10 Iconic Alien Heroes Who Changed Cinema Forever!

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Summary

  • Not all aliens in films are evil; aliens are diverse and symbolize various themes.
  • Neytiri in Avatar and Optimus Prime in Transformers are iconic alien heroes.
  • Characters like Yoda in Star Wars and E.T. changed the perception of aliens in cinema.

Many people find the concept of extraterrestrials rather frightening, a notion reinforced by numerous movies over the years. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that not all movie aliens are inherently malevolent, and as the realm of science fiction evolves and diversifies, the portrayal of benign or even friendly aliens is growing increasingly common.

In stories, aliens range from grand narratives populated solely by extraterrestrial beings to tales of a benevolent alien stranded on Earth. These alien tales offer intriguing themes and concepts that captivate our minds. Aliens inspire curiosity, as they come in various forms, thereby prompting new questions for us humans to ponder upon. Over time, alien characters have evolved from stereotypical antagonists to protagonists portrayed on the silver screen.

8. Neytiri

A Hero Fighting Against Human Invaders

  • Appears In: Avatar, Avatar: The Way of Water
  • Played By: Zoe Saldana

As a passionate cinephile, I can’t help but marvel at the extraordinary accomplishment of the Avatar franchise, a cinematic gem that has garnered such unprecedented success before the third installment has even graced our screens. The captivating character of Jake Sully, who opted to embrace his bond with the Na’vi over his human identity, has been hailed as the series’ hero. Yet, it is his remarkable partner, Neytiri, who has faced numerous trials in her relentless struggle against humanity.

Zoe Saldana delivers an outstanding portrayal of the massive blue alien character, transitioning from a peacekeeper to a warrior. She demonstrates both her ferocity in battle and tender affection as a mother, all while enduring incredible setbacks and celebrating significant triumphs against humanity. This struggle is aimed at shielding her native land from their invasion.

7. Optimus Prime

The Ultimate Autobot

  • Appears In: Transformers, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, Transformers: Dark of the Moon, Transformers: Age of Extinction, Transformers: The Last Knight, Bumblebee, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (along with countless animated films)
  • Played By: Peter Cullen

The Transformers series is an impressive franchise that showcases heroic and malevolent extraterrestrial beings engaged in perpetual wars among themselves, often dragging humans into the fray unintentionally. Optimus Prime stands out as the most esteemed of the Autobots and their commander, having consistently demonstrated his leadership and worthiness throughout numerous Transformers films over several decades.

Optimus Prime faces tough leadership challenges and engages in numerous battles, demonstrating himself as one of the greatest warriors in history among his kind or any other. The latest Transformers movie, Transformers One, focuses on how he evolved from a common worker on Cybertron into a heroic leader, showing that he was destined to be a hero all along.

6. The Guardians Of The Galaxy

Heroes Across The Known Universe

  • Appear In: Guardians Of The Galaxy, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
  • Played By: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Bradley Cooper, Vin Diesel, Karen Gillian, Pom Klementieff, Maria Bakalova, Michael Rooker, and Sean Gunn

Among the most outstanding superhero groups to grace the silver screen, the Guardians of the Galaxy, boast an unusually low number of humans. While Peter Quill, their leader, is a human (albeit half), the rest of this diverse team hail from various alien planets. This shows that heroes come in all forms, even those who may not resemble humans traditionally.

Gamora, a lethal assassin (and another character played by Zoe Saldana), Drax, a lovable yet impulsive warrior with a sorrowful past, and other vibrant characters such as Rocket and Groot make up the Guardians of the Galaxy. This team has been a standout in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, winning hearts globally, and showcasing the talent of director James Gunn before his appointment at DC Studios.

5. Stitch

The Lovable Monster Turned Hero

  • Appears In: Lilo & Stitch, Stitch! the Movie, Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch, Leroy & Stitch, Lilo & Stitch (2025)
  • Played By: Chris Sanders

The charming character set for a live-action revival goes by the name Stitch, but is also recognized as Experiment 626. This character originally emerged from the twisted mind of the scientist, Jumbaa, designed to wreak havoc. However, Stitch managed to escape an extraterrestrial jail and miraculously landed on Earth, not in the ocean as intended, thus avoiding a potentially fatal plunge into the water, which happened in Hawaii instead.

