Terminator Salvation

  • 2009
  • PG-13
  • 115m
movieMx RATING
6.1/106.9K
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
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Performance & Direction: Terminator Salvation Review

Last updated: February 14, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: February 14, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Terminator Salvation (2009) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.1/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Action.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and Terminator Salvation features a noteworthy lineup led by Christian Bale . Supported by the likes of Sam Worthington and Moon Bloodgood , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.

Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.

💡 Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?

In summary, our editorial assessment of Terminator Salvation (2009) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.1/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Result: ABOVE AVERAGE
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, Terminator Salvation stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE.

Story & Plot Summary: Terminator Salvation

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2009, Terminator Salvation is a Action, Science Fiction, Thriller film directed by McG. The narrative delivers highly intense sequences and pulse-pounding confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Christian Bale.

Story Breakdown

In this high-octane feature, McG establishes a narrative structure that follows a classic action blueprint: establishing the protagonist's world, introducing a formidable antagonist, and escalating the stakes. All grown up in post-apocalyptic 2018, John Connor must lead the resistance of humans against the increasingly dominating militaristic robots. But when Marcus Wright appears, his existence confuses the mission as Connor tries to determine whether Wright has come from the future or the past -- and whether he's friend or foe. The film balances spectacular set pieces with character moments for Christian Bale, ensuring the action serves the story rather than overwhelming it.

Narrative Structure

  • Opening Hook: The title opens with an explosive sequence that immediately establishes the stakes and introduces our protagonist in action.
  • Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Christian Bale's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
  • Climax & Resolution: The final confrontation delivers on the buildup, with stakes at their highest and the protagonist using everything they've learned.

Thematic Depth

Beyond the spectacle, the film explores themes of justice, redemption, and the cost of violence. it questions whether the ends justify the means and examines the personal toll of heroism.

What Works & What Doesn't

✅ Strengths

  • Solid execution of genre conventions
  • Engaging moments that showcase the creators' vision
  • Competent performances from the cast

⚠️ Weaknesses

  • Some narrative choices that feel predictable
  • Occasional pacing lulls in the middle act

Ending Explained: Terminator Salvation

Ending Breakdown: Directed by McG, Terminator Salvation concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to action resolution.

The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Christian Bale, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.

Ending Analysis:

  • Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
  • Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
  • Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the action themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of Terminator Salvation reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch Terminator Salvation?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Action films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of Christian Bale or the director
  • Want an adrenaline rush without demanding perfection

Box Office Collection: Terminator Salvation

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $200.0M
Worldwide Gross $371.4M
Trade Verdict FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT

Terminator Salvation Budget

The estimated production budget for Terminator Salvation is $200.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.

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Top Cast: Terminator Salvation

All Cast & Crew →
Christian Bale
Christian BaleJohn Connor
Sam Worthington
Sam WorthingtonMarcus Wright
Moon Bloodgood
Moon BloodgoodBlair Williams
Anton Yelchin
Anton YelchinKyle Reese
Common
CommonBarnes
Zach McGowan
Zach McGowanSoldier on Osprey
Michael Ironside
Michael IronsideGeneral Ashdown
Ivan G'Vera
Ivan G'VeraGeneral Losenko
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Where to Watch Terminator Salvation Online?

Streaming Hub

📺 Stream on

Sony LivSony Liv
VI movies and tvVI movies and tv
Sony Pictures Amazon ChannelSony Pictures Amazon Channel

🎟️ Rent on

Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Zee5Zee5
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Amazon VideoAmazon Video

🏷️ Buy on

Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube

Terminator Salvation Parents Guide & Age Rating

2009 Advisory
PG-13

Official Age Rating

Wondering about Terminator Salvation age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

Terminator Salvation is rated PG-13. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences, mature themes. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Terminator Salvation is 115 minutes (1h 55m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.1/10, and global performance metrics, Terminator Salvation is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2009 cinematic calendar.

ABOVE AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for Terminator Salvation. Rating: 6.1/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Terminator Salvation worth watching?

Terminator Salvation is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies. It has a verified rating of 6.1/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Terminator Salvation parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for Terminator Salvation identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of Terminator Salvation?

The total duration of Terminator Salvation is 115 minutes, which is approximately 1h 55m long.

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How Terminator Salvation Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for Terminator Salvation

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movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 6.1
Terminator Salvation
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/terminator-salvation-534" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 6.1</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">Terminator Salvation</div></div></a>

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