Whether theyre male or female, old or young, theyve illuminated some classic movies.
Except it was never going to be as simple as that and compiling lists seldom is.
Some sci-fi heroes were removed, then quickly reinstated.
The order was jiggled around, then reordered again.
There are heroes from hurriedly-made B-movies, and heroines from multi-million dollar franchises.
I dont even know what you people eat for lunch) hes a true B-movie hero.
Hes also one of the few sci-fi heroes to narrate his own trailers.
Jack Deths back… and hes never even been here before!
A truly great film, and an equally great performance.
What a pity, then, that his big-screen debut wasnt more readily embraced by critics and some moviegoers.
MacReadyThe Thing
The only warm and fuzzy aspect of the sci-fi horror classicThe Thingis protagonist MacReadys beard.
But for me, Rutger Hauers character Roy Batty isBlade Runners true hero.
Unlike many sci-fi protagonists, Klaatu isnt a man of action, but a messiah-like pacifist.
But then his inner fly takes over, and his eventual fall from grace is hideous and unforgettably poignant.31.
An inspiration, perhaps, for the character of Dom Cobb in Chris NolansInception…
29.
Itll be interesting to see how the great Tom Hardy will play Max in the forthcomingFury Road.
For a generation of kids growing up in the 80s,E.T.
Kyle ReeseThe Terminator
Come with me if you want to live!
In a future dominated by corporations, a violent sport calledRollerballis used to amuse the masses.
Bernard Quatermass is the kind of sci-fi hero rarely seen these days.
You blew it up!
God damn you all to hell…!
Wikus van de MerweDistrict 9
Being a protagonist doesnt mean you have to be likeable.
Sam BellMoon
The very best science fiction movie of recent years?
His cry of Theyre here already!
Its the one blemish on an otherwise flawless film.
The sci-fi genre wouldnt be the same without him.
Ellen RipleyThe Alien franchise
What does a sci-fi protagonist require to be classed as truly great?
Ideally, theyd need to embody all of those.
This is why, wed argue, shes the ultimate sci-fi movie protagonist.
