The 26 Most Iconic Sci-Fi Spaceships
From movies, to TV, to video games, there are countless sci-fi spacecrafts of varying size and power. These are the most iconic.
Note: While the Death Star is mobile, after much debate it's been decided that particular vessel is classified as a space station, thus it is not included on this list.
Discovery One
As seen in: 2001: A Space Odyssey
This nuclear-powered ship is controlled by artificial intelligence and carries passengers from Earth to Jupiter. While it may not be loaded with firepower, Discovery One is one of the most iconic spaceships ever, powered by a nuclear reactor.
Image: Warner Bros.
Nostromo
As seen in: Alien
Another unforgettable spaceship, Alien's Nostromo is a starfreighter that serves as home-away-from-home for Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver).
Image: 20th Century Fox
Eagle transporter
As seen in: Space: 1999
The signature passenger ship model from Space: 1999 is said to reach speeds of up to
Image: 20th Century Fox
Flying saucers from Mars Attacks!
As seen in: Mars Attacks!
While they may not be the most modern spacecrafts--instead looking exactly like what you'd expect from a Tim Burton movie about aliens--the flying saucers from Mars Attacks! lay waste to plenty of humans after descending to Earth.
Image: Warner Bros.
D79-TC Pelican
As seen in: Halo
Master Chief's preferred mode of transportation--a gunship/dropship--holds 15-20 personnel and a pair of GAU/53 70mm MBHRC autocannons to blase enemies out of the sky.
Image: 343 Industries
Serenity
As seen in: Firefly
It may not come equipped with offensive weaponry, but that's part of the Serenity's charm. This ship has survived vicious battles and scary situations thanks to the clever maneuvering of its grade-A team of misfits.
Image: FOX
Axiom
As seen in: Wall-E
The Axiom is no fighter, that much is clear. However, a ship that size that can serve as a full-functioning city to the remainder of the people of Earth is impressively powerful--especially when you consider how the ship has to do literally everything for those onboard.
Image: Pixar
Alien mothership
As seen in: Close Encounters of the Third Kind
They came in peace, but the sheer size of the alien mothership in Close Encounters of the Third Kind cannot be dismissed. This massive vessel is a perfect example of otherworldly design and--while it's not dangerous--its speaker system can be intimidating.
Image: Columbia Pictures
Eagle 5
As seen in: Spaceballs
Everything in Spaceballs is a joke, the Eagle 5 included. That said, it's ability to achieve "hyperactive" mode makes it one of the fastest ships in the universe--something you cannot dismiss.
Image: 20th Century Fox
Heart of Gold
As seen in: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
The infinite improbability drive makes the Heart of Gold the fastest ship in the universe, which is a power many covet. However, as shown in the 2005 movie adaptation, it's also a ship that's easily stolen. With all that power, you'd think they'd put an alarm on it.
Image: Buena Vista Pictures
Normandy SR-1
As seen in: Mass Effect
With stealth capabilities and the ability to travel faster than the speed of light, the Normandy is a spaceship that deserves to be taken seriously. It doesn't hurt that it's piloted by a guy named Joker.
Image: BioWare
TIE fighter
As seen in: Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope
While it's a small spacecraft at only nine meters long, with the ability to carry one passenger, the TIE fighter is a deadly ship. Loaded with laser cannons and proton torpedoes, it's destroyed hundreds, if not thousands, of enemy aircraft.
Image: Lucasfilm
X-wing fighter
As seen in: Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope
A signature vessel in the Star Wars universe, the X-wing is a quick and powerful fighter, boasting laser cannons and photon torpedoes. Still, while it was ultimately responsible for the destruction of the Death Star, it's primary use is in one-on-one combat with the opposition's TIE fighters. It's powerful for its size but not the biggest and baddest in the universe.
Image: Lucasfilm
The Milano
As seen in: Guardians of the Galaxy
There aren't many specs available for this ship, named after Alyssa Milano. But after seeing the battles it's been through in the Guardians of the Galaxy movies, we know this spaceship is not to be taken lightly.
Image: Marvel Studios
Klingon bird-of-prey
As seen in: Star Trek III: The Search for Spock
The bird-of-prey is a staple of the Star Trek franchise. With photon torpedoes, a warp drive and a tractor beam, it's exactly the kind of ship you'd want if you were looking for trouble.
Image: Paramount
Romulan warbird
As seen in: Star Trek: The Next Generation
Its power is similar to that of the Klingon bird-of-prey. However, where the warbird gets the better of its fellow Star Trek vessel is its warp drive capable of Warp 9-plus speeds.
Image: Fox
Millennium Falcon
As seen in: Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope
With
Image: Lucasfilm
NSEA Protector (NTE-3120)
Galaxy Quest may be a satire of Star Trek culture, but the 1999 movie's featured starship is a
Image: Warner Bros.
