We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.
Imagine crafting a Mount Rushmore for beloved science fiction films. One could argue that director James Cameron's 1984 classic, "The Terminator", would surely have its place carved into the stone. And then there are those who would passionately advocate for "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" to join it. These films not only defined Arnold Schwarzenegger's career but also cemented his status as an all-time great action star. The franchise boasts some of the greatest cinematic sci-fi works ever created, yet it also includes entries that fall short of greatness. But which one does Schwarzenegger himself hold in the lowest regard?
In a recent episode of "Watch What Happens Live" hosted by Andy Cohen, an audience member posed this very question to Schwarzenegger. The former governor of California didn't mince words or pretend to enjoy them all equally. With good humor, he clearly identified 2009's "Terminator Salvation" as his least favorite. Here's how he put it:
“I called immediately,” Schwarzenegger joked when asked if he reached out to the production team. “I said, ‘I’m going to pass a law forbidding [filmmakers] to make movies that suck!’”
For what it’s worth, Schwarzenegger had expressed similar sentiments about "Terminator Salvation" back in 2015. He’s certainly not alone in his critique. While opinions vary widely among fans, few would dare argue with the man who brought the T-800 to life. To put it delicately, this film is far from well-regarded.
“I would say the worst was probably No. 4,” Schwarzenegger continued, “because that was done during the time I was governor [of California], and I wasn’t even in it… How do you make a Terminator movie without me being in the Terminator movie? It doesn’t make any sense.”
Directed by McG and starring Christian Bale, fresh off his role in the $1 billion hit "The Dark Knight," Paramount Pictures had every reason to be optimistic about "Salvation." Unlike most of its predecessors, the film takes place entirely in the future rather than revisiting the past. Unfortunately, it left critics and audiences underwhelmed at the time, and today it’s remembered more for Bale’s infamous on-set tirade than for the movie itself.
"Salvation" faltered at the box office, earning just $371 million worldwide against a hefty $200 million budget—a performance significantly lower than 2003's "Rise of the Machines" ($433 million). The series attempted a reboot in 2015 with "Terminator Genisys," which, though panned by critics, performed better commercially thanks largely to Schwarzenegger’s return. However, that movie did not receive a direct sequel. Instead, Deadpool director Tim Miller once again reimagined the series continuity with "Terminator: Dark Fate." Despite receiving the best reviews since "T2," the 2019 installment failed to resonate with audiences financially. The franchise has since pivoted to television with the highly regarded anime "Terminator Zero," set to premiere on Netflix in 2024.
“It’s a great thorn in my side, because I wish we could have reinvigorated that, and unfortunately during production, you could tell that wasn’t happening,” Bale admitted in 2018 regarding his regret over choosing to participate in 'Terminator Salvation'. “It’s a great shame.” The actor revealed that he initially turned down the project multiple times before eventually agreeing to join.
If you're interested in exploring the full saga, All rights reserved © 2025
