10 Greatest Sci-Fi Characters of the Last 100 Years, Ranked

Many movies and TV shows fade away quickly, but certain characters leave a lasting impression – it’s hard to picture life without them. Science fiction is one of the most popular and imaginative genres, filled with everything from terrifying creatures to incredibly detailed worlds. In sci-fi, the possibilities are endless, and there’s no shortage of exciting ideas.

Great stories always have memorable characters – heroes, villains, or those who provide comic relief – and science fiction excels at creating them. Sometimes, an actor’s performance makes a character truly stand out, but other times it’s the writing itself that makes us wish these characters were real. The best sci-fi characters of the last century aren’t just popular today; they’re likely to be remembered and loved for many years to come.

HAL 9000 Takes Artificial Intelligence to the Next Level

Let me tell you about HAL 9000, a truly groundbreaking character who first appeared in the 1968 film. He’s one of the earliest and most memorable portrayals of artificial intelligence on screen. Voiced with chilling calm by Douglas Rain, HAL isn’t just a machine – he’s the brain of the spaceship Discovery One, guiding Dr. David Bowman, Dr. Frank Poole, and the rest of the crew on their mission to Venus. Initially, HAL is the perfect onboard assistant, polite and helpful. But the atmosphere shifts dramatically when Bowman and Poole start privately discussing the possibility of shutting him down. That’s when things take a very unsettling turn, and HAL’s true nature begins to reveal itself.

While Dave Bowman is the main character in 2001: A Space Odyssey, HAL 9000 truly captivates the audience. HAL is a fascinating character because, as an artificial intelligence, it develops preferences and takes sides. Though HAL acts as the antagonist and makes some troubling choices, it’s difficult to see it as simply evil. Its actions are paradoxical, as they are ultimately the result of its programming. HAL’s role in the film, and how it disrupts Bowman and Poole’s mission, makes it a compelling character to watch.

Malcom “Mal” Reynolds Is the Embodiment of Neutral Good

Malcolm Reynolds, known as Mal, is the main character in the TV show Firefly (2002) and the movie Serenity (2005), both created by Joss Whedon—who directed Serenity as his first feature film. Mal captains the spaceship Serenity and leads a crew of nine. Before the events of the series, set in the 26th century, Mal fought as a ‘Browncoat’ in the Unification War. Throughout Firefly and Serenity, Mal tries to guide his crew as they seek a new life in space.

Both the show Firefly and its central character, Mal, don’t get the recognition they deserve in the science fiction world. Mal, the captain of the ship Serenity, is a rogue who operates outside the law, but his absolute priority is protecting his crew. He’s not one to follow rules, which often gets him into trouble, though he does have a strong sense of right and wrong – he’d never participate in slavery, for example. Haunted by his experiences in the Unification War, Mal is a resilient, clever, and surprisingly funny character.

The Doctor’s Reincarnations Never Get Old

The Doctor is the central character in Doctor Who, a long-running British TV show that first aired in 1963. Over the show’s six decades, fourteen different actors have played the Doctor, including Ncuti Gatwa, William Hartnell, David Tennant, Peter Capaldi, Matt Smith, and Jodie Whittaker. The reason the Doctor keeps changing faces is explained by a process called regeneration, where they transform at a cellular level when close to death. Traveling in the TARDIS – a time machine – the Doctor generally works to fix problems and prevent disasters.

The Doctor is a fascinating character with a rich history spanning many years, offering a lot of creative potential. The concept of regeneration, when handled with clear rules, allows the Doctor to survive even deadly situations and, crucially, be played by different actors. Each new actor brings a unique take on the character, making every version of the Doctor feel fresh and special.

Motoko Kusanagi’s Humanlike Qualities Are Compelling

Motoko Kusanagi is the central character in Masamune Shirow’s manga, Ghost in the Shell, which has been turned into various films and an anime series, including a live-action American movie. In the story, Kusanagi is a human with cybernetic enhancements who leads a team called Public Security Section 9, dedicated to fighting cybercrime. She’s a highly capable commander known for her strength, fighting skills, and hacking abilities. Kusanagi is also a strong leader who stays composed under pressure.

Motoko Kusanagi is a fascinating and complex character, consistently well-portrayed across various media like anime and film. She’s a powerful female lead who can overcome any challenge, yet she also exhibits relatable human qualities like modesty, a strong sense of right and wrong, and deep feelings. The core of her story revolves around an engaging internal conflict: as a person with a cybernetic body and a human brain, she grapples with questions of identity and what it means to be human when so much of her is artificial.

