10 Movies & Shows Like *The Terminator* (1984)

Description: Escape from New York shares The Terminator's dystopian vision of the future and features a similarly stoic, physically imposing protagonist in Snake Plissken. Both films depict a dangerous urban environment and explore themes of authority and rebellion. The synth-heavy scores of both films also contribute to their similar atmospheres.

Fact: Kurt Russell based Snake Plissken's voice on Clint Eastwood. The film was shot mostly at night in St. Louis standing in for New York. John Carpenter wrote the script in 1976, inspired by the Watergate scandal.

Description: The Road Warrior shares The Terminator's post-apocalyptic setting and lone warrior protagonist. Both films feature high-octane vehicular action and a gritty, survivalist tone. While Mad Max is more grounded in reality, its vision of societal collapse parallels The Terminator's future war scenario.

Fact: Mel Gibson performed most of his own stunts. The film's budget was only $

Description: Like The Terminator, Blade Runner is a seminal sci-fi film directed by Ridley Scott that explores themes of artificial intelligence, humanity, and dystopian futures. Both films feature strong cyberpunk aesthetics and question what it means to be human. The dark, rain-soaked urban landscapes of Blade Runner mirror the gritty, futuristic Los Angeles of The Terminator.

Fact: Blade Runner is based on Philip K. Dick's novel 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?' The film initially underperformed at the box office but later became a cult classic. Harrison Ford reportedly didn't get along with director Ridley Scott during filming.

Description: As James Cameron's follow-up to The Terminator, Aliens shares similar themes of survival against overwhelming odds and strong female protagonists. Both films feature relentless antagonists (the Xenomorphs and the Terminator) and showcase Cameron's talent for blending action with character development. The industrial, futuristic aesthetic is also comparable.

Fact: Sigourney Weaver was initially reluctant to reprise her role as Ripley. The film's production was notoriously difficult, with sets flooding and actors getting injured. James Cameron wrote the script while dealing with a fever, which he says influenced the intense tone.

Description: While Predator is more of a sci-fi horror film, it shares The Terminator's themes of an unstoppable killing machine hunting humans. Both films showcase Arnold Schwarzenegger as the ultimate action hero facing off against a technologically superior foe. The jungle setting provides a different but equally tense atmosphere compared to The Terminator's urban environment.

Fact: The original Predator design was completely scrapped and redesigned during production. Jean-Claude Van Damme was originally cast as the Predator. The film's famous handshake scene between Schwarzenegger and Carl Weathers was improvised.

Description: RoboCop shares The Terminator's themes of man versus machine, corporate control, and urban decay. Both films feature a nearly indestructible cybernetic protagonist and critique unchecked technological advancement. The satirical tone and violent action sequences are also reminiscent of James Cameron's work.

Fact: Director Paul Verhoeven inserted fake news segments and commercials to critique American media. The film was originally rated X for violence before edits brought it down to an R. Peter Weller had to learn specific movements to mimic robotic motions convincingly.

Description: Another Schwarzenegger sci-fi action film, The Running Man shares The Terminator's themes of a dystopian future controlled by media and technology. Both films critique corporate power and feature Arnold as a rebellious hero fighting against an oppressive system. The game show setting provides a satirical twist on The Terminator's more straightforward action.

Fact: Based on a Stephen King novel written under the pseudonym Richard Bachman. The film's original ending was much darker but changed after test screenings. Jesse Ventura's character was named after pro wrestler Captain Lou Albano.

Description: Like The Terminator, Total Recall is a high-concept sci-fi action film that blends futuristic technology with intense physical action. Both films question reality and identity, feature Arnold Schwarzenegger in a starring role, and showcase impressive practical effects. The dystopian Mars colony setting parallels The Terminator's bleak future.

Fact: Based on Philip K. Dick's short story 'We Can Remember It for You Wholesale.' The film went through multiple directors before Paul Verhoeven took over. The special effects team created over 50 prosthetic masks for the mutants.

Description: The Matrix continues The Terminator's exploration of humanity's relationship with machines, taking it to a more philosophical level. Both films feature iconic action sequences, a dystopian future where machines dominate, and protagonists who must awaken to the true nature of their reality. The bullet-time effects in The Matrix evolved from The Terminator's groundbreaking visual effects.

Fact: The Wachowskis used graphic novel storyboards to pitch the film to Warner Bros. Keanu Reeves underwent extensive martial arts training for his role. The film's premise was inspired by Jean Baudrillard's philosophy of hyperreality.

Description: Dredd shares The Terminator's gritty, violent aesthetic and features a similarly unstoppable law enforcement protagonist. Both films explore themes of authority in dystopian urban settings and feature intense action sequences. While Dredd is more contained in its setting (a single megabuilding), its vision of the future is just as bleak as The Terminator's.

Fact: Shot in 3D but designed to work equally well in 2D. Karl Urban never removes his helmet, staying true to the comic character. The film's slow-motion effects were achieved with Phantom cameras shooting at 3000 frames per second.