Every Terminator film and series in order
The best order to watch Terminator is story order: start with The Terminator, then Terminator 2: Judgment Day, and finish with Terminator: Dark Fate. That's 9 films and series out so far, about 39 hours. Short on time? The 3 essentials take about 6 hours. In release order, Terminator starts with The Terminator (1984).
Time travel has split the Terminator story into several timelines. The Terminator and Terminator 2: Judgment Day are the heart of it, and the later films each take a different path from there.
This order watches the original timeline first, then the alternate futures, and ends with Dark Fate, the direct sequel to Terminator 2.
Updated
The Terminator watch order
Judgment Day
The Terminator
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines
Terminator Salvation
Alternate Futures
The Sarah Connor Chronicles: Season 1
The Sarah Connor Chronicles: Season 2
Terminator Genisys
Terminator Zero
Dark Fate
Terminator: Dark Fate
The Terminator
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines
The Sarah Connor Chronicles: Season 1
The Sarah Connor Chronicles: Season 2
Terminator Salvation
Terminator Genisys
Terminator: Dark Fate
Terminator Zero
Questions
What order should I watch Terminator in?
Start with The Terminator and follow the list above, which has all 9 Terminator titles in story order. For the shortest route, stick to the 3 essentials.
What is the Terminator release order?
In release order, Terminator starts with The Terminator (1984), then Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991). Switch the list above to Release order to see every title by release date.
How long does it take to watch all of Terminator?
About 39 hours for the 9 titles out so far. The 3 essentials take about 6 hours.
Which Terminator movies are canon?
It depends on the timeline. Dark Fate follows on directly from Terminator 2 and ignores the films in between, while Rise of the Machines, Salvation and Genisys each follow their own path.
Do I need to watch Terminator 3, Salvation and Genisys?
No. If you only have time for three, watch The Terminator, Terminator 2: Judgment Day and Terminator: Dark Fate.
Just want part of it?
Watch Terminator in order with Chronologica
Mark titles as you watch, stick to the essentials and always know what's next. No account needed.