Speculative fiction is one of the most popular realms to both write and read, and science-fiction films have made tens of billions of dollars at the box office. In fact, eight of the top 10 highest-grossing films of all time have a sci-fi leans to them, whether it a film from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, China’s animated fantasy Ne Zha 2, or one of the entries in James Cameron’s Avatar franchise. Two of the three Avatar films — 2009’s initial release and its follow-up Avatar: The Way of Water — are first and third on the best-grossing list; but even then, they’re still not Cameron’s best movie.
That disctinction belongs to a picture Cameron released some decades earlier, one that helped redefine what blockbuster filmmaking could look like in the process, both in-front of and behind the camera. It was bigger than its predecessor in virtually every conceivable way, yet somehow avoided falling into the trap so many sequels do. In fact, most would consider it one of the only sequels in movie history to be better than its predecessor.
Terminators 2: Judgment Day remains nearly perfect
Released in 1991, Terminator 2: Judgment Day brings Arnold Schwarzenegger back as the titular machine, only this time he’s been repogrammed and sent into the past to protect a young John Connor (Edward Furlong). Hunting them this time is Robert Patrick’s T-1000, an advanced liquid-metal Terminator capable of changing its appearance and turning its body into a weapon.
The villain is enough reason to make Terminator 2 nearly flawless, but the accompanying action is very hard to top.
From its famous Los Angeles can chase to the clmactic showdown inside a steel factory, Terminator 2 remains a masterclass in staging blockbuster spectacle. Cameron combines practical effects with great stunt work, and cutting-edge-CGI without allowing any one technique to overwhelm the movie. All things considered, the T-1000’s liquid-metal digital effects hold up generally well some 35 years later.
What’s between those larger-the-life action set pieces is what really elevates Terminator 2. Linda Hamilton’s transformation of Sarah Connnor into a hardened survivor gives the movie its darkest edge, while John’s growing relationship with the original Terminator provides an emotional core far few action movies even attempt.
Cameron has made bigger movies since, films that have earned plenty more money. But after watching Terminator 2: Judgment day again, it’s hard to say he has a better movie on his resume.