The Terminator series is one of the few movies that truly capture the essence of the science fiction action category.
Covering nearly three decades from its first release in 1984, these legendary movies are a part of cinematic history and the enduring reputation of what is likely the most renowned role of Arnold Schwarzenegger in film.
For those who love eyewear, the Terminator movies make sunglasses the main focus of their sci-fi style; a key element that’s seamlessly integrated into every film.
In this article, we’ll look at the iconic glasses that Arnie sport throughout the Terminator timeline.
Let’s get started.
What sunglasses did Arnold wear in Terminator?
In the six Terminator movies, Arnold donned different styles of sunglasses, such as the Gargoyle Ansi Classics from Terminator 1, Persol Ratti 58230 shades in Terminator 2, and Sama Eyewear T3™ glasses in Terminator 3. Every single pair of these sunglasses was always black with lenses that were darkly tinted to conceal his glowing red robotic eyes.
Gargoyle sunglasses in ‘The Terminator’ 1984
Terminator 1 sunglasses
In the first Terminator movie, ‘The Terminator’, Arnold Schwarzenegger donned Gargoyles Ansi Classics sunglasses while playing the role of the villainous T-101 robot. After sustaining injuries to his artificial skin and left cybernetic eye from a car chase, he used these sunglasses to hide his glowing red optical sensor, ensuring he wouldn’t be recognized as a robot.
In a fitting manner, the Gargole Ansi Classics sunglasses are designed with a sleek, utilitarian look. They are shaped to closely conform to the face, ensuring minimal light seeps in from the top and sides of the frame. These sunglasses boast a sizable central bridge with contoured nose pads for a secure and comfortable fit. During intense battles and skirmishes, the robust polycarbonate lenses are engineered to withstand ballistic impacts, while cleverly concealing the Terminator’s hidden robotic sensors.
Even if you’re not a robot, these sunglasses offer top-notch performance, available in a variety of frame and lens colours. For those seeking the classic Terminator look, Arnold is seen sporting the black frame and the ‘black ice’ lens options.
Sunglasses Details
- Frame model: Gargoyles Ansi Classics
- Colour: Black Frame
- Lenses: ‘Black Ice’ lenses
- Size: 70 [] 10 130
Persol Ratti sunglasses in Terminator 2 ‘Judgement Day’ 1991
Terminator 2 sunglasses
In the subsequent Terminator movie ‘Judgement Day’, Arnold Schwarzenegger is seen sporting an old-fashioned set of black acetate Persol Ratti 58230 sunglasses. At the start of the time travel sequence, Schwarzenegger faces off against a man armed with a gun, who is a bartender, and nonchalantly snatches the sunglasses from his denim jacket pocket.
In the movie ‘Terminator: Judgment Day,’ Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Persol Ratti 58230 sunglasses feature a complete-rimmed, rectangular shape. Crafted in Turin, Italy, the structure and the parts that hold the lenses are constructed from robust black acetate, with lenses that are dark grey.
Typically, the design highlights a prominent brow line that spans the upper portion of the frame. Upon closer inspection, you’ll notice a shadow that extends across the top of the frame’s front, where the acetate material is more substantial than that of the lower rims below.
In 1991, when the movie was produced, Persol was a brand that was independently owned and operated under the name Persol Ratti. This is why the 58230 sunglasses seen in Terminator 2 are seen as vintage and are no longer being made.
Specialist online optical retailers now offer new old stock (NOS) versions of the original sunglasses, available in both Terminator black and tortoise shell acetate colours. These retro frames are equipped with the patented ‘Meflecto system,’ which includes built-in flex points in the temples for enhanced comfort. This technology is still in use by Persol today.
Sunglasses Details
- Frame model: 58230 Persol Meflecto Ratti
- Colour: Black
- Frame material: Acetate
- Lenses: FUMO ‘smoke grey’ 75% ABS
- Size: 64 [] 20 130
Sama T3 sunglasses in Terminator 3 ‘Rise of the Machines’ 2003
Terminator 3 sunglasses
In the movie ‘Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines’, Arnold Schwarzenegger is seen sporting a set of black Sama Eyewear ‘T3™’ sunglasses, specially crafted for the 2003 movie. These sunglasses, akin to wraparound sports eyeglasses, have close-fitting frames. They are initially noticed when the T-850 robot (Schwarzenegger) snatches them from a distant gas station.
Crafted by Sheila Vance and produced in Japan, the Sama Eywear T3™ sunglasses boast a robust 8-base curvature design. Featuring ovalized lenses and custom silicone nose pads, these stylish frames are remarkably lightweight, perfect for fast pursuits and combat situations.
Significantly, the Sama T3™ frame boasts a sleek, athletic appearance. The angular skull temple designs recall high-performance cycling eyewear like the Oakley Predator. As the temples extend past your ear, Sama have incorporated a rubberized band for enhanced hold.
For those who admire the Terminator franchise, the T3™ sunglasses are no longer being made. Nonetheless, there are a few unique, one-of-a-kind models still in existence, which can be purchased from specialised sellers on eBay. Additionally, you might also discover copies of these sunglasses available on the internet.
Sunglasses Details
- Frame model: T3™ by Sama
- Colour: Black
- Frame material: Acetate
- Size: 64 [] 17 120
Unknown sunglasses frame in Terminator 5 ‘Terminator Genisys’ 2015
Terminator Genisys, the fifth instalment in the Terminator series, came out in 2015. As depicted on the movie poster above, Arnold Schwarzenegger is donning a classic ‘Terminator’ style pair of sunglasses.
Upon closer inspection of the movie poster, it’s clear that Schwarzenegger’s appearance is strikingly similar to that of the Persol Ratti 58230 sunglasses he wore in the sequel ‘Terminator Judgment Day’. Through a pixelated zoom analysis provided below, one can observe the identical sculpted brow line and distinctive Persol ‘Meflecto system’ temple details.
These sleek, retro-inspired sunglasses, though not officially recognized by the Terminator 5 movie’s followers, are still a mystery to those who pay close attention to eyewear. Just like the shades seen in the earlier Terminator movies, these glasses fit snugly and sport a casual, athletic appearance, perfect for activities like golf, tennis, or cycling.
Since the Terminator 5 sunglasses are not known, take a look at these other options listed below.
Bolle Anaconda 10339
Oakley Gibston OO9449 06
Bolle Status
3D modelled sunglasses in Terminator 6 ‘Dark Fate’ 201
Using augmented reality, the producers super-imposed a 3D model of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s face from 1984 onto another male actor.
In this alternate-reality scenario, the 3D model showcases a distinctive pair of Terminator sunglasses, as observed in the image analysis below. The digital representation of these sunglasses closely mirrors the Persol Ratti 58230 sunglasses donned in the second film ‘Terminator Judgment Day’, though it falls short of being an exact replica.
Similar to the classic Persol frames, these items showcase what appears to be the adaptable ‘Meflecto system’ temple details, however, these adaptable stems are significantly thinner than the authentic Terminator 2 sunglasses. It’s believed that these sunglasses are closer to a digital rendition rather than an exact copy of the Terminator 2 Persol sunglasses.
For those who enjoy science-fiction action movies, the Terminator series stands out as one of the most well-known and lasting in the genre.
Without a doubt, Arnold Schwarzenegger plays a central role in these beloved films, not only as a reliable T-800 robot but also as a symbol of sunglasses.
When it comes to movies featuring sunglasses, the Terminator series ranks among the most focused on eyewear in film history.