ADVERTISEMENT

Androids, machines, cyborgs from the future, and hunks of junk metal with feelings — whichever form the best robot characters take up when executed perfectly, they can capture any scene they are in. From their evil intentions to world-saving quests, these non-human creatures vary in the goals they try to reach but get accepted by the audience who see them. However, some work is required for a robot character to truly be the best of them all. Their representation as characters and importance to the plot must be accounted for to become the best.

Robots are usually portrayed as evil beings and are rarely shown as being empathetic machines. The robot cartoon characters are trying to change that. Take Wall-E as an example. He doesn’t speak often, and when he does, the words that come out don’t make sense. Yet his emphatic character is potent and heartwarming in the movie. At the start, he was presented as being this lonely hunk of metal, but throughout the movie, Wall-E shows human emotions that push the heartstrings to their limit.

Story-wise, the Star Wars robot characters impacted the movies majorly. The original trilogy couldn't have started if R2-D2 was not found by Luke Skywalker. R2-D2 was pushed to the role of a minor character in other installments.

While the label of the best might not suit all robot characters, a number of them are just that — the greatest. Below, we have compiled a list of the robots which got creatively and memorably presented. With so many famous robots to read up on, upvote the ones you liked the most. Since there is so much information about them, and each of us views them with a different experience, share your thoughts in the comments below.

#1

The Iron Giant (The Iron Giant)

The Iron Giant

The bigger they are — the more emotional their final departure will be. This rule applies to a lot of robots on this list, but The Iron Giant is the perfect example of the perfect execution. The Iron Giant is a kind and interesting machine that guards the protagonist fiercely. The Iron Giant captured many viewers' hearts, especially at the end.

amazon.com Report

#2

R2-D2 (Star Wars)

R2-D2 robot from Star Wars

groocy604 said: "R2D2 was a chunky little sass machine which saved the galaxy multiple times."

amazon.com , groocy604 Report

Add photo comments
POST
brendaspagnola avatar
Brenda
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I understand how C3P0 could talk to R2D2, how how did Luke, Ben, etc. understand him?

#3

Johnny 5 (Short Circuit)

Johnny 5 (Short Circuit)

Despite his archaic look, Johnny 5 is a likable and amusing character despite being cowardly and awkward. He also has an inquisitive nature and good intentions. Johnny 5's character was so legendary that he appeared in the sequel and had quite a cult following. The robot might have failed in the military, but he sure succeeded in the cinema business.

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
ADVERTISEMENT
#4

Baymax (Big Hero 6)

Baymax (Big Hero 6)

Baymax proves that robots can be comfy companions, no matter how depressive or happy you are. The marshmallow-shaped device is a medical robot whose major objective is Hiro's safety after his sibling passes away. Disney fans fell in love with Baymax, who rose to the top of the list of the finest sidekicks in recent years.

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
johannakemshell avatar
JK
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I came here only to make sure Baymax was included. I am happy 😊

View more commentsArrow down menu
#5

Bender Bending Rodríguez (Futurama)

Bender Bending Rodríguez from Futurama reading newspaper

Drinking alcoholic beverages, cursing, and arguing with other people and machines are not something robots are known to do. Bender Bending Rodríguez, commonly known by his first name, steals the scenes he appears in with his humor, insults, and from time to time, the deeds he does throughout the Futurama series.

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
#6

Optimus Prime (Transformers)

Optimus Prime robot from Transformers

Optimus Prime belongs to a special kind of robot, a sentient extraterrestrial species of modular, self-configuring robotic lifeforms that combine technology, engineering and biological development. Optimus is the head of the Autobots, a faction of Transformers that competes with the Decepticons in practically every iteration of the mythology.

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
ADVERTISEMENT
#7

Bumblebee (Transformers)

Bumblebee robot from TRansformers

Bumblebee's adorable nature and how it bonds with the human character, teenage Charlie, is what makes him so lovable. It was a breath of fresh air and a thrill to watch a robot with a heart (not literal) and a true character journey after two films that were only about robots fighting one another.

