Since it first aired in 1963, Doctor Who has repeatedly proven itself to be a beloved British icon and one of the world’s most enduring and highly-regarded TV shows.
Many fans who discovered the show with its 2005 revival haven’t explored its original, highly-regarded seasons, likely because of how long it’s been running. That’s a shame, because those earlier episodes are truly worth watching.
The classic era of Doctor Who holds some of the show’s greatest stories, from the very first serial with William Hartnell, through the popular years with Tom Baker, to Sylvester McCoy‘s poignant farewell.
To honor the long and amazing history of Doctor Who, the team at TopMob – all big fans of the show – have carefully chosen and ranked the best stories from the classic series.
Buckle in!
30. The Tenth Planet (1966)
The Doctor, Ben, and Polly arrive in 1986 at Snowcap, an international space base in Antarctica. There, they meet the demanding General Cutler and his team, who are monitoring a probe called Zeus 4. However, the probe’s trajectory is disrupted by the sudden appearance of a new planet. The Doctor quickly identifies this planet as Mondas, Earth’s long-lost twin, which has returned after wandering the far reaches of space for billions of years.
Okay, so this story throws you right into a conflict with the Cybermen, who are launching an attack on a place called Snowcap. It turns out their home planet, Mondas, is draining Earth’s energy, and they’ve got a terrifying plan: use Snowcap’s own doomsday weapon, the Z-bomb, to wipe out Earth before Mondas itself is destroyed. Their goal? To turn humans into Cybermen, naturally. But here’s the twist – they don’t succeed! Mondas ends up melting, taking the Cybermen with it. It’s a race against time that doesn’t quite go as planned, and honestly, it’s pretty spectacular to watch everything fall apart.
RT noted that “The Tenth Planet” really felt like a step forward for the show, hinting at what was to come. Setting the story in 1986, which seemed far off in 1966, and using a modern, international research base in the South Pole, was quite advanced for the series at the time. The story’s ‘base under attack’ plotline also proved to be a winning formula that the show would use successfully for several seasons to come.
The original ending to the First Doctor’s adventures is sadly missing. What remains are just short pieces showing his collapse and change inside the TARDIS, set to a tense, electronic soundtrack. For audiences watching in 1966, it was a truly magical, surprising, and mysterious moment – as Patrick Mulkern described it.
Read the full review and delve into the RT archive.
29. Earthshock (1982)
In the year 2526, a team exploring Earth’s caves – including scientists, soldiers, and the Doctor and their companions – are attacked by two dangerous androids protecting a powerful bomb. The Doctor manages to disable the bomb and discovers who sent it, tracing their signal to the far reaches of space.
Hidden inside a cargo ship, a large group of Cybermen are forced to change their plans and steer the vessel towards Earth. However, the ship unexpectedly travels through time, jumping forward 65 million years and becoming the asteroid impact that caused the extinction of the dinosaurs. Sadly, the Doctor is unable to rescue Adric, who remains trapped on the ship.
RT mentioned that Earthshock still holds up incredibly well, and he vividly remembers the intense, almost sickening excitement of watching it for the first time.
Viewers have understandably pointed out some gaps in the story and illogical moments, but I’m willing to overlook them. “Earthshock” represents the best work of Peter Davison’s time as the Doctor, thanks to the contributions of writer Eric Saward and director Graeme Harper. Remarkably, almost the entire episode – aside from a few model shots and a single day of location filming – was filmed in just six days in one studio at Television Centre. It’s truly astonishing. – Patrick Mulkern
Read the full review and delve into the RT archive.
28. The Stones of Blood (1978)
The story begins with Romana experiencing Earth for the first time, accompanying the Doctor on his search for the Key to Time. Their journey leads them to a stone circle called the Nine Travellers on Boscombe Moor, where they meet Professor Rumford and Vivien Fay, who are studying it. However, they quickly encounter trouble in the form of a Druidic group worshipping an ancient Celtic goddess named the Cailleach.
Doctor Who has reached a milestone with its 100th story, and it marks a strong start for new writer David Fisher, as well as a successful one-time collaboration for director Darrol Blake and designer John Stout. What’s particularly noteworthy is the story’s focus on female characters – writers Graham Williams and Anthony Read intentionally aimed to give women more prominent roles in the series.
