Terminator Renaissance (known in its original release as Terminator Salvation) is an American science fiction film directed by McG, released in theaters in 2009. As the fourth installment in the franchise started by James Cameron, this movie features Christian Bale, Sam Worthington, and Anton Yelchin in a story set entirely in a bleak post-apocalyptic future. The film will be available on Netflix starting from February 1, 2026.
It's 2018, several years after Judgment Day. Humanity is struggling to survive under the looming threat of Skynet, an AI that has taken control of the machines and initiated the near-extinction of mankind. John Connor, the key leader of the resistance, works tirelessly to unite the scattered armed factions across the ravaged lands.
The delicate balance of this war is disrupted by the arrival of Marcus Wright, an amnesiac whose last memories are of facing a death sentence prior to the apocalypse. As Connor tries to uncover Marcus’s past, the two men find themselves caught up in a dangerous mission that takes them right into the heart of Skynet’s facilities.
As the final assault of the machines looms, the resistance's confidence begins to waver. New revelations about Marcus threaten to alter the course of the war and blur the line between man and machine, challenging the very mythology of Terminator.
Terminator Renaissance sets itself apart from earlier installments in the franchise with a bold narrative choice: for the first time, the story unfolds almost entirely in the future. McG roots his film in a universe of total war, emphasizing practical effects and real sets, all under the guidance of the legendary Stan Winston, to whom the film is dedicated following his passing during filming.
The screenplay, penned by Michael Ferris and John Brancato with an uncredited contribution from Jonathan Nolan, delves into the origins of the saga's iconic machines, particularly the T-600, the precursor to the T-800. The film also introduces new adversaries, such as Moto-Terminator units and the Harvester, while peppering the story with nostalgic references to earlier installments through memorable lines and distinctive visual motifs.
Following in the footsteps of 2000s sci-fi blockbusters, Terminator Renaissance takes on a darker, more militant tone, emphasizing action and survival. It primarily targets fans of post-apocalyptic stories and longtime viewers of the franchise, offering a more gritty and tactical reimagining of the Terminator universe.
Terminator Renaissance
Film | 2009
Released in theaters: June 3, 2009
Available on Netflix from February 1, 2026
Action, adventure, science fiction | Duration: 1h48
Directed by McG | Starring Christian Bale, Sam Worthington, Anton Yelchin, Bryce Dallas Howard
Original title: Terminator Salvation
Country: United States
With its focus on the battle against the machines and its exploration of the future envisioned since the original Terminator, this fourth installment holds a special place within the franchise. Now streaming on Netflix, it offers a fresh opportunity to revisit a pivotal chapter that was designed as a narrative reinvention for the series.
For more options, check out our curated list of Netflix's new releases in February, our comprehensive guide to the latest streaming releases across all platforms, and today's top pick in what to watch today in streaming.
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