10 Best Sci-Fi TV Show Aliens Ranked

by

In the realm of science fiction, aliens remain a persistent theme, often taking on various roles – from fearsome to wise, or even as perplexed and anxious as humans. Over the years, through numerous television series, these extraterrestrials have significantly shaped the genre with unforgettable characters whose alieness fades in the face of their human-like qualities.

Let’s delve into the top 10 most memorable extraterrestrial beings from science fiction television series! These characters range from beloved sitcom personalities to profound investigators of human nature, shaping our collective understanding of the mysteries of the universe. Fasten your seats, dial your intergalactic phone numbers, and prepare for a thrilling journey through some of TV’s most iconic alien creations.

10) Mork from Ork (Mork & Mindy)

A long time ago, before many of us were even a thought in our parents’ minds, a well-known character was making his way to Earth. Before the show Mork & Mindy started in 1978, it would have been hard to guess that Mork, a quirky alien from the planet Ork with vibrant clothing and colorful suspenders, would become a cultural sensation.

In the state of Colorado, Mork, an extraterrestrial, descends onto Earth in a quirky, Dr. Evil-inspired egg-shaped spaceship. His mission is to study human interactions, overseen by Orson, his often absent and patient supervisor. He encounters Mindy who agrees to conceal him. Initially, they become friends, but their relationship evolves into marriage over time.

Robin Williams famously played Mork with unpredictable flair, and he first appeared on the show Happy Days, in an unexpected episode. The creators of Happy Days were trying to leverage the popularity of Sci-fi shows like Star Trek by introducing this character. Mork claimed he was from the future and eventually starred in his own show, demonstrating that even 1950s American culture could embrace a dash of interstellar silliness.

Mork & Mindy is often considered one of the most unexpected sensations in television history, with a large part of its success being attributed to Williams’ quick-witted improvisation and unique comedic delivery. Whether it was drinking water through his finger or concluding every report with “Nanu Nanu,” Mork was an alien who brought a touch of strangeness to Earth and television, making them both slightly more peculiar yet delightful.

9) ALF (ALF)

When an amusing extraterrestrial collides into a residential garage and stubbornly stays put, you end up with ALF, which stands for Alien Life Form (quite original, isn’t it?). Known as Gordon Shumway, the furry Orbit Guard from Melmac spends four seasons in disguise with the Tanner family, where he continues to make jokes and elude the authorities.

In the late 80s, ALF was a massive pop culture phenomenon, leading to toys, cartoons, and TV movies. However, it was the sitcom that truly solidified his status. He gained such popularity that Marvel produced a comic book series for four years under the Star Comic label. ALF, voiced by his creator Paul Fusco, offered a unique blend of sarcasm, curiosity, and genuine emotion in his Earthly adventures. If you’re searching for an alien who feasts on neighborhood cats, look no further than ALF!

Despite ALF appearing eccentric, it was his relatable experiences as an alien feeling out of place that endeared him to many television viewers, solidifying his status as one of the most beloved extraterrestrial characters on screen.

8) Roger (American Dad!)

Roger, voiced by Seth MacFarlane of “American Dad!”, is unlike any alien you’ve encountered before. He’s a blend of a social chameleon and a sociopath, with chaos being his middle name. With an extensive collection of personas, each more outlandish than the last, Roger finds joy in assuming identities, donning disguises, and throwing every episode he’s in off course. He even has the ability to produce gold-encrusted feces that drives humans into a frenzy of greed, inciting them to fight and kill each other for it. Interestingly, this golden waste merely fuels his spaceship.

Beneath the wigs, costumes, and deceitful antics, there is a genuine emotionally complex being hidden – this character named Roger. Interestingly, some of his most memorable episodes blend humor with vulnerability. He’s not simply the series’ wild card; he’s its emotional core, concealed beneath layers of spandex, psychological issues, campy sass, and duplicity.

7) Harry Vanderspeigle (Resident Alien)

In the series Resident Alien, Alan Tudyk’s portrayal showcases a remarkable blend of alien unease and gradually growing empathy. Under the guise of small-town doctor Harry Vanderspeigle, who happened to be one of his earlier alien victims, he arrived with the intent to annihilate Earth. However, an unexpected affection for our planet emerged.

Harry’s abilities encompass shapeshifting, superhuman strength, and telepathy, but it’s his impeccable comedic timing that truly stands out. Tudyk skillfully brings life to every quirky line delivery, making Harry more charming than one would expect given his alien nature.

Over the course of three seasons, “Resident Alien” provides a unique perspective through the eyes of the alien protagonist Harry, revealing the complexities of humanity. We see that humans can exhibit both stunning beauty and appalling cruelty, as well as profound love and devastating destruction. Despite this, Harry continues to offer a humorous and peculiar commentary on these aspects. “Resident Alien” stands out as a blend of fish-out-water comedy and poignant character study, all made possible by its unconventional lead character.

6) The Solar Opposites (Solar Opposites)

In the animated Hulu series Solar Opposites, created by Justin Roiland and Mike McMahan, it’s challenging to single out just one favorite alien character. To avoid making a difficult decision, we’re offering the entire alien family – Korvo, Terry, Jesse, and Yumyulack – as a combined option. Their unique interactions and dynamics are what truly brings the show to life.