You know, sometimes the best stories aren’t about saving the world. This one, the 100th in the series, is a really captivating little tale with a personal feel – the stakes aren’t huge, but the characters are so alive. What I loved was how effortlessly it moved from a beautifully moody English setting into something completely different and fantastical. But honestly, the biggest gift of ‘The Stones of Blood’ is seeing Beatrix Lehmann in what feels like the defining role of her career. It’s incredibly poignant knowing she passed away just nine months after it aired, but her Professor Emilia Rumford truly feels immortal thanks to this performance.
Read the full review and delve into the RT archive.
27. The Dalek Invasion of Earth (1964)
The Daleks made a big impact when they first appeared, but their return was even more successful, attracting over 12 million viewers. This was likely because seeing them move through metal corridors was one thing, but seeing them appear in recognizable locations – even on streets that looked like our own – was truly unsettling. According to Mark Braxton, ‘Dalek Invasion’ is a remarkably ambitious story, and Terry Nation was uniquely skilled at creating dark, intense science fiction.
Read the full review and delve into the RT archive.
26. The Abominable Snowmen
The Doctor arrives near a Tibetan monastery in 1935, intending to return a sacred bell he previously protected. However, the warm reception he anticipated doesn’t happen.
As RT put it, ‘The Abominable Snowmen’ perfectly embodies what makes Doctor Who great – it’s a story that feels inherently ‘Doctor Who.’ It has all the key elements: a unique location, a terrifying monster, a sinister villain, a straightforward plot, and a compelling mix of personal danger and global threat. While other stories share these features, none quite match its atmosphere and cleverness.
Read the full review and delve into the RT archive.
25. Marco Polo
In 1289, the travelers accompany Marco Polo, a Venetian explorer, on his journey across Asia. They travel with his caravan from the Himalayan mountains, through the Gobi Desert, and finally to the cities of Shang-tu and Peking. Marco Polo is working for Kublai Khan, a powerful ruler, and hopes to trade the Tardis – which he calls the ‘magician’s caravan’ – for his own freedom.
Marco Polo’s journey is filled with colorful characters, including the cunning Mongol leader Tegana and Ping-Cho, a young woman forced into an unwanted marriage. Along the way, they battle harsh conditions like altitude sickness, dehydration, and the threat of being kidnapped. This adventure marks a shift in style for the early ‘Who’ series, moving away from the tightly focused ‘The Edge of Destruction’ to a more expansive and visually dynamic story. The production team used techniques like map-based animations and journal entries to emphasize the scale and scope of their ambitious undertaking.
As a big movie and TV fan, I can tell you this show really grabs you and holds your attention, even though it’s almost three hours long! There’s just a constant stream of great moments – like the funny arguments over the TARDIS, or Ian and Marco getting into deep talks about science and the natural world. I especially loved the little scenes, like the teenage girls comparing fish in a pond to their friends – it felt so real! And honestly, the Doctor and Khan basically having a competition of who’s sicker was hilarious – a surprisingly funny bit with two grumpy old men!
Mark Braxton notes that while some find the screenplay too focused on teaching, he doesn’t see that as a negative. He also points out the common issue of foreign characters using accents, something still seen in modern shows. However, he praises the film’s beautiful and poetic depiction of history.
Read the full review and delve into the RT archive.
24. The Time Meddler
The Doctor and Vicki are relieved to find Steven has survived the destruction of the Mechanoid city and is safe aboard the TARDIS. Their travels then bring them to a beach in Northumbria, in the year 1066 – or so they think. Strange objects from the future, like a wristwatch, record player, and advanced cannon, have somehow ended up in 11th-century England.
The solution to the problem rests with a Monk who has just arrived at a monastery close to a Saxon village. The Doctor quickly figures out this Monk is a time traveler – someone from his own world – and he’s trying to change history by wiping out the Viking ships that are about to attack. “We have to stop him!”
RT describes “The Time Meddler” as a thoroughly enjoyable story, comparing it to comfort food for Doctor Who fans. It stands out from other episodes of its time with its creativity, humor, and energy, feeling surprisingly fresh even today. However, it’s also clearly a product of its era and a classic piece of vintage television.
