film, disc format, included cuts, and US playback compatibility.
Guide notes & sources
Editorial review: . Released theatrical features only; television, shorts, direct-to-video titles, and unreleased films are excluded. Story order follows each whole film’s main narrative. This guide is not a content rating or age recommendation.
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