What is the chronological order to watch Terminator?

Created by James Cameron and Gale Anne Hurd, the “Terminator” franchise has established itself as one of the most iconic in pop culture. The saga, which includes films, animations and a TV series, is known for its success and longevity.

However, not all films were successful at the box office or received good reviews, leading to several attempts to revitalize the franchise. These attempts have created a complex confusion in the series’ timeline.

To help you understand this confusing timeline, below is a detailed explanation of how it is organized.

Terminator: what is the release order to see the franchise?

Before talking about the chronological order of the “Terminator” franchise, it is important to know the release sequence and details of each production.

Below, see the release order of the films and series, with brief context for each.

The Terminator (1984)

The beginning of everything. Released in 1984, the feature film “The Terminator” is a fundamental piece in practically all the chronological lines of the franchise.

Terminator 2 – Judgment Day (1991)

Published in 1991, “Terminator 2 – Judgment Day” is also a fundamental piece in practically all the timelines of the franchise.

Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003)

Things begin to change with “Terminator 3 – Rise of the Machines”, released in 2003.

This film is part of the original chronology (Original Continuity) and is the continuation of “Terminator 2 – Judgment Day”.

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008 – 2009)

The television series “The Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles”, with two seasons, is a spin-off of the franchise.

However, the series ignores the events of “Terminator 3 – Rise of the Machines.” Therefore, it creates a new timeline, starting right after “Terminator 2: Judgment Day.”

It’s worth mentioning that the attraction was canceled after its second season.

Terminator – Salvation (2009)

Released in 2009, “Terminator – Salvation” continues “Terminator 3 – Rise of the Machines”. This film is the last in the original chronology (Original Continuity).

Terminator: Genesis (2015)

Released in 2015, “Terminator: Genesis” is a reboot of the franchise. With this, the film establishes a new timeline.

Terminator: Dark Fate (2019)

Released in 2019, “Terminator: Dark Fate” creates a new timeline.

The film is proposed as a direct sequel to “The Terminator” and “Terminator 2: Judgment Day”. In other words, it ignores events in other sequences.

Terminator Zero (2024)

Released by Netflix in 2024, the “Terminator Zero” anime offers a new perspective on the timelines of the “Terminator” franchise.

The animation explains time travel and the timelines present in the saga. In this way, the anime considers all released films to be canon.

Terminator: what is the chronological order to watch the films and series?

Now that we’ve cleared up the major details of the franchise’s confusing timeline, take a look at the saga’s major timelines below.

Original continuity

This is the timeline of the first films of the saga, which do not completely discard the events of their predecessors:

Continuity of Dark Fate

This is the timeline created by the film which only considers the first two characteristics of the franchise:

Zero continuity

This is the timeline established by the anime which offers an explanation for the chronological inconsistencies of the saga:

The continuity of the Sarah Connor Chronicles

This is the timeline created by the TV series “The Sarah Connor Chronicles”, which only considers the first two feature films of the franchise:

Genisys continuity

The rebooted timeline from “Terminator: Genesis”:

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Rose

Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.