The word and term “robot” came from
the Czech play R.U.R. or Rossumovi Univerzální Roboti (Rossum’s Universal Robots), though its
depiction of robots (created from synthetic organic matter) was way different
from what the term means now (mechanical origin). Originally portrayed in fiction as automated
machines performing preset labors, storytellers made them more interesting by
asking the question, “What if they became sentient?” Since then, robots in pop culture have not
only become more fascinating because of the element of self-awareness infused
on them, but have become a consistent means for fiction to tell about the human
condition as well as explore cautionary and thought-provoking themes about
artificial intelligence.
This list is consisted of the most
fascinating sentient robots in fiction, based on my opinion. “Sentient” here means the robot must have an
extent of performing “free will”, whether limited or absolute. Thus, robots requiring to be directed by
humans in real time – like mechas (which I’ve just recently made a list of) and remote-controlled robots like Atom in Real Steel – are
obviously excluded in this list. Also,
only those that are still apparently robotic in appearance are considered;
thus, cyborgs (like the Terminator and RoboCop) and androids (like Rockman and
Vision) are disqualified as well.
Honorable Mentions: Irona (Richie Rich), GERTY (Moon), H.E.L.P.eR. (The Venture Bros.), R. Giskard Reventlov
(The Robots of Dawn, Robots and Empire)
20.) X-J9 a.k.a. JENNY WAKEMAN
My Life as a Teenage Robot isn’t
necessarily a notable, widely beloved cartoon.
However, it delivers undeniable fun as it focuses on a robot equipped
for world-saving adventures but whose heart’s desire is to simply live a normal
teenage girl life.
19.) BB-8
Debuting in Force Awakens, BB-8 easily won fans’ hearts with its adorableness,
resolve, and loyalty.
Yep, a few more Star Wars droids are going to be in this list.
18.) ALPHA 5
He was somewhat annoying, but his
presence and iconic “Aye yai yai” outbursts were an integral part of making Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers deeply
memorable to my generation.
17.) THE SENTINELS
The Sentinels are armed-to-the-teeth giant robots built by Bolivar Trask to hunt – and, if needed, kill – mutants. Hence, they are usually portrayed clashing with the X-Men, and employed as “goons” by a variety of X-Men villains (often, the mutant-hating kind).
Original Sentinels have humanoid appearances, but subsequent versions come in all sizes and shapes.
Also, there’s now one serving as an X-Man (though, technically, it’s Cerebra in a Sentinel body).
16.) ROSIE
Rosie is the robot maid of the
Jetsons, one of pop culture’s most recognizable families. Though she is an old model, she displays
great aptitude in keeping order and cleanliness in the Jetsons’ home. And not only is she a great help with
performing the chores, she also constantly provides invaluable emotional
support to the family.
Also, a robot wearing a maid’s apron
is quite funny.
15.) THE TACHIKOMA
For me, the recent live-action Ghost in the Shell has been a fantastic
adaptation. But one of my minor
disappointments is that it didn’t have the Tachikoma.
In some
versions of Ghost in the Shell
(particularly Stand Alone Complex), the Tachikoma or “think thanks” are
spider-legged robots working for Section 9. They share a “hive mind” consciousness but also have distinctive
personalities. Despite being basically
tanks, they move with tremendous quickness and agility. They also have camouflage capabilities.
They’re really pretty awesome;
hence, my disappointment that they aren’t in the live-action movie.
14.) RATTRAP
I love Beast Wars. Thus, I’m very
fond of the original lineup for both Maximals and Predacons. But among them, my two most favorites are Dinobot and
Rattrap. Now, I already featured Dinobot
in a list before, so I will give this one to Rattrap.
Among the Maximals, the mouse-transforming Rattrap probably
has the most personality. I extremely
enjoy his persistent sarcasm and wisecracks.
Rude and cheeky, he regularly answers back at his superiors and annoy
others with his mocking. However, he’s
always a good soldier and fiercely loyal to the Maximals. Though he isn’t necessarily a coward, he
prefers to scurry away from danger, especially if the odds don’t look good. But if the going gets tough, he can fight
with the best of them, as he is proficient in bombs and guns.