Rediscovering Lilo transformed Stitch, demonstrating that individuals aren’t bound by their predestined roles; they have the freedom to decide their own identity. The heartwarming teachings from the beloved film Lilo & Stitch are set to captivate a new audience through an upcoming live-action adaptation, further cementing Stitch’s status as a pop culture icon and an endearing extraterrestrial hero.

4. Spock

The Calm Hero With A Heart Of Gold

  • Appears In: Star Trek: The Motion Picture, Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Kahn, Star Trek 3: The Search for Spock, Star Trek 4: The Voyage Home, Star Trek 5: The Final Frontier, Star Trek 6, The Undiscovered Country, Star Trek (2009), Star Trek Into Darkness, Star Trek Beyond
  • Played By: Leonard Nimoy, Zachary Quinto

Without a doubt, the universe depicted in Star Trek has spawned numerous memorable alien characters who’ve left indelible marks on both big and small screens throughout the years. Among these alien heroes that have triumphed on the silver screen, Spock stands out as the most cherished character and an enduring symbol of the franchise’s legacy.

From his brave act in “The Wrath of Khan” to a film named “The Search for Spock,” Leonard Nimoy left an enduring impact on the character, and Zachary Quinto carried on this honored tradition across three contemporary reboot movies, ultimately establishing Spock as a significant figure in pop culture.

3. Yoda

The Diminutive But Wise Jedi

  • Appears In: Star Wars Episode 5: The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars Episode 6: Return of the Jedi, Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace, Star Wars Episode 2: Attack of the Clones, Star Wars Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith, Star Wars Episode 8: The Last Jedi
  • Played By: Frank Oz

A significant film series that has significantly influenced the evolution of science fiction, notably Star Wars, boasts an impressive legacy. Among its memorable characters, Yoda, a non-human figure, is revered for his wisdom and heroism. He has been a constant presence in various films and television shows throughout the franchise.

In peaceful periods, Yoda served as a Jedi leader, but during wars, he took on the role of General. Later, he chose to live as a recluse on Dagobah, where Luke Skywalker discovered him in the original Star Wars trilogy. Known for his immense wisdom and legendary status in cinema, Yoda is an unusual alien who demonstrated that size isn’t a measure of strength, and that intelligence holds greater importance.

2. E.T.

A Gentle Creature Who Just Wants To Go Home

  • Appears In: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
  • Played By: Tamara De Treaux, Pat Bilon, Matthew DeMeritt

Few characters are as innocently iconic as the alien known as E.T. This extraterrestrial was among the first in film to defy the stereotype that space creatures were always to be feared. Unlike other aliens, E.T. didn’t fight enemies or seek conquest. Instead, he was a friend who healed those around him and yearned for a way back home.

In an unparalleled cinematic journey, the timeless classic E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial continues to captivate audiences worldwide. This film has solidified Steven Spielberg’s reputation for sci-fi masterpieces, and despite speaking very little English, E.T. has emerged as a legendary cinematic hero. E.T., in many ways, redefined the concept of extraterrestrial beings on screen, altering our perception of how they could act and behave in films.

1. Superman

The Symbol Of Hope

  • Appears In: Superman, Superman 2, Superman 3, Superman 4: The Quest for Peace, Superman Returns, Man of Steel, Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, Justice League, Superman (2025)
  • Played By: Christopher Reeve, Brandon Routh, Henry Cavill, David Corenswet

Superman, the unparalleled symbol of virtue in pop culture history, may hold no equal in terms of fame and recognition, especially as portrayed by Christopher Reeve in the films. Over the years, his fame has soared even higher, withstanding the rise of other superhero movies.

Many characters share similarities with Superman, ranging from the Iron Giant to Homelander, yet what truly unites them is a sense of non-conformity. This is because Superman hails from the planet Krypton, making him an alien, and he serves as a powerful reminder that one’s birthplace does not, nor should it, dictate their identity.

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2025-03-25 12:35