10 Best Doctor Who Companions in the Show’s 62-Year History, Ranked

As a lifelong fan, I’ve always been fascinated by the companions on Doctor Who. Over the show’s 62-year run, the Doctor has journeyed with a whopping 60 of them! But some really stood out, didn’t they? They’ve always been so important to the show, really. I think of them as our way *into* the story – they’re the audience’s eyes and ears, and they ground the completely wild adventures with something human and relatable. Usually, they’re people – though not always! – and they’re basically us inside the TARDIS, experiencing everything alongside the Doctor. But certain companions just grabbed my imagination and really touched my heart more than others.

Trying to rank the Doctor Who companions is sure to cause debate! Everyone has a personal favorite, and it’s nearly impossible to get everyone to agree. But if you consider things like the adventures they went on, their connection with the Doctor, the impact they made on the show and with viewers, and how much people liked them, it becomes easier to choose the best. From the 60 companions Doctor Who has seen, here are 10 who stand out as the top choices.

10) Jamie McCrimmon

Jamie McCrimmon, a piper from the Clan McLeod in 18th century Scotland, joined the Second Doctor as a companion in the 1966 episode “The Highlanders.” He was a regular character until “The War Games” in 1969, and during his three years of traveling with the Doctor, he became very popular with viewers. His courage, steadfast loyalty, kind nature, and the strong connection he shared with Patrick Troughton’s Doctor made him one of Doctor Who’s most cherished and memorable companions, thanks to a fantastic performance by Frazer Hines that remains impressive today.

9) Susan Foreman

I always think it’s amazing how much of an impact Susan Foreman had on Doctor Who, even though she was only with the First Doctor – William Hartnell – for a little over a year. She was in the very first episode, “The Unearthly Child” back in 1963, and stayed until “The Dalek Invasion of Earth” in 1964. But even though she left the TARDIS, they’ve mentioned her *so* many times over the years because she’s the Doctor’s granddaughter! I’ve always loved her – Carol Ann Ford really brought her to life. Susan was just so intelligent, kind, brave, and curious, even when facing some of the show’s biggest villains. That’s why she remains such a special and beloved companion, in my opinion, and truly one of a kind.

8) Martha Jones

Freema Agyeman’s Martha Jones faced a challenge stepping into the role of companion after Rose Tyler left the Tenth Doctor. However, she did an excellent job, adding a fresh and interesting element to the TARDIS. Her skills as a doctor, her emotional complexity, quick thinking, and intelligence allowed her to connect with the Doctor on a more equal level. Though she was a full-time companion for only one season in 2007, Martha returned in several later episodes, consistently showing growth and development, making her one of Doctor Who’s most memorable characters. She even saved the world on her own, which is quite an accomplishment.

7) Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart

When the Unified Intelligence Taskforce (UNIT) was first featured in Doctor Who with Jon Pertwee as the Third Doctor, Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart was introduced as its leader. He initially appeared in the 1968 episode “The Web of Fear” and last regularly appeared in 1975’s “Terror of the Zygons,” though he has made brief appearances and been referenced numerous times since then. His practical leadership skills, the respect he shared with the Doctor, his calm demeanor under pressure, and his long run on the show have made him one of Doctor Who’s most well-known companions. His legacy continues through his daughter, Kate Lethbridge-Stewart, played by Jemma Redgrave.

6) Mel Bush

Melanie “Mel” Bush, played by Bonnie Langford, traveled with the Sixth and Seventh Doctors in the TARDIS from 1986’s “Terror of the Vervoids” to 1987’s “Dragonfire.” Even though she only appeared in six adventures, fans loved her because of her strong moral compass, positive outlook, and sharp mind. It’s been fantastic to see her return in the modern series as a key member of UNIT, and the way her story unfolded in a non-linear fashion made her a truly special character. Mel is determined, powerful, very capable, and proactive, making her one of Doctor Who’s most unforgettable companions.

5) Adric

Adric holds the unfortunate distinction of being the first of the Doctor’s companions to die in combat after a significant amount of time traveling with him. Matthew Waterhouse first appeared in Doctor Who as an exceptionally intelligent character from the planet Alzarius, introduced in the 1980 story “Full Circle.” He journeyed alongside Tom Baker’s Fourth Doctor and seamlessly witnessed his transformation into Peter Davison’s Fifth Doctor. However, in the 1982 adventure “Earthshock,” Adric tragically dies when a Cyberman spaceship crashes into Earth while he attempts to prevent the disaster. His death was a pivotal moment for Doctor Who, as he brought a fresh, youthful perspective and a close, father-son-like relationship to the show.

