Top 10 Token Non-Human Characters In Film And TV

Originally created to shake things up in Bedrock, this green nuisance-turned-friend was banished from his home planet in the future for creating a doomsday machine, and that’s how he became Fred and Barney’s problem…er, new pal. Invisible to everyone but the kids, animals and those two “dum-dums,” the Great Gazoo does have some pretty nifty powers; too bad they just seem to cause trouble! Yeah, okay, most “Flintstones” fans remember this tiny, floaty alien as the show’s last-ditch effort to add interest to a declining series, but fans remember him – even over 50 years later. If that’s not a standout non-human character, we don’t know what is!

TV Squad called this angel “slightly awkward and frighteningly precise.” Hmmm, based on that description, it sounds like Castiel is as straight arrow as they come, and unlikely to step out of line. However, when push comes to shove, he’s willing to defy the greatest beings Heaven has to offer. We can relate to Castiel because his character addresses the very nature of freewill. While he is approachable, Cas is also a no-nonsense kinda guy; he doesn’t always help people and is willing to sacrifice some lives for the greater good. One thing’s for sure – which his human friends Sam and Dean know far too well – Castiel is definitely not your average angel.

Superficial and standoffish, this cool cat reined us in with his style, swag, and killer wardrobe. While he doesn’t have an actual name – he’s simply called the Cat – his presence is certainly felt from the get-go. During his first appearance on the show, the Cat makes his sneaky entrance in an all-pink suit, the shiniest of white shoes and with slicked-back hair. And from his very first line, it’s clear that this rambunctious character would be the comedic relief from his very first lines. With a James Brown kind of flair, undeniable rhythm and an unorthodox meow, this smooth Cat is the source of much of the non-human humor, fun, and mischief aboard the Red Dwarf.

This couple won us over not only with their heartfelt romance and undeniable connection, but also with their persistent teamwork. The members of this tag-team are beings known as Wesens; they shape-shift between their human and creature-like forms, and only Grimms can see their true nature. As such, Monroe works on cases alongside his friend Nick – a Grimm – with help from Rosalee, an intelligent apothecary with a troubled past. Even though Monroe’s a Blutbad and Rosalee’s a Fuchsbad – and a union between those two creatures is supposedly impure – the unlikely couple marries, continuing to assist the titular Grimm with his work. As a couple, Monroe and Rosalee also know how to shake up the status quo.

While Brian is certainly the most intellectual and cultured member of the Griffin family, a great friend to Peter and a great nemesis to Stewie, he’s still the pet dog. But he’s not just any pet dog: he can walk on two legs, speak, and even sing! All of this makes Brian a standout non-human character on “Family Guy;” he carries numerous plots on his own, with his failed attempts to achieve true and renowned artistry or find an authentic love connection. Okay, he’s pretentious and a bit of a boozer, but he’s still beloved, as evidenced by the fan-made petition demanding he be brought back after the character was killed off. In short, he’s “man’s best friend.”

The Tanners are just your average suburban middle-class family living in the San Fernando Valley. We’re sure they never expected an alien life form to work its way into their hearts, but that’s exactly what happened one fateful day. The cat eating extra-terrestrial from Melmac crash-lands into their garage and endears himself enough to Willie, Kate and the kids that they agree to hide him from the military while he fixes his spacecraft. Of course, Gordon Shumway, or ALF as Mr. Tanner dubs him, ends up becoming a permanent family member. Watching the sarcastic prankster learn about human life while simultaneously revealing his kind-hearted side, we can’t blame the Tanners for loving him.

If you think this alien’s stuck at home while the rest of his human family goes on adventures, think again. Being an alien’s no reason for Roger Smith to hide, and in fact his myriad personas have enabled many of the show’s tangled plots. Oh, did we not mention? Roger’s got a few dozen aliases and disguises to go along with them. While it might seem as though he’s on the show purely for the jokes, he can actually be considered the brains behind the entire Smith family operation – the immoral, deceitful, nasty brains. Androgynous and pansexual, Roger’s a bit of a mystery to viewers and his fellow characters; we don’t even know much about his home planet. But we do know that Roger has definitely conquered Earth.

This metalworking robot is an unlikely friend to Planet Express crew. Y’see, he’s only got one priority in life: himself. Despite that, and his alcoholism, chain-smoking, gambling, tendency to wish all humans harm, and other lovely qualities, the humans and aliens that comprise the Planet Express team keep him around. Why? Bender’s essential to each “Futurama” episode, helping to set the sarcastic tone with his prejudiced ramblings. In fact, he’s so popular; he’s even crossed over into other animated worlds, appearing on both “Family Guy” and “The Simpsons.” However, while you can describe this robot as egotistical, rude and inconsiderate, you can ironically always count on Bender to be there for his friends – whether they like it or not.

Besides his famous salutation, pointy ears and love of logic, we know this half-alien as a member of Starfleet, who once rendered admirable service as an officer aboard the starship Enterprise and later served as an ambassador to the Federation’s more dubious neighbors. Working on a ship populated primarily by human beings, Spock knows what it’s like to not fit in – something actor Leonard Nimoy says keeps the character relatable. Spock shares that outcast quality with another standout “Star Trek” alien: Worf. For Spock, however, he never quite feels at-home whether he’s with humans or with Vulcans; a conspicuous outsider but also one of the most unforgettable characters in sci-fi.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
- Vision
Marvel Cinematic Universe (2015-)

- Jack the Monkey
“Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise (2003-)

- Teal’c
“Stargate SG-1” (1997-2007)

While “Star Wars”’ Goofy-inspired Gungan outcast, Jar Jar Binks, is highly recognizable for all the wrong reasons, the legendary Wookiee, Chewbacca, is a top favorite and a standout non-human on his team of Rebel misfits. It’s hard to miss this friendly co-pilot when he’s grouped with Han Solo, Princess Leia and Luke Skywalker – what with his luscious hair and distinct language and all. Fiercely loyal to the entire team, Chewie’s mission is to protect Han after his smuggler pal refuses an order to take the Wookiee’s life. This effectively bonds the two together, creating one of the most meaningful and legendary bromances in the history of sci-fi cinema.