Which alien would YOU hang out with? Looking at extraterrestrials from TV, movies, cartoons, and more
“I’m sure the universe is full of intelligent life. It’s just been too intelligent to come here.”—Arthur C. Clarke
Storytellers have been telling us about extraterrestrials—aliens from outer space—for centuries! Examples come from the likes of Second Century satirist Lucian to 10th-century Japanese narrative “The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter” and the medieval Arabic “The Adventures of Bulukiya” (from the One Thousand and One Nights), to stories from H.G. Wells, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Ursula K. Le Guin, Tade Thompson and Clifford D. Simak—among many others.
There have also been LOTS of aliens that have appeared in TV shows and movies. Sure, some of them have been threatening—but there have also been quite a few that would be worth meeting and spending time with. Below we’ve got info about these friendly (well, mostly friendly) visitors from outer space—including characters from Star Trek, Roswell, 3rd Rock from the Sun, and many more.
Which of these aliens would YOU hang out with? Vote for all your favorite aliens below!
(Scroll down to find out lots more info about these characters from TV, movies, books and more!)
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Which of these aliens would YOU hang out with? Tell us your favorite aliens below!
ALF (Gordon Shumway)
In the 1986-1990 NBC sitcom ALF, Gordon Shumway crash-landed in the garage belonging to suburban family the Tanners. To keep their unexpected guest safe from danger or from being captured, the the family took Gordon in and called him ALF, which means “Alien Life Form.”
A half-hour sitcom, ALF also showed three one-hour specials—including “ALF’s Special Christmas,” which makes me cry EVERY YEAR.
The show ALF ended with a cliffhanger: Gordon was captured by the military, but the series was cancelled before the story could be resolved. Sometime later, the TV movie Project: ALF finally brought the story to an end.
In case you missed them, there were a few surprising (and surprisingly good) spin-offs and follow-ups to the original series.
First there was ALF: The Animated Series (which aired on NBC 1987-1989), a prequel cartoon that showed Gordon’s homelife on Melmac before the planet exploded. Each episode included live-action openings and closings with Gordon providing context. By the way, this cartoon version of ALF also appeared (along with dozens of other recognizable guest characters) in the shockingly intriguing anti-drug cartoon special Cartoon All-Stars to the Rescue.
A second cartoon series, ALF Tales (also on NBC 1988-1989), provided some crazy (but brilliant) twists on classic fairy tales. The show starred Gordon and all his friends from Melmac (who we met on ALF: The Animated Series), with all of them acting out these stories. It was a great show.
The live-action ALF’s Hit Talk Show (on TV Land in 2004) featured Gordon as a TV talk-show host behind a desk. Guests included Doris Roberts, Bryan Cranston, Leon Redbone, Linda Blair, Eric Roberts, Merv Griffin, Joe Mantegna, Drew Carey and Tom Green.
In February 2022, Shout! Factory announced it was going to “develop new ALF-related content.” Here’s hoping!
The videos below include the ALF crossover with classic sitcom Gilligan’s Island and one of my favorite episodes of ALF Tales, featuring a costumed retelling of the Robin Hood legend.
Resident Alien
Granted, the impossible-to-pronounce-his-real-name alien invader who goes by “Harry Vanderspeigle” came to Earth to destroy it. Oh, and he committed murder right after he got here. But now that he’s in human form—and forced to pretend that he’s a medical examiner in a small town—he finds himself struggling with human emotions, which are now challenging his secret mission.
Syfy’s sci-fi mystery comedy-drama TV series Resident Alien stars Alan Tudyk. The show is based on the Resident Alien comic book series by Peter Hogan and Steve Parkhouse.
[Trailer] | Resident Alien | SYFY
Max Evans (Roswell)
The TV series Roswell (1999-2002) and Roswell, New Mexico (2019-2022) were inspired by the Roswell High YA books written by Melinda Metz. The novels revolved around three teen extraterrestrials and their human friends, who attend high school in Roswell, New Mexico. The first Roswell actually led to even more spin-off books.
On Roswell, Max Evans (played by Jason Behr) was leader of the Royal Four—with the power to heal. Throughout the series, Max struggled with his relationship with Liz (who learned the aliens’ secret after Max saved her life), his mysterious alien past, and finding his place as a leader.
