Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
Kernel Score: 95% · 14,000 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Action, Thriller, Science Fiction
Released: 1991-07-03
Runtime: 137 minutes
Is Terminator 2: Judgment Day worth watching?
Must-watch. A reprogrammed Terminator protects a boy from a shape-shifting killer, in one of the best action sequels ever made. It's thrilling, inventive and has real heart.
Watch it if you
- want action with heart
- love groundbreaking effects that still hold up
- enjoy 90s blockbusters
Skip it if you
- dislike violence
- haven't seen the first film
Best for: Action night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Terminator 2: Judgment Day
- Stream: Prime Video, Fubo, Paramount+, YouTube TV
- Free with ads: Kanopy
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
Ten years after the events of the original, a reprogrammed T-800 is sent back in time to protect young John Connor from the shape-shifting T-1000. Together with his mother Sarah, he fights to stop Skynet from triggering a nuclear apocalypse.
Terminator 2: Judgment Day parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Terminator 2: Judgment Day is an R-rated sci-fi action film with intense violence involving shotguns and a shape-shifting villain.
- Violence & scariness: Intense — The film features shotgun violence, a relentless shape-shifting antagonist, and intense post-apocalyptic action, consistent with its R rating.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Terminator 2: Judgment Day
If you liked Terminator 2: Judgment Day, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Terminator (1984) — 90%: The original, leaner and creepier
- Aliens (1986) — 94%: Cameron's equally thrilling sci-fi sequel
- Predator (1987) — 85%: Relentless hunter-versus-prey action
- Mad Max 2 (1981) — 84%: Gritty post-apocalyptic action
- Prey (2022) — 87%: Lean, tense hunter story
- Children of Men (2006) — 85%: Bleak future action
Director
Cast
- Arnold Schwarzenegger as The Terminator
- Linda Hamilton as Sarah Connor
- Edward Furlong as John Connor
- Robert Patrick as T-1000
- Earl Boen as Dr. Silberman
- Joe Morton as Miles Dyson
- S. Epatha Merkerson as Tarissa Dyson
- Castulo Guerra as Enrique Salceda
- Danny Cooksey as Tim
- Jenette Goldstein as Janelle Voight
Terminator 2: Judgment Day FAQ
Is Terminator 2: Judgment Day worth watching?
Must-watch. A reprogrammed Terminator protects a boy from a shape-shifting killer, in one of the best action sequels ever made. It's thrilling, inventive and has real heart.
Where can I watch Terminator 2: Judgment Day?
In the US you can stream Terminator 2: Judgment Day on Prime Video, Fubo, Paramount+ and YouTube TV, watch it free with ads on Kanopy and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Terminator 2: Judgment Day OK for kids?
Terminator 2: Judgment Day is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Terminator 2: Judgment Day is an R-rated sci-fi action film with intense violence involving shotguns and a shape-shifting villain.
What movies are like Terminator 2: Judgment Day?
If you liked Terminator 2: Judgment Day, try The Terminator, Aliens, Predator and Mad Max 2.