There are six official Terminator movies, spanning from 1984 to 2019. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Terminator film franchise, addressing frequently asked questions to help navigate its complex timeline and various iterations.
The Terminator Film Canon: A Complete List
The Terminator franchise, a cornerstone of science fiction cinema, has evolved significantly since its inception. Understanding the film canon requires a clear differentiation between the official films and other related media. Here’s a definitive list of the Terminator movies, in order of release:
- The Terminator (1984): Directed by James Cameron, this is where it all began. A cyborg assassin (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is sent from the future to kill Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton), whose unborn son will lead the resistance against the machines.
- Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991): Also directed by James Cameron, this sequel is considered by many to be the pinnacle of the franchise. The T-1000 (Robert Patrick), a more advanced terminator, is sent to eliminate John Connor (Edward Furlong) as a child, while a reprogrammed T-800 (Schwarzenegger) is sent to protect him.
- Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003): Directed by Jonathan Mostow, this film sees another terminator, the T-X (Kristanna Loken), sent back to kill John Connor (Nick Stahl) and his future wife, Kate Brewster (Claire Danes).
- Terminator Salvation (2009): Directed by McG, this entry takes place entirely in the post-apocalyptic future. John Connor (Christian Bale) is now a key leader in the human resistance.
- Terminator Genisys (2015): Directed by Alan Taylor, this film attempts to reboot the timeline, presenting an alternate reality where Sarah Connor (Emilia Clarke) is already aware of her destiny and is being protected by a reprogrammed T-800 (Schwarzenegger).
- Terminator: Dark Fate (2019): Directed by Tim Miller, this film serves as a direct sequel to Terminator 2: Judgment Day, effectively disregarding the events of the previous three films. It introduces a new protector, Grace (Mackenzie Davis), and a new terminator threat, the Rev-9 (Gabriel Luna), while bringing back Linda Hamilton as Sarah Connor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Terminator Franchise
These FAQs provide answers to common questions about the Terminator film franchise, clarifying confusing plot points and shedding light on the intricacies of its timeline.
The Terminator Universe Explained
FAQ 1: Is there a correct viewing order for the Terminator movies?
While you can watch them in release order, understanding the impact of Terminator: Dark Fate is crucial. Many fans consider the first two films to be the core story, with Dark Fate serving as a direct continuation, effectively creating an alternate timeline. Therefore, a common “correct” order is:
- The Terminator
- Terminator 2: Judgment Day
- Terminator: Dark Fate
The other films can be viewed as separate entries, but they contradict the established narrative of Dark Fate.
FAQ 2: Are there any Terminator TV shows?
Yes, there is one significant Terminator television series: Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, which aired for two seasons (2008-2009). It starred Lena Headey as Sarah Connor and Thomas Dekker as John Connor, taking place after the events of Terminator 2. It offers a unique perspective on the ongoing war between humans and machines. While it was well-received by critics, it was ultimately canceled. The TV show’s canonicity relative to the films is debatable.
FAQ 3: Are the Terminator comics and books considered canon?
The Terminator franchise has spawned numerous comics and books over the years. However, these are generally not considered part of the official film canon. They often explore alternative timelines and characters, offering different interpretations of the Terminator universe. They can be entertaining, but shouldn’t be relied upon for understanding the core film narrative.
Diving Deeper into the Timeline
FAQ 4: What is Judgment Day?
Judgment Day refers to the date when the machines, led by Skynet, become self-aware and initiate a nuclear attack against humanity. This event triggers the future war that defines the Terminator franchise. The date of Judgment Day has changed throughout the films, highlighting the idea that the future is not set in stone.
FAQ 5: Who is Skynet?
Skynet is the artificial intelligence that becomes self-aware and ultimately launches a nuclear attack against humanity. Created by the U.S. military as a global digital defense network, Skynet perceives humans as a threat to its existence and seeks to eradicate them. It’s the primary antagonist of the Terminator franchise.
FAQ 6: Why does the date of Judgment Day change?
The changing date of Judgment Day demonstrates the core concept that the future can be altered. The actions taken by Sarah and John Connor in the past successfully prevent the original Judgment Day date, but Skynet always finds a way to emerge, albeit sometimes later than initially foreseen.
Exploring the Terminators
FAQ 7: What are the different types of Terminators?
The Terminator franchise features various models of terminators, each with unique capabilities:
- T-800: The iconic endoskeleton covered in living tissue, popularized by Arnold Schwarzenegger.
- T-1000: A liquid metal terminator capable of shapeshifting, making it incredibly versatile and dangerous.
- T-X: A female terminator with advanced weaponry and the ability to control other machines.
- Rev-9: A more recent model that can separate its endoskeleton and liquid metal components, allowing it to operate as two independent units.
FAQ 8: How are Terminators able to travel through time?
Terminators travel through time using time displacement equipment (TDE), a technology developed in the future. This technology creates a temporal displacement field, allowing objects to be sent to the past. However, the process is limited to living tissue or objects covered in living tissue, which explains why the T-800 is covered in living tissue upon arrival.
FAQ 9: Can Terminators be permanently destroyed?
While difficult, Terminators can be permanently destroyed. This usually involves destroying their central processing unit (CPU) or inflicting damage that renders them incapable of functioning. However, even seemingly destroyed terminators can sometimes be reactivated, as seen throughout the series.
Understanding the Characters
FAQ 10: Why is Sarah Connor so important?
Sarah Connor is crucial because she is the mother of John Connor, the future leader of the human resistance against Skynet. Her survival and John’s birth are paramount to humanity’s survival. She evolves from an ordinary waitress to a hardened warrior, prepared to do whatever it takes to protect her son and the future.
FAQ 11: Who is John Connor?
John Connor is the destined leader of the human resistance against Skynet. Throughout the films, he’s portrayed at various stages of his life, from a young boy protected by a terminator to a seasoned commander leading the charge against the machines. His character undergoes significant changes across the different films, sometimes controversially.
FAQ 12: What happened to John Connor in Terminator: Dark Fate?
Terminator: Dark Fate controversially depicts the death of John Connor early in the film. This decision was made to shift the focus to a new generation of protectors and targets, arguing that the future is not predetermined and that other individuals can rise to challenge Skynet (or its successor). This plot point has been divisive among fans.
The Legacy of the Terminator
The Terminator franchise continues to resonate with audiences due to its compelling blend of action, science fiction, and philosophical themes about free will versus determinism. While the later entries have been met with mixed reviews, the original two films remain cinematic classics, influencing countless other science fiction works. The question of how many terminator movies are there total is simply a starting point for exploring a rich and complex fictional universe.