The TerminatorComplete Watch Order Guide
A series of science-fiction films about the futuristic conflict between the humans led by John Connor and the Terminators that are made and controlled by Skynet, a self-aware super computer that started Armageddon and may indeed end humanity for good. Skynet's most well-known products in its genocidal goals are the various terminator models, such as the T-800 (Model 101).
The Terminator Release Timeline
What order should you watch the The Terminator movies?
Release order — click any era to expand or collapse. All 6 movies shown below.
1 film released between 1984 and 1984.
1 film released between 1991 and 1991.
1 film released between 2003 and 2003.
1 film released between 2009 and 2009.
2 films released between 2015 and 2019.
Watch The Terminator in Order
Watch the The Terminator movies in release order, starting with The Terminator (1984) and continuing through Terminator: Dark Fate (2019). The series spans 6 films, released between 1984 and 2019. Audiences rate the franchise 6.8/10 on average.
What order should you watch The Terminator?
For most viewers, release order is the recommended way to watch The Terminator. This is how the story was crafted and revealed to audiences — earlier films seed details, callbacks, and twists that pay off in later entries. Watching in release order preserves those reveals and matches the pacing the filmmakers intended.
The Terminator largely tracks its own in-universe chronology, so release order and chronological order overlap closely. You can use either without losing much, though release order is still the safest first watch.
About The Terminator
A series of science-fiction films about the futuristic conflict between the humans led by John Connor and the Terminators that are made and controlled by Skynet, a self-aware super computer that started Armageddon and may indeed end humanity for good. Skynet's most well-known products in its genocidal goals are the various terminator models, such as the T-800 (Model 101).
Each film builds on the previous one, rewarding viewers who watch in sequence.
The Terminator Fun Facts & Trivia
The The Terminator franchise spans 35 years, from 1984 to 2019.
The highest-rated entry is Terminator 2: Judgment Day with a 8.2/10 audience score.
Across all films, the franchise averages a 6.8/10 rating from audiences.
The Terminator films have collected over 59k audience ratings combined.
Watching all 6 The Terminator films back-to-back takes well over a full day's viewing commitment.
The most recent entry, Terminator: Dark Fate (2019), continues a franchise that began 35 years earlier.
Frequently Asked Questions
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More Movies in Order
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