Science fiction movies have produced some of the most famous and recognizable films in the past 50 years. These films include “Star Wars” “Star Trek,” and “E.T. the Extra Terrestrial.” Science fiction characters often come from space with superhuman powers and abilities, moving audiences to wish that they could do things such as use the force or fight with lightsabers. With that in mind, here is a list of six classic science fiction characters that have remained popular to this day.
1. Darth Vader, “Star Wars” (1977)
The face of "The Dark Side" of The Force, Dark Vader was the character of choice for any child or adult that wanted to wield a red lightsaber. As the story goes, “Once a heroic Jedi Knight, Darth Vader was seduced by The Dark Side of The Force, became a Sith Lord, and led the Empire’s eradication of the Jedi Order.”
In many childhoods, the make-or-break question that determined friendship was if one liked Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) or Darth Vader (David Prowse/voice of James Earl Jones).
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2. Deckard, “Blade Runner” (1982)
Played by Harrison Ford, Deckard “is forced by the police Boss (M. Emmet Walsh) to continue his old job as Replicant Hunter. His assignment: eliminate four escaped Replicants from the colonies who have returned to Earth.”
Ford perfectly depicts this dystopian super hero and still remains popular today. In fact, a sequel is
slated to come out in the next few years starring the dashing Ryan Gosling alongside Ford's character, according to Time.
3. Yoda, “Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back” (1980)
Another iconic figure from the “Star Wars” saga, Yoda (voiced by Frank Oz) is the quintessential odd, science fiction character from space who acts almost as a grandparent in the “Star Wars” movies.
Yoda is “small in size but wise and powerful, he trained Jedi for over 800 years, playing integral roles in the Clone Wars, the instruction of Luke Skywalker, and unlocking the path to immortality.”
4. Terminator, “The Terminator” (1984)
Famously played by Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Terminator is a “human-looking indestructible cyborg” that has been sent from the future. Schwarzenegger was so perfectly suited for this role that we still don’t know if he is a cyborg from the future in real life.
Incredibly, after playing the Terminator, Schwarzenegger went on to become the governor of California.
5. E. T., “E.T. the Extra Terrestrial” (1982)
Directed by Steven Spielberg, “E.T. the Extra Terrestrial” is a personal favorite childhood movie for countless movie fans. The character of E.T. played a surprising role showing audiences that not all aliens had to be large and scary.
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6. James T. Kirk, “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” (1978)
Played by William Shatner, James T. Kirk is the intrepid captain of the Starship Enterprise. Shown both on the big screen and in a series on television, “Star Trek” is one of the most popular science fiction productions of all time.
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