When Peter Purves joined the show as the new companion Steven Taylor, his arrival was understated. Steven immediately captures the audience’s attention by dismissing the Doctor’s claims of time travel. This episode offers a thorough explanation of the TARDIS and its concepts – something not done since the very first episode in 1963. It’s a helpful refresher and sets the stage for future discoveries in this story.
Read the full review and delve into the RT archive.
23. The Daleks’ Master Plan
In the year 4000, the Doctor, Steven, and Katarina arrive on the planet Kembel and encounter Bret Vyon, an agent of Space Security. They learn that the Daleks are secretly planning to take over Earth – and eventually the entire universe – with a powerful weapon called the “time destructor.” Determined to prevent this, the travelers try to alert Earth’s leaders, but they discover that Mavic Chen, the Guardian of the Solar System, is actually helping the Daleks. They escape in Chen’s spaceship, with the Doctor having managed to steal a crucial component of the time destructor – its taranium core. Later, during a stop on the harsh penal planet Desperus, Katarina bravely sacrifices herself to ensure the Doctor can continue his mission.
Chen dispatches Sara Kingdom, a fellow agent, to find the Doctor and his friends after they arrive on Earth, hoping to recover the taranium. Unaware that Chen has betrayed them, Sara accidentally shoots her brother, Vyon, before being taken through space with the Doctor and Steven to the planet Mira, and then to Kembel. Using a cleverly made fake core, they manage to escape the Daleks again. After a brief return to Earth and a run-in with the Doctor’s old enemy, the Monk, they go back to Kembel. There, the Daleks turn on Chen, killing him, and the Doctor seizes their ultimate weapon – a time destructor – and uses it to destroy them. Despite the Doctor’s warning, Sara doesn’t return to the TARDIS and is caught in the deadly blast of the weapon.
RT described the latest series as truly epic, featuring twelve episodes with diverse alien worlds, a journey to ancient Egypt, the return of familiar foes, a universe-threatening plot, and—remarkably—the deaths of three companions.
Mavic Chen ranks among the best villains in Doctor Who. He seems like a typical, power-hungry cliché on the surface. However, Kevin Stoney’s performance is surprisingly nuanced. He portrays Chen as quietly menacing, increasingly obsessed, and with a strangely distinctive way of holding his pen.
William Hartnell delivers a particularly strong performance as the Time Lord, showcasing his typical playful rambling and grumpy reactions, but also moments of shrewdness and genuine vulnerability. Despite sounding unwell in one episode, he persevered, and his cleverness in outsmarting the Monk and the Daleks is a highlight of the story. – Mark Braxton
Read the full review and delve into the RT archive.
22. The Ark in Space (1975)
As a huge cinema fan, I have to say this film is a fantastic departure from typical Earth-bound stories and the usual feel-good sci-fi. It’s a genuinely gripping horror, but set in a really sterile, clinical world – and with just a touch of playful weirdness. It’s not dumbed down at all; it’s a smart, satisfying watch for anyone who likes something a bit more challenging, even as an adult.
Vira, the sole successfully revived human who lives until the end, perfectly embodies this feeling. Wendy Williams portrays her with a wonderful mix of coldness and kindness. I especially loved the last scene where Vira, finally smiling, accepts a bag of jelly babies from the Doctor as he leaves. It cleverly encourages us to accept his strange new personality as well. – Patrick Mulkern
Read the full review and delve into the RT archive.
21. The Crusade
According to RT, ‘The Crusade’ is a remarkably well-executed production, with all elements coming together flawlessly. The dialogue is sophisticated, the acting is captivating, and Camfield’s direction is smooth and confident. Barry Newbery’s sets are particularly impressive, ranging from believable forests to the atmospheric Saracen camp, complete with shimmering fabrics and torchlight. The sound design subtly enhances the detailed Gothic interiors of King Richard’s palace with an echo effect.
The series’ current villain, Walter Randall, a character named El Akir, is truly menacing. The third episode culminates in a dramatic scene where Barbara is brought before him. She gazes up at his scarred face, both frightened and determined. He whips himself with a riding crop and coldly tells her, “Your only remaining experience will be death, and it won’t come quickly.”
Originally published as a book in 1966, The Crusade stands out as a prime example of classic 1960s Doctor Who, as evidenced by surviving footage from the original television production. – Patrick Mulkern
Read the full review and delve into the RT archive.
