Which studio distributed The Terminator in the United States?

Orion Pictures distributed The Terminator in the United States.

The 1984 film was produced by Hemdale Film Corporation and Pacific Western Productions, while Orion Pictures handled its American theatrical distribution. This distinction matters because the company that produces a film is not always the same company that distributes it.

The Terminator was directed by James Cameron and stars Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, and Michael Biehn. Orion released it theatrically in October 1984, and the film became a major commercial success despite its relatively modest production scale compared with later franchise entries.

Distribution rights and corporate ownership changed over time, which can make studio references confusing. Orion Pictures was the original U.S. distributor, while international distribution involved other companies. Later home-video and library arrangements also passed through different corporate owners.