13.) JOHNNY 5
Johnny 5 is the main character of
the Short Circuit movies. Built to be a killing machine by the
military, he rejects his programming (with the help of a lightning-induced
power surge) to become the quintessential robot buddy you would want to hang out with – funny, off the wall,
enthusiastic, and caring.
12.) K-2SO
The second representative from the Star Wars universe to this list is K-2S0
– the cynical, calculating droid of Jyn Erso’s “suicide squad.” Originally an Imperial enforcer droid,
Cassian Andor reprograms him to serve the Rebel Alliance. Hence, his original nature is the probable reason why he
displays a snarky and stoic personality, which results to an injection of
excellent dry humor to Rogue One.
11.) DOOMBOT
What if Dr. Doom is an Avenger? That is what Doombot’s membership to the
Avengers A.I. team answers.
Doombots are robots created by Dr.
Doom to be perfect facsimiles of himself, including the exact manifestation of
his personality and thought processes. When Hank Pym managed to get his hands on one of them, he
reprograms him and makes him a member of the Avengers. But though he’s already one of the good guys,
Doombot still reflects the arrogance, impatience, sense of superiority, and
bitter attitude that Dr. Doom has. What ensues is the same thing that K-2SO brings to the table – only ten times
better.
10.) BAYMAX
With this entry, I’m obviously
referring to the utterly adorable and kickass “personal healthcare companion” version depicted
in the 2014 Disney animated movie Big Hero 6 rather than the original Marvel Comics
character.
“Bah-la-la-la-la.”
9.) BENDER B. RODRIGUEZ
With the Rattraps,
K-2SOs, and Doombots in this list, Futurama’s
Bender bests them all in being sardonic.
Sociopathic, hedonistic, and dissolute, he manages to ironically charm –
probably because he’s relentlessly hilarious as a result of his flaws and
sleaziness.
8.) ULTRON
Built by size-changer, super
scientist Hank Pym, Ultron has maintained a dysfunctional father-and-son
relationship with him while becoming one the Avengers’ deadliest foes. Heck, he even managed to conquer the world at
one time, requiring the heroes to formulate an intricate time travel scheme in
order to beat him (read the “Age of Ultron” storyline).
Ultron’s reputation as an infamous
Avengers supervillain is so amply established that the second Avengers movie revolves around him.
6.) & 7.) WALL-E & EVE
Who would have thought that one of
the greatest cinematic love stories of all time was going to be about two
non-humanoid robots?
If you haven’t seen WALL-E, well, you should. Not only is it an intelligent science fiction
animated film, but its romantic aspect is superior to many romance movies
starring humans.
5.) THE BOYZZ BRIGADE
The Bots Master is an obscure cartoon
that I’m quite fond of. It’s about a
young roboticist named Ziv “ZZ” Zoolander (the eponymous “Bots Master”) who
builds an army of differently themed robots (e.g. construction work, sports,
vehicles, science, ninja, etc.) – i.e. The Boyzz Brigade – to stop the evil
RM Corporation from taking over the world.
3.) & 4.) R2-D2 &C-3PO
Even with the recent introduction of
droids like BB-8 and K-2SO – and, in the new canon comics, the badass Triple
Zero and BT-1 – to the Star Wars
universe, R2-D2 and C-3PO still reign supreme.
Individually, they are charming in their own right, but they are more fun as a bantering,
tight duo.
2.) THE IRON GIANT
The titular character of The Iron Giant is easily the most
powerful, most heavily armed robot in this list. But we won’t remember him for his violence or
being a badass, but for touching us with his loving friendship with 9-year-old
Hogarth Hughes and his sincere desire to become a hero like Superman.
1.) OPTIMUS PRIME
Transformers has always been
one of the most important childhood-defining cartoons (and comics) in history,
especially to those who grew up in the 80’s and 90’s. And Optimus Prime, the leader of the heroic Autobots, has been its face ever since.
Defined by his
gallant courage, unparalleled leadership, tactical brilliance, firm morals,
truck transformation, and Peter Cullen’s sleek voice, Optimus Prime has become
an icon of pop culture icons.
He’s so great
that, though the Transformers movie
franchise suck, his presence in the movies helps make them watchable.
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