20. An Unearthly Child (1963)
The story begins in London, 1963, at Coal Hill School. Teachers Ian Chesterton and Barbara Wright become worried about their student, Susan Foreman, a brilliant but inconsistent 15-year-old who says she lives at a junkyard on 76 Totter’s Lane. When they look into her background, they discover that Susan and her grandfather, the Doctor, aren’t who they seem – they’re travelers from another time and place. Their home, disguised as an old police box, is actually a spaceship called the Tardis, short for Time and Relative Dimension in Space.
The brilliant decision to cast William Hartnell truly makes the show work – his performance as the original Doctor Who is captivating.
Waris Hussein’s skillful directing creates a strong atmosphere and feeling, even with the constraints of filming on a limited studio set.
The four travelers had a truly terrible first trip. They were a mess – clothes ripped, faces dirty and sweaty. It certainly didn’t make time travel seem glamorous! Back on the TARDIS, the Doctor admitted he wasn’t fully in control, snapping, “I’m not a miracle worker.” It left everyone wondering where they’d end up next.
In the 1960s, RT promoted Doctor Who as “an adventure in space and time,” but that was just the start of the show’s journey, according to Patrick Mulkern.
Read the full review and delve into the RT archive.
19. Terror of the Autons (1971)
With its bright colors, striking visuals, quick pace, and witty conversations, Terror of the Autons feels like a Doctor Who story brought to life as a comic book. It features a classic superhero-versus-villain dynamic – a dashing hero facing off against a gloomy opponent.
Katy Manning, at just 24 years old, is a delightful and energetic addition to the show – a real discovery. While she seems a bit young to play a secret agent, her courage and determination are undeniable. She manages to get a position with Unit by stretching the truth and quickly finds the Master’s hideout. She’s a bit accident-prone, though, and disrupts the Doctor’s delicate work. He playfully scolds her, calling her clumsy, but perhaps needs to work on his witty insults! – Patrick Mulkern.
Read the full review and delve into the RT archive.
18. Terror of the Zygons (1975)
The Doctor, Sarah, and Harry are called to the Scottish village of Tulloch by the Brigadier to investigate the mysterious destruction of oil rigs in the North Sea. They soon discover the attacks are being carried out by the Skarasen – a massive robotic creature – which is controlled by the Zygons, aliens hiding their spaceship in Loch Ness.
Despite intense bombardment, the alien ship changed its location, but the Doctor immediately triggered its self-destruction. A final attempt by the remaining Zygon, Broton, to demonstrate power in London was stopped, the Skarasen went back to Loch Ness, and Harry decided to remain on Earth.
According to RT, “Terror of the Zygons” doesn’t waste any time. Director Douglas Camfield, known for his focus on military details, immediately introduces the story’s main attraction: the Zygon. Described as looking like a bizarre combination of Humpty Dumpty and an octopus – complete with bumps and visible blood vessels – the creature, designed by James Acheson and John Friedlander, is wonderfully frightening.
What really shines through are the warm bonds between the three companions as they walk across the moor – Harry wearing the Doctor’s scarf and Sarah, his hat. Tom Baker is also brilliant as the Doctor, delivering classic lines with a tilt of his hat (“Very well!”) and later, looking completely detached and unimpressed with everything happening around him.
Mark Braxton describes this story as a dramatic, explosive tale, potentially reminiscent of the Zygon era. However, he argues its strength and impact delivered a truly impressive monster when it first appeared, and a fantastic team at its conclusion, with both at the peak of their performance.
Read the full review and delve into the RT archive.
17. Doctor Who and the Silurians (1970)
The Doctor and Liz are sent by the Brigadier to investigate problems at a nuclear research center built underground at Wenley Moor. There have been power failures and staff members are getting sick. While exploring nearby caves – one where a caver died and another was hurt – the Doctor finds a massive dinosaur and discovers the Silurians, a race of intelligent, two-legged reptiles.
Following the impressive visuals and suspense of Jon Pertwee’s first adventure, the team faced a challenge. This seven-part story, filmed both in the studio and on location – and now noticeably in color – had a difficult start. However, the story by Malcolm Hulke, and how Timothy Combe adapted it, ultimately made ‘The Silurians’ a memorable and compelling episode.