Roswell Season 1 2 & 3 Intros
The Doctor (Doctor Who)
A significant part of British popular culture, Doctor Who has become a global phenomena since first broadcast in 1963. The series details the exploits of an alien Time Lord goes by simply “The Doctor.” The Doctor explores all of time and space in a ship named the TARDIS (“Time and Relative Dimensions in Space”). From the outside, it mimics a blue British police box, which was a common sight in Britain in 1963 when the series debuted.
One of the hallmarks of the series is that the Doctor’s species can recover from mortal wounds by “regenerating.” So, the same character can continue even when the lead actor changes—more than a dozen actors have portrayed some incarnation of the Doctor. Because of the Doctor’s time-travelling adventures, different versions of the Doctor can crossover.
Another feature of the series is that the Doctor often travels with one or more companions, generally humans. Over the course of the series, dozens of different characters have joined the Doctors on their adventures all over time and space.
The original series ran from 1963-1989. There was a 1996 TV pilot movie, but that series wasn’t picked up. The BBC re-launched Doctor Who in 2005, which has since led to numerous spin-off series: Torchwood (2006–2011), Sarah Jane Adventures (2007–2011), K-9 (2009–2010) and Class (2016).
Doctor Who has also been adapted into other media formats, including Doctor Who novels, Doctor Who audio dramas, Doctor Who comic books, and even Doctor Who movies.
Two great Doctor Who scenes on video
Below are two videos featuring really fun scenes from the show that reflects the history of the series.
The first video features a really nice speech to aliens that threatened the Earth. “Is this world protected? You are not the first [alien threat] to come here. There have been so many. What you’ve got to ask is, what happened to them?”
Watch for an amazing bit of editing that celebrates the history of the Doctor Who series…
“Basically—run!” | The Eleventh Hour | Doctor Who
The video below features a crossover with two different incarnations of the Doctor—and the aliens reveal several more…
The Doctor of War | “Twice Upon A Time” | Doctor Who | BBC
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Recently celebrating its 40th anniversary, the 1982 American sci-fi film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is a blockbuster classic that was produced and directed by Steven Spielberg and written by Melissa Mathison. In science-fiction, aliens don’t generally come in peace—but E.T.’s touching story of interplanetary friendship featured an alien who only wanted to help, heal, and phone home. E.T. won four Oscars and ranks number 11 on AFI’s Top 100 Films List.
Captivating audiences of all ages, this timeless story follows the unforgettable journey of a lost alien and the boy he befriends. The movie tells about Elliott (Henry Thomas), a 10-year-old boy who befriends an alien—which he calls “E.T.”—that was left on Earth. Elliott has to find a way to help E.T. find his way home. The film also starred Dee Wallace, Peter Coyote, Robert MacNaughton and a VERY young Drew Barrymore.
In the video below, director Steven Spielberg talks about the characters of Elliott and E.T., and how he considers the film to be a “double rescue” where the two save each other…
Steven Spielberg on E.T.: THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL
Megamind
In this hilarious riff on superhero movies, animated super villain Megamind (voiced by Will Ferrell) thinks his dreams have come true when he conquers Metro City’s protector—Metro Man (Brad Pitt)—and therefore gets control of the city.
But he finds the new life is not that great. And he finds himself depressed with being in control. And he’s also in a conflicted relationship with the TV reporter played by Tina Fey.
Then Megamind comes up with the idea to create another superhero—and that plan does not go well. So, the movie becomes about a villain who is tasked with saving the city himself…
Below is one of my favorite scenes from the whole movie. Hopefully it makes sense whether you’ve seen the film or not. (But if you need the whole movie for context—it’s totally worth it.)
Megamind (2010) - Making An Entrance Scene (8/10) | Movieclips
Mr. Spock (Star Trek)
While there were lots of aliens showing up on Star Trek, easily the most-loved alien from the show is Mr. Spock. Spock first appeared in the original TV series Star Trek (1966-1969) serving on the starship Enterprise as the science officer and Captain Kirk’s second-in-command.
Early on, Spock’s mixed heritage as both human and Vulcan led to complications in several of his appearances—and his struggles between a commitment to logic and the pull of human emotion. As such, his character is a leader and a problem solver—who is also conflicted about his true nature.
Even though Star Trek grew from the original series into a foundation for a whole franchise with several series set in far away times and places, Mr. Spock is one of those characters who has lived on in multiple Star Trek dramas. Played originally by Leonard Nimoy, Spock was one of the three central characters—along with Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner) and Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy (DeForest Kelley)—in the original Star Trek series and its films.
