The Terminator
A cyborg assassin from the future attempts to find and kill a young woman who is destined to give birth to a warrior that will lead a resistance to save humankind from extinction.
Directed by James Cameron · Action · Adventure · Sci-Fi · 107 min · 1984
Trailer
Director
James Cameron
Writer
James Cameron, Gale Anne Hurd
Studio
Hemdale Film Corporation{{Cite web / title=THE TERMINATOR (1984) / url=https://catalog.afi.com/Catalog/MovieDetails/57224 / url-status=live / archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430215732/https://catalog.afi.com/Catalog/MovieDetails/57224 / archive-date=April 30, 2019 / access-date=July 18, 2026 / website=AFI Catalog of Feature Films / publisher=American Film Institute}}{{Cite web / title=The Terminator (1984) / url=https://collections-search.bfi.org.uk/web/Details/ChoiceFilmWorks/150311449 / url-status=live / archive-date=July 19, 2019 / access-date=July 18, 2026 / website=British Film Institute / Pacific Western Productions
Release
26 Oct 1984
Runtime
107 min
Genres
Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Full Plot
Sent back from a dystopian 2029--where the cold machines have conquered the entire world--to 1984 Los Angeles, the indestructible cyborg-assassin known as the "Terminator" commences his deadly mission to kill humankind's most important woman: the unsuspecting Sarah Connor. However, from the same war-torn post-apocalyptic future comes a battle-scarred defender--Kyle Reese, a brave soldier of the human Resistance Army--bent on stopping the cybernetic killer from eliminating the world's last hope. But, the Terminator has no feelings, he doesn't sleep, and above all, he won't stop until he carries out his grim task. Does our future lie in our past?
Cast & Characters
The Terminator, a cybernetic android disguised as a human male that is sent back in time to assassinate Sarah Connor.
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Sarah Connor, a young diner waitress and the Terminator's target, who is soon to be the mother of the future leader of the resistance, John.
Linda Hamilton
Kyle Reese, a member of the resistance against Skynet sent back in time to protect Sarah.
Michael Biehn
Ed Traxler, a police lieutenant who tries to protect Sarah.
Paul Winfield
Hal Vukovich, a member of the Los Angeles Police Department.
Lance Henriksen
Ginger, Sarah's roommate whom the Terminator murders after mistaking her for Sarah.
Bess Motta
Matt, Ginger's boyfriend whom the Terminator murders.
Rick Rossovich
Doctor Peter Silberman, a criminal psychologist.
Earl Boen
Did You Know?
Made on an estimated budget of $6.4M, The Terminator has grossed $78.4M worldwide — about 12.2x its budget.
Source: TMDb API · verified 2026-08-02
The Terminator is part of TMDb's "The Terminator Collection."
Source: TMDb API · verified 2026-08-02
James Cameron has directed 4 films in our catalog, including Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Avatar: Fire and Ash.
Source: theIReview.com catalog · verified 2026-08-02
Did You Know that James Cameron had a dream about a metallic torso holding kitchen knives dragging itself from an explosion while falling ill during the release of Piranha II: The Spawning.
Source: Wikipedia · verified 2026-08-13
Did You Know that Cameron's agent disliked the early concept of the horror film and requested that he work on something else, leading Cameron to dismiss his agent.
Source: Wikipedia · verified 2026-08-13
Did You Know that Cameron enlisted his friend Bill Wisher, who had a similar approach to storytelling, to help translate the draft into a script for The Terminator.
Source: Wikipedia · verified 2026-08-13
Did You Know that Cameron gave Wisher scenes involving Sarah Connor and the police department to write, and they communicated ideas by phoning each other and recording phone calls of them reading new scenes.
Source: Wikipedia · verified 2026-08-13
Critical Assessment
The Terminator holds 8.1/10 on IMDb (996,325 votes), 90% on Rotten Tomatoes, 84/100 on Metacritic.
Not enough independent critic/audience score breakdown available.
Ratings as of July 30, 2026
Where to Watch
United States
United Kingdom
India
Streaming data from JustWatch via TMDb. Availability changes often — confirm on the provider before watching.
AI Verdict
AI-generatedBased on aggregated scores (8.1/10 on IMDb (996,325 votes), 90% on Rotten Tomatoes, 84/100 on Metacritic), this is a data-driven snapshot rather than an editorial take.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Terminator's Rotten Tomatoes score?+
The Terminator holds a 90% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes.
What is The Terminator's IMDb rating?+
The Terminator has a 8.1/10 rating on IMDb from 996,325 votes.