4) Amy Pond

Like Martha Jones, Karen Gillan’s Amy Pond faced a challenging task in Doctor Who. As the Eleventh Doctor’s very first companion, she needed to quickly establish a strong connection with Matt Smith. She succeeded brilliantly, creating a performance that was both entertaining and captivating. Amy was a fiercely independent and relatable character, and the storyline added a wonderful fairy-tale element with the introduction of her boyfriend-turned-husband, Rory Williams (Arthur Darvill), and later, her daughter who became the Doctor’s wife, River Song (Alex Kingston). Amy Pond will always be remembered as the defining companion of the Eleventh Doctor, and, through her connection to River Song, she became one of the most significant people in his life.

3) Rose Tyler

Reviving Doctor Who with Christopher Eccleston after a 16-year break was a big challenge, but Billie Piper handled it beautifully as Rose Tyler. Rose was a regular Londoner, making her one of the most realistic and easy-to-connect-with companions the Doctor has ever known – audiences immediately adored her. She was strong-willed and practical, and evolved into a clever problem-solver and defender of the universe, making Rose’s influence on Doctor Who truly significant. She was central to many of the show’s most unforgettable scenes and remains an important character in the series.

Following the conclusion of the 2025 story arc, “The Reality War,” Ncuti Gatwa’s Fifteenth Doctor went through a regeneration, unexpectedly becoming Rose Tyler. The implications of this change are still unknown, but this isn’t the first time Billie Piper has reprised her role since leaving the show in 2006’s “Doomsday.” David Tennant’s Tenth Doctor shared a romantic connection with Rose, and later versions of the Doctor have consistently held her in high regard. Playing Rose Tyler significantly boosted Piper’s acting career, leading to acclaimed roles in productions such as Secret Diary of a Call Girl, Scoop, Penny Dreadful, and Wednesday.

2) Donna Noble

Although Rose Tyler is often seen as the Tenth Doctor’s most important companion, Donna Noble actually stands out more when you look at everything. Catherine Tate and David Tennant shared a fantastic connection both on and off screen, playing best friends Donna and the Doctor, which led to Tate reprising her role for Tennant’s return as the Fourteenth Doctor in the 60th anniversary specials of 2023. Her single season was full of intense and moving moments, and her merging with a Time Lord’s mind in “Journey’s End” is considered one of the greatest achievements of any Doctor Who companion. The fact that her memory was erased remains one of the most heartbreaking events in the series.

Donna Noble was incredibly understanding, as we see in “Planet of the Ood.” She was also naturally curious and a good investigator, shown in “The Unicorn and the Wasp,” and she was determined, self-reliant, and crucially important, like in “Turn Left.” Plus, Catherine Tate really used her comedic talent on Doctor Who, and she brought out a funnier side of the Doctor as well. Bringing her back as a regular companion after her initial appearance in 2006’s “The Runaway Bride” was a brilliant decision, and she’s sure to be remembered as one of the Doctor’s best and most amusing companions of all time.

1) Sarah Jane Smith

It’s hard to pick the very best companion in Doctor Who’s long history, but Sarah Jane Smith is definitely a strong contender. Actress Elisabeth Sladen first appeared in 1973’s “The Time Warrior,” joining the Third Doctor after sneaking onto the TARDIS and encountering the Sontarans in medieval times. She then traveled consistently with both the Third and Fourth Doctors until 1976’s “The Hand of Fear,” when the Doctor had to rush to Gallifrey, leaving her back on Earth. Her spirited personality, strong sense of right and wrong, courage, smarts, and great connection with the Doctors made her a beloved companion for many years.

Viewers first met Sarah Jane Smith in 2006 with the episode “School Reunion,” where she teamed up with the Tenth Doctor, Rose Tyler, and Mickey Smith to battle Krillitanes at a school. She later appeared with them several more times, and even starred in her own show, The Sarah Jane Adventures, which continued her amazing story. Sadly, Elisabeth Sladen passed away in 2011, and many of her Doctor Who colleagues shared tributes and celebrated her life, demonstrating the affection she earned both on and off screen. It’s clear she is truly the best Doctor Who companion of all time.

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2025-10-03 22:54