10 Tech Movie Archetypes

1. The Robot That Wants to Be Human

Film: A.I. Artificial Intelligence

In A.I. Artificial Intelligence, David wants nothing more than to be accepted as a normal human boy. The desire for belonging is a prevalent plot point in many tech movies.

Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Studios
2. The Crazed Scientist That No One Believes

Film: Back to the Future

Doc Brown is the perfect representation of the mad scientist archetype. He’s wild, zany and brilliant. He dresses hysterically and his shock of white hair symbolizes his flair for the dramatic.

Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures
3. The Accidental Bringer of the Apocalypse

Film: Terminator 2: Judgment Day

Miles Dyson has no idea that his experiments will bring about the fall of mankind at the hands of overly defensive machines. All it takes to convince him is a little impromptu surgery from the T-800.

Photo courtesy of Carolco Pictures
4. The Group of Social Rejects Who Bond Over a Project and Then Go on a Space Adventure

Film: Explorers

Led by Wolfgang Müller (portrayed by a young River Phoenix), this merry band of misfit pre-teen boys figures out how to create a force field without inertia. This allows them to travel at any speed or altitude.

Their intrepid spirit leads them to encounter extraterrestrial beings and discover that family issues are a mainstay, no matter what galaxy they call home. It also communicates powerful messages about violence and prejudice.

Photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures
5. The Sexy Female Hacker

Film: Hackers

Social media data shows that gender is a fairly even split, at least on the more mainstream networks like Twitter and Facebook.

But the expert female hacker remains a prevalent character in TV and film. Angelina Jolie’s character in Hackers is a fitting example.

Photo courtesy of MGM Studios
6. The Absolutely Necessary Droid

Film: Star Wars

R2D2 is clearly the best droid for the category — he not only does tech, he is tech. Everyone dies without him. End of conversation.

Photo courtesy of 20th Century Fox
7. The Bumbling Ne’er-Do-Well Nerd Who Inadvertently Does Something Amazing

Film: Honey, I Shrunk the Kids

Wayne Szalinski rarely gets the credit he deserves. He’s your typical over-inventor, creating machines and devices that let him know breakfast is ready and send messages downstairs via ticker tape.

His neighbors don’t respect him. His kids barely do. Of course, the one member of his family who idolizes him — his son — doesn’t get the time of day. Basically, nobody believes his talents are legit, that is, until his shrinking machine kicks in.

Photo courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures
8. The Necessary Cogs

Film: The Matrix

Someone has to drive the ship and operate the Matrix when everyone else is inside. Enter Tank and Dozier, minor characters whose roles are nonetheless huge.

Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Studios
9. The Billionaire Playboy Genius

Film: Iron Man

Of course, one could argue Batman makes more sense to represent this role, but Bruce Wayne isn’t directly responsible for the tech he employs. Tony Stark is the complete package.

Photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures
10. The Proverbial Dude in the Van with Schematics

Film: True Lies

Similar to the “necessary cog” archetypal role, the dude in the van (in this case, Albert Gibson) keeps an eye on all things covert tech.

Photo courtesy of 20th Century of Fox