Despite some issues with how it was made, this story is powerful and thought-provoking, thanks to strong performances from its supporting cast – Fulton Mackay, Geoffrey Palmer, and Peter Miles – and its intelligent writing. A perfect example of what makes it special is in episode four: when a dangerous Silurian creature attacks the Doctor, he unexpectedly offers a handshake as a gesture of peace. This surprising act highlights the Doctor’s admirable character and is a key reason why the show felt so groundbreaking. – Mark Braxton
Read the full review and delve into the RT archive.
16. The Talons of Weng-Chiang (1977)
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The story unfolds in the foggy streets of Victorian London, where a series of women have vanished and been murdered. The investigation leads to the Palace Theatre, and a mysterious Chinese magician named Li H’sen Chang, along with his unsettling dummy, Mr. Sin. They are connected to a dangerous criminal organization called the Tong of the Black Scorpion, and serve a hideously disfigured man named Weng-Chiang, who hides in the city’s sewers.
RT believes ‘The Talons of Weng-Chiang’ is a brilliantly written story. Its setting in the theater, over-the-top characters, and focus on horror create a particularly dramatic and frightening Doctor Who adventure.
The production shines thanks to a talented cast and the skillful direction of David Maloney. He perfectly recreates Victorian London, using a real theatre in Northampton and filming along the then-gritty banks of the Thames – locations that have changed dramatically since the 1970s. The nighttime and misty daytime scenes are particularly captivating. It’s sadly noteworthy that this would be Maloney’s last directing work on Doctor Who.
I have to say, this is Leela at her absolute best. It’s incredible to watch her – she takes down Mr. Sin with a swift move, then literally bounces around Litefoot’s house, even flying out the window! She’s both terrifying and funny, especially when she attacks Greel shouting, “Die, bent face!” What really gets me is her bravery – she tells her enemies, “Kill me any way you wish. Unlike you, I am not afraid to die.” It’s just a phenomenal moment, according to Patrick Mulkern.
Read the full review and delve into the RT archive.
15. The Invasion (1968)
The story takes place in 1970s London, where the Doctor, Jamie, and Zoe meet Isobel, a fashion photographer. Her uncle, Professor Watkins, has vanished, and they discover he’s being compelled to work for International Electromatics – a powerful company that controls the world’s electronics, and is led by the menacing Tobias Vaughn.
According to RT, ‘The Invasion’ is a standout story from the 1960s era of Doctor Who. It was a thrilling and complex adventure that really pushed the actors and production team, and remarkably, it remains engaging even with its extended length.
The show is consistently exciting, packed with action and featuring more filming than usual. It’s all expertly directed by Douglas Camfield, known for his meticulous and organized approach.
The story’s influence continued for many years. UNIT served as the Doctor’s base of operations throughout the 1970s and has reappeared in recent Doctor Who episodes and the Torchwood series. Ideas from the story – like mind control, underground tunnels, and even the Autons – were later used in the 2006 episode “Rise of the Cybermen.” Furthermore, the character of the Brigadier remained popular for forty years, last appearing in “The Sarah Jane Adventures” in 2008, while Courtney Woods enthusiastically championed the ongoing legend. – Patrick Mulkern
Read the full review and delve into the RT archive.
14. The Evil of the Daleks (1967)
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The story begins when the TARDIS is stolen right from Gatwick Airport. The Doctor and Jamie follow the clues, which lead them to the antique shop of a strange man named Edward Waterfield. It turns out he’s set a complex trap, sending the Doctor and Jamie back to 1866, to a country house in Kent. Waterfield and the house’s owner, Theodore Maxtible, are scientists who’ve been experimenting with mirrors and electricity, and their work has unexpectedly drawn the attention of the Daleks.
While “The Evil of the Daleks” feels like a story setting things up for the future, it also provides a definite ending. It shows the complete destruction of the Daleks, marking the end of a four-year storyline and a nostalgic return to their home planet, Skaro, with original sound effects from the very first Dalek story in 1963.
This story is a true classic, and stands out as one of the most visually impressive Dalek adventures from the 1960s. It features a compelling mystery, memorable characters, a strong sense of atmosphere, and exciting action sequences. What’s particularly notable is that it successfully combines three different settings: the present day, a historical period, and an alien world.
