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Terminator Salvation

Play trailer Poster for Terminator Salvation PG-13 2009 1h 56m Sci-Fi Action Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
33% Tomatometer 277 Reviews 53% Popcornmeter 250,000+ Ratings
Although Judgment Day has in fact occurred, the future for which John Connor (Christian Bale) was prepared has been partly altered by the appearance of a stranger named Marcus Wright (Sam Worthington). Connor must determine if Wright has been rescued from the past, or sent from the future. As the machines prepare for a final battle, Connor and Wright delve deep into Skynet's heart, uncovering a secret that could lead to the annihilation of mankind.
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Terminator Salvation

Terminator Salvation

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Critics Consensus

With storytelling as robotic as the film's iconic villains, Terminator Salvation offers plenty of great effects but lacks the heart of the original films.

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Critics Reviews

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Candice Frederick Reel Talk Online Sep 12, 2017
B
It was good, but not great. Go to Full Review Joshua Rothkopf Time Out Nov 17, 2011
2/5
Missing is Cameron's signature action modification, best exploited in Aliens: the strapping female heroine. McG's testosterone-juiced world feels a little doomed without her. Go to Full Review Laremy Legel Film.com May 6, 2011
D+
It brings me very little joy to report that this version of the popular Terminator franchise is silly, obtuse, and pointless. Go to Full Review Brian Eggert Deep Focus Review Sep 19, 2023
1.5/4
This rather cold exercise contains a synthesized quality and feels like it was executed by an artificial intelligence. Go to Full Review Keith Garlington Keith & the Movies Aug 25, 2022
4/5
I liked “Terminator Salvation” and while it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, I think it has a place in the series. Go to Full Review Mike Massie Gone With The Twins Nov 29, 2020
6/10
No tricky time travel finds its way into the plot - and, perhaps, such complexities are exactly the ideas that are missing. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Mike Oct 8, 2021 loved whole experience See more Dylan R @Dylanlovesmovies 8 hrs ago Averge movie. Watch if like good action lots of shootouts and a fan of the franchise.Skip if want the classic time travel formula and want a good story. See more Nathan J @NathanDirector Aug 29, 2026 Rated: 6/10 ⭐️ I threw this on because today is in-universe Judgement Day, so I had to do a thematic rewatch. I honestly like this gritty take; it brings a cool war-torn vibe despite a super messy story. What Worked: • Bale and Worthington bring intense energy that fits the bleak future perfectly. • McG’s practical effects and real sets make the robot fights feel super tactile. • The Moto-Terminators’ sound and visuals give them a terrifying, raw edge. The Friction: • The Skynet base infiltration really dragged for me and felt way too rushed. • Connor’s arc felt flat; I honestly just wanted more of his internal struggles. • The CGI Arnold cameo completely pulled me out of it and looked super jarring. Verdict: Watch for a heavy, practical-effects-driven action flick. Skip if you prefer classic time-travel tropes or a deep story. See more penzodo T @RT15757770 Aug 10, 2026 Extremely underrated and overhated by many fans. It was actually pretty good. See more freddie T @Splatface101 Jul 30, 2026 OH HEELLL YEAAHH this movie's great even though it didn't have Arnie in it. See more diogo13 T @Tua_mera Jul 12, 2026 A weak sci-fi film that squanders its future-war setting with a muddled plot, uncharismatic performances, and a very dull, gray aesthetic. See more Read all reviews
Terminator Salvation

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Cast & Crew

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McG

Director

Christian Bale

John Connor

Sam Worthington

Marcus Wright

Moon Bloodgood

Blair Williams

Helena Bonham Carter

Dr. Serena Kogen

Anton Yelchin

Kyle Reese

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Terminator Salvation

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Movie Info

Synopsis Although Judgment Day has in fact occurred, the future for which John Connor (Christian Bale) was prepared has been partly altered by the appearance of a stranger named Marcus Wright (Sam Worthington). Connor must determine if Wright has been rescued from the past, or sent from the future. As the machines prepare for a final battle, Connor and Wright delve deep into Skynet's heart, uncovering a secret that could lead to the annihilation of mankind.
Director
McG
Producer
Moritz Borman, Derek Anderson, Victor Kubicek, Jeffrey Silver
Screenwriter
John D. Brancato, Michael Ferris
Distributor
Warner Bros.
Production Co
Moritz Borman
Rating
PG-13 (Intense Sci-Fi Violence|Intense Sci-Fi Action|Language)
Genre
Sci-Fi, Action
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
May 21, 2009, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 22, 2011
Box Office (Gross USA)
$125.3M
Runtime
1h 56m
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