Bale’s decision to play John Connor in this post-apocalyptic action epic truly demonstrated his ascent to the top, as never before had a Hollywood actor been invited to play back–to-back heroes in two film franchises of this scale.

While the production was plagued by fanboy outcries, rumoured script changes and one legendary on-set tirade, it would still manage to weather dismal reviews to head to the top of the UK box office and invite some inevitable sequels. At least it was better than the third one!