James Cameron’s breakout sci-fi classic The Terminator has continued to resonate across the decades, despite a parade of divisive sequels. There is a tremendous amount of mythology and creativity packed into the franchise, mainly from its first two films. The latter of which elaborated on major concepts of the true nature in humanity and artificial intelligence alike.

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But these larger ideas are made accessible by the cat-and-mouse plots. They offer up instantly recognizable imagery and one-liners through mesmerizing action sequences and careful doses of humor. The franchise has inspired countless others, made clear by the many references in odd places. But some are especially clever, and fun to revisit or discover.

The Matrix - Red Eye

The Matrix Neo and the bug

There are numerous influences for this iconic film, which itself remains a high bar for science-fiction and blockbusters. With memorable characters, powerful mythology and intriguing philosophy, it dares to challenge the very nature of reality. But its plot has unmistakably familiar beats, wherein the very machines that humanity created have overtaken and subjugated us.

The circumstances are slightly changed, but all of these machines have red eyes that fade to nothingness upon destruction. It’s particularly clear when the “bug” is extracted from Neo and dropped into the pouring rain.

Scream 2 - Sequel Debate

Wes Craven was a masterful filmmaker, and pioneered the new age of slasher films by understanding the evolving fanbase. Craven revived an entire genre by cleverly introducing meta humor, the key to Ghostface’s franchise. But the jokes were legitimately clever and thoughtful, rather than a mere gimmick.

For Craven’s first sequel, there is a particular emphasis on the very nature of sequels and their flaws. Students in film class debate over their validity, and a case is made for the original Terminator’s superiority.

Entourage - Terminator Style

A largely enjoyable comedy, decidedly aimed towards guys. This would seem like an unusual place for anything beyond a mere quote. But the show frequently indulged meta humor, being set in Hollywood itself. It bluntly paints the film industry with hilarious, unfavorable colors, and is brimming with fun pop culture references.

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In an early season two episode, the comical loudmouth Ari swears to return to his office “Terminator-style”. Best of all, he actually delivers. The triumphant, boisterous return finds Ari spraying scattering people with a paintball gun. It’s very much like the T-800’s police station intrusion, and nearly as fun.

Wayne’s World - The T-1000

This is easily one of the more unexpected references, for its sheer commitment and form. While based on the fun SNL sketches, and certainly wacky enough, it isn’t an outright spoof film. And now, fans can argue that the T-1000 has tied James Cameron’s beloved universe to Wayne and Garth.

Robert Patrick himself, who played the iconic T-1000, pulls Wayne over and asks about a boy. Wayne gives the only appropriate response—he screams and peels out. Robert Patrick revives his character perfectly, reassuming that terrifying body language and voice with ease.

Jumanji - The Gun Store

Jumanji Van Pelt

One could hardly imagine a movie directed towards children making such a reference, but it was probably plenty of fun for the parents. Besides, the reference is sensible, mindful, and clever anyhow. After all, it involves the primary villain, Van Pelt. In the Robin Williams classic, antagonist Van Pelt visits a gun store and ultimately purchases a modern weapon.

His currency was made priceless by time, compelling the clerk to let Van Pelt skip all the paperwork and waiting period. Luckily, the clerk survives, where the T-800 wouldn’t have been so merciful. But the scene unfolds with similar shots and that distinct attitude.

Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey - Evil Robots

Bill & Ted Bogus Journey William Sadler Death

Well, perhaps this isn’t the best sequel of all time, but that original was simply far too beloved. This film remains charming enough, and equally silly, though it hasn’t pleased everyone. Regardless, even casual fans are surely anticipating the triumphant return of the lovable 80’s icons this year.

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And there was plenty that did work in the first sequel, wherein an ex-teacher uses time travel to undo the protagonists’ utopian future. He does so by sending evil robot twins of Bill and Ted into the past. So, the entire plot of the film is hinged on Skynet’s classic plan.

Stranger Things - Russian Hitman

This show became an instant sensation for good reason. True, the series is perpetually fueled by nostalgia, riding the 80’s trend for everything it’s got. But the series consistently boasts great execution and inviting sincerity. And yet, season three proved to be rather controversial, because of the massive shift towards comedy.

Fortunately, the plot had far more direction than season two, which took a few episodes to really get moving. This time around, there’s a Russian assassin who operates just like the T-800, and even looks rather similar. He is a ruthless, cold, unstoppable force with a mechanical performance.

The Simpsons - Homer Chases Flanders

While the fanbase may have waned, this show will never lose its reputation for brilliance. There are simply too many iconic early seasons, and even modern episodes can still surprise.

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The show is also famous for its slick pop culture references, because they rarely feel meaningless. The show works them in organically, and uses a hilarious twist of context to incorporate the T-1000’s classic chase scene. After Homer unexpectedly befriends Ned Flanders, he becomes too clingy, and ends up running down the Flanders family just like Robert Patrick.

Rick And Morty - Rattlestar Ricklactica

Rick and Morty Season 4 Rattlestar Ricklactica

Many fans considered this episode a return to form, given the abrupt shift in direction that preceded it. The first two seasons are particularly renowned for their capacity to balance character development with zany plotting. So, this episode was welcomed with open arms for feeling on brand again.

The plot directly replicates the entire conceit of the Terminator franchise, only with...snakes. It’s absolutely hilarious from beginning to end, and the first attack from the future alone has copious references.

Last Action Hero - I’ll Be Back

Arnold Schwarzenegger aiming gun from truck

It would be difficult not to give the highest position to Arnold himself. He defined the T-800’s physicality in the original, then delivered a genuinely likable personality for the sequel. It helps that James Cameron’s writing was endlessly quotable. “I’ll Be Back” is easily among the greatest one-liners of all time. It’s been repeated all over the place, even by Arnold himself.

However, Last Action Hero is a great movie in its own right. It functions through meta humor already, so the reference feels totally natural, rather than corny and shoehorned. Arnold delivers the famous line with that classic attitude, and the protagonist points out how routine and dull it’s become.

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