Okay, the story is a bit complicated, and the Victorian-era part could have been shorter. Plus, the science isn’t exactly accurate. But that’s not the point! David Whitaker is clearly enjoying himself and showing off his writing skills. – Patrick Mulkern
Read the full review and delve into the RT archive.
13. The War Games (1969)
The story follows thousands of soldiers, pulled from different eras and brainwashed, who find themselves battling in a strange new world. They’re forced to fight, with the ultimate goal of forming an unbeatable army. This world is ruled by alien beings who believe humans are the most brutal creatures in the universe and intend to use them to take over the galaxy.
The scheme is being managed by a powerful figure from the Doctor’s own people. While a group of former soldiers manages to take control of the enemy’s headquarters, the Doctor ultimately has to ask the Time Lords for help in getting everyone back to where they belong.
According to RT, “The War Games” was a challenging ten-week project for script editors Terrance Dicks and Malcolm Hulke, who stepped in after two previous productions fell through. The result is a remarkable success. Its adaptable structure keeps viewers engaged, consistently raising the stakes with new settings, characters, and adversaries.
The stories are full of intricate details, but deliberately avoid giving specific names or places. These “War Games” take place on a mysterious planet governed by unnamed aliens from an unknown home world, working alongside another alien referred to only as the “War Chief.” However, importantly, this War Chief is revealed to be a Time Lord – finally giving the Doctor’s race a name and an aura of immense power, thanks to writer Derrick Sherwin.
The second Doctor’s departure marked the end of an era for Doctor Who, bringing a good, though not fully resolved, conclusion to the show’s run in the 1960s. In 1969, BBC1 viewers saw a brand new American science fiction series fill its usual time slot – their first introduction to Star Trek. – Patrick Mulkern
Read the full review and delve into the RT archive.
12. The Sea Devils (1972)
As a big Doctor Who fan, I always loved this one! The Doctor and his companion, Jo, end up visiting the Master, who’s locked up on an island off the southern coast. When they hear about three ships mysteriously disappearing nearby, the Doctor gets suspicious and wants to check it out. But first, he needs to convince Captain Hart at the naval base, HMS Seaspite, to help him with the investigation.
Ancient reptile creatures, related to the Silurians and living in the sea, are stirring after a long period of hibernation. The Master plans to team up with these “sea devils” to wipe out humanity. While the Doctor tries to negotiate peace, the sea devils’ leader, furious after a naval assault, declares war: “We will destroy humanity and take back the planet.”
Doctor Who often shines through its scary and suspenseful moments – the images that really stick in your mind. This episode, ‘The Sea Devils’, from the third Doctor’s run is a high point in terms of both its scope and quality. It’s a nearly perfect story for Jon Pertwee’s Doctor, though it would have been even better with the inclusion of the military group UNIT.
Malcolm Hulke crafted a compelling follow-up to ‘The Silurians’ (1970) with scripts full of suspense and creativity, even though these new reptiles look quite different from their ancestors who lived in caves. As the Doctor explains, they’ve evolved to thrive in an underwater environment – they’re a completely separate species.
“The Sea Devils” is a truly exceptional story – it really nails everything. Many British children experienced genuine fear while on vacation at the beach because of this classic Doctor Who episode from the 1970s, not because of the film Jaws. – Patrick Mulkern
Read the full review and delve into the RT archive.
11. The Daleks (1963/1964)
RT pointed out that the Daleks first appeared very early in Doctor Who’s run – in just the second story! This immediately made the show incredibly popular, with the final four episodes of that series attracting around ten million viewers. However, the BBC hadn’t anticipated just how successful the Daleks would be.
It’s easy to overlook how powerful Terry Nation’s writing once was. Inspired by the horrors of Nazism, his scripts vividly depict a world struggling after a massive war, grappling with prejudice and hatred – as one character puts it, simply disliking those who are different – and facing a crucial decision: to choose peace or annihilation.
The First Doctor, as played by William Hartnell, undergoes a noticeable transformation. Initially, he comes across as impatient and self-centered, but within just a few episodes, he begins to demonstrate strong moral principles and takes pride in his intelligence. He memorably advises the Thals, telling them, “Always search for truth. My truth is in the stars.”
