For over six decades, Doctor Who has captivated audiences worldwide, earning its place as the longest-running science-fiction television show. The ingenious concept of regeneration is central to its enduring appeal, allowing the Doctor to evolve and reinvent themselves while remaining the same core character. This remarkable ability has led to numerous incarnations of the Doctor, each portrayed by a different actor, each bringing their unique flair and interpretation to the role. From the irascible First Doctor to the energetic Fifteenth, the variations are vast and inspire endless debate among fans. Ranking these incarnations is a challenging, and inherently subjective, task. Personal favorites often tie into when a viewer first encountered the show, creating a strong nostalgic connection. However, when evaluating All Of The Doctors From Doctor Who, we can consider several key factors to provide a more objective, albeit still opinionated, ranking. These factors include the actor’s performance, the quality of the writing during their tenure, the overall character arc developed, and the dynamic interaction with their companions and supporting cast. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of Time Lords and explore a ranking of these iconic figures.
17. Colin Baker
1984-1986
| First Adventure | “The Twin Dilemma” |
|---|---|
| Last Adventure | “The Trial of a Time Lord” |
At the unfortunate bottom of our list sits Colin Baker’s Sixth Doctor. Taking on the role during a turbulent period for Doctor Who, Baker faced significant headwinds from the outset. Internal pressures at the BBC were mounting to cancel the show, and this negativity seemed to seep into the writing and production. The era became characterized by a darker, more abrasive tone, with the Sixth Doctor himself presented as a flawed and often unlikeable character. Famously, his debut story depicted him attempting to strangle his companion, a jarring introduction that alienated many viewers. Even the visual aspects, particularly the infamous costume, contributed to the generally negative reception.
However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that Colin Baker was dealt a difficult hand. He was never truly given the opportunity to fully realize his potential on screen, even being denied a proper regeneration story on television. Fortunately, Baker has found significant success and critical acclaim in other mediums, especially through Big Finish audio dramas. These audio adventures have allowed him to explore the Sixth Doctor in greater depth, showcasing the talent that the television series largely failed to utilize. They reveal a nuanced and compelling Doctor that hints at what could have been, making his placement at the bottom even more of a poignant “what if?” in the history of all of the doctors from Doctor Who.
16. Jodie Whittaker
2018-2022
| First Adventure | “The Woman Who Fell to Earth” |
|---|---|
| Last Adventure | “The Power of the Doctor” |
Jodie Whittaker’s arrival as the Thirteenth Doctor was a landmark moment, shattering a glass ceiling as the first woman to portray the iconic Time Lord. Whittaker is undeniably a talented and accomplished actor, bringing a warmth and earnestness to the role. However, her tenure is often viewed as struggling to establish a distinct identity for her Doctor, a challenge largely attributed to the writing and overall direction under showrunner Chris Chibnall. Too often, the Thirteenth Doctor felt reactive rather than proactive, an observer rather than the driving force of events. Monologues, a staple of the Doctor’s character, sometimes fell flat due to static staging, lacking the dynamism and momentum that previous Doctors brought to similar scenes.
While these issues were somewhat mitigated towards the end of her run, many felt it was too late to fully redeem the era. Glimmers of brilliance did emerge, moments where Whittaker’s acting prowess shone through. The Flux storyline, a season-long narrative conceived to navigate filming complexities during the COVID-19 pandemic, provided some of these opportunities. Yet, even within Flux, narrative inconsistencies hampered her effectiveness. Despite the mixed reception of her televised adventures, there’s considerable anticipation for Whittaker’s future work with Big Finish audio dramas. Many fans hope that stronger writing in this medium will finally allow the Thirteenth Doctor’s arc to reach its full potential and solidify her place among all of the doctors from Doctor Who.
15. Paul McGann
1996
| First Adventure | Doctor Who 1996 TV movie (sometimes called “The Enemy Within”) |
|---|---|
| Last Adventure | “The Night of the Doctor” |
Ranking Paul McGann feels somewhat unfair due to his limited on-screen appearances as the Doctor. He only had two opportunities to embody the Time Lord on television. The first was in the 1996 TV movie, an attempt to revive Doctor Who for American audiences. Unfortunately, this movie is largely considered a misfire, burdened by questionable creative choices, including the Doctor suffering from post-regeneration amnesia. This amnesia significantly hindered McGann’s ability to establish a strong and immediate characterization, as even the Doctor himself was unsure of his identity. McGann briefly returned in 2013 for “The Night of the Doctor,” a mini-episode created for the show’s 50th anniversary, finally granting him a proper regeneration scene.
