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Aliens in fiction

The existence of alien (extraterrestrial) beings has been one of the enduring themes of science fiction.

One of the most frequently portrayed alien races from our own solar system are the Martians, Mars being the most romanticized of the other planets whose surface conditions are closest to being amenable to life. See Mars in fiction for more details on the red planet's numerous roles.

Popular fictional tales of the first half of the 20th century also includes many fanciful tales of alien races and civilizations on our nearest neighbor, the Moon.

Many of the aliens have been hostile and alien invasion has been a very popular idea in Anglo-Saxon science fiction.

Writers have created a long list of extraterrestrial creatures and intelligent beings. Most common forms of aliens are:

Table of contents

Humanoid Aliens Most aliens are humanoid if not human-like, especially in TV series because actors are human. Humanoids include:

Near-relatives of mankind In these stories, these aliens are descended from the same ancestors as humanity:

Feline humanoids This form has been popular. They are usually warrior-like as well:

Insectoid Aliens

Centaurs

Reptilians

Parasites and symbionts

Robotic and Mechanical aliens

Ancient Races

Aliens that have either disappeared and left only ruins or developed to godlike- practically omnipotent entities.

More unusual forms

Shape-shifting aliens

Unintelligent creatures

Aliens From other Dimensions

  • The Q of Star Trek
  • Species 8472 of Star Trek
  • Unnamed Telepathic Aliens of Babylon 5: Thirdspace
  • Kromags of Sliders
  • Digimon of Digimon
 
References

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