What else could top this list but the first Android ever to grace the silver screen? The design of this Android from Fritz Langs 1927 expressionist classic remains the most influential Android in the history of science fiction cinema - the first robot ever put on screen. As with Gort earlier in this list, even if you have not seen Metropolis, you can see the very foundations of modern science fiction in this machine of the past. Called by many different names throughout history, depending on whoever translated the captions of this silent film (the latest being Maschinenmensch, literally machine-human in German), this mechanical woman is created by mad scientist Rotwang in order to infiltrate and gain control of the working class in this dystopian society. Changing its appearance, Futura takes the place of Maria, the spiritual leader of the resistance, and proceeds to slander the real Maria's reputation through her manic behavior, leading the working class on a violent rebellion - all part of an elaborate plot from Rotwang to get revenge on the ruler of Metropolis. Futura is a triumph of brilliant production design and first rate maniacal acting from its performer Brigitte Helm. Her exaggerated physicality may be over the top by todays standards, but by the standards of German expressionism her performance works. She embodies the tone of the climax perfectly - all mad gesture, wide eyes, and maniacal intent. She was the original Android, and remains the very top. Like this list? Who have we missed? Let us know in the comments section below.
Self-evidently a man who writes for the Internet, Robert also writes films, plays, teleplays, and short stories when he's not working on a movie set somewhere. He lives somewhere behind the Hollywood sign.