However, like other Doctors lower on this list, Paul McGann’s true potential as the Doctor has been realized in other mediums, most notably in the expansive range of BBC Eighth Doctor novels and, crucially, Big Finish audio dramas. From 1996 to 2005, the BBC published a remarkable series of novels featuring the Eighth Doctor, even incorporating the Time War into his backstory – a concept that likely influenced Russell T. Davies’ later revival of the series. McGann himself has expressed immense enthusiasm for portraying the Doctor in Big Finish audios, consistently delivering exceptional performances and further solidifying the opinion that the television show tragically missed a golden opportunity with his incarnation. He remains a beloved figure amongst fans discussing all of the doctors from Doctor Who, particularly within expanded universe discussions.
14. Jo Martin
2020-2022
| First Adventure | “Fugitive of the Judoon” |
|---|---|
| Last Adventure | “Flux” |
The era of the Thirteenth Doctor introduced the groundbreaking and lore-altering concept of the Timeless Child, revealing that the Doctor had numerous incarnations prior to William Hartnell’s First Doctor. Jo Martin’s Fugitive Doctor was one of these pre-Hartnell incarnations, making a striking debut in “Fugitive of the Judoon” where she encountered her future self. She reappeared several times throughout Whittaker’s tenure, each appearance adding layers of mystery to her character. Intriguingly, Martin initially auditioned for a minor role as a tour guide, never expecting to be cast as the Doctor, a part she embraced and excelled in.
The Fugitive Doctor’s relatively low ranking is simply a consequence of her limited screen time and deliberate lack of development within the main series. Martin was never the lead of her own series, her appearances serving to expand the Doctor’s backstory rather than explore her own adventures (though she is set to return in Big Finish audio dramas, promising further exploration). Showrunner Chris Chibnall intentionally kept much of her history vague, adding to the enigma. Despite this limited development, Martin’s portrayal is noteworthy for establishing a fascinating sense of character continuity that connects her confident and assertive Fugitive Doctor to the initially more irascible Hartnell incarnation. She effectively conveyed a sense of a prior, more hardened Doctor, earning her a distinct and memorable place within the ever-expanding tapestry of all of the doctors from Doctor Who.
13. William Hartnell
1963-1966
| First Adventure | “An Unearthly Child” |
|---|---|
| Last Adventure | “The Tenth Planet” |
Ranking William Hartnell, the original Doctor, in the lower half might be considered controversial by some long-time fans. However, the primary reason for this placement is that Hartnell played the Doctor during the show’s nascent stages, before the character had fully solidified into the iconic figure we know today. Watching Hartnell’s era, one can clearly see the foundational elements being laid, the building blocks upon which decades of Doctor Who would be constructed. Yet, there are also noticeable missteps and elements that were quickly revised or abandoned as the show evolved.
Hartnell’s First Doctor began as a somewhat curmudgeonly and untrustworthy figure, a stark contrast to the heroic persona that would later define the character. Over time, he softened and matured, evolving into a more benevolent and grandfatherly figure, developing strong and affectionate relationships with his companions. William Hartnell sadly passed away in 1975, but the First Doctor has been revisited several times in later Doctor Who stories, portrayed by Richard Hurndall (in “The Five Doctors”) and David Bradley (“Twice Upon A Time,” “The Power of the Doctor”). These more recent appearances of the First Doctor, while nostalgic, have also drawn criticism for sometimes exaggerating the character’s casual and outdated sexism, a reflection of the different social norms of the 1960s. Despite these complexities, Hartnell’s foundational performance remains essential to understanding the genesis of all of the doctors from Doctor Who.