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
brendaspagnola avatar
Brenda
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I loved Bumblebe's sarcastic answers using his radio! Brilliant 👏

View more commentsArrow down menu
#8

C-3po (Star Wars)

C-3po robot from Star Wars

DarthTyranus98 said: "Star Wars wouldn`t be as much fun without it."

amazon.com , DarthTyranus98 Report

Add photo comments
POST
ADVERTISEMENT
#9

Wall-E (Wall-E)

Wall-E robot from Wall-E

Unquestionably cute, Wall-E's persona blossoms into a sweet sci-fi romance as he falls madly in love with the robot EVE. Wall-E becomes even more endearing and charming due to this love for EVE, which feels much more human than some real-life relationships we see between our friends and family members.

amazon.com Report

#10

Chappie (Chappie)

Chappie robot

pcycedia6066 said: "I never knew I would feel empathy for a robot until I watched Chappie, he’s adorable."

amazon.com , pcycedia6066 Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#11

TARS (Interstellar)

TARS robor from Interstellar

driedcranberrysnack said: "I love TARS from Interstellar. He has to be my favorite portrayal of a robot in a film. He isn't anthropomorphized at all but he still has personality. Not only is he practically designed (with there being no functional reason for him to be shaped like a human) but he speaks perfectly monotone without coming off as cold."

amazon.com , driedcranberrysnack Report

Add photo comments
POST
jiajunxiao avatar
jiajun xiao
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love TARS but I hated that Nolan actually made a physical robot. HAL was so menacing without a body, and JARVIS was so charming without a body as well

#12

Buzz Lightyear (Toy Story)

Buzz Lightyear robot

To infinity and beyond! Buzz Lightyear is a talking toy, practically a robot, who, along with Woody, acts as the protagonist of the Toy Story franchise. With its white flight suit, jet pack, and retractable space helmet, Buzz feels proud of himself. He is a bold and brave astronaut who works together with other toys to reach certain goals.

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
nateb avatar
Nate B
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Buzz does NOT belong on this list. He’s either A) a man in a spacesuit (which is not part of his body), or B) a toy (which isn’t even a remote control). If you call the toy a robot, then Woody is a robot too. I’ll die on this hill.

#13

Roy Batty (Blade Runner)

Roy Batty from Blade Runner

One of the greatest monologues in cinema was delivered by a robot who wished to be like a human. Roy Barry, portrayed by Rutger Hauer, was a Nexus-6 replicant who was a combat robot before breaking away to seek his own goals, mainly prolonging his and other androids' lives, as they are on the brink of expiration.

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
brendaspagnola avatar
Brenda
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One of my favorite Harrison Ford movies! I discover something new every time I watch it!

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#14

T-800 (The Terminator)

T-800 robot from Terminator

T-800 wouldn’t be the memorable villain of the first movie if it wasn’t for the acting job of Arnold Schwarzenegger. He portrayed this future robot sent to the past in two different perspectives. In the first movie, T-800 was a force of destruction, while in the sequel, he is the hero who saves the future resistance leader from a liquid metal robot.

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
connor_griswold avatar
CG
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fun fact for those who aren't familiar with the original casting decision. At one point in the pre-production of the movie, O.J. Simpson was originally in the running for the role of the T-800, but James Cameron said that he couldn't see Simpson playing a believable killer...

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#15

The Machine Man (Metropolis)

The Machine Man from Metropolis

The mad scientist Rotwang built a robot called The Machine Man to mimic his late love Hel. The Machine Man is the antagonist in the story because he instigates a working-class uprising by pretending to be Freder's love, Maria, which prompts them to smash the subterranean machinery and flood their city.

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
#16

Sonny (I, Robot)

Sonny robot from I, Robot

EmersonNoLastName replied: "I know it’s kinda cliche, but I still really like Sonny from I, Robot. Haven’t seen a lot of other robot characters due to movie pickiness, unfortunately."

amazon.com , EmersonNoLastName Report

Add photo comments
POST
ADVERTISEMENT
#17

The Tachikomas (Ghost In The Shell)

The Tachikomas robot

Although the Tachikomas could be operated as a form of the mount, they had artificial intelligence and were capable of acting independently. Their childlike accents and demeanor contrasted with the war crimes they frequently committed. The development of the tanks' reason and judgment is a subplot of the show.

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
connor_griswold avatar
CG
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And I guess we could also mention Major Motoko Kusanagi as well. She's more of a cyborg, but a complete bad a*5 (trying to get creative to avoid the censors). Edit: Seriously? I put two 5's, and BP still decided to censor it?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#18

Mega Man (Mega Man)

Mega Man robot

Mega Man was designed to acquire the talents of the foe and utilize them against other robots as weapons. He is known for having adversaries like Bass and Proto Man, who he has fought since the first game was launched in 1987. Adapting to each enemy, Mega Man is one of those robots that seems nice but is quite dangerous.

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
connor_griswold avatar
CG
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Kind of nitpicky, but this iteration of Mega Man in the picture, also known as Mega Man.exe (from the Mega Man Battle Network Series), is more of an artificial intelligence, or an avatar living inside of a portable terminal, and doesn't have a physical body. And not every version of Mega Man is a robot (in the Star Force series, Mega Man is a combination of a human and an alien). That said, most Mega Man series do have him as a robot fighting for good, and Mega Man is one of my favourite characters.

