Terminator Salvation

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Terminator Salvation

PG-13

2009

1h 56m

Sci-Fi

Action

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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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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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Candice Frederick

Reel Talk Online

Sep 12, 2017

B

It was good, but not great.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Mike

Oct 8, 2021

loved whole experience

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Moody C

@MoodyC Oct 30, 2026

Director seems to be from Michael Bay’s director school. Loud & lots of explosions. Action is just too in your face. Worthington is worse than Keanu Reeves. Even Bale seems to be monotonous, joyless, & boring. Even Arnie is CG & not real actor. Only good things here are explanation for John Connor’s scars (good continuity) & Kyle Reese actor looks like original Reese (good casting).

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Dylan R

@Dylanlovesmovies Sep 27, 2026

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.

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Nathan J

@TribianiRamoray 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.

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penzodo T

@RT15757770 Aug 10, 2026

Extremely underrated and overhated by many fans. It was actually pretty good.

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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.

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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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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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