12. Peter Davison
1982-1984
| First Adventure | “Castrovalva” |
|---|---|
| Last Adventure | “The Caves of Androzani” |
Another potentially controversial placement is Peter Davison’s Fifth Doctor. As the youngest actor to take on the role at the time, Davison sometimes struggled to project the inherent confidence and authority of an ancient Time Lord. His youthfulness, while refreshing, occasionally made it harder to fully convey the Doctor’s vast experience and wisdom. However, Davison’s era is particularly celebrated for its emphasis on the ensemble cast and the dynamic relationships between the Doctor and his companions. The Fifth Doctor’s era marked a turning point where companions began to have more defined character arcs of their own, storylines that intertwined with and were as compelling as the Doctor’s.
Davison is perhaps most fondly remembered for his regeneration story, “The Caves of Androzani,” widely considered one of the greatest Doctor Who stories of all time. In “The Caves of Androzani,” Davison delivered a powerful and nuanced performance, imbuing his Doctor with a sharper, more resolute edge than previously seen. While this darker intensity foreshadowed the tonal shifts of the Sixth Doctor era, in the context of “The Caves of Androzani,” it served as a powerful and effective culmination of the Fifth Doctor’s journey. The stark contrast between this story and the generally gentler tone of his earlier episodes highlights the Fifth Doctor’s complexities and contributes to making it arguably the best regeneration story in Doctor Who history, cementing Davison’s place in discussions about all of the doctors from Doctor Who.
11. Ncuti Gatwa
2023-?
| First Solo Adventure | “The Church on Ruby Road” |
|---|
The most recent incarnation, Ncuti Gatwa’s Fifteenth Doctor, is still very much in the process of defining himself. Modern Doctor Who has increasingly focused on establishing a sense of character continuity across regenerations, yet this cohesiveness has felt somewhat absent in Gatwa’s initial episodes. Some fans have even suggested alternative viewing orders for Doctor Who season 14, indicating a perceived disjointedness in the narrative flow. Despite these early criticisms, Gatwa’s individual performances in episodes like “Boom,” “Dot and Bubble,” and “Rogue” are undeniably captivating, showcasing his immense potential and charisma.
Gatwa is set to return in Doctor Who season 15, and many viewers are hopeful that the perceived missteps of his first season will be addressed and rectified. However, the two seasons were filmed back-to-back, before season 14 aired, making any significant course correction unlikely in the immediate future. It’s anticipated that any major adjustments to the Fifteenth Doctor’s direction will occur further down the line. Despite the initial mixed reception, Gatwa’s undeniable talent and screen presence leave ample room for optimism that he will solidify his place as a memorable and beloved Doctor among all of the doctors from Doctor Who.
10. David Tennant (Fourteenth Doctor)
2022-2023
| First Adventure | “The Star Beast” |
|---|---|
| Last Adventure | “The Giggle” |
David Tennant holds a unique position in Doctor Who history, being the only actor to portray two distinct incarnations of the Doctor. His return as the Fourteenth Doctor was part of the show’s 60th-anniversary celebrations, a move orchestrated by returning showrunner Russell T. Davies. Tennant clearly relished the opportunity to revisit the role, bringing a subtly different interpretation to this new incarnation. This Fourteenth Doctor was visibly older and wiser, carrying the fresh trauma of the “Flux” event, adding a layer of gravitas to his familiar charm.
This brief return felt deliberately designed as a “Last Hurrah” for Tennant’s Doctor persona, further amplified by the reunion with Catherine Tate as Donna Noble. He starred in three 60th-anniversary specials, all penned by Davies, providing the Fourteenth Doctor with a concise but impactful character arc. While some viewers felt his return inadvertently overshadowed Ncuti Gatwa’s then-upcoming debut in “The Giggle,” the anniversary specials were overwhelmingly well-received, reaffirming Tennant’s enduring popularity and solidifying his place within the legacy of all of the doctors from Doctor Who, even in this unexpected, additional incarnation.
9. Christopher Eccleston
2005
| First Adventure | “Rose” |
|---|---|
| Last Adventure | “The Parting of the Ways” |
Christopher Eccleston’s casting as the Ninth Doctor in 2005 was a significant moment for Doctor Who. As a respected and high-profile actor, his involvement lent considerable credibility to the show’s revival under Russell T. Davies. Eccleston’s Doctor was a stark departure from previous incarnations, portraying a Time Lord deeply traumatized by the Time War. This backstory served a dual purpose: it provided a clean slate for new viewers, while also giving the Ninth Doctor an incredibly compelling and emotionally resonant character arc. He was the Doctor reborn for a new era, laying the groundwork for the immense success of modern Doctor Who.
