The Terminator Movies: Original Timeline
This watch order follows the linear progression of the original timeline before the franchise began implementing timeline resets and reboots.
The timeline shows the complete arc from John Connor's conception through the future war, ending with humanity's war against the machines in Terminator Salvation. This order provides closure to the fight against Skynet that was established in the first two films.
There are 4 other watch orders available – see the links up above.
The Terminator
A cyborg assassin is sent back in time from a post-apocalyptic future to kill Sarah Connor, whose unborn son is destined to lead the human resistance against machines. A human warrior is also sent back to protect her from the nearly indestructible killing machine.
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
A reprogrammed Terminator is sent back in time to protect young John Connor from a more advanced liquid metal assassin sent to kill him. This explosive sequel delivers groundbreaking special effects and intense action as the future of humanity hangs in the balance.
Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines
A decade after preventing Judgment Day, John Connor faces a new threat when the advanced T-X terminator is sent back in time to eliminate him and other future resistance leaders. The original Terminator returns to protect Connor once again in this action-packed sequel.
Terminator Salvation
In post-apocalyptic 2018, John Connor leads the human resistance against dominating machines, but the arrival of mysterious Marcus Wright forces Connor to question whether this enigmatic figure is an ally or enemy in humanity's fight for survival.
Other Film Series
Divergent
A dystopian trilogy following Tris Prior as she discovers her Divergent nature and leads a rebellion against the faction system controlling post-apocalyptic Chicago.
James Cameron
Canadian filmmaker known for groundbreaking science fiction and technical innovation, director of the highest-grossing films of all time.
Jurassic Universe
The complete dinosaur franchise from Spielberg's original thriller through the modern blockbuster era.
Mad Max
A post-apocalyptic action franchise following the lone warrior Max Rockatansky as he navigates a dangerous wasteland filled with marauders and survivors.
Star Trek
A legendary science fiction franchise spanning multiple generations, following the adventures of Starfleet crews exploring the galaxy and upholding the ideals of the United Federation of Planets.
The Matrix
A groundbreaking sci-fi action series exploring the nature of reality through the story of Neo, a hacker who discovers the world is a computer simulation.