Who is the best Doctor Who? Determining the best Doctor Who is subjective, yet exploring each Doctor’s unique charm and contributions offers a delightful journey through the show’s history. Join us on thebootdoctor.net as we explore each doctor and ultimately provide a ranking to answer your questions. We’ll explore the incarnations of the Time Lord, from William Hartnell to Ncuti Gatwa, and their impact on the enduring popularity of this beloved science fiction series. We’ll dive into the Doctor Who Legacy, Doctor Who series, and more!
1. Introduction: A Timeless Question: Who Is The Best Doctor Who?
The question “Who is the best Doctor Who?” is a classic debate among fans of the long-running science fiction series. With numerous actors having portrayed the iconic Time Lord over the decades, each bringing their unique style and interpretation to the role, it’s a discussion with no definitive answer. This article seeks to explore the many faces of the Doctor and offer a perspective on what makes each incarnation special, but ultimately, it’s up to you.
The Doctor, a character who can regenerate into new forms, embodies resilience and adaptability. Throughout the show’s history, each Doctor has faced different challenges, connected with various companions, and left an indelible mark on the Whoniverse. Whether it’s the First Doctor’s pioneering spirit or the latest Doctor’s fresh energy, each one contributes to the rich tapestry of the Doctor Who Legacy.
The aim is to delve into what makes each Doctor resonate with different audiences and why the debate over the “best” Doctor continues to be a lively and engaging topic among fans. From exploring the individual performances to considering the eras in which they starred, the article provides an overview of the many facets that contribute to the Doctor’s enduring appeal. As you explore each doctor, make sure to visit thebootdoctor.net for more in-depth analysis and information.
1.1. Understanding the Criteria for Ranking
To compare the Doctors fairly, several criteria can be considered. The most important are:
- Acting Quality: The actor’s ability to bring depth, emotion, and charisma to the role.
- Character Development: How well the Doctor’s personality evolves and impacts the stories.
- Impact on the Show: The significance of the Doctor’s era on the show’s overall legacy.
- Fan Reception: How the Doctor was received by audiences during their tenure and afterward.
- Story Arcs: The quality and memorability of the stories during the Doctor’s time.
1.2. The User’s Intent
People searching for “who is the best Doctor Who” often have several intentions:
- Seeking Information: They want to learn about the different actors who have played the Doctor and their contributions.
- Looking for Opinions: They are interested in seeing how others rank the Doctors and why.
- Comparing Doctors: They want to compare different Doctors to decide their personal favorite.
- Engaging in Debate: They enjoy discussing and debating the merits of each Doctor with other fans.
- Nostalgia: They want to reminisce about their favorite eras of the show and the Doctors who defined them.
1.3. Target Audience and Their Needs
Understanding the target audience is essential to providing relevant and engaging content. Consider these factors:
- Demographics: A diverse audience of both male and female viewers aged 25-65.
- Interests: Science fiction, British TV, and character-driven stories.
- Challenges: Overwhelmed by the vast amount of Doctor Who content and seeking guidance on where to start or how to appreciate different eras.
- Needs: Detailed information, insightful analysis, and engaging opinions.
This article is designed to appeal to a broad audience, offering something for both casual viewers and longtime fans.
2. Ranking the Doctors: From Bottom to Top
Ranking the Doctors is a tough task, but here’s a list from bottom to top, with a focus on their unique contributions to the Doctor Who Legacy.
2.1. 20. Richard Hurndall – First Doctor Mk III (1983)
Richard Hurndall stepped in to recreate the late William Hartnell for the 20th-anniversary special. While he physically resembled the First Doctor, his performance is mostly remembered for a peculiar scene where he ate a pineapple.
- Best Known For: Filling in for William Hartnell in the 20th-anniversary special.
- Why He’s Ranked Low: Limited screen time and primarily a replacement rather than a unique interpretation.
2.2. 19. Richard E. Grant – The Shalka Doctor (2003)
Richard E. Grant voiced the “ninth Doctor” in the animated webcast “Scream of the Shalka.” This was intended as a potential continuation of the series. However, when the show returned to BBC One in 2005, Grant’s Doctor became a side note.
- Best Known For: Voicing the animated Doctor in “Scream of the Shalka.”
- Why He’s Ranked Low: The animated webcast was not considered part of the main series canon, and his portrayal leaned more towards a Holmes-like character.
