The Matrix and The Terminator movies both paint a grim image for the future. Each sees technology as humanity's downfall and depicts machines taking over the world. While clearly having similarities in concepts, a Reddit fan theory explains how The Terminator could actually be a prequel to The Matrix. And the theory definitely holds some credit, as it goes more in-depth than just the movies sharing the same future.
Some of the best scenes in The Terminator movies are when the grim future is shown, as humanity barely holds on with their fight against Skynet. The timeline most commonly known is through the events of Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, which shows Skynet becoming sentient and launching nuclear missiles across the globe, leading to future events seen in previous movies. With the numerous sequels that have been released since, things have become a little messy with The Terminator timeline. However, the end result of machines destroying humanity has stayed the same.
The prequel fan theory posted by u/gallagher222 suggests that John Connor’s resistance against Skynet ultimately fails. Yet, instead of the machines wiping out humanity, they begin using humans as living batteries and force them into the artificial world of the Matrix. This alone isn’t a stretch to believe, as The Terminator films have never guaranteed a hopeful future for humanity. But on top of that, the theory suggests that John Connor was a previous “The One,” the same as Neo, not to mention that Morpheus explains that others came before him.
Looking at this theory’s validity, there’s little to argue when it comes to Skynet evolving to create the Matrix. With each installment in The Terminator franchise, the vision of the future becomes bleaker. Skynet’s technology is constantly evolving, and its AI becomes more and more advanced. And even in Terminator Salvation, which takes place entirely in the future, Skynet performs human experiments. So, with The Matrix taking place in the year 2199, it's not a stretch to believe Skynet could create a Matrix.
However, past this point, the theory becomes a little shaky. Firstly, it’s explained that there have been multiple people like Neo who are “The One." However, John Conner couldn’t have been one of these people as the theory suggests, considering The One must be born inside the Matrix with the ability to manipulate it. Another point that goes against the theory is that if The Matrix spin-off series, The Animatrix, is considered canon, then the timelines don’t match up. Some of the episodes depict a time when humanity and AI co-existed, which never happened in The Terminator movies.
Either way, it’s an entertaining theory that isn’t too far out to believe. And who knows, with all the different Terminator timelines and the upcoming The Matrix Resurrections, there may be a chance to tie the movies together even closer.