Top 9 Cylons of Battlestar Galactica: A Definitive Ranking

9. Simon O'Neill: The Tragic Medic

Simon O'Neill, portrayed with a compassionate demeanor by Rick Worthy, stands as a testament to the human-like qualities some Cylons possess. His role as a medic reflects the series' exploration of the duality of being a Cylon and the moral ambiguities within. Simon's narrative is a harrowing journey of self-sacrifice and blind loyalty, culminating in a poignant act that underlines his fundamental goodness. Despite his late realization of the Cylon's monstrous nature, Simon's character arc is enriched with tragic gravitas, emphasizing the cost of war and the power of individual choice in the face of adversity.

Battlestar Galactica Number Four Simon O'Neill

8. Tory Foster: The Struggle for Identity

Tory Foster, portrayed by Rekha Sharma, embodies the inner conflict experienced by a Cylon torn between two worlds. As a member of the Final Five, her journey is a labyrinth of loyalty shifts and moral complexities. Foster's narrative arc is steeped in tragedy and conflict, making her one of the least relatable Cylons for viewers. However, her quest to reconcile her fragmented identity is a cornerstone of the series, echoing the deep psychological themes of BSG. Her character may not have been the most enjoyable to watch, but her role was integral in showcasing the intricate dance of allegiance and self-discovery.

Tory Foster looks sad in Battlestar Galactica.

7. Galen Tyrol: The Redemption Seeker

Aaron Douglas brings to life the character of Galen Tyrol, a Cylon whose narrative is a relentless pursuit of atonement. His intricate relationship with Sharon Valerii and the relentless tragedies that befall him create a heart-wrenching story of resilience and redemption. Born on Earth, Tyrol's efforts to avert war and broker peace are emblematic of the series' overarching theme of breaking the cycle of violence. His character arc is emotionally taxing yet ultimately rewarding, as viewers witness his transformation from a tormented soul to a figure of hope—a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, even within a Cylon.

Galen Tyrol and pit crew in Battlestar Galactica

6. Saul Tigh: The Flawed Tactician

Saul Tigh's character, portrayed by Michael Hogan with a gripping intensity, is a raw and unfiltered look at the personal failures and redemptions of a Cylon. Initially a gruff militarist battling alcoholism, Tigh's evolution following the harrowing experiences of imprisonment and torture on New Caprica is profound. His identity crisis upon discovering his true nature as one of the Final Five propels his character into a deeper exploration of loyalty, leadership, and the human condition. Tigh's flawed existence and his struggles render him a fascinating character, whose journey encapsulates the series' rich tapestry of layered narratives.

Saul Tigh wears an eyepatch and frowns in Battlestar Galactica.

5. Samuel Anders: The Unexpected Hero

Samuel T. Anders, played by Michael Trucco, is the quintessential wildcard of Battlestar Galactica. His relationship with Kara 'Starbuck' Thrace and the subsequent revelation of his Cylon nature serve as pivotal moments within the series. Anders' character arc is a tumultuous blend of identity struggles and defining actions that challenge the preconceptions of what a Cylon can be. His connection to the Hybrid pool and his sacrifice in the Battle of the Colony underscore his significance in humanity's journey. Anders is a character whose choices and sacrifices illuminate the show's thematic preoccupation with the essence of identity and the power of free will.

Sam Anders kissing Starbuck in Battlestar Galactica.

4. Leoben Conoy: The Prophetic Manipulator

Callum Keith Rennie's portrayal of Leoben Conoy brings an enigmatic and unsettling presence to Battlestar Galactica. His spiritual obsession and relentless pursuit of Kara Thrace are as intriguing as they are disturbing. Leoben's belief in the esoteric aspects of his religion and his role in the Cycle of Time weave a mysterious and impactful thread through the narrative. His manipulative nature marks him as a formidable adversary, yet his character's resonance with the show's thematic elements lends him an air of dark prophecy. Leoben's contributions to the story are significant, as they often herald moments of profound change and underscore the mystical elements at play.

Battlestar Galactica Number Two Leoben Conoy

3. D'Anna Biers: The Relentless Seeker

D'Anna Biers, played by the formidable Lucy Lawless, is an embodiment of the relentless pursuit of truth within the Battlestar Galactica universe. Her guise as a journalist belies her true nature as a Cylon with an obsessive quest to identify the Final Five. D'Anna's narrative is driven by a powerful will that transcends loyalty, leading her on a path of extreme measures to uncover the deepest secrets of the Cylon-Human conflict. Her character's appearances signal crucial turning points in the series, and her relentless drive for understanding represents the show's commitment to exploring the complex interplay between faith, identity, and destiny.

Battlestar Galactica Number Three D'Anna Biers

2. Number Six: The Revolutionary Icon

Number Six, portrayed by Tricia Helfer, stands as the iconic face of the Cylon Empire in Battlestar Galactica. Her clones, each with a unique personality and appearance, infiltrate human society, leading to a revolution within Cylon ranks. Her disillusionment with the occupation of New Caprica and her role in the Cylon Civil War are crucial to the series' plot twists and political undertones. Number Six's journey from an agent of destruction to an advocate for peace is a powerful narrative arc that reflects the series' themes of individualism, political intrigue, and the search for a new beginning. Her versatility and centrality to the storyline make her one of the most dynamic and memorable characters in the show.

Tricia Helfer as Number Six in Battlestar Galactica poster art.

1. John Cavil: The Villainous Architect

John Cavil, aka Number One, portrayed by Dean Stockwell, is the mastermind behind the Cylons' most heinous actions in Battlestar Galactica. His character is a chilling exploration of the cyclical nature of violence and the consequences of a creation rejecting its own humanity. Cavil's disdain for the imperfections he perceives in himself and his creators drives him to perpetuate the cycle of war, embodying the show's central themes. His failure to embrace the love inherent in his creation is a stark reminder of the potential for evil when one is consumed by hate and vengeance. Cavil's role as the primary antagonist is pivotal, as he represents the ultimate challenge to breaking the series' cycle of hatred and violence.

John Cavil in Battlestar Galactica.