The Terminator (1984) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
In the post-apocalyptic future, reigning tyrannical supercomputers teleport a cyborg assassin known as the "Terminator" back to 1984 to kill Sarah Connor, whose unborn son is destined to lead insurgents against 21st century mechanical hegemony. Meanwhile, the human-resistance movement dispatches a lone warrior to safeguard Sarah. Can he stop the virtually indestructible killing machine?
Rated R • 1984 • 1h 47m
A cyborg assassin is sent from the future to kill a woman whose unborn son will lead the human resistance. Arnold Schwarzenegger. James Cameron's breakthrough film. The R rating covers graphic violence, language, and the film's relentless pursuit sequences.
Cast
Is The Terminator appropriate for kids?
A cyborg assassin is sent from the future to kill a woman whose unborn son will lead the human resistance. Arnold Schwarzenegger. James Cameron's breakthrough film. The R rating covers graphic violence, language, and the film's relentless pursuit sequences. Read more — free account
Content severity in The Terminator
What happens in The Terminator, moment by moment
- 0:08 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
- 0:12 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
- 0:18 💬 Language 5/10
Sex and nudity in The Terminator
A brief, non-graphic sexual encounter between Kyle and Sarah — the film's pivotal romantic scene.
Violence and gore in The Terminator
The Terminator's self-surgery — removing its own eye. Police station massacre. Sustained pursuit violence. A truck explosion. The Terminator's endoskeleton revealed and destroyed.
Language in The Terminator
Strong language consistent with R rating.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Terminator
None.
Mature themes in The Terminator
Fate and whether it can be changed — the film's paradox (Sarah must survive to have John, who sends Kyle, who fathers John) is one of cinema's great time-travel loops. A machine that cannot be reasoned with, bribed, or stopped. The film invented the relentless machine villain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Terminator appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Terminator is best for ages 16+. It's rated R. A cyborg assassin is sent from the future to kill a woman whose unborn son will lead the human resistance. Arnold Schwarzenegger. James Cameron's breakthrough film. The R rating covers graphic violence, language, and…
What age rating does The Terminator have?
The Terminator is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 16+.
What is The Terminator about?
A cyborg assassin is sent from the future to kill a woman whose unborn son will lead the human resistance. Arnold Schwarzenegger. James Cameron's breakthrough film. The R rating covers graphic violence, language, and the film's relentless pursuit sequences.
Is there sex or nudity in The Terminator?
A brief, non-graphic sexual encounter between Kyle and Sarah — the film's pivotal romantic scene.
How violent is The Terminator?
The Terminator's self-surgery — removing its own eye. Police station massacre. Sustained pursuit violence. A truck explosion. The Terminator's endoskeleton revealed and destroyed.
Is the language in The Terminator appropriate for kids?
Strong language consistent with R rating.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Terminator?
None.
What mature themes appear in The Terminator?
Fate and whether it can be changed — the film's paradox (Sarah must survive to have John, who sends Kyle, who fathers John) is one of cinema's great time-travel loops. A machine that cannot be reasoned with, bribed, or stopped. The film invented the…
How long is The Terminator?
The Terminator runs 107 minutes, directed by James Cameron, released in 1984.
Where can I read the full The Terminator parent guide?
Create a free Bontent account to unlock the full scene-by-scene notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your personal watchlist.
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