Reader Top Ten Greatest Science Fiction Film Characters; J.D. Lafrance at Radiator Heaven

The great J.D. Lafrance, who writes at the indispensable blog Radiator Heaven, contributes our first Reader’s Top Ten list of Thursday.

Here are J.D.’s choices for the ten greatest science fiction film characters:

1. Darth Vader (Star Wars franchise)

Hands down, THE most iconic character in science fiction cinema. His first appearance in Star Wars still gives me goosebumps every time I watch it. He's got it all - the badass outfit, the Jedi powers, and THAT voice. Raspy breathing coupled with that booming authoritative voice. The ultimate villain and whose story sees a complete arc throughout the prequel movies.

2. Hal 9000 (2001: A Space Odyssey, 2010: The Year We Make Contact)

Still the gold standard for artificial intelligence computers in SF movies. The voice is what does it for me. At times, HAL almost sounds bored of his human companions and changes ever so subtly over the course of the film as he becomes murderous.

3. Ellen Ripley (Alien franchise)

One thing you can say about this character is that she's a survivor, lasting through numerous movies, getting killed and then resurrected. She is smart, resourceful and is more than capable of taking care of herself and those she loves. Ellen is the entire package.

4. Klaatu (The Day the Earth Stood Still)

A philosophical alien often imitated never equaled. His benevolent vibe is pretty awe-inspiring and yet he is also vulnerable to humanity's ugliness. What a fascinating character.

5. Sarah Connor (The Terminator franchise)

Another survivor. She comes from meager beginnings but by the end of the first Terminator movie she becomes committed to a vision of future she believes is unavoidable and commits to her cause completely. Easily one of the most inspiring characters and much like Ellen Ripley is smart, resourceful and can kick ass.

6. Rick Deckard (Blade Runner)

Of course, there's the whole is he or isn't he a replicant debate, which is endlessly fascinating. I like to think that he is, which then makes all of his actions in the film even more fascinating. A wonderfully flawed character - a world-weary cop thrown into a dystopic Cyberpunk world. Such a fascinatingly, complex character as well.

7. Neo (The Matrix franchise)

A computer hacker that becomes an enlightened being capable of impressive feats of heroism. Not only is he the savior of his race but he's willing to sacrifice everything to make it happen. His arc over The Matrix movies is fascinating to watch, even the weak third one.

8. James T. Kirk (Star Trek franchise)

Normally associated with T.V., I think Kirk's cinematic output is just as important no more so than in WRATH OF KHAN where we see him at perhaps his most vulnerable - riddled with self-doubts, he takes a very personal journey on that one and we see the whole spectrum of emotions as he goes toe-to-toe with an old nemesis.

9. Snake Plissken (Escape from NY, Escape from LA)

An anti-authoritarian loner stuck in a futureworld he could care less about. He's the ultimate badass protagonist who spawned countless imitations but there can only be one. He doesn't care about The Man, fights for the underdog and isn't afraid to throw it all away to make a point.

10. Predator (Predator franchise)

One of the most iconic aliens ever put on film whose power and mystique cannot be ruined even by those crappy Alien vs. Predator films. They are the ultimate big game hunters but meet their match when they come to Earth. They look fantastic and their perchance for sampling and then playing back our own voices, albeit distorted, is creepy as hell.

I think J.D. nailed it with his description of Darth Vader, harking back to the opening moments of Star Wars.  That moment, as J.D. accurately described it, rocked my entire generation back on its psychic heels.  Vader storms into that Blockade Runner, colossal and commanding, and you feel fear.  You also feel wonder.  What is he? A man? A machine? An alien?  A truly great character.

I also think that J.D. makes an outstanding case for the big-screen incarnation of Captain Kirk, referencing his character growth in The Wrath of Khan (1982).  If The Motion Picture is Spock’s movie, then Khan is Kirk’s, no doubt about it.

I am also pleased to see the Predator get some love on this list.  I feel that the creature is actually more interesting than many of the films it has been featured in!