Buzz
What distinguishes humans from machines? As modern technology has evolved rapidly in recent decades, this question has been explored by numerous thinkers. For every answer proposed, more questions emerge.
Is it our interconnectedness that defines humanity? Or is it our capacity for conscious decision-making? Perhaps it lies in our ability to transcend basic instincts and rely on intellect, reason, and foresight. Alternatively, could it be our arrogance—believing ourselves superior to all other forms of life?
These thought-provoking questions will be explored in this list, where we delve into ten iconic human androids from the realm of science fiction. Inspired by Philip K. Dick's renowned novel, “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?”, this list invites reflection.
10. Bishop, from the movie Aliens
Dark and claustrophobic, this sequel to “Alien” not only stands as a powerful film on its own but also perfectly complements its predecessor.
Bishop, a character in the movie, is an android who prefers the designation “artificial person.” His exceptional skills in his role raise the question of why there weren’t more androids in the space marine team. One plausible explanation is that androids were not typically programmed to kill, a safety precaution that solidified their role as an engineered underclass.
The moment when Bishop performs his iconic knife trick became a memorable scene, quickly adopted by children around the world—though they usually practiced with blunt pencils, of course.
9. David, from the film A.I. Artificial Intelligence
David resembles a modern-day Pinocchio. He is perhaps the most innocent, vulnerable, and defenseless human android ever depicted on screen. Those who’ve watched the film likely recall David's desperate efforts to transform from Mecha to Orga, with the aid of the whimsical Blue Fairy.
The child-robot was designed to love unconditionally, yet he finds himself rejected—viewed merely as a robot—by the mother who bought him to replace her biological son. The heartbreaking scene where young David is abandoned by his mother remains one of the most emotional moments in cinematic history.
8. T-1000, from the film Terminator 2: Judgment Day
The T-1000 shares the same angry demeanor and minimal dialogue that made the T-800 so iconic, but with the added power of being constructed from 'liquid metal.' This allows him to regenerate and mimic other people and objects. Unfortunately for his enemies, he can also run much faster.
He also imparted an important lesson that will forever be remembered by a large portion of our generation: never trust a policeman who praises your bike.
7. Sam, from the movie Moon
For fans of sci-fi, Duncan Jones' film is an absolute treat. It draws clear inspiration from classics like '2001: A Space Odyssey', 'Blade Runner', and 'Alien,' yet remains strikingly original in its execution.
A unique aspect of this film is that it doesn’t just feature one android, but a whole team—each designed to replace the same human. While this may sound strange to someone unfamiliar with the film, it all makes perfect sense once you see it. Sam stands out as one of the most sympathetic androids, and throughout the movie, you can't help but feel compassion for him. The scenes where Rockwell interacts with the 'other' Sams are particularly remarkable. The timing is almost flawless, and the director avoids relying on cheap camera tricks or distractions.
The movie’s central themes—alienation, loneliness, dehumanization, and disbelief—are deeply thought-provoking. They leave you questioning what’s real and what’s not in this life.
6. Robocop, from the film Robocop
Robocop is perhaps the most human-like of all the androids on this list, yet externally, he appears to be the least human. As a cyborg—half man, half machine—he represents the future of law enforcement, ready to handle any task.
Alex Murphy was the unfortunate (or fortunate?) individual selected to become Robocop after he was brutally killed by a gang of criminals. As Robocop, Murphy is essentially dead, yet his memory remains intact. Driven by vengeance, he embarks on a mission to track down and punish those responsible for his murder.
Robocop will forever remain in the public consciousness, serving as a stern reminder to criminals that they should never underestimate the power of the law.
5. David, from the film Prometheus
Michael Fassbender delivers an excellent performance as David, possibly the best aspect of the much-anticipated film 'Prometheus,' which, unfortunately, ended up being a disappointing failure in many respects.
David is a human android who blurs the line between good and evil, leaving us to question his true nature. He’s polite and courteous, but often engages in morally questionable actions, typically driven by scientific curiosity. At one point in the film, he comes across a vase of goo, examines it with his finger, and then deliberately contaminates Holloway’s champagne, poisoning him. While Holloway’s death wasn’t intentional, should David have been so careless with human life?
4. Jordan Two Delta, from the movie Island
Without a doubt, Jordan Two Delta is one of the most sophisticated androids on this list. Scarlett Johansson carries the film with her outstanding performance, convincingly portraying the 'unsuspecting product' who is unaware that her only purpose in life is to be harvested for her organs.
She is the clone of Sarah Jordan, a Calvin Klein supermodel who was badly injured in a car accident. After falling in love with another human android, Lincoln, and discovering a new desire to survive, she escapes the 'island.' This film presents human androids as beings with a strong will, intelligence, and the ability to experience genuine emotions.
3. Roy Batty, from the film Blade Runner
This film is essentially a philosophical reflection—a meditation on the harshness of death and the seeming meaninglessness of life. While it was initially misunderstood upon release, Ridley Scott's enigmatic, neo-noir masterpiece, Blade Runner, has gained more influence over time, now regarded as one of the greatest sci-fi films ever made.
Roy Batty, the protagonist, is the brilliant and ruthless leader of the renegade Nexus-6 replicants. He embodies both childlike wonder and brutal determination, as shown through his interactions with both humans and fellow replicants. A key moment in the film occurs when Roy confronts his 'father'; filled with anger and questions, all he desires is answers—and ultimately, life itself.
The film’s closing scenes beautifully combine the profound issues of life and death. Roy Batty sacrifices himself to save Deckard, even as his own life comes to an end. He then calmly sits and delivers what is perhaps the most beautiful soliloquy in cinematic history.
2. The Terminator The Terminator
There are actors, and then there are movie stars. Arnold Schwarzenegger is unquestionably a movie star—his mere presence on screen commands attention. In this film, he takes on the role of the antagonist, delivering a performance that could be considered his finest. This, alongside its thrilling sequel, might just be the pinnacle of his acting career.
The T-800 is an advanced model of the Terminator, created by Cyberdyne Systems and sent back in time from thirty-five years in the future with the mission to kill young John Connor, paving the way for a future ruled by machines. The Terminator is a masterclass in filmmaking—blending familiar sci-fi tropes with an innovative script and exhilarating action scenes. Its iconic line, “I’ll be back,” has earned its place as one of the most famous quotes in cinematic history.
1. Gunslinger Westworld
What transpires when robots are integrated into human society, only to malfunction en masse and turn against their creators? This is the premise of the film 'Westworld,' an early exploration of such themes, released in the 1970s. Set in America’s latest amusement park, it offers visitors the chance to experience three distinct historical simulations: ancient Rome, medieval times, and the wild west of America.
In this immersive environment, guests can indulge in activities typical of each period—without facing any consequences. They can engage in bar brawls, visit saloons, break out of jail, and even find themselves in the midst of a gunfight.
A grave problem arises, however, when the androids programmed to interact with the guests begin to rebel against their human creators. Yul Brynner's portrayal of the Gunslinger android is exceptional. His eerie smile adds to the chilling nature of his role, which remains one of the most menacing performances in his career. The Gunslinger, for many in the sci-fi community, is seen as the original 'terminator'—and one of the greatest portrayals of a robot ever captured on film.
