The Best Sci-Fi Characters Of All Time

Over the years, there are many memorable science fiction characters who have appeared on our screens. Whether they've delighted audiences or instilled a sense of terror within them, shown up on televisions or in movie theatres, they have certainly made an impact.

A list like this one would feel incomplete without including some of the genre's most well-known icons. And of course, it's unsurprising that many of the names here come from big franchises like Star Wars and Star Trek. Click through our gallery to find out who the best sci-fi characters out there are!

The lovable "E.T." stole audiences' hearts when Steven Spielberg's E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial was released in 1982! Known for his glowing touch and affinity for Reese's Pieces, "E.T." has become one of the most recognizable aliens out there.

As the protagonist of The Matrix, Keanu Reeves' "Neo" has become a sci-fi icon! With his trademark sunglasses and all-black outfit, the computer hacker recently returned to the big screen in The Matrix Resurrections.

"Max Rockatansky" thundered onto the big screen in 1979's action-packed Mad Max! Played by Mel Gibson in the original trilogy, Tom Hardy took over the role in 2015 for Mad Max: Fury Road, which also saw the introduction of another character who made our list...

Charlize Theron proved that she could hold her own as "Imperator Furiosa" in Mad Max: Fury Road. With her now-iconic shaved head look, the strong-willed "Furiosa" has become a figurehead within the genre, leading the charge to free imprisoned women.

Back to the Future gave us a classic sci-fi hero in "Marty McFly"! Played by Michael J. Fox, "Marty" appeared in all three instalments of the time-travelling trilogy, rocking a casual puffer vest, jeans, and sneakers look that's become a popular costume. And of course, we can't mention him without also including his partner in crime...

"Doc Brown" teamed up with "Marty" in the Delorean in the Back to the Future series! The wild-haired scientist is well known for his eccentric behaviour, and of course, the iconic line: "Where we're going, we don't need roads!"

"Ellen Ripley" holds her own against the titular terror of 1979's Alien! Fighting to stay alive aboard the Nostromo as her crewmates died one by one, "Ripley" proves herself a force to be reckoned with, and is considered one of the genre's best female protagonists.

Alien also birthed one of sci-fi's scariest beings. Commonly referred to as "the Alien," it's the "Xenomorph XX121" that strikes fear into the hearts of "Ripley" and her crew! The creature's uniquely terrifying look has become a favourite amongst genre fans, frequently replicated in masks and memorabilia.

The first of the Star Wars characters to earn a spot on our list is none other than "Luke Skywalker"! As the main protagonist of the original trilogy, "Luke's" quest to become a Jedi had audiences captivated. Mark Hamill later reprised his role in the franchise's later films, with "Luke" serving as a mentor.