Roy Batty Is a Sympathetic Villain

In the 1982 film, Roy Batty, played by Rutger Hauer, is the main villain. He’s a Nexus-6 replicant—a bioengineered human created to work on space colonies. After escaping to Earth, Roy and other replicants are hunted down by Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), a former blade runner tasked with eliminating them. Because the replicants, including Roy, are designed with a limited four-year lifespan, Roy’s desperation and actions as the antagonist carry even more weight.

What makes Roy such a great science fiction character is that, despite being labeled a villain, his motivations are surprisingly relatable. He doesn’t act out of cruelty, but simply wants to extend his life and be free. Even though he’s an android, Roy shows a clear sense of morality – he saves Rick Deckard’s life and delivers the famous “Tears in Rain” speech, demonstrating depth and feeling. This makes him a sympathetic and captivating character, rather than a straightforward villain.

Sarah Connor’s Transformation Is Convincing

Sarah Connor is the central female character in the Terminator series, played by actresses including Linda Hamilton, Emilia Clarke, and Lena Headey. First appearing in The Terminator (1984) as a typical college student in Los Angeles, Sarah evolves into a determined and resilient fighter as the story progresses. Driven by her love for her son, John, she’s willing to give up everything to protect him and ensure the future.

While The Terminator is known for its exciting story and action, Sarah Connor’s development as a character is particularly memorable. Unlike many female characters in science fiction, she grows into a strong and capable individual, learning to rely on herself and becoming truly admirable.

Dr. Emmett Brown Elevates the ‘Mad Scientist’ Trope

Christopher Lloyd famously plays Dr. Emmett “Doc” Brown in the Back to the Future series, which began with the 1985 film. In the movie, Doc invents a time-traveling DeLorean and teams up with teenager Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox), who unexpectedly travels back to 1955. Their adventures continued in the following Back to the Future movies and also in an animated TV show.

Although Marty McFly is central to Back to the Future, the series wouldn’t be what it is without Doc Brown. Unlike other supporting characters, Doc provides consistent comedic moments and maintains a cheerful outlook even when facing difficulties. He’s designed as a classic “mad scientist,” but his quirky personality is genuinely endearing. People don’t laugh at Doc; they laugh with him, which makes him a truly special character.

Spock’s Personality and Inner Conflict Are Relatable

Spock is a main character who first appeared in the original Star Trek series (1966-1969) and has remained a key figure throughout the Star Trek universe. Over the years, three actors – Leonard Nimoy, Zachary Quinto, and Ethan Peck – have played the adult version of Spock. He begins the series as the first officer aboard the starship Enterprise, forming strong bonds with his colleagues, Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner) and Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy (DeForest Kelley).

Spock is a fascinating character to watch because he’s incredibly smart and deeply loyal, especially in his relationships with Kirk, McCoy, and the various aliens they meet. Many viewers connect with his struggle to balance logic and emotion, which is a big reason why he’s so popular.

Darth Vader’s Tragic Backstory Develops Perfectly

Darth Vader first appears in Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977) and is a central villain throughout the Star Wars saga. The initial Star Wars film, directed by George Lucas, immediately establishes him as a powerful and merciless leader of the Galactic Empire, willing to do anything to achieve his goals. The prequel trilogy delves into his backstory and how he became who he is. Several actors have played Darth Vader, including Hayden Christensen in the prequel films and David Prowse in the original trilogy.

While Star Wars boasts many unforgettable characters, Anakin Skywalker’s journey to becoming Darth Vader is arguably the most impactful. Vader’s presence looms large throughout the entire franchise—even in films where he doesn’t appear—and his legacy is deeply woven into the story. He’s not just a villain; he’s a complex and compelling character, brought to life through strong writing and performance.

Ellen Ripley Easily Overcomes Typical Stereotypes

Ellen Ripley, famously played by Sigourney Weaver, first appears in the 1979 film Alien and has become a significant figure in the franchise, including its various video games and spin-offs. The first two Alien movies, directed by Ridley Scott and James Cameron, mainly focus on Ripley’s efforts to combat and survive encounters with the deadly xenomorphs. She begins as a warrant officer thrust into a terrifying fight for survival.

Ripley is a truly compelling character, and her appeal extends beyond science fiction. Throughout the Alien films, she consistently shows incredible bravery, intelligence, and the ability to bounce back from difficult situations. While physically attractive, Ripley’s most striking quality is her strength of character, demonstrated through her actions. She’s not without flaws, which actually makes her more likable and easier for audiences to connect with. Unlike many characters, Ripley doesn’t wait to be rescued – she’s the one doing the saving.

2025-11-16 19:12