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Terminator 2: Judgement Day movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was Terminator 2: Judgement Day filmed?

1991

City Locations

Fremont, Los Angeles, Sylmar, Malibu, North Hills, Fontana, CA

Location Types

Hospitals/Medical, Mansions, Clubs/Bars

Location Styles

Industrial, Factory/Manufacturing, Dilapidated/Neglected, Modern Building

About Terminator 2: Judgement Day

James Cameron's epic 1991 science fiction action film, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, is a thrilling sequel to his classic 1984 movie The Terminator. Produced by Carolco Pictures and TriStar Pictures, the blockbuster stars Arnold Schwarzenegger as the unstoppable cyborg assassin from the future on an ominous mission of destruction. It also features Edward Furlong and Linda Hamilton in their iconic roles alongside Robert Patrick, who brings a new level of terror to this electrifying cinematic experience released nationwide on July 3rd, 1991.

The plot of Terminator 2: Judgment Day follows Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton) as she attempts to protect her son John (Edward Furlong) from a new terminator T-1000 (Robert Patrick). In the first film, Sarah had been told by a time-traveling soldier (Arnold Schwarzenegger) that her son would someday be humanity's savior from a computer-controlled Armageddon. As such, Sarah has become a fierce warrior who educates John in survival tactics and battle strategies. However, they must now outrun and outwit an advanced T-1000 terminator sent back in time to kill him.

Terminator 2: Judgment Day was met with critical acclaim upon its release and is often cited as one of the greatest action films ever made. It won four Academy Awards for Best Sound Editing, Best Visual Effects, Best Makeup, and Best Sound Mixing; it also received Best Cinematography and Best Film Editing nominations. The film also won three Saturn Awards for Best Science Fiction Film, Best Director for Cameron, and Best Actress for Hamilton; it was additionally nominated for several other Saturn Awards. Furthermore, it holds an incredibly high rating of 93% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 112 reviews with an average score of 8/10.

Terminator 2: Judgement Day Locations

Terminator 2: Judgment Day is one of the most iconic sci-fi movies. Part of what makes it so memorable is the beautiful backdrop that was used for filming the movie. Most of the scenes were filmed in Los Angeles, California. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the other actors could be seen running from police or robots across famous landmarks such as Universal Studios and Griffith Park. But beyond Los Angeles, Terminator 2 also shot scenes in various locations worldwide. In New Mexico, Santa Fe served as a backdrop for specific action sequences while San Francisco provided an exciting contrast to Los Angeles with its hilly streets and rolling hillsides. The city's architecture and winding roads provided a perfect place to film chase scenes between Schwarzenegger and Robert Patrick's T-1000 character.

A trip to any of these places would be worthwhile if you're a fan of Terminator 2: Judgment Day as it provides visitors with an immersive experience unlike any other; you'll get to witness firsthand just how incredible each location looks on screen! Furthermore, being able to explore these locations will allow fans to appreciate special moments from the movie even more. Visiting the regions used for this Terminator 2: Judgment Day production is an awe-inspiring experience that no fan should miss out on!

Sarah Connor's escaping from hospital scene in Terminator 2: Judgment Day

Phoenix Academy/Lake View Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA

At first glance, the backdrop of Pescadero State Hospital for the Criminally Insane in the movie may seem daunting; however, it was recorded at Phoenix Academy/Lake View Medical Center—a health facility off Foothill Boulevard in San Fernando Valley. This hospital may appear intimidating on screen but it can be seen as just another healthcare center off this famous boulevard! This structure was built back during the early ‘70s and eventually closed due to either earthquake damage or lack of funding, thus beginning its ascension as a famous filming location for productions such as Halloween III: Season Of The Witch circa 1982 before finally being demolished in 2017.

The Pescadero State Hospital for the Criminally Insane in Terminator 2: Judgment Day was a grim and intimidating place. The area surrounding it was desolate, with sparsely placed trees and sickly grasses that made it appear like an uninhabited wasteland. The hospital edifice gave off an oppressive feeling, with tall walls fabricated from white bricks and enormous barred windows that created an ominous aura under the shadows at nightfall. Furthermore, chain-link fences topped off with barbed wire further heightened its security to fend away any unauthorized visitors. Still, Sarah, after a fight with the security guard and attendant, does go free.

