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Franchise · 6 films · 1984–2019

The Terminator Movies in Order

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).

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Complete Watch OrderFranchise Overview

The Saga Timeline

The Terminator Watch Order

Release order
6
Total Films
1984
First Release
2019
Latest Release
6.8
Avg Rating

Every Film

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.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What order should I watch The Terminator?
The recommended The Terminator watch order by release date is: 1. The Terminator (1984), 2. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), 3. Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003), 4. Terminator Salvation (2009), 5. Terminator Genisys (2015), 6. Terminator: Dark Fate (2019).
What is the first The Terminator movie?
The first The Terminator movie is The Terminator, released on October 26, 1984.
What is the most recent The Terminator movie?
The most recent The Terminator movie is Terminator: Dark Fate (2019).
How many The Terminator movies are there?
There are 6 movies in the The Terminator franchise.
What is the highest-rated The Terminator movie?
The highest-rated The Terminator movie is Terminator 2: Judgment Day, with an audience score of 8.2/10 on TMDB.
Do I need to watch The Terminator movies in order?
While each The Terminator movie can be enjoyed on its own, watching them in order gives you the full story progression and character development across all 6 films.
Where can I watch The Terminator movies online?
Most The Terminator movies are available on Amazon Prime Video. Each movie on this page has a direct "Watch on Amazon" link.
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