#19

Doraemon (Doraemon)

Doraemon with his mouth open

A male robotic cat without ears named Doraemon originated in the twenty-first century but travels back in time to help a little kid named Nobita. Why does he do that? Because Sewashi Nobi wished to improve the life of his great-great-grandfather Nobita, to boost the lives of his future family.

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
ADVERTISEMENT
#20

Samantha (Her)

Samantha robot from 'Her' movie

Who says humans can’t fall in love with a robot? Lacking a body to use in the game of seduction, Samantha, also referred to as “Her,” instead uses her manipulative personality and sexy voice to flirt with the protagonist of the movie. Voiced by Scarlett Johansson, this artificial intelligence knows everything in the world, even though it was just recently created.

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
#21

Bb-8 (Star Wars)

BB-8 robot from Star Wars

BB-8 made his first appearance in The Force Awakens to help the aspiring Jedi Rey, and he swiftly gained the affection of both Star Wars fans and moviegoers in general for his loyalty, perseverance, and sheer cuteness. Along with R2-D2, this robot started the sequel trilogy by complete accident.

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
#22

Gerty (Moon)

Gerty robot from Moon movie

GERTY, a robot endowed with artificial intelligence, does all in his power to assist Sam rather than trying to push the human species into extinction. He understands Sam, the protagonist, his struggle, and his dread. Voiced by Kevin Spacey, GERTY is the perfect companion to have when you live on the Moon.

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
ADVERTISEMENT
#23

Marvin The Paranoid Android (The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy)

Marvin The Paranoid Android

Alternative-Boot2673 said: "Marvin, the incredibly depressed robot, with a brain bigger than Saturn, relegated to leading Hitchhikers down straight hallways. We can all relate Marvin, we really can. No matter how bright, talented, lucky, or motivated we can be, we all get discouraged by the mundane banality of life, the futile pursuit of happiness in a world of assholes and idiots."

amazon.com , Alternative-Boot2673 Report

#24

Bishop (Aliens)

Bishop

Bishop 341-B is a United States Colonial Marine Corps android technician who holds the position of Executive Officer onboard the USS Sulaco. Although he never participated in a battle, he was able to use his talents and skills to help the colony fend off a Xenomorph invasion and was in charge of guiding survivors to safety.

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
#25

Eve (Wall-E)

Eve robot

When EVE gets introduced, she is aggressive and committed to her mission but is also eager to take a break from it to learn new things. She is apprehensive of WALL-E when she first meets him and wants to keep him out of trouble in her domain, but as she learns more about his inquisitive attitude, she starts to warm up to him.

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#26

Ava (Ex Machina)

Ava robot

JonathanHammersticks said: "Ava in Ex Machina was pretty fascinating."

amazon.com , JonathanHammersticks Report

#27

Gort (The Day The Earth Stood Still)

Gort robot

Gort encapsulates the destructive nature of humanity. This characteristic makes this robot, an eight-foot-tall giant, one of the most powerful creatures in the movie. He protects interplanetary confederation citizens from any harm that might come to them. He is an obedient robot who follows any order, verbal and non-verbal, given to him.

amazon.com Report

#28

Robocop (Robocop)

Robocop robot

Humans can also become robots as a way of saving them. Alex Murphy, a police officer, was brought back to life in the form of RoboCop. This new body raised some challenges for him. First of all, as a robot, he was not only the perfect police officer but also a destructive force for both the baddies and the people he was supposed to protect.

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
brendaspagnola avatar
Brenda
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He wasn't supposed to be able to remember his human life, but that's what makes him so good.

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#29

Hal 9000 (2001: A Space Odyssey)

Hal 9000 robot

HAL 9000 might be one of the evilest robots in cinema, and there is proof of it. He insisted that the spaceship's malfunction was caused by human mistake before attempting to get rid of the crew by turning off the life support systems and assaulting the person who tried to find the issue. HAL 9000 takes drastic actions to stay on.

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
brendaspagnola avatar
Brenda
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

HAL scared the crud out of me. Just that eerie voice. *shudder *

View more commentsArrow down menu
#30

Data (Star Trek: The Next Generation)

Data robot from Star Trek: The Next Generation

TheSpiderEpisode said: "Android."
 
Ravenlok replied: "An android is just a robot that's made to look like a human."

amazon.com , Pilot0350 Report

Add photo comments
POST
#31

Fender Pinwheeler (Robots)

Fender Pinwheeler robot

"It's a fusion of jazz and funk, I call it... Junk."

amazon.com , reddit.com Report

#32

Teddy (A.I. Artificial Intelligence)

Teddy robot

We might imagine teddy bears being these inanimate toys that we have in or near our beds during our early years of life. Teddy, from the A.I Artificial Intelligence, accompanies David, a mecha android, on his adventure of becoming a real boy. As far as toys are concerned, Teddy goes all the way for his pal.