Read the full review and delve into the RT archive.
10. The Web of Fear (1968)
The TARDIS finds itself trapped in a web-like structure in space, but eventually crashes into the London Underground in the near future. There, the Doctor, Jamie, and Victoria encounter Professor Travers, an old friend they previously met in Tibet decades ago. Unfortunately, Travers has accidentally awakened a Yeti, giving a dangerous alien intelligence another chance to threaten Earth.
Okay, so as a Doctor Who fan, I have to say ‘The Web of Fear’ is just brilliant direction from Douglas Camfield. He’s a genius at building genuine creepiness – think Victoria getting lost in those tunnels, or those shocking reveals with the Yeti and that weird fungus! And that fight scene at Covent Garden? Spectacular. But it’s not just action; the quieter moments are fantastic too. The Doctor explaining the Intelligence and the TARDIS to the Colonel is really well done, and the scene where Travers is possessed, revealing the Intelligence’s plan? Chills! Even the argument at Silverstein’s museum felt important and added to the atmosphere. Seriously, a top-tier episode.
Patrick Mulkern praises “The Web of Fear” as a gripping and sophisticated story, calling it truly frightening.
Read the full review and delve into the RT archive.
9. The Tomb of the Cybermen (1967)
The story unfolds on the desolate planet Telos, where the travelers encounter an Earth-based archaeological team searching for the legendary tomb of the Cybermen. The Doctor assists them in reaching the tomb, but firmly believes the Cybermen should remain undisturbed in their sleep.
Titles of classic Doctor Who stories are often spoken about with great respect, and ‘The Tomb of the Cybermen’ is a prime example, marking a high point in the show’s history.
I have to admit, this film absolutely lives up to the hype. What really struck me was just how boldly it was made – the sets were phenomenal, especially that incredible hibernation chamber that felt like it went on forever. And the way they blended real locations with studio work was completely seamless. But beyond the visuals, it’s the way the tension builds, slowly but surely, that truly got under my skin. It’s a masterful piece of filmmaking.
Read the full review and delve into the RT archive.
8. The Seeds of Doom
The story begins with the discovery of two alien seed pods in Antarctica during the 20th century. One infects a scientist named Winlett, who later dies in an explosion. The other pod is taken by Scorby and Keeler, who work for a rich plant collector named Harrison Chase.
After following the pair back to Chase’s mansion, the Doctor and Sarah can’t stop a second pod from infecting Keeler. With Chase’s help, the new Krynoid grows quickly. Now, the Doctor must find a way to prevent the creature from spreading its deadly pods all over the world.
RT noted that Season 13 concludes much like it started – with intense action, suspense, and genuinely frightening moments. The six-episode arc maintains a consistently high quality, making it stand out, and features a unique alien invasion and a memorable creature, thanks to Robert Banks Stewart’s writing.
This is a generous and well-made episode, featuring a substantial amount of action alongside the character development. Robert Banks Stewart truly earns his legendary status within the show’s history. Though he only wrote two Doctor Who stories, they are both exceptional examples of the series at its best. – Mark Braxton
Read the full review and delve into the RT archive.
7. The Daemons (1971)
RT believes this story is the most frightening from Jon Pertwee’s time as the Doctor. He particularly praises its unusual five-part length and notes the strong influence of the late, highly respected director Barry Letts.
The Dæmons is a fantastic way to end a brilliant season, and it’s not just because the Master is in it. I especially love the final shot: the camera pulls back dramatically from the May Day celebrations, almost as a challenge to top it. Honestly, no one ever has. – Mark Braxton
Read the full review and delve into the RT archive.
6. Genesis of the Daleks (1975)
RT described this episode as a truly classic Doctor Who, hailing it as Terry Nation’s best work for the series. He praised its fast-paced, nightmarish story, full of sudden danger and ruthless characters.
Calling Davros’s downfall ‘Shakespearean’ might seem dramatic, but it truly fits. He’s incredibly forceful and focused, much like the character Coriolanus. By designing the Daleks to only accept superiority in themselves, he ultimately ensured his own destruction – a classic case of being undone by his own creation.
Read the full review and delve into the RT archive.
