The Top 10 Robots in Movie History

Posted by Fat Guys at the Movies (fatguys@filmschoolrejects.com) on July 2, 2007

With the impending mega-blockbuster release of Michael Bay’s “Transformers,” The Fat Guys at the Movies have taken a look at all the different robots we’ve seen on screen throughout the years. Spring chicken Neil Miller might not remember some of the more classic ones, but Kevin Carr balances the act to not forget the pioneers of the genre.

Where would “Transformers” be without those ‘bots on this list?

The following list was a featured discussion on this week’s episode of Fat Guys at the Movies. Take a listen below. The discussion begins at the 27:14 mark of Episode 18.

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10. Johnny 5 from “Short Circuit” (1986)

This is about as classic as Fat Guy Neil Miller gets. Kevin thinks he’s a cheesy hunk of junk, but the fan base for the lovable Johnny 5 was enough to let him make the list. After all, the ‘bot had more screen presence than Steve Guttenberg and Ally Sheedy combined.

9. TIE, Ash from “Alien” (1979) and Bishop from “Aliens” (1986)

Ash and Bishop were the penultimate good cop/bad cop of futuristic androids. It’s too bad they never got a chance to share the screen. Ash, played by Ian Holm, was a tremendously creepy and cold villain who tried to suffocate Ripley with a magazine. Bishop, played by Lance Henriksen, was a sympathetic hero who got sliced in half and still managed to save Newt from the vacuum of space.

9. Data from “Star Trek: The Next Generation” (1987-2002)

We know he’s mainly from a television show, but Data made the big screen in four of the feature films. What started out as a Spock rip-off for the new series became a deeply characterized personality on the show, and possibly the most memorable guy from the entire next generation.

7. Gort from “The Day the Earth Stood Still” (1951)

The silent giant from Robert Wise’s sci-fi classic is one of the most recognizable figures of the genre. Who wouldn’t want his nifty death ray to help them out of traffic jams? And we’re sure that some of us out there have memorized the line “Klaatu Barada Nikto” just in case?

6. Robby the Robot

Many people will remember Robby from his role in the sci-fi classic “Forbidden Planet.” However, like a contract actor with the studios back then, Robby found his way on many different sets. With appearances in everything from the “Twilight Zone” and “The Man from Uncle” to “The Banana Splits” and “Mork and Mindy,” Robby is possibly the hardest working Robot in the business.

5. The ‘Bots from “Mystery-Science Theater: 3000, The Movie!” (1996)

Again, these characters are primarily from television, but they had a brief stint in the theaters in 1996 with their failed feature film. Still, the gang from the Satellite of Love are some of the funniest and most memorable robots to grace the screen. God bless Crow, Tom Servo, Gypsy and yes, even Cambot.

4. Futura from “Metropolis” (1927)

It’s sad to say that Fat Guy Neil Miller’s response to this name on the list was, “Who?” Still, that doesn’t deter from the fact that the sexy vamp bot from Fritz Lang’s ahead-of-its-time classic “Metropolis” was one of the most influential robots on film. Whether you watch the film with a silent-era soundtrack or the rockin’ Queen tunes, you’ll shiver at the sight of this cold, metal woman.

3. The Iron Giant from “The Iron Giant” (1999)

Before Brad Bird was recognized as the animation genius for his work with Pixar, he made the box office dud yet critically praised “The Iron Giant.” Although most theatergoers stayed home, this film, and its title character, will likely be remembered as one of the classic mechanical men of American cinema.

2. R2-D2 and C-3PO from the “Star Wars” series (1977-2005)

Although some might consider this another tie, it’s impossible to separate the Laurel and Hardy of science fiction. Yeah, they didn’t have very good roles in the prequels (well, that is to say that 3PO didn’t), but this mindless philosopher and overweight glob of grease defined a generation and were responsible for practically every film released after 1977 having a cute robot in it.

1. The Terminator in “The Terminator” (1984)

Before he became the Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger played the baddest badass ever to walk on screen. The Terminator had the body of the Incredible Hulk, the killer appetite of Jaws and the tenacity of Sean Young trying to secure the role of Catwoman. In the sequels, Schwarzenegger played him as a good guy, but the original and best was the one with the intent to kill. It was so sad to see him go.

HONORABLE MENTIONS
Robot from “Lost in Space” (1998), He was cool on the television show, much cooler than the Space Family Robinson itself. And the movie version wasn’t too bad, either. We just wish he had a better name.

Optimus Prime from “Transformers: The Movie” (1984), If we ranked these robots a week later, we’re sure Prime would top the list for his appearance in the live-action film. But as it stands, we have to judge him from his role in the 1984 animated film… and he died like a bitch in that one. What gives?

Feel free to chime in below and tell us what you think of our list. For more fun lists, be sure to check out Fat Guys at the Movies each week!

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