Best Androids In The Alien Movies, Ranked

Highlights

Android characters in Alien movies add depth & complexity, ranging from heroes to villains, enhancing the story beyond the Xenomorph.
Each new android brings a unique twist, like Rook’s nostalgic connection to Ash, or Andy’s transformation from caring to sinister.
Walter in Covenant showcases an android’s evolution towards humanity, contrasting with David’s descent into twisted creations.

As a connoisseur of science fiction and all things Alien, I must say that the androids in this franchise have truly stolen the show, much like these machines often do in real life!

As a die-hard Alien enthusiast, I can’t help but be thrilled about Alien: Romulus. Just like in previous installments, we get the chilling Xenomorph, but what truly sets this apart is the inclusion of at least one android character – these mechanical beings are almost as integral to the story as the titular creatures themselves. They often play crucial roles within the cast and plotline, making them an essential part of the Alien universe.

One of the strengths of the Alien: Romulus series lies in its consistent portrayal of androids as unique entities in each installment. Some androids exhibit qualities that are as, if not more, humanlike as the characters portrayed by humans, while others are sinister antagonists who can be equally unsettling as the Xenomorphs due to their calm demeanors and chilling composure.

Major story spoilers ahead for Alien: Romulus

8 Bishop II – Alien 3

Too Little, Too Late

Best Androids In The Alien Movies, Ranked

Played by: Lance Henriksen
Possibly a human and creator of the Bishop models.

Towards the end of the movie “Alien 3,” when we believe the Xenomorph has been defeated, an unexpected antagonist emerges in the final moments – Bishop II. Despite being mysterious and Lance Henriksen delivering a chilling portrayal for a short span, his appearance is far too fleeting.

In the portrayal of the character in “Alien 3”, it’s unclear whether he is an organic being or a synthetic. On one side, his red blood suggests he is human-like, yet his name “Bishop” implies otherwise, and Aaron refers to him as an android. This ambiguity adds to the intriguing enigma that precedes the ending of “Alien 3”, where Ellen Ripley sacrifices herself, and the character leaves a minimal impression behind.

7 Rook – Alien: Romulus

Surprising But Slightly Jarring Fan Service

Played By: Daniel Betts
The physical actor was an actual animatronic.

In the terrifying Xenomorph saga of Alien: Romulus, the scavengers on Corbelan IV meet their doom. However, they receive guidance in the aftermath from the lone surviving science officer of the Renaissance space station. Astonishingly, this synthetic character shares the same model as Ash from the initial Alien series.

In this reinterpretation, Science Officer Rook bears a striking resemblance to Ian Holm, thanks to advanced CGI technology and the approval of his family. Additionally, Daniel Betts delivers an almost identical voice performance. While it offers a delightful trip down memory lane, there are moments when Rook’s likeness strays into the unsettling realm of the Uncanny Valley. Unfortunately, beyond offering a surprising link to past films, Rook doesn’t introduce anything particularly novel.

6 Call – Alien: Resurrection

The Most Human-like Android

Played By: Winona Ryder
The only other Android who poses as a human.

In the movie “Alien: Resurrection,” Winona Ryder delivers a standout portrayal as the character Call, an android whose true identity remains hidden until later in the story. What’s intriguing about Call is that she seems to possess knowledge about Ellen Ripley and the efforts to clone her along with the Xenomorph species. As a result, Call seeks to eliminate both Ripley and the Xenomorph threat by blending in among the crew of the pirate ship, the Betty.

Intriguing facets of the character Call include her enigmatic background, deep empathy for humans, and an uncanny resemblance to real people that surpasses any previous synthetic. Regrettably, Call is one of the few appealing elements in the film Alien: Resurrection, and even her strongest attributes are frequently undermined by inconsistent moods and insufficient character development.

5 Walter – Alien: Covenant

Unsung Hero Of The Covenant

Played By: Michael Fassbender
The first Android to show love for a human.