2.3. 18. Peter Cushing – First Doctor Mk II (1965-66)
Peter Cushing played the Doctor in two movies that focused more on the Daleks in color than the character of the Doctor himself. Cushing’s Doctor was an Edwardian human inventor of the TARDIS, differing significantly from the Time Lord portrayed in the TV series.
- Best Known For: Playing the Doctor in the Dalek movies.
- Why He’s Ranked Low: His portrayal is not part of the main Doctor Who canon and presents the Doctor as a human inventor rather than a Time Lord.
2.4. 17. The ‘Curse of Fatal Death’ Doctors (1999)
In the 1990s, there was very little Doctor Who on television. This Comic Relief special featured Rowan Atkinson, Richard E. Grant, Jim Broadbent, Hugh Grant, and Joanna Lumley as different incarnations of the Doctor in a comedic sketch.
- Best Known For: Appearing in a Comic Relief special.
- Why He’s Ranked Low: The sketch was purely comedic and not intended as a serious portrayal of the Doctor.
2.5. 16. David Bradley – First Doctor Mk IV (2017)
David Bradley’s doctor alongside Peter Capaldi in Twice Upon a Time.
David Bradley played William Hartnell in a drama about the origins of Doctor Who and later reprised the role in the show itself. While his voice, look, and mannerisms were accurate, the script sometimes leaned too heavily on jokes about 1960s attitudes.
- Best Known For: Playing William Hartnell in “Twice Upon a Time” and a drama about Doctor Who’s origins.
- Why He’s Ranked Low: The script’s focus on humor about 1960s attitudes detracted from the character’s depth.
2.6. 15. Jo Martin – The Fugitive Doctor (2020-22)
Jo Martin portraying the Fugitive Doctor in the 60th-anniversary special, Fugitive of the Judoon.
Jo Martin’s Fugitive Doctor, introduced as Ruth, was a surprising and successful reveal. She portrayed a Doctor from the past. Martin’s Doctor was more assertive and self-assured compared to Jodie Whittaker’s Thirteenth Doctor.
- Best Known For: Being the Fugitive Doctor, a surprise reveal in the series.
- Why She’s Ranked Lower: Limited screen time, though impactful, doesn’t allow for deeper character exploration.
2.7. 14. Colin Baker – Sixth Doctor (1984-86)
Colin Baker faced numerous challenges, including a costume not of his choosing and a production office in turmoil. His portrayal was intended to mellow over time, but his tenure was cut short.
- Best Known For: His bombastic and controversial portrayal of the Doctor.
- Why He’s Ranked Lower: Difficult production circumstances and a lack of character development hindered his performance.
2.8. 13. Peter Davison – Fifth Doctor (1981-84)
Peter Davison, known for his role in “All Creatures Great And Small,” took on the role after Tom Baker. His Doctor was a youthful uncle figure whose TARDIS was often crowded with companions.
- Best Known For: His youthful and sometimes indecisive Doctor.
- Why He’s Ranked Mid-Range: While likable, his Doctor often seemed less in control than previous incarnations.
2.9. 12. John Hurt – The War Doctor (2013)
John Hurt as the War Doctor in the 50th-anniversary special, Day of the Doctor.
John Hurt played a hidden incarnation of the Doctor who fought in the Time War. His weary gravitas balanced the enthusiasm of Matt Smith and David Tennant.
- Best Known For: Playing the War Doctor in the 50th-anniversary special.
- Why He’s Ranked Mid-Range: Limited screen time, but his performance added significant depth to the Doctor’s history.
2.10. 11. Jodie Whittaker – Thirteenth Doctor (2017-22)
Jodie Whittaker, the first female Doctor, faced significant media attention and backlash. Her tenure had some excellent episodes, but many were average.
- Best Known For: Being the first female Doctor.
- Why She’s Ranked Mid-Range: While she embraced the role, inconsistent writing and storyline quality affected her overall impact.
2.11. 10. Jon Pertwee – Third Doctor (1970-74)
Jon Pertwee featured in Colony in Space.
Jon Pertwee’s Doctor was a James Bond-esque figure who engaged in action and used gadgets. Producer Verity Lambert felt this Doctor was too establishment-oriented.
- Best Known For: His action-oriented, gadget-using Doctor.
