The Terminator poster

Cast

Michael Biehn profile

Michael Biehn

Kyle Reese

Linda Hamilton profile

Linda Hamilton

Sarah Connor

Earl Boen profile

Earl Boen

Silberman

Dick Miller profile

Dick Miller

Pawnshop Clerk

Bruce M. Kerner profile

Bruce M. Kerner

Desk Sergeant

Franco Columbu profile

Franco Columbu

Future Terminator

Bill Paxton profile

Bill Paxton

Punk Leader

Ken Fritz profile

Ken Fritz

Policeman

Tom Oberhaus profile

Tom Oberhaus

Policeman

Ed Dogans profile

Ed Dogans

Cop in Alley

Joe Farago profile

Joe Farago

TV Anchorman

Hettie Lynne Hurtes profile

Hettie Lynne Hurtes

TV Anchorwoman

Tony Mirelez profile

Tony Mirelez

Station Attendant

Philip Gordon profile

Philip Gordon

Mexican Boy

Anthony Trujillo profile

Anthony Trujillo

Mexican Boy

Stan Yale profile

Stan Yale

Derelict

Al Kahn profile

Al Kahn

Customer

Details

Status

Released

Original language

en

Countries

GB, US

Budget

$6,400,000

Revenue

$78,371,200

Reviews

John Chard profile pic

A review by John Chard 9

May 7, 2015

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 creaky now but that doesn't matter, they were awesome in 1984. It's a ripper of a story awash with high energy action, rip-snorting characterisations and tech-noir atmospherics. It's place i...

Jodie profile pic

A review by Jodie 10

February 18, 2017

Writing 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 future is sent to the 80's to save the leader of the resistance (John Connor) mother from a High Tech Cybernetic Killing Machine. We all know that. What I loved was that this soldier, Kyle Reese volunteers...

Gimly profile pic

A review by Gimly 9

March 19, 2018

I 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 knock on every movie in the series that came after T2 though).

Schwarzenegger as the titular Terminator is inspired casting. Firstly, any restrictions he had i...

Kamurai profile pic

A review by Kamurai 6

July 29, 2020

Good 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 machine chasing a woman aided by a soldier from the future.

Arnold carries an odd amount of weight as an emotionless cyborg, but Linda Hamilton shores up the rest. I don't think it is ...

GenerationofSwine profile pic

A review by GenerationofSwine 10

January 12, 2023

Here 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 the start you suspended your disbelief because you knew it was going to be one heck of a ride.

The cinematography was absolutely brilliant, everything seemed to fall into place perfectly for the first ...

The Movie Mob profile pic

A review by The Movie Mob 9

February 11, 2023

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 significant impact on pop culture. Many would pick Terminator 2 as the pinnacle of the franchise, but for me, it’s the first one. While T2 made considerable upgrades to the original in every way, The Term...

CinemaSerf profile pic

A review by CinemaSerf 7

March 26, 2023

Arnold 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 plan - and soon the race is on. Meanwhile, "Sarah" (Linda Hamilton) is blissfully unaware that she is a target until the news bulletins start reporting the brutal slaying of her namesakes....

Narate profile pic

A review by Narate 10

January 1, 2025

"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 only is the story fun, but Cameron makes it look so good even back then before he blew up. Arnold is terrifying, Linda Hamilton and Michael Biehn were meant to be and the s...

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