Nimoy also provided the voice of Spock in Star Trek: The Animated Series, set during the era of the crew’s original mission.
Nimoy also played Spock in a two-part episode Star Trek: The Next Generation. Set decades later than the original series, the events of this episode were also influenced by the events of the movie Star Trek: The Undiscovered Country, the final movie with the original cast.
Nimoy also appeared as Spock in the 2009 movie reboot Star Trek. Although Trek fans kind of go back and forth on the value of this movie, what made Nimoy’s appearance interesting is that the film—rather than replacing the original series—created a separate timeline. (Which is discussed later on the spin-off show Star Trek: Discovery.)
In recent years, others have played Spock. These include Ethan Peck, who has played Spock in the second season of Star Trek: Discovery, in occasional episodes of Star Trek: Short Treks, and as a regular cast member on Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Zachary Quinto played the alternate timeline Spock in the movies Star Trek (2009), Star Trek Into Darkness (2013), and Star Trek Beyond (2016). The character of Spock has also appeared in lots of Star Trek novels, Star Trek comics, and Star Trek video games.
By the way, Nimoy’s work as Spock was such a part of his profile that he titled two autobiographies I Am Not Spock (1975) and I Am Spock (1995).
Some of Spock’s Best Moments
Ultraman
Although we’re kind of referring to the original Ulraman here, feel free to choose to befriend one of his many brothers and sisters who have appeared over the years. The first Ultraman—the giant alien superhero who protects us from giant monsters—was introduced in the 1966 Japanese TV series Ultraman. The series was made by Tsuburaya Productions, a company created by the man responsible for the special effects in classic Godzilla movies. (Which, of course, means your opinions of Ultraman can go either way.)
Although the series only lasted one season, it has been followed over the decades since by more series—again and again—nearly each time featuring a new person who is following the Ultraman rules. It’s a similar approach to the Green Lantern Corps or the police—we’re watching individuals who represent a larger group. As revealed in the movie Mega Monster Battle: Ultra Galaxy, the Ultras are a technologically advanced civilization originating from a planet millions of light years away from Earth.
The video below explores the bigger picture that includes the whole group of, er, Ultramen…
EXPLAINED | Origin of the Ultra Species | ULTRAMAN EXPLAINED
Grogu (Baby Yoda) from The Mandalorian
The adorable Baby Yoda—whose real name is Grogu—is a regular character on The Mandalorian, a Disney+ TV series set in the Star Wars universe. He’s a toddler from the same species as the Star Wars characters Yoda. Even though he’s a small child who can’t even talk yet, Grogu is a toddler with magical powers from The Force.
He was introduced in the series when the Mandalorian was hired as a mercenary to track down and capture Grogu. But once he met the baby, the Mandolorian instead took care of Grogu to protect him from the Empire. The whole series has become about the two of them traveling from adventure to adventure.
And yes, it’s adorable.
Autobots (Transformers)
The Transformers are robots that can usually turn into cars and others kind of vehicles. (Well, I guess there’s more to it than that.) Of the Transformers, the good guys are The Autobots. We follow them throughout the Transformers multimedia brand.
Starting out as toys, the Transformers have been seen in various places like movies, TV shows, comic books, and books. Led by Optimus Prime, the Autobots fight the Decepticons, the bad guys from the Transformers.
Find Transformers stuff at Amazon:
Top 30 best Autobots chosen by fans | TF VEGE
Chewbacca (Star Wars)
One of the key characters in the original Star Wars movies, Chewbacca—AKA “Chewie”—is a Wookiee, which is a tall and hairy alien. Introduced as the loyal friend and first mate of Han Solo, Chewie was the co-pilot on the Millennium Falcon. He and Han helped the Rebel Alliance defeat the Galactic Empire and restore freedom to the galaxy.
In addition to the Star Wars movies, Chewie has also appeared in other media, including TV series, Star Wars books, Star Wars comics, and Star Wars video games.
Counterfeit Cat
The alien Gark crashed on Earth in his spaceship—ending up in the laundry room of a kind old woman who loves cats. So, Gark has disguised himself as a purple-knitted cat, and hangs out with lazy yellow housecat Max. The two are often caught in weird situations because of Gark’s bizarre powers, which Max often exploits without thinking about the consequences.
Mork (Mork & Mindy)
The alien character of Mork made Robin Williams a huge star. The 1978-1982 sitcom Mork & Mindy was a surprising spin-off of Happy Days. At first it claimed that Mork was just a dream—but when they reran the episode he was, um, real. And then they did the other show.