Getting to Phoenix Academy/Lake View Medical Center is quite easy; take Exit 12 for Foothill Boulevard North heading towards Kagel Canyon. Drive along Foothill Boulevard for about three miles until you come to Eldridge Avenue and the center is located at 11600 Eldridge Avenue off Kagel Canyon road. You will know you've arrived when you reach Hansen Dam Park just north of Phoenix Academy/Lake View Medical Center. From there, keep your eyes peeled as you finally reach your destination!

Biker bar scene in Terminator 2: Judgment Day

12002 Osborne Street, Lakeview Terrace, Sylmar, California, USA

The iconic scene in this Terminator installment, taking place at The Corral Bar is something that will never be forgotten. Arnold Schwarzenegger arrives as the new, user-friendly Terminator. He stands tall and undressed among the hustle and bustle of San Fernando Valley—until he finds his signature leather jacket, bike, sunnies, and gun to complete his outfit. His notorious stint at The Corral saw him strip down before taking out a few bad guys with sheer finesse, leaving us all with an unforgettable impression of this classic film moment! Sadly, this unique location closed its doors in 1997 after suffering from an intense fire which eventually caused it to be demolished. Oddly enough, the former home to a biker bar now holds its complete opposite: Lake View Terrace Library.

12002 Osborne Street, Lakeview Terrace has been the backdrop for one of the most iconic movie scenes in history. Although The Corral Bar that once stood here is gone now, replaced by a library instead, its rolling hills and expansive skyline still capture an aura reminiscent of what it felt like during that period.

If you would like to visit this iconic location from the film, it's easy to get there by car or public transit. By car, you can reach the spot from anywhere within Los Angeles via Interstate 5 and California State Route 14. Once you exit off either freeway onto Osborne Street, you’ll be just steps away from the library that stands on what used to be The Corral Bar site. Public transit is also an option as several routes arrive near 12002 Osborne Street via Metro buses such as Line 224.

John Connor's rescue scene in Terminator 2: Judgment Day

Bull Creek Spillway, 9482 Hayvenhurst Ave, North Hills, CA 91343, USA

The scene in Terminator 2: Judgment Day where the T-1000 (Robert Patrick) follows Connor (Edward Furlong) on his dirt bike down the Bull Creek spillway is a remarkable action sequence. It is a unique chase scene, with two unlikely characters pursuing one another in an equally unlikely environment. The chase culminates with the T-1000 making a daring jump off of an overpass and into the flood control channel below, which had to be built explicitly for filming purposes.

Located in Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley, this location was filmed in two areas: Plummer and Hayvenhurst Streets, and the Balboa and Encino Golf Courses. The scene starts as Connor takes a hairpin turn onto Plummer Street and then takes a side street towards Hayvenhurst Avenue. From there, he enters into the newly constructed Bull Creek Spillway, which features forty-foot wide concrete flood control channels. The T-1000 follows him down the spillway before leaping off an overpass into Bull Creek below.

If you wish to visit this iconic location from Terminator 2: Judgment Day yourself, you'll need to make your way to Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley. Take either Plummer or Hayvenhurst Streets until you reach the junction, at which point it is easy to spot the area where Connor's dirt bike first entered into Bull Creek Spillway. There are still some elements from when it was specially built for filming that can be seen here if you look closely! Then take Balboa Boulevard until you reach Balboa Golf Course; follow that road until you get to Encino Golf Course, which was used for many of the other shots of this memorable scene from Terminator 2: Judgment Day.

Miles Dyson’s house scene in Terminator 2: Judgment Day

Pacific Coast Highway, 30065 CA-1, Malibu, CA 90265, USA

The scene in Terminator 2: Judgment Day where Cyberdyne engineer Miles Dyson's home is located has become iconic. In the movie, Arnold Schwarzenegger's character, the T-800 terminator, visits Dyson's home and proves his non-human status through an incredible display of strength, taking place at a private residence on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, California.

This particular stretch of Pacific Coast Highway is situated between Santa Monica and Point Mugu, making it one of the most picturesque locations in Los Angeles County. The adrenaline-filled scene was also filmed amongst this stunning backdrop, with rolling hills and lush greenery providing an idyllic atmosphere for the shoot.

Getting to Miles Dyson’s house is easy enough, as it’s just off Pacific Coast Highway. Head west from South Malibu Canyon Road and keep your eyes peeled for a private residence on the right side of the highway—that’s Dyson’s house! Don’t be surprised if you spot some equestrian neighbors nearby, too; during filming, Morris had to provide notice to local riders as there was lots of gunfire involved throughout this pivotal scene in Terminator 2: Judgment Day!

