James Cameron's first big movie is much an indie film, and it even plays like one at times. But it's also one hell of an action flick and sci-fi story. Subsequent outings had bigger budgets.
Schwarzenegger as the half-robot killer is sent back in time to assassinate the woman whose son leads the revolution against the machines in the future.
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
A technological breakthrough when it was released in 1991, and still one of the all-time great action films, the second Terminator movie arrived seven years after its predecessor.
The story picks up with T1 heroine Sarah Connor protecting her son from the badass T-1000, capable of turning itself into a puddle of oozing liquid metal and on a mission to kill Sarah's 10-year-old.
Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines
Arguably the least successful film from the franchise. It piles on the action, essentially going nonstop from the first scene.
Once again, Skynet has sent a Terminator back in time to wipe out future resistance. And once again Arnold Schwarzenegger is sent back by the good guys to protect John Connor.
Terminator: Salvation
The fourth Terminator movie breaks from the basic premise of the other films, instead centering on the war between Skynet and the resistance fighters referenced in the other chapter
Director McG, best known for his work on two 'Charlie's Angels' films, keeps things moving, though it all seems light compared to the first two outings.
Terminator: Genisys
The fifth Terminator movie is just like the first one, but with a twist.. This time after Kyle Reese is sent back in time to protect Sarah Connor.
The altered timeline gives the franchise a temporary jolt, but the movie eventually settles into familiar territory, including, once again, Schwarzenegger as a protective T-800.
Terminator: Dark Fate
Watch this space for Ternimator Dark: Fate exclusive interviews from Seoul, South Korea and reviews!
For one last ride, they're coming back. And we certainly can't wait.