Netflix R-Rated Sci-Fi Action Masterpiece Is The Best Sequel Of All Time
When The Terminator hit theaters in 1984, the film not only cemented Arnold Schwarzenegger as a certified action star but it also demonstrated that action movies could tell a complex story while combining multiple genres into a frenetic thriller.
Seven years later, Terminator 2: Judgment Day not only succeeded in delivering a similar cinematic experience as its predecessor, but the film also established itself as the greatest sequel of all time.
With incredible action set pieces, stakes that question humanity’s future, and memorable one-liners that are still uttered to this day, this sci-fi action film deserves to be at the top of your Netflix watch list.
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
After The Terminator grossed nearly $80 million at the 1984 box office on just a $6 million budget, it was clear that filmmaker James Cameron had what it took to become one of Hollywood’s next great directors.
Following a brief pit stop to direct Aliens and The Abyss, Cameron was ready to return to the world with time-traveling cyborgs and an artificial intelligence network hellbent on terminating the human race from the face of the Earth.
In 1990, Cameron teamed up with his writing partner William Washer to develop the script for Terminator 2: Judgment Day.
Dramatic Departure From The Terminator
Early on in the script’s development, it became very clear that Terminator 2: Judgment Day would be a dramatic departure from The Terminator. With this one, Cameron opted to forgo the cat-and-mouse theme of a mindless machine hunting down humans and instead focused on a friendship between a young boy and his protective cyborg.
The story follows the journey of John Connor (Edward Furlong), a 10-year-old boy who is destined to become the leader of the resistance, a force who seeks to destroy Skynet, an AI network that aims to destroy mankind.
A New Terminator Threat
In order to prevent John from rising up as an adult freedom fighter in the future, Skynet sends an advanced shape-shifting T-1000 Terminator (Robert Patrick) back in time to track John down and kill him.
Luckily for John, a T-800 Terminator (Schwarzenegger) is also sent back in time in order to protect the boy and ensure the survival of the human race.
Alongside John’s mother Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton), the trio do whatever it takes to escape the clutches of the T-1000 and prepare for the unstoppable battle against the machines.
A Box Office Smash
Equipped with a unique story, an increased budget of around $100 million, and the return of Schwarzenegger, Terminator 2: Judgment Day became one of the most hyped movies of 1991, all leading up to its highly-talked about premiere during the year’s Fourth of July weekend.
After raking in over $50 million during its opening weekend, it was clear that the film was destined for greatness, eventually earning around $520 million at the worldwide box office, becoming the third-highest grossing movie ever at the time.
Best Sequel Of All-Time?
Not only is Terminator 2: Judgment Day one of the best sequels of all-time, but it’s one the greatest movies ever made, period.
With intense action sequences, intriguing sci-fi elements that evoke discussion, and dated CGI that still holds up surprisingly well, Cameron’s sci-fi action thriller is a complete package that never gets boring, no matter how many times you rewatch it.
As an added bonus, the developing friendship between John and the T-800 is a compelling story that adds a decent amount of emotional depth to the film.
Streaming Terminator 2: Judgment Day
In addition to Terminator 2: Judgment Day being a gripping action flick, the film is also a well-written tale warning about the dramatized dangers of AI and the importance of holding onto our humanity.
Terminator 2: Judgment Day is the perfect movie for any newcomers to the sci-fi action genre or anyone looking to make the most out of their Netflix subscription.
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