Development of cyborg chip scene in Terminator 2: Judgment Day

Mattson Technology,47131 Bayside Pkwy, Fremont, CA 94538, USA

The imposing Cyberdyne HQ, seen in the classic movie Terminator 2: Judgment Day, is a two-story building in California's Silicon Valley. This iconic structure and its heavily fortified walls are home to Mattson Technology, located at 47131 Bayside Parkway near Gateway Boulevard in Fremont. It was here that the infamous killer cyborg chip was developed, making it all the more legendary! The glass façade of the building towered above, adding a further layer of grandeur and intimidation. In the movie, when John Connor (Edward Furlong) and his mother Sarah (Linda Hamilton) infiltrate this facility to disrupt Skynet's activation, we can see how explosives had been connected with each window pane for them all detonate at once—dispersing fiery shards across an explosion of burning gas.

Apart from being well known for its iconic role in Terminator 2: Judgment Day, this area is also famous for its vibrant culture, which features art galleries, indie music venues and quirky shops in downtown Berkeley, not to mention incredible views of San Francisco Bay Area from nearby Tilden Regional Park.

Whether you are traveling by car or public transportation, getting to Mattson Technology in Fremont usually takes between 45 and 60 minutes with minimal traffic delays. For those who prefer public transit, BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) is available from San Francisco International Airport and nearby cities such as Mountain View and Oakland. Take the Red Line toward Richmond/Millbrae and disembark at Union City Station for a swift journey to your destination!

The final scene at Steel Foundry in Terminator 2: Judgment Day

Kaiser Steel Plant, 1 California Steel Way, Fontana, CA 92335, USA

This scene in T2 sees protagonist John Connor's parents pitted against the relentless and seemingly unstoppable Terminator cyborg sent from the future to kill them. As Sarah Connor, played by Linda Hamilton, runs for her life, Reese (Michael Biehn) sacrifices himself to save her, jamming his last explosive into the Terminator and killing himself. The scene is set within an abandoned factory assembly floor with high ceilings, large industrial machines, and exposed metalwork combined to create an atmosphere of suspense and fear.

The scene was filmed at the Kaiser Steel Plant in Fontana, California. Opened during World War II in 1942 by Henry J. Kaiser as part of his effort to provide steel for wartime needs, it closed after four decades of operation in 1983 when steel demand declined with the end of the Cold War. At the time of filming, this once-proud facility had been reduced to a ghost town; its empty hallways provided an appropriately eerie backdrop for this nail-biting climax between machine and man.

There are options to get to the Kaiser Steel Plant located at 1 California Steel Way in Fontana, USA. The most popular choice is to drive as it is just a 33-minute drive from downtown Los Angeles. When driving you can take either Interstate 10 or Highway 60 and the Etiwanda Avenue exit. Suppose you're looking for something a bit more adventurous. In that case, Kaiser Steel Plant can also be accessed via bike by taking the Pacific Electric Trail, which starts at Euclid Avenue in Pomona and ends near Etiwanda Ave in Fontana. This scenic route takes around 4 hours, depending on your speed but offers some stunning views of the San Gabriel Mountains and surrounding areas.

Conclusion

Generally speaking, the movie Terminator 2: Judgement Day is a fantastic science fiction piece combining action with a cautionary tale. The actor’s performances are impeccable, delivering captivating and convincing characters. Arnold Schwarzenegger as the eponymous cyborg ‘Terminator’ was especially memorable, with his trademark deadpan delivery and stoic performance making for great viewing. The idea of the movie also manages to make an impression on its viewers in several ways. Through its depiction of the impending nuclear disaster in 1997—which sadly came true—it serves as a reminder of how fragile our civilization can be and warns about the consequences of unchecked technological progress. Moreover, it presents humans in a favorable light; ultimately, it is human effort that saves the day rather than relying solely on advanced technology or superhuman abilities.

This film has made significant contributions to the movie industry since its release in 1991, firstly by inspiring many subsequent films within the same genre, such as ‘The Matrix.’ It has also had a far-reaching influence on pop culture references over decades since its release and is still frequently quoted today. Not only this, but it has set templates for other action films; explosive sequences usually found in action films have their roots in Terminator 2. Finally, there is something here for everyone; apart from high-octane action scenes, there are thoughtful themes throughout that add depth to this classic science fiction film which will not disappoint viewers expecting something special from Terminator 2. Movie locations fans, get ready for an adventure!