- Why He’s Ranked High: Brought a unique action-hero persona to the Doctor, setting a new direction for the series.
2.12. 9. Peter Capaldi – Twelfth Doctor (2013-17)
Peter Capaldi delivered creepy and great episodes. His anti-war speech in “The Zygon Inversion” is one of the best Doctor monologues. However, some felt he was acting at being the Doctor rather than embodying the role.
- Best Known For: His intense and complex portrayal of the Doctor.
- Why He’s Ranked High: Delivered memorable performances and episodes, though his characterization sometimes felt detached.
2.13. 8. William Hartnell – First Doctor (1963-66)
William Hartnell, the original Doctor, brought a magnetic charm to the role, portraying an irritable old man. He quickly became the central focus of the show.
- Best Known For: Being the original Doctor.
- Why He’s Ranked High: Established the character and set the foundation for all future Doctors.
2.14. 7. Paul McGann – Eighth Doctor (1996)
Paul McGann was a bright spot in the 1996 TV movie. He owned the role during the “wilderness years,” recording numerous audio adventures.
- Best Known For: His role in the 1996 TV movie and audio dramas.
- Why He’s Ranked High: Maintained the Doctor Who spirit during the show’s hiatus, becoming a fan favorite.
2.15. 6. Sylvester McCoy – Seventh Doctor (1987-89)
Sylvester McCoy’s Doctor shifted from comedic to manipulative, with his troubled sidekick Ace. The show improved, but the BBC canceled it in 1989.
- Best Known For: His manipulative and strategic Doctor.
- Why He’s Ranked High: Revitalized the character with a darker, more complex personality.
2.16. 5. Christopher Eccleston – Ninth Doctor (2005)
Christopher Eccleston revived the show in 2005. His Doctor was a man bearing the weight of the Time War. Eccleston’s portrayal was instrumental in making the show a 21st-century success.
- Best Known For: Reviving the series in 2005.
- Why He’s Ranked Very High: Successfully reintroduced Doctor Who to a new generation.
2.17. 4. Patrick Troughton – Second Doctor (1966-69)
Patrick Troughton’s success in the role was crucial for the show’s survival. His portrayal was the template for many Doctors that followed.
- Best Known For: Establishing the format of regeneration.
- Why He’s Ranked Among the Highest: His mercurial and charming portrayal set the standard for future Doctors.
2.18. 3. Matt Smith – Eleventh Doctor (2010-13)
Matt Smith, the youngest actor to play the Doctor, brought an infectious energy to the role. His era had the best recurring companion ensemble since the UNIT days.
- Best Known For: His quirky and energetic portrayal of the Doctor.
- Why He’s Ranked Among the Highest: Successfully conveyed both the Doctor’s youthful enthusiasm and ancient wisdom.
2.19. 2. Tom Baker – Fourth Doctor (1974-81)
Tom Baker was Doctor Who for seven years. His eccentricity and larger-than-life persona made him the face of the series for many.
- Best Known For: Being the quintessential Doctor for many fans.
- Why He’s Ranked at the Top: Embodied the Doctor’s eccentric and adventurous spirit, becoming a pop culture icon.
2.20. 1. David Tennant – Tenth and Fourteenth Doctors (2005-10, 2022-3)
David Tennant’s emotional depth and comedic timing made him perfect for the social media age. His return in 2023 served as a soft reboot for the Disney+ era.
- Best Known For: His emotionally charged and charismatic portrayal.
- Why He’s Ranked as the Best: His ability to connect with audiences and deliver both humor and pathos made him the definitive Doctor for many.
3. The Enduring Appeal of Doctor Who
3.1. Regeneration and Fresh Perspectives
The ability to regenerate allows Doctor Who to stay fresh and relevant. Each new Doctor brings a unique perspective, keeping the show engaging for both new and longtime viewers.
- Key Benefit: Keeps the show from becoming stale.
- Example: Jodie Whittaker’s casting as the first female Doctor brought new audiences and perspectives.
3.2. Universal Themes and Timeless Storytelling
Doctor Who explores universal themes such as love, loss, redemption, and the battle between good and evil. The timeless storytelling ensures that the show remains relevant across generations.
- Key Benefit: Appeals to a wide range of viewers.
- Example: Episodes dealing with historical events or moral dilemmas resonate with audiences regardless of when they were produced.