A key element of modern Who is the companion’s role as the audience surrogate, the lens through which viewers experience the Doctor’s world. The dynamic between Eccleston and Billie Piper’s Rose Tyler was electrifying, a masterclass in character chemistry, particularly in standout episodes like “Dalek” and “Father’s Day.” Eccleston’s unfortunately brief tenure was cut short due to creative differences with Davies, leading to a period of estrangement that kept him away from Doctor Who for many years, including Big Finish audio productions, until relatively recently. Despite his single season, the impact of Eccleston’s Ninth Doctor is undeniable, establishing the tone and emotional depth that defines modern discussions about all of the doctors from doctor who.
8. John Hurt (War Doctor)
2013
| Only Adventure | “The Day of the Doctor” |
|---|
The late John Hurt made a surprise and impactful debut as the War Doctor in “The Name of the Doctor.” His appearance was a pivotal moment, revealed in a striking scene where Jenna Coleman’s Clara Oswald was propelled through the Doctor’s timeline. The War Doctor is a unique and tragic figure, an incarnation who fought in the Time War, a conflict so devastating it was erased from even the Doctor’s own personal history (until its re-emergence in modern lore). He was the Doctor who made the agonizing decision to use the Moment, a weapon of mass destruction, to seemingly destroy both the Daleks and the Time Lords, believing it was the only way to end the war and save the galaxy – a belief challenged and ultimately altered in “The Day of the Doctor.”
Hurt’s War Doctor is a profoundly compelling character, haunted by the horrors he has witnessed and the terrible choices he has made. “The Day of the Doctor,” the 50th-anniversary special, is widely considered one of the best Doctor Who stories ever produced, largely due to the dynamic interplay between Hurt, Matt Smith, and David Tennant. Hurt’s performance and the War Doctor’s arc are central to the episode’s success. Ultimately, the War Doctor’s journey in “The Day of the Doctor” is one of redemption and reconciliation, as he comes to realize that he is, and always was, the Doctor, ultimately playing a crucial role in saving Gallifrey with the help of his future selves. John Hurt’s portrayal added a vital and complex layer to the understanding of all of the doctors from doctor who, particularly regarding the Time War era.
7. Jon Pertwee
1970-1974
| First Adventure | “Spearhead From Space” |
|---|---|
| Last Adventure | “Planet of the Spiders” |
Returning to classic Doctor Who, we arrive at the stylish and action-oriented Jon Pertwee’s Third Doctor. “The War Games” storyline concluded with the newly regenerated Third Doctor being exiled to Earth by the Time Lords, a dramatic shift in the show’s format and one of its most significant relaunches. Confined to Earth, Pertwee’s Doctor became integrated with UNIT, a military organization tasked with defending Earth from extraterrestrial threats, leading to a larger and more consistent supporting cast than ever before. Pertwee thrived in this environment, forming a close-knit “family” dynamic with actors like Roger Delgado (as the Master), Katy Manning (as Jo Grant), and Nicholas Courtney (as Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart). By all accounts, he loved this era, and his passion for the role shone brightly in his performances. Pertwee’s Doctor was a departure in style, often likened to James Bond, incorporating action elements like Venusian Aikido and a fondness for sophisticated vehicles.
Pertwee’s departure from Doctor Who was prompted by the gradual fracturing of this on-screen “family.” The tragic death of Roger Delgado in 1973 was a significant catalyst, deeply impacting Pertwee. Katy Manning also left the show later that year, in “The Green Death.” Pertwee concluded his tenure with “Planet of the Spiders,” a memorable, though somewhat dated, story that attempted to blend both the Earth-bound UNIT format and the cosmic scale that Doctor Who was also known for. His enduring affection for Doctor Who is evident in the fact that his autobiography was simply and definitively titled “I Am The Doctor,” a sentiment that resonates with many fans when considering all of the doctors from doctor who.
