A famous example was featured in 2001 A Space Odyssey. In 2001 the Monolith is basically a very advanced sentient alien supercomputer with almost magical, godlike powers capable of inducing evolution on less developed life forms. One is described as the cause for humanity's sudden evolutionary jump as the dominant species in planet Earth.
In real life the shape and color of the 2001 Monolith is said to have been the inspiration for the color and shape of the first smartphones ever created.