As a self-proclaimed space enthusiast, I must say that the perpetual bafflement of these extraterrestrial beings regarding our human antics is the backbone of the humor. From miniaturizing humans and imprisoning them in “The Wall” to their futile attempts at repairing their spaceship every other episode, this motley crew is revolutionizing what it means to be an alien sitcom.

Solar Opposites, created by the same minds behind Rick and Morty, presents a unique tone shift, moving away from nihilism and diving into cultural satire instead. Its humor is off-the-wall yet the series boasts surprisingly profound storylines, elevating these extraterrestrial characters beyond simple Earth inhabitants; they become a humorous reflection of our own eccentric world.

5) Worf (Star Trek: The Next Generation)

Amongst Star Trek enthusiasts, Worf, portrayed by Michael Dorn, is often highlighted as one of the enduring characters. As a Klingon and a warrior adopted by humans, Worf represents a unique character who navigates between two distinct cultures. Throughout his journey from The Next Generation to Deep Space Nine, Worf’s character growth stands out as one of the series’ most captivating transformations. From a soldier bound by honor to a father struggling with emotional complexity, Worf demonstrates that alien characters can embody deep human emotions.

In the early episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation, Worf’s unyielding character, strong work ethic, and dry wit endeared him to many fans. Even the tragic loss of Tasha Yar in Season 1 served to highlight Worf’s development into a formidable strategic and emotional figure. Among the show’s myriad alien characters, few can rival Worf in terms of strength, loyalty, and complexity.

4) Zoidberg (Futurama)

Dr. Zoidberg is an extraterrestrial creature resembling a lobster, crab or something in between. Despite being a doctor, he’s technically speaking, he is one. He’s undeniably one of the most cherished alien eccentrics on television. Lending his voice to this character, Billy West brings Zoidberg to life in Futurama, portraying him as a constantly misinterpreted, financially struggling, and heartbreakingly lonely member of the Planet Express team. Despite these unfortunate circumstances, there’s something endearing and humorous about him that sets him apart from other memorable characters within the show.

Amongst the cast of the Planet Express team, Zoidberg stands out as a cherished character, offering both tender and humorous scenes. Though his understanding of human anatomy may be lacking, he excels in eliciting laughter… and sometimes tears, but primarily laughter.

3) Dick Solomon (3rd Rock from the Sun)

If you’ve ever been curious about how an alien might handle human emotions, John Lithgow’s portrayal of Dick Solomon in the TV show “3rd Rock from the Sun” could provide a fascinating insight. In this series, Dick is actually the leader of an extraterrestrial mission, but on Earth, he’s a bewildered physics professor struggling to understand social norms, romantic relationships, and why meals aren’t served around the clock.

Numerous outlandish scenes in the series showcased its abundance, showcasing Lithgow’s acting versatility and earning him three Emmy Awards for his role. As a result, Third Rock from the Sun became one of the most famous alien sitcoms ever made. The show, often referred to as 3rd Rock, creatively twisted the conventional “aliens becoming human” concept with its unique blend of chaos and brilliance, largely due to Dick’s escalating breakdowns and genuine earnestness. Despite being an extraterrestrial, he embodied the universal struggle of trying to understand and be human.

2) Spock (Star Trek)

Among all TV characters portraying aliens, none better symbolizes the conflict between reason and feelings than Mr. Spock. Leonard Nimoy’s half-Vulcan, half-human persona reshaped the meaning of being an outsider seeking identity, leaving a lasting impact on Star Trek. Spock’s performances were particularly captivating when he showed more Vulcan traits, but his human moments made his rare emotional expressions even more poignant. Be it raising an eyebrow or softly saying “Fascinating,” Spock’s presence provided the Enterprise crew with calm wisdom.

Leonard Nimoy’s portrayal touched hearts and minds across generations, sparking admiration among fans and artists alike. Even half a century later, interpretations of Spock – from Zachary Quinto to Ethan Peck – still delve into that complex duality. Moreover, the character has expanded beyond the realm of Star Trek and made its mark in various cultural references, such as playing a significant role in Sheldon Cooper’s life on The Big Bang Theory. Spock isn’t merely an alien; he embodies the struggle of belonging to two worlds and the courage it requires to navigate that divide.

1) The Doctor (Doctor Who)

Among all aliens, none can match the versatility or longevity of the titular Time Lord from “Doctor Who.” With the unique ability to transform into a new form, The Doctor has been played by 15 different actors, each lending their own interpretation to the mysterious traveler from Gallifrey. Regardless of the face, The Doctor remains fundamentally consistent: inquisitive, empathetic, intelligent, and always optimistic. They battle monsters, resolve cosmic dilemmas, and above all, never abandon faith in human kindness.

The Doctor finds the human race captivating and cherishes them due to their unforeseeable nature. As we follow various companions, we come to appreciate the universe as something valuable to protect, planet by mysterious planet. From William Hartnell to Ncuti Gatwa, The Doctor isn’t simply a remarkable extraterrestrial character – they stand among television’s most iconic and long-lasting characters.

https://comicbook.com/movies/news/coolest-sci-fi-movie-robots-wall-e-r2-d2-terminator/embed/#

Read More

2025-07-04 22:41