6. Patrick Troughton
1966-1969
| First Adventure | “The Power of the Daleks” |
|---|---|
| Last Adventure | “The War Games” |
It’s important for modern viewers to remember just how risky the concept of regeneration initially was. When Patrick Troughton took over as the Second Doctor, he was venturing into uncharted territory, attempting something unprecedented in television history. The stakes were incredibly high. His regeneration story, “The Power of the Daleks” (sadly lost to time but reconstructed through animation), cleverly mirrored the audience’s potential confusion and uncertainty. The Doctor’s companions in the story are initially as bewildered and skeptical as viewers might have been, taking time to be convinced that this new, seemingly different person was still, in fact, the Doctor, effectively serving as audience surrogates. From his first appearance, Troughton’s Doctor was unpredictable, eccentric, and almost elusive, defying easy categorization.
This very elusiveness was Troughton’s genius. His Doctor possessed an undeniable intelligence and cunning, always several steps ahead, but also carried a subtle undercurrent of darkness. Villains often suspected him of switching sides, and even viewers occasionally questioned his true motives. Yet, he could also be wonderfully charming, even clownish, capable of disarming humor and genuine warmth. This dynamic range made him an absolute delight to watch and profoundly influential. Troughton established a template for many subsequent Doctors, with Matt Smith explicitly citing Troughton as a major inspiration for his own portrayal, highlighting Troughton’s foundational impact on how fans perceive all of the doctors from doctor who.
5. Peter Capaldi
2014-2017
| First Adventure | “Deep Breath” |
|---|---|
| Last Adventure | “Twice Upon A Time” |
A lifelong Doctor Who fan since childhood, Peter Capaldi’s Twelfth Doctor was yet another dramatic reinvention of the Time Lord. His initial character arc centered on the Doctor grappling with his own identity, questioning what kind of man he truly was and struggling to redefine himself after an unexpected regeneration. Doctor Who season 8, Capaldi’s first season, proved somewhat divisive, failing to fully resonate with all viewers initially. However, the narrative subtly shifted in subsequent seasons, allowing Capaldi’s strengths to truly shine. This initial period of uncertainty ultimately paved the way for a remarkable and critically acclaimed run.
Capaldi’s Doctor was notably more emotionally reserved and outwardly abrasive than the immediately preceding modern Doctors. This allowed for compelling dramatic tension and interplay with his companions, particularly Jenna Coleman’s Clara Oswald and Michelle Gomez’s Missy (a female incarnation of the Master, foreshadowing Jodie Whittaker’s casting). There was an intense, almost volcanic energy to Capaldi’s performance that made emotionally charged episodes like “Face the Raven” and “Heaven Sent” particularly powerful and unforgettable. It’s no surprise to see Capaldi ranked so highly, as his nuanced and deeply committed portrayal resonated strongly with many fans and enriched the ongoing conversation about all of the doctors from doctor who.
4. Sylvester McCoy
1987-1996
| First Adventure | “Time and the Rani” |
|---|---|
| Last Solo Adventure | “Survival” |
Sylvester McCoy’s Seventh Doctor arrived during one of the most precarious periods in Doctor Who‘s history, as the show faced cancellation. This is the inherent tragedy of the McCoy era. His performance, and his exceptional chemistry with Sophie Aldred (as Ace), laid the groundwork for many elements that would define Doctor Who‘s future success, but sadly, it proved to be too late to save the show from its initial cancellation in 1989. McCoy would reprise the role in the 1996 TV movie, bridging the gap between the classic series and the modern revival.
McCoy’s Doctor underwent a significant character evolution. Initially portrayed as more comedic and whimsical, he gradually became darker, more manipulative, and strategically complex as his era progressed. This shift was heavily influenced by the “Cartmel Masterplan,” a narrative strategy devised by script editor Andrew Cartmel. This plan aimed to restore an air of mystery and enigmatic depth to the Doctor’s character, moving away from the more overtly explained aspects of Time Lord lore. Many elements that modern viewers now take for granted in Doctor Who were pioneered during the Seventh Doctor’s era: a more serialized storytelling approach, character arcs for companions, and a greater willingness to engage with contemporary political and social issues. McCoy’s departure also directly inspired the popular New Adventures novels, which further developed the Seventh Doctor and pushed Doctor Who into more mature and complex territory, solidifying McCoy’s often underappreciated contribution to all of the doctors from doctor who.
