Discovery One(01 of10)
Open Image ModalNamed after Captain Scott’s Antarctic-bothering boat, the spaceship seen in classic 2001: A Space Odyssey is not only one of the most beautiful on this list, but one of the more realistic too. It was designed based on conceivable science, and so could perhaps one day been seen in the sky over the Heathrow flight path – though hopefully without the murderous HAL 9000 onboard.
Heart of Gold(02 of10)
Open Image ModalThe first ship to make use of the Infinite Improbability Drive – meaning that it essentially could do or appear as anything. Illegally commandeered by President Zaphod Beeblebrox at its own launching ceremony, the ship chooses to pick up the floating Arthur Dent, and kick start his great adventure into a madcap universe. The ship comes equipped with friendly doors, and a paranoid android named Marvin.
Nostromo(03 of10)
Open Image ModalThe Weyland-Yutami Corporation’s mining vessel of choice, the Nostromo is the setting of cinema’s most terrifying extra-terrestrial encounter. Alien’s spaceship was notable for its gritty realism, and its corridors provided the perfect location for a life of death game of hide and seek. Despite Ripley’s best efforts, the ship fell victim to its in-built self-destruct system.
U.S.S. Enterprise(04 of10)
Open Image ModalThe ship of Captains Kirk, Picard, and many others, The U.S.S Enterprise is one of the most notorious of on-screen Sci-Fi inventions, having appeared across a number of Star Trek timelines. The ship has boldly gone where no man has gone before, and achieved such cultural renown that NASA actually named a test shuttle after it following a heardfought campaign by Trekies. A classic.
Borg Cube(05 of10)
Open Image ModalThe primary vessel of The Borg – frequent Star Trek adversaries and alien collective – The Borg Cube that appeared in Star Trek: First Contact, blew Sci-Fi minds in an instant. With each side measuring 3 kilometres and possessing the strength to wipe out an entire planet at will, they pack some serious firepower, and delivered Starfleet more than a few spots of bother. Worryingly, there are probably thousands more out there in Delta Quadrant…
Eagle 5(06 of10)
Open Image ModalLonestar and Barf’s quest through the stars to rescue a princess might seem a pretty standard recreation of Sci-Fi lore, but the Starball’s duo’s choice of ship stands out. The fearless pair travelled in a 1986 Winnebago Chieftain 33, not unlike Breaking Bad’s Walt and Jesse, handily accessorized with wings and space engine.
Millennium Falcon(07 of10)
Open Image ModalSuch is Star Wars’ dominance of the genre, it would have been easy to write a list entirely made up of ships from the series. But with due respect to Boba Fett’s Slave 1, the X Wing, and TIE Fighters; it’s the Millennium Falcon that really captured the imagination of a generation. Han Solo’s pride and joy spirited our intergalactic heroes away from trouble countless times, and played a key role in the downfall of Darth.
Thunderbird 2(08 of10)
Open Image ModalUndeniably the best of the Thunderbirds. Thunderbird 2, piloted by Virgil Tracey (surely to the envy of his brothers), was a big green machine capable of extraordinary feats of International Rescue. Hitting speeds of 5000mph and powered by Atomic Fusion Reactor, the ship appeared in all but one episode of the cult show. Truly F.A.B.
Alvernia Studios(09 of10)
Open Image ModalNotable for being the only one of these Spaceships currently found on planet Earth, the Polish film studio’s iconic futuristic domes and corridors take on the role of the vessel that transports a pair of veteran and world-weary astronauts to an alien land in the forthcoming Space Age. All those childhood wannabe X-Wing pilots might consider doing the next best thing and applying for a job at the Studio.
T.A.R.D.I.S.(10 of10)
Open Image ModalMaking wide-eyed assistants exclaim ‘It’s larger on the inside’ for over fifty years now, the Doctor’s constant companion, defender, and one-time love interest, is a British television institution. The iconic blue box might lack the wow-factor of some of the others on this list, but the advantages of time travel make it a worthy addition to the list.