The Terminator (1984)
James Cameron's landmark sci-fi thriller pits a relentless cyborg assassin against an ordinary woman whose fate could determine humanity's survival.
The Terminator - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Terminator
- Release Year: 1984
- Directed by: James Cameron
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Thriller, Sci-Fi
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 48m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, Spanish
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 26, 1984 (Canada), October 26, 1984 (United States - R), January 11, 1985 (United Kingdom - 15), March 15, 1985 (Germany - 18), April 17, 1985 (France - TP), December 20, 1984 (Australia - M), March 25, 1985 (Brazil - 14), July 5, 1985 (Mexico - B-15), January 25, 1985 (Italy - T), January 18, 1985 (Spain - 18), December 22, 1984 (South Korea - 19)
- Alternative Titles: El exteminador (PE), Terminaattori (FI), Dödsängeln (SE), Yok edici (TR), เทอร์มิเนเตอร์ (TH), Terminator: El exterminador (MX), Tamineta (JP), El Exterminador (VE)
- Production Companies: Hemdale, Pacific Western
- Production Countries: United Kingdom, United States of America
The Terminator - Plot
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?
The Terminator - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the relentless pursuit begin:
Your future is in its hands.
Where to Watch The Terminator
Looking for where to watch The Terminator?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
The Terminator - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- James Cameron
Main Cast
- Arnold Schwarzenegger
- Michael Biehn
- Linda Hamilton
- Paul Winfield
- Lance Henriksen
- Rick Rossovich
- Bess Motta
- Earl Boen
- Dick Miller
- Shawn Schepps
Writers
- James Cameron
- Gale Anne Hurd
Producers
- Gale Anne Hurd
The Terminator - FAQs
Where can you stream The Terminator online?
The Terminator is available to stream on fuboTV, AMC+, MGM+, Philo, and YouTube TV. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Check JustWatch for current availability in your region.
Is The Terminator based on a true story?
No, The Terminator is entirely fictional. Director James Cameron conceived the idea from a nightmare he had during the production of Piranha II. The story of a time-traveling cyborg assassin is a work of science fiction with no basis in real events.
Who are the main actors in The Terminator?
The Terminator stars Arnold Schwarzenegger as the relentless cyborg assassin, Linda Hamilton as Sarah Connor, and Michael Biehn as Kyle Reese, the soldier sent back in time to protect her. Supporting cast includes Paul Winfield, Lance Henriksen, and Rick Rossovich.
What is the age rating for The Terminator?
The Terminator is rated R in the United States. The film contains strong violence, brief nudity, and language, making it suitable for adult audiences. International ratings vary: it received a 15 certificate in the UK, an 18 in Germany and Spain, and an M rating in Australia.
Did The Terminator win any awards?
The Terminator earned widespread critical acclaim and became a cultural landmark, though it was largely overlooked at major award ceremonies. It won a Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, cementing its genre legacy.
How long is The Terminator?
The Terminator has a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes (108 minutes). The film maintains a relentless pace throughout, blending chase sequences, action set pieces, and character development into a tight, propulsive narrative that rarely lets up from start to finish.
What is the ending of The Terminator explained?
In the climax, Sarah Connor destroys the Terminator by crushing it in a hydraulic press after Kyle Reese sacrifices his life. Sarah survives, pregnant with John Connor — the future resistance leader. The ending confirms the predestination paradox: Kyle is John's father, making the timeline self-fulfilling.
Is there a post-credits scene in The Terminator?
No, The Terminator does not have a post-credits scene. The film concludes with Sarah Connor driving into an approaching storm, recording a message for her unborn son. This haunting final image serves as both a resolution and a setup for the franchise's continuation in Terminator 2: Judgment Day.
More About The Terminator
Explore further details, ratings, and trivia for The Terminator on these authoritative resources.