12 Most Heart-Stopping Sci-Fi Movie Scenes Ever

The tension doesn't come any higher than in this 1984 thriller that set up one wonderful sequel and a disappointing franchise overall. The concept of an unstoppable machine hellbent on executing an innocent lady is realised to maximum potential here, thanks to great casting decisions and masterful direction from James Cameron.

While Arnie was clearly a great choice as The Terminator, Linda Hamilton's break out role as Sarah Connor is the highlight. The sense of character development from vulnerable waitress to determined and resilient future leader is brilliantly executed by Hamilton, making the final battle between her and the near indestructible cyborg from the future really work.

The final climatic scene in the factory is the most pulsating moment of them all, with the Terminator's 'human' exterior melted away but with seemingly minimal harm to the cyborg itself. The choice by Kyle Reese to blow himself up in a sacrificial act to stop the Terminator in its tracks appears like a nice clean cut ending, but the audience are not let off so easily.

While most movies would be happy to conclude events with the hero saving the heroine, Cameron instead ups the ante tenfold. Despite being blown apart, the remains of the cyborg continues to pursue the 'defenceless' Sarah, who frantically crawls through hydraulic presses trying to escape.

Giving our heroine turned hero her own moment was significant, not only in setting up the brilliant sequel that followed, but also in fulfilling Sarah Connor's journey from waitress to saviour of all mankind.