The TARDIS
As seen in: Doctor Who
The TARDIS--Time and Relative Dimension in Space--isn't made for fighting and destruction. There are no lasers or missiles on this ship. That said, it's practically impenetrable and can travel anywhere in space and time, giving it powers far beyond those of most other sci-fi ships.
Image: BBC
UNSC Infinity
As seen in: Halo 4
This massive carrier holds over 17,000 troops and contains 1,100 missile pods, making it perhaps the most powerful ship in the Halo franchise.
Image: 343 Industries
Borg Cube
As seen in: Star Trek: The Next Generation
It may not be aerodynamic, but the Borg Cube is a formidable foe in space. It's loaded with an array of weaponry and is controlled by a merciless group that has no problem ending lives. Every encounter with the vessel has ended with multiple casualties, making the Borg Cube both a powerful enemy and a terrifying one.
Image: Fox
USS Enterprise (NCC-1701), original timeline
As seen in: Star Trek
It may not be the quickest spaceship around, but with its stock of photon torpedoes, shields to keep it safe, and massive size, the USS Enterprise is a ship to be reckoned with.
Image: CBS
USS Discovery
As seen in: Star Trek: Discovery
The Discovery has all of the hallmarks of the USS Enterprise, complete with the standard Federation weaponry. However, the Discovery also contains the experimental spore drive that can instantly jump the ship to anywhere in the universe.
Image: CBS
Giant saucers
As see in: Independence Day
The huge saucers in Independence Day didn't do much, aside from deliver a single laser blast. Of course, that long blast is strong enough to level an entire city.
Image: 20th Century Fox
Galactica (BS-75)
As seen in: Battlestar Galactica
Like the Normandy, the Galactica can travel faster than the speed of light. Unlike the Normandy, though, this ship is loaded with weaponry and a 5,000 member crew.
Image: Universal
Imperial-class Star Destroyer
As seen in: Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope
It's not going to win a race against the Millennium Falcon anytime soon, but it could certainly blast it to pieces. With a collection of turbolasers and a crew of nearly 40,000, the Star Destroyer is the baddest ship in any galaxy -- and one you don't want to face off against.
Image: Lucasfilm
From movies, to TV, to video games, there are countless sci-fi spacecrafts of varying size and power. These are the most iconic.
Note: While the Death Star is mobile, after much debate it's been decided that particular vessel is classified as a space station, thus it is not included on this list.
Discovery One
As seen in: 2001: A Space Odyssey
This nuclear-powered ship is controlled by artificial intelligence and carries passengers from Earth to Jupiter. While it may not be loaded with firepower, Discovery One is one of the most iconic spaceships ever, powered by a nuclear reactor.
Image: Warner Bros.
Nostromo
As seen in: Alien
Another unforgettable spaceship, Alien's Nostromo is a starfreighter that serves as home-away-from-home for Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver).
Image: 20th Century Fox
Eagle transporter
As seen in: Space: 1999
The signature passenger ship model from Space: 1999 is said to reach speeds of up to
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. Being able to rocket around the galaxy that fast earns it a place in the most powerful spaceships.Image: 20th Century Fox
Flying saucers from Mars Attacks!
As seen in: Mars Attacks!
While they may not be the most modern spacecrafts--instead looking exactly like what you'd expect from a Tim Burton movie about aliens--the flying saucers from Mars Attacks! lay waste to plenty of humans after descending to Earth.
Image: Warner Bros.
D79-TC Pelican
As seen in: Halo
Master Chief's preferred mode of transportation--a gunship/dropship--holds 15-20 personnel and a pair of GAU/53 70mm MBHRC autocannons to blase enemies out of the sky.
Image: 343 Industries
Serenity
As seen in: Firefly
It may not come equipped with offensive weaponry, but that's part of the Serenity's charm. This ship has survived vicious battles and scary situations thanks to the clever maneuvering of its grade-A team of misfits.
Image: FOX
Axiom
As seen in: Wall-E
The Axiom is no fighter, that much is clear. However, a ship that size that can serve as a full-functioning city to the remainder of the people of Earth is impressively powerful--especially when you consider how the ship has to do literally everything for those onboard.
Image: Pixar
Alien mothership
As seen in: Close Encounters of the Third Kind
They came in peace, but the sheer size of the alien mothership in Close Encounters of the Third Kind cannot be dismissed. This massive vessel is a perfect example of otherworldly design and--while it's not dangerous--its speaker system can be intimidating.
Image: Columbia Pictures
Eagle 5
As seen in: Spaceballs
Everything in Spaceballs is a joke, the Eagle 5 included. That said, it's ability to achieve "hyperactive" mode makes it one of the fastest ships in the universe--something you cannot dismiss.