On Mork & Mindy, Mork is an extraterrestrial who comes to Earth from the planet Ork, and Mindy McConnell (played by Pam Dawber) was his human friend, roommate, and eventual love interest. Mork came to Earth in his egg-shaped spacecraft to observe human behavior.
Find Mork and Mindy episodes at Amazon
In the video below, check out Mork’s debut on Happy Days…
The Solomons (3rd Rock From The Sun)
The Solomon family—secretly a group of alien visitors who are researching Earth—are the center of the 1996-2001 sitcom 3rd Rock from the Sun. The show was created by Bonnie and Terry Turner, who wrote the similarly themed 1993 movie Coneheads, which explored the lives of the alien family from the old Saturday Night Live sketches.
On 3rd Rock, the four alien regulars included Dick Solomon (played by John Lithgow), the leader of the expedition who is teaching physics at a local university; Sally (Kristen Johnston), who is the team’s security officer; Harry (French Stewart), who helps them communicate with their home world; and Tommy (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), the information officer and eldest member of the group, who is now a teen in high school. Throughout their experiences living on Earth, the aliens learn about humans, cultures, employment, and relationships.
One particularly interesting fact about 3rd Rock from the Sun is that the original TV series ended in a certain way—and then the first time the finale was reran in syndication, they actually changed the ending the entire seeries. (I have no idea which version of the episode is available now.)
Find 3rd Rock from the Sun at Amazon
The video below shares the 25 Best Moments on 3rd Rock from the Sun…
Stitch (Lilo & Stitch)
Stitch is the alien creature Experiment 626, renamed as “Stitch” by the Hawaiian little girl Lilo. Genetically engineered to be destructive, Stitch was helped by Lilo to avoid being recaptured by the galactic police. The two develop a close bond through the Hawaiian concept of “Ohana,” which is extended family.
The 2002 animated Disney movie Lilo & Stitch was followed by the 2003 direct-to-video sequel Stitch! The Movie. That led to the 2003-2006 TV show Lilo & Stitch: The Series, which followed Lilo and Stitch’s efforts to help the aliens’ remaining experiments. Also there were the 2005 direct-to-video movie Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch and the 2006 TV movie Leroy & Stitch.
A live action remake of Lilo & Stitch has been in the works for a few years. There have also been a number of video games.
Supergirl
The alien superhero Supergirl has been shown as a few different characters in DC Comics—but is most often remembered as Kara Zor-El, one of the last survivors of the planet Krypton. (Her cousin is Superman.) That version of Supergirl, who first appeared in the 1959 comic book Action Comics #252, was created by Otto Binder and Al Plastino.
The character also spent the last few years on TV as part of the Arrowverse in the 2015-2021 show Supergirl. That TV series starred Melissa Benoist and was developed by Ali Adler, Greg Berlanti and Andrew Kreisberg. As part of that set of DC Comics adaptations, that Supergirl was part of several fun crossovers, meeting the likes of The Flash, Black Lightning, Arrow, Batwoman, and several more.
The video below shows her meeting several of the other superheroes…
Uncle Martin (My Favorite Martian)
Introduced to the world in the 1960s sitcom My Favorite Martian (1963-1966), the character of “Uncle Martin” was a Martian (played by Ray Walston) who crashes on Earth. While he still needs time to repair his UFO, he moves in with young newspaper reporter Tim O’Hara (played by Bill Bixby). To avoid creating a panic, Uncle Martin keeps his special powers secret from humans other than Tim. And Tim agrees to keep the Martin’s secret while he continues to repair his spaceship.
With antennae that come out of his head, Uncle Martin has lots of special skills: He can become invisible; a telepath, he can read and influence minds; he can communicate with animals; he can make objects levitate; he can make people freeze in place; and he can even make himself move at super speed.
Martin can also invent things. For example, Uncle Martin made a device that took memories and stored them as pills. He also built a time machine that could send him and Tim to the Middle Ages and the early days of Hollywood, and could also bring people like Jesse James and Leonardo da Vinci to the present. Another device he made could rearrange molecules of physical things.
Find My Favorite Martian stuff at Amazon
There was also a movie and the spin-off cartoon series My Favorite Martians. (Apparently, the cartoon used scripts that were originally written for what would have been the fourth season of the original live-action series.)
The video below is a scene from the show where the neighbor tries spying on Martin…
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