In the movie titled “Alien: Covenant”, Michael Fassbender got an opportunity to demonstrate his acting versatility by portraying both a heroic and malevolent version of the same android type. While David grows increasingly hostile towards humanity, Walter exhibits compassion, curiosity, and concern in his unique, stoic manner. This contrast between the two androids is striking.

In Alien: Covenant, the ongoing feud between the brothers, David and Walter, plays a significant role. While David is driven by animosity towards humans to perfect the Xenomorph, Walter understands his motives. However, Walter also appreciates the humanity displayed by Daniels, who seems to stir some emotional response from him, suggesting that androids are evolving to become more human-like with each new generation.

4 Ash – Alien

The First Android And Still Iconic

Played By: Ian Holm
The first Android to appear in the franchise.

1979 saw the unveiling of Ash’s true identity as an android in the original Alien, and it sent chills down my spine. The Xenomorph is undeniably terrifying, but there’s something truly unsettling about a machine like Ash, programmed to be cold and calculating, willing to sacrifice and eliminate every crew member of the Nostromo just to retrieve the Xenomorph for Weyland-Yutani. It’s a chilling reminder that not all threats come from the monsters lurking in the shadows.

Ian Holm skillfully portrays Ash as a seemingly cold and haughty science officer, subtly masking his non-human nature with hints of human traits. Despite these hints, his character remains enigmatic, even to the audience. Added to his chilling fascination for the alien species, Ash is an unforgettable figure in Ridley Scott’s film “Alien” and throughout the entire franchise.

3 David – Prometheus & Alien: Covenant

Scariest Artificial Person In The Galaxy

Played By: Michael Fassbender
Created the Xenomorph species

Regardless of the polarizing opinions on “Prometheus” and “Alien: Covenant,” these films featured a standout performance by Michael Fassbender as David. In “Prometheus,” David initially appears as a curious servant dedicated to his human superiors, intrigued by the Engineers and their technological advancements. However, from the outset, there’s an unsettling quality to him that echoes Ash but with distinct differences.

As a gamer, I’ve been tinkering with the Pathogen in Alien: Covenant, and boy, has it transformed me! Rediscovering myself in this alien world, I’ve crafted the first Xenomorph – a creature that mirrors my own evolution. Frankly, my character’s growth outshines any human counterpart, taking a gradual turn into a twisted replica of Dr. Frankenstein. It’s both fascinating and chilling to watch this transformation unfold.

2 Bishop – Aliens & Alien 3

Famous Face Of The Franchise

Played By: Lance Henriksen
The first heroic Android in the franchise

In the second film titled “Aliens,” Bishop, portrayed by Lance Henriksen, is introduced after Ellen Ripley narrowly escapes death at the hands of an android. Director James Cameron crafted Bishop with subtle cunning, making it hard for both Ripley and viewers to fully trust him initially. This mistrust is nurtured by the film’s portrayal of Bishop as somewhat unusual, such as his peculiar fascination with the Facehuggers.

As the Alien menace advances, it becomes increasingly clear that Bishop stands out. He bravely explores miles of tunnels alone, but his true heroism shines when others are in peril. From rescuing Ripley and Newt to saving Newt from being pulled into space, his actions speak volumes. Given his selfless deeds, it’s evident that Bishop is more than just an artificial entity. His character has inspired numerous sci-fi games, including Detroit: Become Human.

1 Andy – Alien: Romulus

He Stole The Entire Movie

Played By: David Jonsson
The first android character to kill a Xenomorph

In Alien: Covenant, we find that while there are familiar elements in space, fresh ideas are also introduced into the Alien universe, including the presence of lower-class androids among the crew. One of these androids, Andy, serves as a sort of brother figure to the protagonist, Rain. Initially, Andy resembles a child in his primary concern for Rain’s safety, displaying a shy yet compassionate demeanor.

Due to an upgrade, Andy transitions from being an individual to serving Weyland-Yutani, adopting a more composed and consistent demeanor. In essence, Andy embodies the traits of both Walter and David, even mirroring their accents as he shifts between personalities. David Jonsson’s portrayal of Andy is widely praised in Alien: Romulus , with a significant portion of the acclaim going to his acting skills.

2024-08-22 20:54