What is The Terminator's Metacritic score?+
The Terminator has a Metascore of 84/100 on Metacritic.
Is The Terminator good? What are critics saying?+
The Terminator holds 8.1/10 on IMDb (996,325 votes), 90% on Rotten Tomatoes, 84/100 on Metacritic.
How long is The Terminator?+
The Terminator has a runtime of 107 min.
Who directed The Terminator?+
The Terminator was directed by James Cameron.
Where can I watch The Terminator?+
The Terminator is available to stream, rent, or buy on HBO Max Amazon Channel, MGM+ Amazon Channel, Cinemax Amazon Channel, HBO Max, Cinemax Apple TV Channel, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand, Plex, MGM Plus Amazon Channel, Rakuten TV, Sky Store.
Fan & Critic Buzz
Reviews praised the film's visuals, particularly its practical effects, citing James Cameron's mastery of sci-fi action and world building as a standout quality. Many also noted that the movie has aged well, with some reviewers describing it as "beautiful", "tragic", and "iconic". The reviews were generally positive, with some critics calling it a "must-see" classic.
Viewer Reviews (TMDb)
I can't. Nobody goes home. Nobody else comes through. It's just him - and me. It's funny really, writing a review for The Terminator these days just feels a little pointless, I mean anyone who wanted to see it would have done so already. In truth the effects work is a little crea…
John Chard · 9/10Writing a review for a movie this old does indeed seem pointless, but since this is one of my favorite films I thought I would review it anyway. In my opinion The Terminator is a beautiful, yet tragic love story set in the back drop of the future and the past. A soldier from the…
Jodie · 10/10I know saying this puts me in the minority, but the first _Terminator_ movie is actually my favourite of the franchise. That's not a knock on the second movie, _Judgment Day_ is **awesome**. But I really dig the lower down, dark, sci-fi horror vibe of the original (it **is** a kn…
Gimly · 9/10Good watch, might watch again, and can recommend. I have no idea what just happened, I just watched the 2020 version, and it doesn't even look better, and there doesn't seem be a lot of info on the situation. It has decent practical effects, it's a got plenty of action in a machi…
Kamurai · 6/10Here we go, the movie that started it all and wasn't Arnold believable as a robot? He came across as threatening and creepy as all get out, and the thick accent really played for the role. And then, of course, the plot was so unbelievable that it sucked everyone right in, from th…
GenerationofSwine · 10/10**James Cameron’s first film immediately showcases his unparalleled mastery of sci-fi action films and world building making The Terminator the gold standard of sci-fi thrillers.** The Terminator franchise has its ups and downs, but it’s hard to deny its iconic status and signifi…
The Movie Mob · 9/10Arnold Schwarzenegger arrives in 1984 Los Angeles, in his birthday suit, and on a mission. Firstly, to get some clothes then to eliminate all the "Sarah Connor" folks listed in the phone book. Moments later "Kyle" (Michael Biehn) arrives with the aim of thwarting this dastardly p…
CinemaSerf · 7/10"_It can't be bargained with. It can't be reasoned with. It doesn't feel pity, or remorse, or fear. And it absolutely will not stop... ever, until you are dead!_" What's there to say that hasn't been said already? It's an incredible sci-fi thriller that is so good because not onl…
Narate · 10/1090/100 The future, being controlled by machines but losing to the human resistance, sends back a Terminator to kill the resistance leader's mother before she gives birth to him and the resistance sends back a soldier to save her. One of the classic thrillers of the 80's by newcom…
Dr Nostromo · 9/10
From the trailer's comments
A cybernetic assassin sent back in time from 2029 to 1984. It's 2026 and we are closer to the reality of robots/AI taking over everything.
@Oma6776 · 231 likesBelieve it or not, this movie is now older than Arnold was when he was in the movie (he was 37 in 1984)
@johnpark7972 · 218 likesHappy 40th anniversary, _The Terminator._
@devinmceachern · 240 likesThe fact that 2029 is only 5 years away is crazy
@boxingfish889 · 834 likesThis is one of those films that literally changed cinema. James Cameron had no idea what timeless work of art he was making. Thank you, James and Arnold!
@radupopescu2370 · 289 likes40 Years of Terminator
@vincently1995 · 552 likesOn This Day The Terminator (1984) was released in Theaters. Happy 40th Anniversary
@moviechannel2010 · 88 likesThis is still one of my all time favourite films! Michael Biehn is brilliant as Reece
@simondix7154 · 58 likes