Image: 20th Century Fox
Heart of Gold
As seen in: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
The infinite improbability drive makes the Heart of Gold the fastest ship in the universe, which is a power many covet. However, as shown in the 2005 movie adaptation, it's also a ship that's easily stolen. With all that power, you'd think they'd put an alarm on it.
Image: Buena Vista Pictures
Normandy SR-1
As seen in: Mass Effect
With stealth capabilities and the ability to travel faster than the speed of light, the Normandy is a spaceship that deserves to be taken seriously. It doesn't hurt that it's piloted by a guy named Joker.
Image: BioWare
TIE fighter
As seen in: Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope
While it's a small spacecraft at only nine meters long, with the ability to carry one passenger, the TIE fighter is a deadly ship. Loaded with laser cannons and proton torpedoes, it's destroyed hundreds, if not thousands, of enemy aircraft.
Image: Lucasfilm
X-wing fighter
As seen in: Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope
A signature vessel in the Star Wars universe, the X-wing is a quick and powerful fighter, boasting laser cannons and photon torpedoes. Still, while it was ultimately responsible for the destruction of the Death Star, it's primary use is in one-on-one combat with the opposition's TIE fighters. It's powerful for its size but not the biggest and baddest in the universe.
Image: Lucasfilm
The Milano
As seen in: Guardians of the Galaxy
There aren't many specs available for this ship, named after Alyssa Milano. But after seeing the battles it's been through in the Guardians of the Galaxy movies, we know this spaceship is not to be taken lightly.
Image: Marvel Studios
Klingon bird-of-prey
As seen in: Star Trek III: The Search for Spock
The bird-of-prey is a staple of the Star Trek franchise. With photon torpedoes, a warp drive and a tractor beam, it's exactly the kind of ship you'd want if you were looking for trouble.
Image: Paramount
Romulan warbird
As seen in: Star Trek: The Next Generation
Its power is similar to that of the Klingon bird-of-prey. However, where the warbird gets the better of its fellow Star Trek vessel is its warp drive capable of Warp 9-plus speeds.
Image: Fox
Millennium Falcon
As seen in: Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope
With
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, plenty of shields to keep it safe, and more speed than it needs, the Millennium Falcon one of the most iconic ships ever and worth every bit of its hype.Image: Lucasfilm
NSEA Protector (NTE-3120)
Galaxy Quest may be a satire of Star Trek culture, but the 1999 movie's featured starship is a
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with hundreds of crew members and a quantum flux drive capable of speeds of up to Mach 15.Image: Warner Bros.
The TARDIS
As seen in: Doctor Who
The TARDIS--Time and Relative Dimension in Space--isn't made for fighting and destruction. There are no lasers or missiles on this ship. That said, it's practically impenetrable and can travel anywhere in space and time, giving it powers far beyond those of most other sci-fi ships.
Image: BBC
UNSC Infinity
As seen in: Halo 4
This massive carrier holds over 17,000 troops and contains 1,100 missile pods, making it perhaps the most powerful ship in the Halo franchise.
Image: 343 Industries
Borg Cube
As seen in: Star Trek: The Next Generation
It may not be aerodynamic, but the Borg Cube is a formidable foe in space. It's loaded with an array of weaponry and is controlled by a merciless group that has no problem ending lives. Every encounter with the vessel has ended with multiple casualties, making the Borg Cube both a powerful enemy and a terrifying one.
Image: Fox
USS Enterprise (NCC-1701), original timeline
As seen in: Star Trek
It may not be the quickest spaceship around, but with its stock of photon torpedoes, shields to keep it safe, and massive size, the USS Enterprise is a ship to be reckoned with.
Image: CBS
USS Discovery
As seen in: Star Trek: Discovery
The Discovery has all of the hallmarks of the USS Enterprise, complete with the standard Federation weaponry. However, the Discovery also contains the experimental spore drive that can instantly jump the ship to anywhere in the universe.
Image: CBS
Giant saucers
As see in: Independence Day
The huge saucers in Independence Day didn't do much, aside from deliver a single laser blast. Of course, that long blast is strong enough to level an entire city.
Image: 20th Century Fox
Galactica (BS-75)
As seen in: Battlestar Galactica
Like the Normandy, the Galactica can travel faster than the speed of light. Unlike the Normandy, though, this ship is loaded with weaponry and a 5,000 member crew.
Image: Universal
Imperial-class Star Destroyer
As seen in: Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope
It's not going to win a race against the Millennium Falcon anytime soon, but it could certainly blast it to pieces. With a collection of turbolasers and a crew of nearly 40,000, the Star Destroyer is the baddest ship in any galaxy -- and one you don't want to face off against.
Image: Lucasfilm
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