The latest chapter of the Terminator saga,
Terminator Salvation promises to maintain the series’ great tradition of killer robots that find unique and interesting ways of removing the human race of the face of the earth. Together with
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen this winter season is lining up to be a smorgasbord of robotic mayhem.
Robots have a long lasting legacy in film, from
Metropolis to
WALL-E there seems to be an infinite amount of variations on the age old theme of artificial intelligence. Some clearly more successful than others but as night follows day, it seems that as soon as they begin to feel emotions the next step seems to be total annihilation of their creators.
Admittedly robots of the kind and gentle variety are rarely as memorable as their bloodthirsty counterparts. While we hold deep reservations as to the need for another Terminator movie, we wait with baited breath and hope that there is a good dose of mechanical action.
We have compiled a top ten list of the most memorable robots. Whether built for service, humour or total destruction they have all provided hours of entertainment.
10. Optimus Prime from Transformers
Wise and powerful Optimus was always the coolest of the bunch, plus he turns into a truck which easily impressed the five year old version of myself. Fingers crossed Michael Bay keeps the camera steady enough in the new sequel so we can get a decent look.
9. Bishop from Aliens
This guy has the best party trick ever.
8. Robocop from Robocop
Police officer Murphy gets gunned down and becomes the greatest law enforcement weapon ever created. More cyborg than robot but regardless, Robocop’s cool wit still makes him a glorious creation.
7. Roy Batty from Blade Runner
Roy Batty, played to perfection by Rutger Hauer is the best thing about this film. Not only one of the best robots but one of the greatest movie bad guys around.
6. Wall-E from Wall-E
You know you love him.
5. Gort from The Day The Earth Stood Still
The '50s were uneven times for movie robots but Gort was so great that even when they tried to recreate him recently they couldn’t come close to matching his brilliance.
4. Johnny-5 from Short Circuit
Initially dismissed as a robot version of ET, the striking similarities to
Wall-E have revealed it to be a more memorable film than once thought.
3. HAL9000 from 2001, A Space Odyssey
As much disturbing as it is memorable.
2. Terminator Series 800/Model 101 from The Terminator
Never has a killing machine intent on destroying the human race been so cool.
1. R2-D2 from Star Wars
Anyone who doesn’t like R2 has no soul.