Do you remember the heart-pounding thrill of witnessing Arnold Schwarzenegger wreak havoc onscreen as the unstoppable T-800 cyborg in the iconic ‘Terminator’ movies?
From its inception, this riveting sci-fi franchise has captured our imaginations with its dystopian vision of a future controlled by machines. While we’ve marveled at every explosive action sequence and pondered over mind-bending time travel paradoxes, there’s one aspect that holds undeniable intrigue: the staggering box office success these films have achieved.
Join us as we count down and rank each ‘Terminator’ installment based on their jaw-dropping earnings, reliving the glory days when humanity’s fight against technology pack theaters worldwide!
6Terminator: Dark Fate (2019)
Plot: Decades after Sarah Connor prevented Judgment Day, a lethal new Terminator is sent to eliminate the future leader of the resistance. In a fight to save mankind, battle-hardened Sarah Connor teams up with an unexpected ally and an enhanced super soldier to stop the deadliest Terminator yet.
The most recent installment in the franchise, directed by Tim Miller and featuring the return of Linda Hamilton and Arnold Schwarzenegger, disappointed at the box office. It grossed $261.1 million worldwide, falling short of expectations.
5The Terminator (1984)
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 original ‘Terminator’ film, directed by James Cameron and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, had a relatively modest box office performance, grossing $78.3 million worldwide. However, it gained a cult following over time and is considered a classic in the sci-fi genre.
4Terminator: Genisys (2015)
Plot: The year is 2029. John Connor, leader of the resistance continues the war against the machines. At the Los Angeles offensive, John’s fears of the unknown future begin to emerge when TECOM spies reveal a new plot by SkyNet that will attack him from both fronts; past and future, and will ultimately change warfare forever.
This entry in the franchise faced a lot of criticism but still managed to earn $440.6 million worldwide. It performed better internationally than domestically, with a domestic box office of $89 million.
3Terminator Salvation (2009)
Plot: All grown up in post-apocalyptic 2018, John Connor must lead the resistance of humans against the increasingly dominating militaristic robots. But when Marcus Wright appears, his existence confuses the mission as Connor tries to determine whether Wright has come from the future or the past — and whether he’s friend or foe.
This film, directed by McG and starring Christian Bale, grossed $371.4 million worldwide. However, it received mixed reviews from critics and fans.
2Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003)
Plot: It’s been 10 years since John Connor saved Earth from Judgment Day, and he’s now living under the radar, steering clear of using anything Skynet can trace. That is, until he encounters T-X, a robotic assassin ordered to finish what T-1000 started. Good thing Connor’s former nemesis, the Terminator, is back to aid the now-adult Connor
Despite mixed reviews, this film managed to perform well at the box office, earning $433.4 million worldwide.
1Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
Plot: Nearly 10 years have passed since Sarah Connor was targeted for termination by a cyborg from the future. Now her son, John, the future leader of the resistance, is the target for a newer, more deadly terminator. Once again, the resistance has managed to send a protector back to attempt to save John and his mother Sarah.
This film is considered the most successful entry in the franchise, both critically and commercially. It grossed $519.8 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing film in the series.
Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger,Linda Hamilton,Edward Furlong
*It’s worth noting that these figures are not adjusted for inflation and do not include revenue from home video sales or licensing deals. Additionally, the overall box office performance of the franchise has been declining in recent years.