3.3. Impact on Popular Culture and Fandom
Doctor Who has had a significant impact on popular culture, inspiring countless other science fiction shows and movies. The dedicated fandom keeps the show alive through conventions, fan fiction, and online communities.
- Key Benefit: Creates a sense of community and shared passion.
- Example: Doctor Who conventions attract thousands of fans, fostering a sense of belonging and enthusiasm.
4. The Future of Doctor Who
4.1. Ncuti Gatwa and a New Era
Ncuti Gatwa’s casting as the Fifteenth Doctor signals a new era for the show. His fresh energy and charisma promise to bring a new perspective to the role.
- Potential Impact: Attract a new, younger audience.
- What to Expect: Modernized storytelling and themes.
4.2. Disney+ and Global Reach
The partnership with Disney+ expands Doctor Who’s global reach, making it accessible to a wider audience. This increased visibility can lead to more diverse storytelling and higher production values.
- Potential Impact: Increased viewership and revenue.
- What to Expect: Higher budget episodes and greater international appeal.
4.3. Maintaining the Essence of the Show
Despite the changes, it’s crucial to maintain the essence of what makes Doctor Who special: its heart, humor, and willingness to tackle complex issues.
- Key to Success: Balancing innovation with tradition.
- What to Expect: A blend of new ideas and classic elements.
5. FAQ: Common Questions About Doctor Who
5.1. Who was the very first Doctor Who?
William Hartnell was the original actor who played the First Doctor. He first appeared in 1963.
5.2. How many Doctors have there been in total?
As of 2024, there have been fifteen official, numbered Doctors, from William Hartnell to Ncuti Gatwa.
5.3. Who is the youngest actor to play the Doctor?
Matt Smith was the youngest actor to be cast as the Doctor at age 26.
5.4. Why does the Doctor regenerate?
The concept of regeneration was introduced to allow the show to continue when William Hartnell’s health declined. It has since become a core part of the Doctor Who universe.
5.5. What is the TARDIS?
The TARDIS (Time and Relative Dimension in Space) is the Doctor’s time machine and spacecraft. It appears as a blue police box due to a malfunction in its chameleon circuit.
5.6. Who are the Daleks?
The Daleks are one of the Doctor’s most iconic enemies, cyborg aliens from the planet Skaro known for their hatred of all non-Dalek life.
5.7. Who is the Doctor’s most frequent companion?
While many companions have traveled with the Doctor, Sarah Jane Smith, played by Elisabeth Sladen, is one of the most beloved and appeared in numerous episodes across different eras.
5.8. What is the Time War?
The Time War is a major event in Doctor Who history, a devastating conflict between the Time Lords and the Daleks that resulted in the apparent destruction of both races.
5.9. How can I start watching Doctor Who?
A great starting point is Christopher Eccleston’s Ninth Doctor, as it was a reboot of the series. Alternatively, Matt Smith’s Eleventh Doctor is also a popular choice for new viewers.
5.10. Where can I watch Doctor Who?
Doctor Who is available on various streaming platforms, including Disney+ for newer seasons and BBC iPlayer in the UK. Older seasons can be found on other streaming services or purchased on DVD.
6. Conclusion: Celebrating the Doctor Who Legacy
The question of “Who is the best Doctor Who?” is a matter of personal preference. Each actor has brought something unique to the role, contributing to the rich and enduring legacy of the series. From William Hartnell to Ncuti Gatwa, each Doctor has faced different challenges and connected with audiences in their own way.
Whether you prefer the classic charm of Tom Baker, the emotional depth of David Tennant, or the fresh energy of Ncuti Gatwa, there’s a Doctor for everyone to love. So, embrace the debate, celebrate the diversity, and continue to explore the ever-expanding universe of Doctor Who.
Remember to visit thebootdoctor.net for more insights, reviews, and discussions on all things Doctor Who. Dive deeper into each Doctor’s era, explore memorable episodes, and share your own opinions with fellow fans.
Are you experiencing foot pain or discomfort? Visit thebootdoctor.net for expert advice, resources, and potential solutions. Explore our articles on common foot conditions, shoe recommendations, and tips for maintaining foot health. Contact us today for a consultation or to learn more about how we can help you step into a world of comfort and well-being.
Address: 6565 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030, United States.
Phone: +1 (713) 791-1414.
Website: thebootdoctor.net.