3. Tom Baker
1974-1981
| First Adventure | “Robot” |
|---|---|
| Last Adventure | “Logopolis” |
Tom Baker became, for many classic Doctor Who viewers, the definitive Doctor, largely due to the sheer length of his tenure in the role. The Fourth Doctor, with his bohemian style, iconic scarf, and unpredictable personality, was unlike any of his predecessors. Baker excelled at seamlessly transitioning between moments of intense drama and lighthearted comedic buffoonery, even surpassing Patrick Troughton in this skill. Ironically, Baker’s increasing confidence and established persona eventually became a source of tension behind the scenes. He reportedly became somewhat difficult to work with, very sure of his own vision for the Doctor and resistant to external direction or change.
Despite these later challenges, Tom Baker’s Fourth Doctor remains emblematic of classic Who. He embodied the image of the Doctor as a whimsical “madman in a blue box,” constantly stumbling into crises and utterly unable to resist getting involved. Listing all the classic stories elevated by his presence would be extensive, but unforgettable tales like “Genesis of the Daleks,” “Horror of Fang Rock,” and “The Deadly Assassin” are just a few examples. Tom Baker’s impact on Doctor Who is undeniable and should never be underestimated. He rightly deserves a very high ranking when considering all of the doctors from doctor who, shaping the popular image of the character for generations.
2. David Tennant (Tenth Doctor)
2005-2010
| First Adventure | “The Christmas Invasion” |
|---|---|
| Last Adventure | “The End of Time” |
While Tom Baker defined classic Doctor Who, David Tennant arguably defines the modern era for a vast number of viewers. The most broadly popular actor to play the Doctor under Russell T. Davies’ showrunning, Tennant possessed an almost perfect blend of Doctor-esque traits. He could effortlessly switch between whimsical charm, brooding intensity, and madcap zaniness, creating unforgettable moments of both humor and heartbreak. His Tenth Doctor also had a very strong and emotionally resonant character arc, culminating in the controversial “Time Lord Victorious” multi-platform storyline.
Classic Doctor Who purists were sometimes initially taken aback by Tennant’s Tenth Doctor, particularly by the overt romantic undertones and willingness to explore romantic relationships within the TARDIS in a way rarely seen before. He is placed second on this list only by the narrowest of margins, and arguably, due to a slightly less consistently strong dynamic with Billie Piper’s Rose compared to other top Doctors and companions. Season 2, the beginning of Tennant’s era, is often considered a weaker start compared to later seasons. However, Tennant consistently exceeded expectations and delivered iconic performances throughout his tenure. Doctor Who achieved unparalleled popularity in the UK during Tennant’s time, and his Tenth Doctor remains a benchmark against which future incarnations are often measured, solidifying his place near the very top when discussing all of the doctors from doctor who.
1. Matt Smith
2010-2013
| First Adventure | “The Eleventh Hour” |
|---|---|
| Last Adventure | “The Time of the Doctor” |
Choosing between Matt Smith and David Tennant for the top spot is an incredibly difficult task, often coming down to personal preference. However, Matt Smith is placed slightly higher due to the remarkable consistency and overall arc of his Eleventh Doctor. A tremendously gifted actor, Smith openly drew inspiration from Patrick Troughton’s Second Doctor, evident in his physical comedy, rapid shifts in tone, and even stylistic choices like the bow tie. His Doctor could pivot from eccentric foolishness to brooding menace with astonishing speed, keeping both companions and viewers constantly engaged and often surprised. Smith was also exceptionally skilled at interacting with a large ensemble cast, forging memorable dynamics with Karen Gillan (Amy Pond), Arthur Darvill (Rory Williams), and Alex Kingston (River Song).
Smith faced the daunting challenge of following David Tennant, who had become a cultural phenomenon in the UK. “The Eleventh Hour,” his debut episode, immediately won over most viewers, including a fantastic and defining Doctor monologue that re-established the character for a new era. He continued to build on this strong start, going from strength to strength throughout his tenure. There’s a compelling argument to be made that Smith’s Eleventh Doctor is the most “human” of all of the doctors from doctor who, the first to openly embrace human sexuality and even express a crush on a fictional character. Yet, he also retained a profound sense of alien otherness, awkwardness, and underlying uncertainty. He perfectly embodied the concept of an ancient being inhabiting a young human male body, a portrayal that captured the very essence of Doctor Who‘s enduring hero and secures his place at the pinnacle of this ranking.
