10 Movies and Shows Like Terminator 2: Judgment Day

Description: Like Terminator 2, Blade Runner delves into the ethical implications of artificial life and what it means to be human. Both films feature androids with human-like emotions and physical capabilities, set against dystopian futures. The visual style of Blade Runner, with its neon-lit urban landscapes, has influenced many cyberpunk films including elements of the Terminator series.

Fact: Harrison Ford famously clashed with director Ridley Scott during filming. The film initially underperformed at the box office but later became a cult classic. There are seven different versions of the film, with the Final Cut being director Ridley Scott's preferred version.

Description: As the predecessor to Terminator 2, this film establishes the core themes of time travel, artificial intelligence, and humanity's struggle against machines. While darker in tone than its sequel, it shares the same cyberpunk aesthetic and features the iconic T-800 character. Both films revolutionized sci-fi action cinema with their blend of philosophical themes and groundbreaking special effects.

Fact: James Cameron sold the rights for $1 with the condition he could direct. Arnold Schwarzenegger was originally considered for the hero role. The film was made for just $

Description: RoboCop shares with Terminator 2 the theme of man merging with machine, exploring what remains of humanity in a cybernetic body. Both films feature protagonists who are technologically enhanced beings fighting against corrupt systems. The satirical tone of RoboCop's corporate dystopia parallels the cautionary elements about technology in Terminator 2.

Fact: The film was originally rated X for violence before cuts were made. Peter Weller had to learn specific movements to mimic robotic motion. The ED-209 stop-motion animation took months to complete for just a few minutes of footage.

Description: Like Terminator 2, Total Recall is a high-concept sci-fi action film that blends spectacular set pieces with philosophical questions about identity and reality. Both films feature Arnold Schwarzenegger in physically demanding roles that showcase his action star persona while also requiring emotional depth. The films share a similar visual aesthetic of futuristic technology and urban dystopias.

Fact: The famous three-breasted woman was played by a porn actress. The Mars scenes were filmed in Mexico's active Popocatépetl volcano area. The film went through multiple directors before Paul Verhoeven took over.

Description: While more colorful and fantastical than Terminator 2, The Fifth Element shares its blend of high-octane action with deeper philosophical themes. Both films feature futuristic settings where the fate of humanity hangs in the balance, with protagonists who must protect someone special (John Connor in T2, the Supreme Being in Fifth Element). The visual style, while different, is equally distinctive and influential.

Fact: Luc Besson wrote the first draft when he was 16 years old. The film's costumes were designed by Jean-Paul Gaultier. Bruce Willis agreed to do Die Hard With a Vengeance in exchange for Disney releasing him to do this film.

Description: Similar to Terminator 2: Judgment Day, The Matrix explores themes of artificial intelligence, human resistance against machines, and the blurred line between reality and simulation. Both films feature groundbreaking visual effects and action sequences, with a strong emphasis on cyberpunk aesthetics. The protagonists in both films are chosen ones who must fight against seemingly insurmountable odds to save humanity.

Fact: The Matrix was heavily influenced by Japanese anime and Hong Kong action films. The famous 'bullet time' effect was achieved using a rig of still cameras. Keanu Reeves performed most of his own stunts after extensive martial arts training.

Description: Like Terminator 2, Minority Report explores themes of predestination and free will within a technologically advanced future. Both films feature protagonists on the run from seemingly omnipotent systems, with action sequences that showcase innovative futuristic technology. The films share a similar tone of combining thought-provoking sci-fi concepts with thrilling action set pieces.

Fact: Steven Spielberg consulted with numerous futurists to create a believable 205Tom Cruise did many of his own stunts, including the famous car factory sequence. The film's 'precrime' concept was based on a Philip K. Dick short story.

Description: I, Robot shares with Terminator 2 the central theme of artificial intelligence turning against humanity, exploring the potential dangers of advanced robotics. Both films feature protagonists who are initially skeptical about machines developing consciousness but come to recognize their humanity. The action sequences and visual effects in both films showcase the potential threats posed by highly advanced robotic technology.

Fact: The film is loosely based on Isaac Asimov's robot stories. Will Smith initially turned down the role but changed his mind after reading the script. The NS-5 robots were designed to look sleek and non-threatening to contrast with their eventual rebellion.

Description: This sequel to Blade Runner shares with Terminator 2 a meditation on the nature of humanity and artificial intelligence, featuring a protagonist who discovers his true nature isn't what he believed. Both films showcase stunning visual effects and production design that create immersive futuristic worlds. The themes of identity and destiny are central to both narratives.

Fact: Roger Deakins won his first Oscar for cinematography on this film after 13 nominations. The film's budget was around $150-185 million but it underperformed at the box office. Director Denis Villeneuve insisted on practical effects whenever possible.

Description: This direct sequel to Terminator 2 continues the story with similar themes of human resistance against advanced AI. Like T2, it features a protective relationship between a human and a Terminator, with spectacular action sequences and cutting-edge visual effects. The film attempts to recapture the spirit of the first two Terminator films while updating the story for modern audiences.

Fact: Linda Hamilton returned as Sarah Connor after 28 years. James Cameron was involved as a producer and story contributor. The film's budget was around $185-196 million but it underperformed financially.