A cyborg is sent back in time from 2029 to 1984 Los Angeles: an assassin known as a Terminator, disguised as a human … See more

• Arnold Schwarzenegger as the Terminator, a cybernetic android disguised as a human male being sent back in time to assassinate Sarah Connor.
• Michael Biehn as Kyle Reese, a member of the resistance against Skynet sen… See more

In Rome, Italy, during the release of Piranha II: The Spawning (1982), director James Cameron fell ill and had a dream about a metallic torso holding kitchen knives dragging itself from an explosion. Inspired by director … See more

Orion Pictures did not have faith in The Terminator performing well at the box office and feared a negative critical reception. At an early screening of the film, the actors' agents insisted to the producers that the film should … See more

Contemporary critical responses to The Terminator were mixed. Variety praised the film, calling it a "blazing, cinematic comic book, full of virtuoso moviemaking, terrific momentum, solid performances and a compelling … See more

Writer Harlan Ellison stated that he "loved the movie, was just blown away by it," but believed that the screenplay was based on a short story and episode of The Outer Limits he had written, titled "Soldier", and threatened … See more