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Terminator Genisys

Terminator Genisys

Reset the future.

2015126 minPG-13Midcredits score: 44th percentile of all films
Director
Alan Taylor
Starring
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jason Clarke, Emilia Clarke, Jai Courtney

The year is 2029. John Connor, leader of the resistance continues the war against the machines. At the Los Angeles offensive, John's fears of the unknown future begin to emerge when TECOM spies reveal a new plot by SkyNet that will attack him from both fronts; past and future, and will ultimately change warfare forever.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Terminator Genisys?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Terminator Genisys streaming on Paramount+, Pluto TV (free) and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Terminator Genisys?

Terminator Genisys earns 10 badges, led by Cultural touchstone and Crowd Pleaser.

Show 2 more
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is Terminator Genisys worth watching?

Terminator Genisys' Midcredits score is the 44th percentile of all films, from 526K ratings across 6 sources. 51% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

44th percentile

Better received than 44% of films

60th percentile among Action44th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)34th
Approval (how many liked it)54th

57 /100

34th percentile of all films

50th percentile among Action36th percentile among 2010s

Critics 38 · Audience 58

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.4 — solid but not unanimous.

51% liked it

54th percentile of all films

67th percentile among Action54th percentile among 2010s
51% rated it 7–1049% rated it 1–6

Critics 26% · Audience 52%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of audiences approved than critics.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 0 wins / 10 noms overall

99th percentile

525K ratings across platforms

98th percentile among Action99th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 28% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$155M
Opening weekend$27M
Domestic gross$90M
Worldwide gross$441M

Returned 2.8× its budget — 96th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the film is an entertaining but deeply flawed action blockbuster that heavily recycles elements from the first two Terminator movies.

Fans praised

  • Arnold's return and his father-figure dynamic with Sarah
  • Nostalgic callbacks and respectful recreation of iconic 1984 scenes
  • Solid action sequences and effective pacing

Detractors panned

  • Convoluted, nonsensical time-travel plot with multiple paradoxes
  • Miscast leads (Jai Courtney, Emilia Clarke) lacking chemistry and presence
  • Over-reliance on CGI and derivative action set-pieces

What stands out

Effects and spectacleDivisive65

Impressive but overused CGI; some set-pieces feel like video game cutscenes

PacingDivisive60

Fast-paced and never boring, but some found it rushed and disjointed

ActingDivisive52

Schwarzenegger charismatic but wooden; Clarke and Courtney widely criticized as miscast

HumorDivisive45

Arnie's deadpan comedy lands for fans; detractors find it forced and cringe-worthy

DialogueDivisive35

Clunky exposition, forced one-liners, and overused callbacks

CharactersDivisive30

Thinly written, lacking depth and chemistry; John Connor villain twist derided

Plot and storyDivisive25

Incomprehensible time-travel logic, full of contradictions and plot holes

OriginalityDivisive25

Heavily derivative of T1 and T2; few new ideas

Preferred by

Under-30s vs over-30s

Preferred by Over-30s

Over-30s scored it 12 points higher than under-30s.

Critics vs users

Preferred by Critics

Critics scored it 13 points higher than users.

US vs non-US

Preferred by Non-US Viewers

Non-US viewers scored it 10 points higher than US viewers.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 1 point apart

Watch experience

What is Terminator Genisys like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Fun ride: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want a fun ride.

It is intense, never lets up and leaves you entertained.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Fun ride.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseThrillingMelancholic
Heaviest: late
Register
Adventurous · 11% of filmsPlayful
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its sci-fi action premise straight, with earnest performances and occasional humor that does not undercut the drama.
The rideAction-driven with sustained tension; the emotional climax and sacrifice occur near the end.
StructureThe story follows a conventional beginning (future war), middle (1984 and 2017 events), and end (final battle and escape).

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Entertained.

The answer rests on this: FunHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayThe action-packed romp leaves you entertained and grinning, with a sense that the heroes may have prevented the apocalypse.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet endingTwist

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).QuestMission
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10% (this title): Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% (this title) · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Quest: A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles. · Mission: Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).

10% of films fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeKyle Reese is sent back to protect Sarah Connor and prevent Skynet/Genisys from coming online, a defined objective that drives the story.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfSurvival
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15% (this title): Survival 17% (this title) · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% (this title) · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Survival

SurvivalFate · 1% of filmsFamily bonds
Warns its theme: Presents its theme as a danger or a coming cost.Global stakes: Consequences reach the world.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film is about the struggle to survive across timelines while confronting a preordained future and protect the Connor bloodline.
StanceThe film warns about unchecked AI and the inevitability of a technological apocalypse.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanInstitutionalScience fiction
Orchestral modernElectronicForeground music · original score · Lorne Balfe
SettingLos Angeles 1984, San Francisco 2017, and a war-torn future 2029
MusicA driving, percussive score that references the original Terminator theme.

Content guide

Is Terminator Genisys okay for kids?

PG-13

Terminator Genisys is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and gunplay throughout, partial nudity and brief strong language” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (57/100), sexual content at moderate (36/100), language at moderate (51/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (25/100) and frightening material at moderate (41/100). Overall it is heavier than 56% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 29 other countries
  • UK12A
  • Canada14A
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany12
  • France12
  • Ireland12A
  • New ZealandM
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil12
  • Belgium14
  • BGC
  • Czechia15+
  • Denmark15
  • FinlandK-12
  • Greece13
  • Hong KongIIB
  • Hungary16
  • ItalyT
  • LTN-13
  • MexicoB
  • Netherlands12
  • PortugalM/12
  • RO12
  • Russia12+
  • SK12
  • Spain12
  • Sweden15
  • Switzerland16
  • Türkiye13+
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 35% of all filmsHeavier than 56% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 65%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 65%
Profanity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 70%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 25%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 44%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is violence, heavier than 65% of PG-13-rated films.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Terminator Genisys have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Terminator Genisys?

Cast

2 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Arnold Schwarzenegger
as Guardian
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Jason Clarke
as John Connor
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Emilia Clarke
as Sarah Connor
newcomer then · star now
Jai Courtney
as Kyle Reese
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
J.K. Simmons
as O'Brien
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Dayo Okeniyi
as Danny Dyson
Matt Smith
as Alex
Courtney B. Vance
as Miles Dyson
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Lee Byung-hun
as Cop
Michael Gladis
as Lt. Matias

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Terminator Genisys?

Movies like Terminator Genisys include Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003) and The Tomorrow War (2021). Of the 12 closest matches, several are time-travel stories, and most are stories about robots.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

7 of these 12 share its world: dystopian. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Terminator Genisys?

291 other films share the rarest tag below, up against: robot or ai. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.