Top 10: Favorite Movie Robots

What do we make of robots in film? Are they here to help us or destroy us? The desire for convenience spurs on the field of technology. However, many movies prey on our fear of annihilation to create some of the most malevolent robots. Still, robots in film take on a variety of functions. They can kill, they can love and they can even be a mirror to our current society.

This Friday sees the opening of “Pacific Rim: Uprising,” the sequel to the film “Pacific Rim,” which found overseas success back in 2013. This new film sees a new generation of Jaeger pilots defend the world from yet another Kaiju threat. It’s equal parts Godzilla monster movie and sci-fi robot action film. In honor of the film’s opening weekend, we look back at the top 10 movie robots in history.

10. The Stepford Wives - “The Stepford Wives” (1975)

Do suburbs really turn all women into the same housewife? That’s the horrific scenario at the center of “The Stepford Wives,” Bryan Forbes’ cult 70s classic. Joanna Eberhart (Katharine Ross) moves her family from New York to a suburb in Connecticut only to notice something off about the women. They all achieve a certain perfection that’s almost robotic. It’s revealed that the men in the town have all made their wives undergo a process that turns them into robotic “perfect” wives. Frank Oz revisits the story in 2004’s “The Stepford Wives,” casting Nicole Kidman in the lead. The film feels like a stale retread, with some strangely fun camp elements. However, it’s hard to look past the original when it comes to rewarding thrills and even some dark laughs.

9. Baymax - “Big Hero 6” (2004)

Is there a more huggable robot? Scott Adist finds buoyancy in a robotic monotone. Baymax exists to help, as he was originally designed to be a healthcare assistant robot. Baymax represents the final project of Tadashi (Daniel Henney), our protagonist Hiro’s (Ryan Potter) brother who was killed suddenly. Hiro reactivates Baymax at first to feel close to his deceased brother. However, once villains threaten his town, he recruits Baymax to be part of his superhero team. Baymax’s soft, plushy body makes him a hilarious and cute figure that seems (literally) ill fit for the superhero gig. Even as the film kicks into action drive, Baymax continues to be the cute, warm heart at the center of the film.

8. Maria/Futura - “Metropolis” (1927)

Fritz Lang’s “Metropolis” represents a major step forward in filmmaking. Much can be said of the futurist deco art direction on display. While at its time there were some mixed reactions, modern culture regards it as a seminal masterpiece and the foundation for science fiction filmmaking. At the center of the film lies Maria/Futura. While she does not appear on screen for long, her ability to make men fight over her deserves major props. The character represents the strange wonderment that makes the film such a timeless classic. Even our modern robot characters of today owe quite a bit to this 1927 classic.

7. The Terminator - “Terminator”

“I’ll be back.” In three words, an iconic moment was born. Arnold Schwarzenegger enters the film, and Hollywood, with such force as a murderous robot from the future. This star-making role cemented Schwarzenegger as a leading action star. The Terminator's indestructibility as he makes his warpath towards Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton) makes him such an imposing force.  It’s a commanding performance that carries weight both for its terror and its impact. From here, we were given a series that oscillates from the amazing (“T2”), to the ridiculous (“Terminator: Salvation”). Still, our introduction to The Terminator can’t be forgotten.

6. Ava - “Ex Machina” (2015)

Lowly programmer Caleb (Domhnall Gleeson) wins a contest to meet with renowned scientist Nathan (Oscar Isaac). Caleb’s visit is for a higher purpose, though, as Nathan wants Caleb to test his new invention. Ava (Alicia Vikander) is Nathan’s latest robotic test. Nathan performs a Turing test on Ava to see if she functions unmistakably as a human. The film is predicated on the audience believing Ava possesses feelings for Caleb. Vikander makes Ava an elusive, enigmatic and inviting presence. Even as the only bits of flesh we see of her is her face, we fully believe she possesses human qualities. Alicia Vikander won her Supporting Actress Oscar this year for “The Danish Girl” in the role of Gerda Wegner. However, many believe she won, in part, for her role in this film, which also nabbed a Golden Globe nomination.

5. Samantha - “Her” (2013)

What happens when you fall in love with your AI? It’s future LA, greeting card writer Theodore (Joaquin Phoenix) buys the latest high tech phone with a personal assistant, who is a voice. His phone comes with Samantha (voiced by Scarlett Johansson), who instantly organizes his life. However, their relationship soon turns into a romance. Scarlett Johansson brings to life a full romantic heroine using only her voice. We believe her humanity because we identify it. As Samantha and Theodore grow apart, we recognize Samantha’s desire for full sentience and to divide her time across the globe. She sells the comedy (with the sex surrogate) and the heartbreak (during the finale).

4. Giant - “The Iron Giant” (1999)

A lonely boy in 1950s Maine named Hogarth (voiced by Eli Marienthal), stumbles upon a robotic Giant (voiced by Vin Diesel) whom he takes in. In many ways, the Giant functions as Hogarth’s oversized dog. However, happiness is fleeting as government officials, led by Kent Mansley (voiced by Christopher McDonald), seek to capture and destroy the Giant. The tearful finale of the film cements the Giant in cinematic history. It’s a powerful statement of a thing, thought to be a weapon, choosing sacrifice and peace over warfare. What makes “The Iron Giant” timeless is its ability to rebel against violence using a robot to show humans their humanity.

3. Wall E/Eve - “Wall E” (2008)

Imagine being alone on a post-apocalyptic Earth. That’s the fate Wall E, a trash collector robot, faces as we open the film. Wall-E's love for “Hello Dolly” spurs on his desire for love. All the sudden, Eve crash lands on the planet, searching for life. The two embark on an affair, until Eve is called back to her home station. From there, we embark on a thrilling and lovely journey to reunite these lovebirds. Still, nothing beats the wordless first half which chronicles the courtship between Wall E and Eve. The visual storytelling is unparalleled.

2. R2D2 and C3PO - “Star Wars” (1977)

Are there more iconic movie robots out there? Probably not. In just a series of beeps, R2D2 possesses possibly the most personality out of anyone in the “Star Wars” universe. This plays extraordinarily well against C3PO’s fussy nature. There is no R2D2 without C3PO. Their chemistry remains unmatched. Viewers may have been enraptured in the “will they/won’t they” of Han and Leia. Yet, we were initially drawn into the world of “Star Wars” based on these fussy robots brimming with personality. Just a few beeps, and you have one of the most iconic characters ever. Even now, the recent installments have added BB-8 have sought to replicate this magic.

Hal - “2001: A Space Odyssey” (1968)

Few characters are more frightening than Hal, the computer system on the “Discovery One” as it heads to Jupiter. Poor David (Keir Dullea) never stood a chance against Hal. Once Hal figures out a plot to override his programs, he takes matters into his own hands. As Hal rebels against his human counterparts, we fear how technology can eventually rebel against us. Douglas Rain gives one of the finest vocal performances of all time. Hal speaks in a monotone that registers as profoundly creepy. Perhaps most upsetting is Hal’s demise. Hal narrates his own death as he feels his systems shutting down. There’s something strangely human about the cold, unfeeling robotic nature of Hal. It’s something that’s not easy to shake.

What are your favorite movie robots? Share with us in the comments.

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