General Discussion

I have yet to see these films because I can't find a copy of Terminator 1 ANYWHERE. I can only find the second.

That's almost like comparing "Alien" and "Aliens" (different types of movies can't be compared). But I'll say 1 because it's the absolute perfect role for Arnold.

T1 is a bit dated, primarily in effects, but I like the general vibe of that movie better. However T2 (except for the kid) is still pretty great and takes it. It's all about that new terminator.

I prefer T1 because I like the T-600 as a villain, plus Linda Hamilton has a great line at the end (as good as Weaver's in Aliens).

I feel like Terminator 2 (Edward Furlong aside, though as an 8 year old I thought he was the coolest guy) takes the concepts that drove Terminator--predestination, free will, robot menace--and pushed them in exciting new directions. The themes are more nebulous, explored with a nuance that I don't think Cameron ever really found in any of his other movies.

Also? Linda Hamilton. She's AMAZING in that movie. She's solid enough in the first movie, but seeing her transformed into a potentially insane soldier is one of the best between-sequels evolutions in all of franchise cinema.

I could go either way depending on the day. Terminator 2.

Honestly the first Terminator film is my favorite. Judgment Day is great but it's not on the level of the first one.

I love both movies but T2 will always hold a special place in my heart since it was the first R rated movie that I had ever seen.

I prefer T1. I love how dark, gritty, and low budget it looks.

@litrock said:

I feel like Terminator 2 (Edward Furlong aside, though as an 8 year old I thought he was the coolest guy) takes the concepts that drove Terminator--predestination, free will, robot menace--and pushed them in exciting new directions. The themes are more nebulous, explored with a nuance that I don't think Cameron ever really found in any of his other movies.

Also? Linda Hamilton. She's AMAZING in that movie. She's solid enough in the first movie, but seeing her transformed into a potentially insane soldier is one of the best between-sequels evolutions in all of franchise cinema.

Yep, that sums it up nicely.

Plus, Terminator-on-Terminator fighting is pretty bad-ass. In fact that was one of the things I thoroughly enjoyed in The Sarah Connor Chronicles, but not everyone enjoyed that show.

That is a tough one. I'd have to say T1 even if the effects look dated. I liked the suspense of it. I do love the progression of the character Sarah from the first to the second. Linda Hamilton did a great job of that.

Terminator wasn't enough horror after 1. T2 shudda had the T-1000 rip a dude's fucking JAW off to show that you are watching a movie about fucking assassinating robots. I believe Arnold's future political career got in the way or something.

I have to go with T1. I liked the central paradox better. That one cannot exist without the other. The human aspect of the first one made a more compelling fight. T2 was a better production, and I guess its best part was Sarah wasn't screaming half the film. Of course, moving Arnold back to the hero role still disappoints me, as he made one intimidating bad guy.

I think T1 is a terrible film. T2 however, is absolutely fantastic.

I have watched Both the movies and i like Terminator 1 more than Terminator 2