Science fiction has shared elements of futurism across media within the genre. The idea that there is the possibility of having operational relationships with somewhat-sentient technology has become a prominent asset to the genre that has become an expected, if not anticipated, trope. It has stretched across different formats, whether it be through anthropomorphic robots or hyper-self-aware artificial intelligence. While the concept of droids has been omnipresent, the term was officially trademarked by Star Wars creator George Lucas and Lucasfilm.

The origins of droids remain to be lost to the extent of the Star Wars canon, though historians date their emergence 30,000 years prior to the Battle of Yavin. Droids and other beings lived harmoniously, though there was the underlying fear of a droid rebellion against humanity. Droid revolutions did occur in small doses, but did not reach the intensity where they posed a greater threat to the galaxy. They presented themselves as mechanical beings that were piloted by artificial intelligence while serving multiple roles and occupations. During The Clone Wars, droids were recruited to join the fight against the Galactic Republic. At the same time, the Republic propagated the rhetoric that droids were to be feared and posed a threat against organic beings. Generally, droids have been seen possessing a degree of self-awareness, while more advanced models are able to feel a basic range of emotions.

Unlike living beings in the Star Wars universe, droids are unable to share a relationship with the Force. Jedi who were able to sense a break in the Force could predict the whereabouts of droids as they left gaps within the energy field. Though they are not able to bond with the Force, droids are able to develop their own distinct personalities. They could form relationships with those around them, and their classifications were determined by their most heightened skills. More scientifically-inclined droids fell under the First Class ranking, taking up occupations in more mathematical and medical fields. Second Class droids applied themselves in technical areas, such as engineering, while Third Class droids were designed to be more sociable. Fourth and Fifth Class droids served as military and security entities. The diversity of droids across the Star Wars franchise served as a fundamental piece of the universe. They’ve become a beloved presence across most, if not all, Star Wars properties, regardless of the medium that they are presented in. Like other Star Wars characters, some droids are more popular within the fandom than others, like R2-D2 and C-3PO. These are the most iconic droids in the Star Wars, ranked.

Related: These Star Wars Characters Deserve Their Own Spin-Off Movies or Series

6 R2-D2

star-wars-r2-d2-droid
Lucasfilm

Astrotech droid R2-D2 first served Queen Padme Amidala and Anakin Skywalker on Naboo, but has since served multiple masters throughout the extent of Star Wars canon. He was created prior to 32 BBY and was programmed with a masculine personality by Industrial Automation. Described as "smart" and "spunky," R2-D2 never experienced a full memory wipe and was able to catalog a collection of events throughout its lifetime. It was at the Skywalker home that R2-D2 was first introduced to protocol droid C-3PO, thus serving as the foundation of their personal bond. The pair became a nearly-inseparable duo since and have rightfully earned their iconic standing. Despite their bickering — which are often lighter, more comedic moments in the franchise — there's a timeless affinity that brings the two together. R2-D2 has appeared in all ten mainstream Star Wars films, beginning chronologically with Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, and has made appearances throughout supplementary television series. Driven by his energetic attitude, the chirpy droid has embraced the most unprecedented adventures across the galaxy. His loyalty, bravery, and assertive personality of the high-energy droid pair well with his bubbly, excitable, and naturally curious demeanor. Indeed, R2-D2's partnership with C-3PO has made them popular candidates with fans for their own standalone comedy series.

5 K-2SO

K-2SO_star-wars-rogue-one-2016-lucasfilm
Lucasfilm Ltd.

Unlike other KX-series droids, K-2SO was given a more memorable personality that challenged the idea that he, too, was to be void of emotion. Reprogramming errors granted Security Droid the right to a more sentient lifestyle. He became wearier of the world around him through a cynical outlook on the galaxy, and when he spoke, would often come across as sarcastic. K-2SO was a more self-sufficient and independent droid in comparison to others in his class. Because of this, he was able to make decisions and speak for his own set of beliefs. The security droid was also incredibly selfless when it came to those he was fond of and ultimately sacrificed himself for the greater good of the galaxy in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. His act of martyrdom spoke to his ultimately altruistic principles.

4 C-3PO

star-wars-c-3po-droid-lucasfilm
Lucasfilm

Protocol droid of Human-Cyborg Relations, C-3PO was programmed with the intention of keeping etiquette at the front of his personality. He masters millions of forms of communication and has been present in the greatest moments that build upon the galaxy's history. C-3PO was constructed from scraps and assembled by Anakin Skywalker (as seen in The Phantom Menace). Following the events of the Battle of Endor, the droid continued to cater to Han Solo and the Skywalker twins during the New Republic era. The anxiety-prone, fussy, and well-informed C-3PO exhibited extreme loyalty to those around him and have consequently established him as an unbudgingly loyal asset to the Star Wars saga. His vast intelligence, honesty, and high-strung jitteriness have been viewed as a staple of his presence and a testament to the beginnings of Star Wars.

3 BB-8

BB8 in Star Wars the Force Awakens
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

BB-8 is a masculine-programmed BB-series astromech droid who made his first appearance in Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens. BB-8 comes from the homeworld plane of Hosnian Prime and was a companion of Resistance pilot Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac). He was voiced by comedians Ben Schwartz and Bill Hader upon his debut in the Sequel Trilogy and was granted a character arc of his own. BB-8 was introduced as more skittish and nervous when approaching unknown situations, though later embraced a more childlike and playful personality once becoming more comfortable with those he was surrounded by. His mistrust later converted him into more of an outgoing, lively, and chattering member of the Resistance forces.

Related: These Are the Top 11 Characters From the Star Wars movies, Ranked

2 C1-10P

star-wars-c1-10p-chopper-rebels
Disney-ABC Domestic Television

Bestowed the nickname of Chopper, C1-10P joined the rebel group Specters in Star Wars Rebels. He was appointed as the main keeper of VCX-100 light freighter Ghost. He was imperative in assisting with the crew's missions against Imperial forces. His age has given him more of a temperamental and impatient bite that turned a more vinegarish likeability into a signature snark. Chopper's sarcasm and constant grumbling root from the lack of consistency with upgrading his hardwiring. Allowing the droid to age at a more organic and natural rate contributes to his stubborn, irritable demeanor. Though the droid may come across as bitter, he keeps the best intentions of his crew in times of need and was quick to help in any situation. His mischievousness and apathy later evolved into finding ways to make amends with those on whom he had left disarming impressions and was able to redeem himself from his previous selfish behavior.

1 BD-1

star-wars-bd-1-fallen-order
Respawn Entertainment

BD-1 accompanied former Padawan Cal Kestis on his expeditions after the events of Order 66 when the Galactic Empire was unrelenting in its ongoing rise to power. He assisted Cal in his mission to retrieve the Holocron and begin to restore the Jedi Order, and on their excursions, was a supportive figure during moments of Cal's self-defeat. BD-1 was often excited by the idea of being able to contribute to the reformation of the Jedi through his data collection and research assistance. His naturally helpful inclination to guide his new master was imperative to Cal's quest. Their need for one another is a hallmark of Star Wars: Fallen Order. "Part of the function of the [BD] droid is to help [explorers] not get lonely and not get sad," narrative designer Aaron Contreras said when touching on the importance of BD-1 in an interview with GameInformer. "He can be cheerful or encouraging and express a lot of emotion as a core function to help the person not lose their connection to society."