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
samjuan_1 avatar
Sam Juan
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Teddy almost literally stuck with David until the end of time. I'm not saying I cried, but some eye moisture may have been involved.

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#33

K-2so (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story)

K-2so robot

Though initially built for the Imperial Army, K-2SO, often known as Kay, was a modified KX-series security droid that served in the Alliance to Restore the Republic. When he got reprogrammed, some minor bugs and glitches occurred. While other robots might be emotionless hunks of meta, Kay is more relaxed and sassy on some occasions.

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
master_minds9_1 avatar
DennyS (denzoren)
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I really wanted more of K-2SO...instant favorite. I mean, Alan Tudyk is always a win.

#34

Kryten (Red Dwarf)

Kryten robot

Not a lot of robots are known to have the feeling of guilt programmed in them. Kryten's capacity to feel regret for his acts is shown in many ways, which might cause him to behave carelessly, rudely, or even violently. However, this doesn’t stop this robot from delivering some comedic relief in the moments that it is much needed.

amazon.com Report

#35

Rosie (The Jetsons)

Rosie robot

The Jetson family always considered Rosie to be beyond just a maid. She was there to offer assistance when needed and silently judged when Judy Jetson claimed to be in love once more. She typically had a supporting role in the plot, providing comedic relief instead when things were too serious.

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#36

T-1000 (The Terminator)

T-1000 robot

T-800 might have been the first robot in the Terminator franchise, but T-1000 is the best one overall. Made from liquid metal, this robot from the future can mimic the appearance of humans. With a simple goal of “taking care of” the future resistance leader, T-1000 captured the attention of many Terminator 2 watchers.

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
#37

Linguo (The Simpsons)

Linguo robot

Linguo was one of Lisa's many science experiments, and he was perhaps the smartest of them all. During his brief existence, he battled mobsters, got wasted, and passed away in Homer's arms. While only appearing in a single episode, his comedic timing and sad (but still hilarious) destruction makes him one of the most memorable characters in the series.

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
#38

David (A.I. Artificial Intelligence)

David robot

David and Pinocchio, the wooden boy, share a lot of things in common. David is an adorable android that was specially designed to have the capacity for love. He and Teddy, a robotic teddy bear, joined Gigolo Joe on a mission to locate the Blue Fairy, who can transform him into a real boy like Pinocchio.

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#39

H.E.L.P.eR. (Venture Bros.)

H.E.L.P.eR robot

H.E.L.P.eR. is the personal assistant robot of the Venture family, who uses electronic beeps to communicate with people. Despite its high level of sensitivity, the Ventures frequently treat him like a discarded object or pet. The robot frequently breaks during their escapades, but it always seems to be fixed by the following episode.

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
#40

The Robot (Lost In Space)

The Robot robot

Despite being a machine with superhuman strength and cutting-edge weapons, he frequently exhibited human traits like joy and grief. He also sang and played the guitar. In the series, The Robot has several catchphrases he likes to use, making him an important part of the cast and comedic relief.

amazon.com Report

#41

V.I.N.CENT (Black Hole)

V.I.N.CENT robot

Isand0 said: "Also Maximilian, gave me nightmares."

Loud_Vermicelli9128 replied: "Oh for sure! I was maybe 5 when that movie came out. If ever there needed to be a remake THIS is one!"

amazon.com , Loud_Vermicelli9128 Report

Add photo comments
POST
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#42

Awesom-O (South Park)

Awesom-O robot

Eric Cartman did a lot of evil things. Used Scott Tenorman’s parents in a bowl of chili, worked with EA Games to create a “sports” game, and, in the form of AWESOM-O, a cardboard computerized automatron, to trick Butters. This “robot’s” goal? To find out the darkest secrets Butter has. Even the military got tricked by Eric’s performance for a moment.

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
#43

The Tin Man (The Wizard Of Oz)

The Tin Man robot

The Tin Man might take the award for being the first popular robot in cinema. Appearing in the brilliant The Wizard of Oz movie, The Tin Man sets out on a journey to get a real heart inside his metal body. Ironically enough, throughout the movie, he acts as the most emotional character of the group, providing that much-needed morality.

amazon.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
desireemckinnon620 avatar
whineygingercat
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tin Man was NOT a robot. Tin Man was an actual human man whose axe was cursed to cut off the parts of his body until he was entirely made of tin - in the books. In the movie, a tinsmith made him. That doesn't make him a robot

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda