Out-of-this-world icons

Where did Chewbacca come from? 10 iconic extra-terrestrial characters

Image: Javier Miranda

Although we can't all jump on a spaceship to explore other planets yet, science fiction has given us a glimpse into what creatures from distant worlds might look like. From cute and funny to sinister and menacing, many of these extraterrestrial characters have touched our hearts and become unforgettable. ALF, E.T., and Chewbacca are just a few of the iconic names from other planets we'll explore in this article. Let's get started!

Image: Matthew Ball

We are off to a great start! One of the most famous figures in science fiction cinema, the iconic Darth Vader first appeared in Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977).

Anakin Skywalker -his real name- comes from a planet called Tatooine, but he's much more than just an alien. His character evolves as the story progresses, demonstrating great emotional and psychological depth. His legendary black mask and his deep voice are some of the characteristics that best define The Dark Lord of the Sith.

Did you know that Washington National Cathedral features a gargoyle on its facade with the face of this character?

Image: Олег Мороз

Ridley Scott's 1979 film Alien is one of those that made many of us fear encounters of the third kind.

Although many people refer to it simply as "the alien," the extraterrestrial species in the film is called the Xenomorph, and it is quite terrifying. Its most fearsome features include its elongated head, slick skin, and, of course, its jaws lined with sharp teeth.

The predatory nature of the Xenomorph enables it to adapt to various environments and hunt any prey, including humans. If, after all this, you still feel like encountering alien species, remember: "In space, no one can hear you scream."

Image: Emre Turkan

But now, let's set aside the terrifying aliens and focus on the ones we like better.

The Looney Tunes is an undisputed classic, and among its members, we all remember Marvin the Martian. As his name suggests, Marvin is not from Earth, and he stands out with his iconic look: old Roman-style war helmet, green uniform, and sneakers. In addition, his large, expressive eyes cover a large part of his face.

Although we really like Marvin, we have to remember that his evil plan in the show was aimed at us: his main goal was to destroy Earth. Luckily for us, he never succeeds!

Image: Rick L

Some characters instantly give off good vibes, and that's exactly the case with E.T., the star of one of the most beloved movies for both adults and children.

While the 1982 movie doesn't reveal the name of his home planet, we do know that his name, E.T., stands for "Extra-Terrestrial." His glowing finger, huge eyes, and gentle nature are some of the defining characteristics of this friendly alien.

But E.T. is not just a pretty face; he has powers we humans could only dream of. He possesses telekinetic abilities, the power to heal wounds, and can even communicate telepathically!

Image: Aksel Fristrup

When it comes to wise extraterrestrials, we can't overlook the incredible Yoda.

One of the most famous and remembered characters of the Star Wars universe, Yoda stands out for his greenish skin, bald head, big eyes, and long and pointed ears. Despite being only 2 to 3 feet tall, Yoda is incredibly powerful. He's a master of lightsaber combat and possesses a wisdom that few other characters can rival.

Calm and patient, Yoda is also known for his unique way of speaking, often putting together his sentences in object-subject-verb order, something rare in our language.

Image: Marcel L.

If you think an alien can't make you laugh out loud, it means you haven't watched the ALF TV show.

In 1986, a friendly extraterrestrial appeared on our television screens to make our days a bit more fun. Even though ALF came from a distant, completely different planet, he spoke perfect English and had a great sense of humor that fit right in with ours.

ALF, short for "Alien Life Form," came from the planet Melmac. After his spaceship crash-landed on Earth, he was taken in by the Tanners, who made him a part of their family (well, you know, except for the family cat).

Image: Jon Tyson

Maybe because he's not green or blue and doesn't have giant eyes or pointed ears, we sometimes forget Superman is also an alien.

But just because he looks like an ordinary human from Earth doesn't mean he lacks extraordinary powers. Along with his heat vision, super speed, and super strength, he has one ability we all dream of: he can fly "faster than a speeding bullet!"

Superman was born Kal-El, and he came from the planet Krypton. To save him from Krypton's destruction, his parents sent him to Earth, where he landed in Smallville. There, he was adopted by the Kent family, and the rest is history!

Image: Wonderlane

Leonard Nimoy was the first actor to bring to life a character that has crossed generations: the unforgettable Spock from the Star Trek franchise.

His bowl-cut hair and pointed ears are among the most iconic and often imitated features when people dress up as this beloved character. But, in addition to his peculiar appearance, he also has amazing powers, such as superintelligence and telepathic abilities.

Although Spock was born on the planet Vulcan, he is actually half-human, as his father is Vulcan, but his mother is from Earth. His Vulcan side makes him a very logical being, but his human side also gives him emotions and feelings that other Vulcans lack.

Image: Justin Wilkens

With an appearance somewhat reminiscent of ALF but a completely different personality, Chewbacca is one of the most beloved characters of the Star Wars franchise. Known for his courage and loyalty, Chewbacca has been a part of the saga since the very first film, Episode IV: A New Hope (1977).

Chewbacca is a member of the Wookiee species and comes from the planet Kashyyyk. His appearance is imposing: standing about 7 feet tall, Chewbacca is covered in thick, long brown fur, with deep-set eyes and prominent teeth. In addition, his characteristic voice also makes him a very special character.

Image: Stefan Grage

Okay, we know we promised 10 characters on this list, but we had to make an exception for Simpsons fans. We wouldn't dare separate Kang and Kodos!

These two creatures with funny names are the extraterrestrial beings that often appear in The Simpsons Halloween specials. As beloved as other classic characters, Kang and Kodos come from the planet Rigel VII and are known for their intelligence and ambition to conquer Earth. This duo has become very popular, showing up in many episodes with a lot of unforgettable moments and lines.

Unforgettable first lines

Can you recognize these songs by their first words? Let’s see!

Image: Igor Sanches

Can you hear the tune just by reading the first few words of a famous song? We think you can. In fact, we’ve picked 15 songs so familiar that just a glance at the opening line should bring the melody, title, and artist straight to mind. Think you can guess them all? Let’s find out!

Image: Valentin S

This line is tied not just to a particular melody, but to a particular voice as well! Can’t you hear Louis Armstrong’s raspy tone just by reading it? Yes, that’s the iconic "What a Wonderful World," which Armstrong recorded in 1967, as legend has it, with a smile on his face.

Image: Екатерина Васильева

Here’s another case where just reading the words is enough to hear the voice—or, in this case, both voices! The signature counterpoint between Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel in "The Sound of Silence" is unforgettable. So… had you really forgotten it?

Image: BRUNO CERVERA

The opening words of this breakup anthem are impossible to ignore. This lyric has been strutting through our minds since 1978. It’s Gloria Gaynor’s disco classic, "I Will Survive." Can you believe that she recorded it just weeks after a spinal surgery, singing in a back brace? You definitely can’t tell by her powerful vocals!

Image: Peter Mizsak

Some might joke that the next words are "...Cool Whip in my hair." Of course, those aren’t the correct lyrics. Have you identified it yet? It’s none other than "Hotel California" by the Eagles. The eerie story about a hotel that one "can never leave" is as unforgettable as the ominous first line.

Image: frame harirak

Here’s a clue: the name of the song rhymes with those opening words. Got it? Cue the air guitars and big hair—this is Bon Jovi’s "You Give Love a Bad Name," which became the band’s first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1986.

Image: Pavel Danilov

Where was the small-town girl living? You should be able to tell if you recognize the song!

This is Journey’s rock anthem, "Don’t Stop Believin’." Steve Perry’s voice, that iconic piano riff, the slow build-up to the chorus by the end of the song—it’s all unforgettable. Definitely hard to miss.

Image: Valeria Vinnik

Admit it—you’re already humming it. You’d have to spend every December hiding under a rock not to know this seasonal anthem. Did you know that "All I Want for Christmas Is You" earns Mariah Carey an estimated $2.5 million every year? Now that’s a timeless hit!

Image: Merve Nur Türker

If you read those words and immediately pictured a beer mug atop a wooden piano, you’ve got it. This is Billy Joel’s "Piano Man," a karaoke must. Did you know the song is based on Joel’s own experience playing piano at a dive bar in L.A., and that it features real-life characters he met there?

Image: Oscar Keys

If your brain immediately followed that with "Caught in a landslide…," you win this point. This is "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen. Released in 1975, it defied nearly every music industry rule—nearly six minutes long, an operatic interlude, no chorus. But Freddie Mercury knew exactly what he was doing.

Image: Anne-Marie Allesø Rasmussen

A haunting folk tune that became a British Invasion staple in the ’60s. The Animals’ version of "The House of the Rising Sun" spread its fame worldwide, but the song is much older. It dates back to at least the 19th century, possibly earlier, passed down through Appalachian folk singers.

Image: Friso Baaij

Hopefully, this one is easy. Paul McCartney wrote the song in 1968 after dreaming about his mother, Mary, who died when he was 14. In the dream, she told him, "It’s going to be okay. Just let it be." This, of course, became "Let It Be," The Beatles’ final single before their breakup.

Image: Ander Burdain

What an elegant way to start a song in the first person. Suave and a little too charming, this line kicks off "Sympathy for the Devil" by The Rolling Stones. The song was inspired by The Master and Margarita, a Soviet novel about the Devil visiting Moscow.

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If you do recognize the song, you immediately start moving your foot along to the rhythm. Of course, it’s "Stayin’ Alive" by the Bee Gees. Fun fact: CPR instructors use this song’s tempo—about 104 beats per minute—to teach how fast to perform chest compressions.

Image: Matt Nelson

The most difficult one comes last! Those two words are enough for some to recognize the iconic ’80s power ballad. Who can resist singing dramatically along to the chorus of "Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Bonnie Tyler? Even now, it still gives us chills.