The Terminator film series isn’t only jam-packed with sci-fi-centric action and muscles upon muscles, but it’s also locked and loaded with some of the best quotes and oneliners in cinema history. Unquestionably, these powerful words add to the gravitas of the scenes, creating iconic movie magic moments that live on in the memory of the viewer long after the credits roll and Brad Fiedel’s unmistakable theme rings like a shotgun blast.

In addition, these quotable lines are quintessential for everyday conversations among us regular mortals who aren’t named John or Sarah Connor. So, let’s take a look at the best quotes from the Terminator films and where it’s relevant to use them in daily situations.

“I’ll be back”

Ah, the classic quote from the Terminator series. Now while most people say it when they leave a room, imitating Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Austrian accent and robot-like delivery, that’s a bit too on the nose, isn’t it? The best time and place to use this quote is at the tailend of a disciplinary hearing at work. Imagine a manager’s face as you utter: “I’ll be back.” Is it a promise? Is it a threat? That’s open to interpretation. Try it and let us know what happens.

“Come with me if you want to live”

While most people associate this quote with the T-800, it was Kyle Reese who said it first in The Terminator. On the surface level, it’s a simple phrase about getting somebody out of a pickle, but there’s also the opportunity to use it in a different context in everyday life. For example: Someone might have tickets to a Taylor Swift concert and tell their friends: “Come with me if you want to live.” If being a Swiftie isn’t the very definition of living, then what is?

“Hasta la vista, baby”

A popular quote from Terminator 2: Judgment Day, “Hasta la vista, baby” works well as a farewell of sorts. As John Connor explains to the T-800, it’s also a fantastic way to say cheers when you have grown tired of speaking to someone. Here’s a pitch-perfect example: Someone rings you up and wants to sell you a vacuum cleaner. Deciding to be polite, you listen to the sales pitch then calmly say, “No, thank you.” The person doesn’t get the message and badgers you for a commitment and order, so you hit them with, “Hasta la vista, baby,” and slam down the phone. Best way to sign off a conversation, really.

“Cyborgs don’t feel pain. I do”

In The Terminator, Kyle Reese attempts to let Sarah Connor know he isn’t a machine during a humorous exchange in which she bites him. He says, “Cyborgs don’t feel pain. I do.” While it’s used for comedic effect in the movie, it’s capable of being equally effective during poignant conversations as well. Especially when speaking to a loved one about something said that hurt your feelings. It shows a sense of vulnerability and how you, too, bruise easily – like the Natasha Bedingfield song.

“This is the world now. Logged on, plugged in, all the time”

Despite how awful Terminator: Genisys is and should be eradicated from the brain, John Connor isn’t lying when he says, “This is the world now. Logged on, plugged in, all the time.” It’s an accurate description of humanity as everyone remains glued to a device that keeps them connected to the world all day and all night. That said, it does sound like something Grampa Simpson would say as he shouts at the clouds and tells the kids to stay off his lawn. So, the next time you come across a silly TikTok video or Instagram Reel, shake your fist and scream into the void: “This is the world now. Logged on, plugged in, all the time.”

“Because if a machine, a Terminator, can learn the value of human life, maybe we can too”

This is a beautiful quote from Terminator 2: Judgment Day as Sarah Connor becomes reflective about there still being a chance for humanity to save itself after the sacrifice the T-800 makes in the end. It’s also an ideal quote to use in a work setting when a boss questions why someone needs a vacation day or time off. A person should smile and say to their manager: “Because if a machine, a Terminator, can learn the value of human life, maybe we can too.” There’s also a double meaning here, as the manager won’t know if you’re subtly referring to them as a machine or human.

“You’re judging me on things I haven’t even done yet”

Miles Dyson makes a good point in Terminator 2: Judgment Day. The poor man is blamed for Skynet losing its mind and destroying the world in the future when he hasn’t even done anything wrong yet. What is he supposed to do? Apologize in advance for something he hasn’t even thought of? Similarly, this is comparable to someone wagging their finger at another person over a chore that hasn’t been fulfilled just yet. Be a wiseguy and hit back with the zinger: “You’re judging me on things I haven’t even done yet.” Maybe they’ll still happen – or maybe they won’t, depending on which friends are online and up for a game of Fortnite later.

“The future’s not set. There is no fate but what we make for ourselves”

Let’s be real: The world is in a strange place right now with incessant layoffs, horrific wars, and just a general abundance of ugliness all around. It’s all too easy to fall into a trap where everything looks bleak and there appears to be no tomorrow. However, the Terminator series holds a mantra for everyone to repeat daily: “The future’s not set. There is no fate but what we make for ourselves.” The ability to create our own destiny remains firmly in our hands and there’s a glimmer of hope in the faraway distance. So, let’s hold thumbs that generative AI doesn’t turn into Skynet soon!