Top Ten Movie Robots of All TimeThey walk, they talk, they work on moisture farms, they hunt Sarah Connor. And sometimes they're eerily human-like. Our critic (and robot nerd) compiles his list of favorites.By Todd Hertz |
posted 3/08/2005
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8. Data
Star Trek: Generations (1994)
Originating on TV's The Next Generation, android Data mixed Spock-like logic with childlike innocence and intense curiosity about humanity. A Lieutenant Commander aboard Picard's Enterprise, Data made his movie mark with a dramatic character arc about what it means to be human in the last three Star Trek films. In the films, Data installs an emotions chip that allows him to feel (Generations), resists the temptation to become more human in exchange for selling out his crew (First Contact), and makes the ultimate sacrifice by giving his life for others (Nemesis). Geek factor: You gotta love any robot who has a pet cat. Best standard feature: Umm, maybe his jaundiced skin?
7. Johnny-5
Short Circuit (1986)
Killer robots are nothing new. Robots who like The Three Stooges? Now that's special. Robot Number Five is one of several advanced Nova Robotics military robots created to be the perfect soldiers. But when lightning hits him, he begins to ask questions, reject commands, and think abstractly. Number Five is alive! Calling himself Johnny-5, the robot learns what it really means to be human: to love and to be loved, to learn the wonder of life (like dancing) and the horror of death. Amazing that a robot that looks completely machine-like could, by film's end, feel so human. Geek factor: Why would Nova Robotics create a military weapon that looks so darn cute till it's time to kill (when its big black eyebrows cock at an angle like an angry grandpa). Best standard feature: That rockin' shoulder laser.
6. Gort
The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
Seven feet tall and solid metal, Gort is the ultimate imposing robot thug. He arrives via UFO with galactic spaceman Klaatu, who has come to warn Earthlings to quell the violence that results from all their irrational fears. But before he can deliver the message, the Earthlings freak out and start shooting at him—which only proves his point. With that, Gort lays down the law and starts melting stuff with his eye laser. That said, it's not surprising why the rest of the galaxy lives in peace: Gort and friends. Klaatu explains: "For our policemen, we created a race of robots to patrol the planets in spaceships. At the first sign of violence, they react automatically against the aggressor." Gort is one bad dude. Menacing, featureless, and silent, he is the ultimate frightening, unstoppable robot. Geek factor: "Klaatu barada nikto." Best standard feature: The eye beam … but really, the dude is so tough he doesn't even need it.
5. Robby
Forbidden Planet (1956)
The perfect manifestation of the 1950s dream of what robots could be, Robby is a cook, chauffeur, translator, fork lift, security guard—and loyal friend. He's a polite, fully functional home machine—with a bulky form built completely out of '50s technology and electronics. Because of that, he feels like he could be a reality—an illusion helped by his visible circuitry and mechanical features that make it seem like he's literally working in front of you. Plus he tells jokes. Robby ultimately shows us that technology can equally aid good—or evil. Geek factor: When asked to commit violence, Roby's circuits overheat, which is depicted by his head just turning pink. Best standard feature: He can replicate any product, such as the 60 gallons of bourbon he makes for one Earth solider.
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