Jul
17,
2026
Hasta la vista, baby — again.
One of the most iconic action films in movie history is heading back to the big screen. Terminator 2: Judgment Day will return to theaters this August in celebration of its 35th anniversary, giving fans a chance to experience James Cameron’s groundbreaking sci-fi classic the way it was meant to be seen: in a theater.
The anniversary re-release will hit U.S. cinemas on August 28, just ahead of the film’s infamous fictional “Judgment Day” on August 29. The film will return in 4K, RealD 3D and premium formats through STUDIOCANAL, Fathom Entertainment and Rialto Pictures.
Released in 1991, Terminator 2 redefined the action genre and turned Arnold Schwarzenegger’s T-800 into one of cinema’s most beloved unlikely heroes. This time around, the Terminator is sent back to protect a young John Connor, played by Edward Furlong, while Sarah Connor, portrayed by Linda Hamilton, has transformed into one of the most memorable action heroes in film history.
The film also introduced audiences to Robert Patrick’s terrifying T-1000, a shape-shifting liquid-metal assassin that remains one of the most iconic movie villains decades later.
Alongside Schwarzenegger, Hamilton, Furlong and Patrick, the cast includes Joe Morton, Earl Boen, Jenette Goldstein and Xander Berkeley. The film went on to win four Academy Awards for Best Sound, Best Sound Effects Editing, Best Visual Effects and Best Makeup.
While movie technology has changed dramatically since 1991, Terminator 2 remains a rare blockbuster whose visual effects and massive action sequences still hold up. The anniversary release also gives longtime fans the perfect excuse to revisit the film, and introduces a whole new generation to the T-800, Sarah Connor and the warning that machines may one day take over the world.
And yes, James Cameron is fully on board with seeing T2 back in theaters. “T2 was made for theatres,” the filmmaker said, adding that the 3D version is the best way to experience the film on the big screen.
Terminator 2: Judgment Day returns to U.S. theaters August 28 through September 2 for its 35th anniversary celebration.
