The irony is that these fiction robots are most often used to cut through to greater truth about humanity. Others, meanwhile, simply cater to our most primal urges by smashing everything in sight. Either way, these cyborgs, androids, drones, and more are a staple for everyone’s pop-culture diet.
Here is a list of the top ten coolest robots in pop culture history.
10. HAL (Heuristically programmed Algorithmic Computer)
Seen in 2001: A Space Odyssey
HAL is the sentient computer that controls the systems of the Discovery One Spaceship from Stanley Kubrick’s classic movie 2001: A Space Odyssey.
HAL speaks with a conversational, polite tone and seems to take pride in his work – betraying the fact that the computer may be more than just a computer, having developed genuine emotions and a form of artificial intelligence.
HAL has become synonymous with our fears about the rise of A.I. He insists that a fault in the spaceship is due to human error, before attempting to murder its crew by terminating the life support systems and attacking the crewmember that tries to identify the problem. HAL does this in the name of self-preservation, to avoid being deactivated.
This level of artificial intelligence is a quality that, thankfully, does not exist in our modern technology yet.
9. Marvin the Paranoid Android
Seen in: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
Typical movie and TV robots are so dangerous because they are full of data and information about life, combined with a stone-cold lack of emotion.
But Marvin from the book The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy (as well as it’s TV and film adaptations) does not lack emotion. He gets how people think and, more importantly, how they feel. He just doesn’t care very much.
Marvin is the failed prototype of Sirius Cybernetics GPP (Genuine People Personalities) program and due to unresolved flaws in his programming he is stuck with the intelligence to do great things but the will and drive to do very little.
He is the most depressed robot in history. He is the good guy that you want around, especially when you are feeling low because no matter how bad you feel, he will be more down than you are. In some weird way, that makes him more likable.
8. Robby the Robot
Seen in: Forbidden Planet
An icon of science-fiction, Robbie was created for the 1956 movie Forbidden Planet. The film was famously based on Shakespeare’s The Tempest, and Robbie himself was inspired by the powerful wood sprite Ariel.
Robby assisted the crew of the C57-D starship and was a full-fledged supporting character in the film.
He went on to have an amazing career spanning 30 years and appeared in a string of successful movies (Gremlins, Earth Girls Are Easy, Star Wars: Episode I) and television shows (Lost in Space, The Twilight Zone, The Love Boat).
7. Bender
Seen in: Futurama
Robots who yearn to be human is a repeated theme in sci-fi, but Bender from 'Futurama' definitely doesn't suffer from this. He's openly disdainful of non-robots and often refers to humans as "meatbags."
He requires a near constant intake of alcohol to recharge his power source but probably drinks more than is necessary. He's also a thief, a womanizer, and a pathological liar whose most famous catchphrase is, "Bite my shiny metal a$%!".
Underneath it all though, he just wants to be loved and struggles with feelings for humanity, alternating between expressing fondness for his friends to declaring his intention to kill all humans. He is certainly the show’s greatest breakout character.
6. WALL-E (Waste Allocation Load Lifter- Earth Class)
Seen in: WALL-E
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By most yardsticks, this robot is an unlikely concept for an animated feature. But Pixar studio did succeed in creating a truly loveable hero in the form of WALL-E.
He is a bright, small yellow robot, with binocular-type eyes that manage to convey both the happiness (during his time with his love, Eve) and worry (such as when he is nearly destroyed in a sandstorm) that comes his way.
If you're the sentimental type when it comes to robots, WALL-E probably ranks among your favorites.
5. Maria
He is a bright, small yellow robot, with binocular-type eyes that manage to convey both the happiness (during his time with his love, Eve) and worry (such as when he is nearly destroyed in a sandstorm) that comes his way.
If you're the sentimental type when it comes to robots, WALL-E probably ranks among your favorites.
5. Maria
Seen in: Metropolis
Scientist Rotwang, who is stuck in a bitter love triangle, constructs her for personal gain. However, after being instilled with sentience, she turns against her creator. After causing chaos throughout the city, the robot is eventually caught and burned at the stake. Too bad.
4. The Terminator
Seen in: The Terminator
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“Listen, and understand. That Terminator is out there. It can’t be bargained with. It can’t be reasoned with. It doesn’t feel pity, or remorse, or fear. And it absolutely will not stop, ever, until you are dead”. These cautionary words of Kyle Reese, serve as a perfect introduction to one of Sci-Fi's greatest and scariest villains.
When 'The Terminator' opened in 1984, it instantly became a highly successful franchise and made Arnold Schwarzenegger a household name.
It took the notion of killer robots and elevated it to a frightening new level. By making assassin robots appear human, they could infiltrate our ranks and wreak havoc with ease. One of their most memorable catchphrases is, "I'll be back". Oh Terminator, you never left our hearts.
3. Bishop
Seen in: Aliens
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Bishop is an android executive officer assigned to the Sulaco spaceship. He is sent to LV-426 moon along with the crew of colonial marines. He’s primarily responsible for planetary operations and his actions are critical to the survival of Ripley (the protagonist).
Portrayed by Lance Henriksen, Bishop works hard to win Ripley’s trust, especially after she was deceived by Ash, another android, and subsequently won the audience’s hearts.
Bishop is one of the coolest robots on the block but will remain a polarizing figure, both within the narrative of the Alien saga and in how viewers approach the character after viewing both Aliens and Alien 3.
2. Optimus Prime
Seen in: Transformers
Transformers took everything any little boy could want in a Saturday morning cartoon/toy and rolled it all up into one. Big and badass vehicles of all descriptions. Check. Robots. Check. Aliens. Check. Intergalactic laser battles over the resource Energon (this was a metaphor for oil-based conflicts in the Middle East). Check.
Optimus Prime is amazing right from his name. Optimus – the best. Prime – the first. He was the fearless leader of the Autobots (the goodies), tirelessly battling the Deceptions (the baddies) week after week, with virtue, and honor. He is easily the most favorite robot of any 80s kid.
1. R2-D2
Seen in: Star Wars
Over the years, hundreds of different robots have appeared in popular culture. They’ve been servants, overlords, invaders; the list goes on and on. Yet R2-D2 stands alone at the top of the pile.
While most robots have multiple functions R2-D2, for the most part, wasn’t capable of much more than just wandering around, getting into peril, and hacking the occasional mainframe. But he is an undeniably lovable friend.
Darth Vader may have been tall, dark, and menacing, Luke Skywalker may have been the main character, Han Solo may have been Harrison Ford, but R2-D2 is the face of Star Wars. Any of his trademark sounds, like his nervous squeak, or his playful whistle will instantly stir the inner child within most of us.
Written by: Saija Bhumireddy
Edited by: Anusha Vajha
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