5. Pyramids of Mars
RT calls it a true classic, a standout piece from a time when horror movies were often imitations of each other. With a strong script, serious acting, the high production quality of BBC period dramas, and Paddy Russell’s skillful direction, it’s possibly the most refined show of its kind so far. It’s so well-made that it could be shown to audiences today and still feel relevant.
Even after many years, “Pyramids of Mars” holds up remarkably well, much like the villain Sutekh. Originally voted the best story from season 13 by early Doctor Who fans in 1976, it continues to be a favorite among viewers and remains incredibly popular. – Patrick Mulkern
Read the full review and delve into the RT archive.
4. Spearhead from Space (1970)
In the near future, the Doctor finds himself exiled to Earth. Meanwhile, a United Nations task force called Unit, led by the Doctor’s friend the Brigadier, is investigating strange meteorite showers landing in the forests of Essex. They bring in Cambridge scientist Dr. Elizabeth Shaw to help uncover what’s behind the mystery.
According to Patrick Mulkern, “Spearhead from Space” is Robert Holmes’s breakout script. It brilliantly sets the stage for the show’s new style and unfolds with a fast, focused energy – much like the Autons relentlessly pursuing their target in the story.
Read the full review and delve into the RT archive.
3. The Aztecs (1964)
When the TARDIS materializes in 16th-century Mexico, inside the tomb of a powerful Aztec priest named Yetaxa, the Aztecs believe Barbara has been reincarnated as him. They treat her with reverence, and Barbara willingly accepts this role, hoping to abolish some of the more brutal Aztec customs. This upsets Tlotoxl, the high priest responsible for sacrifices.
From the very beginning, this story is captivating. Almost immediately after the TARDIS arrives and Barbara and Susan find Aztec artifacts, two women offer opposing views on the civilization. This built-in contrast – the Aztecs being both advanced and brutal – immediately creates tension and drives the entire narrative.
Beyond the story’s overall ideas, this adventure truly belongs to Barbara and the actress who portrays her, Jacqueline Hill. The history teacher is perfectly suited to her role, confidently displaying her expertise and enjoying her sense of authority. Dressed in her elaborate feathered outfit, she evokes the image of Ursula Andress, while her behavior is reminiscent of Sean Connery’s character in The Man Who Would Be King. The suspense surrounding her eventual reveal is powerfully dramatic, even though we can anticipate what’s coming, especially given the Doctor’s comment about fighting an entire way of life.
Read the full review and delve into the RT archive.
2. Inferno (1970)
Doctor Who often features alternate realities today, but back in 1970, it was a groundbreaking approach. The story ‘Sideways Earth’ presented a disturbingly totalitarian world, cold and controlled by strict rules – a truly shocking concept at the time. Actors Nick Courtney, Carrie John, and John Levene brilliantly portrayed sinister versions of their characters, adding to the story’s unsettling nature.
Despite the heated arguments and yelling, Olaf Pooley delivers a strong performance as the stubborn professor, alongside Derek Newark as the problematic but effective Sutton, and Chris Benjamin as the very sensible Sir Keith. The story also includes two particularly touching scenes that make it a fitting farewell to Caroline John. – Patrick Mulkern
Read the full review and delve into the RT archive.
1. The Robots of Death (1977)
The TARDIS arrives at Storm Mine Four, a spaceship digging into an alien planet. When crew members start dying, the Doctor and Leela immediately become suspects. The commander, Uvanov, seems to be hiding something, and there’s a secret agent on board. Could the robots be deliberately programmed to kill? That’s what the Doctor and Leela must discover.
If I absolutely had to choose one artist to be stranded with, I wouldn’t hesitate to pick this one. Their work is both incredibly delicate and surprisingly impactful – quiet and understated, yet with a real punch.
Read the full review and delve into the RT archive.
You can now watch Doctor Who on BBC iPlayer. For a comprehensive look at the show, check out our story guide, featuring reviews of every episode from 1963 to the present day, along with details on the cast, crew, behind-the-scenes facts, and exclusive content from the TopMob archive.
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Authors
As a huge sci-fi and fantasy fan, I’ve been following Louise Griffin’s work for a while now – she’s the editor at TopMob covering all the big stuff, from classics like Doctor Who and Star Wars to newer hits like House of the Dragon and even quirky shows like Good Omens. Before TopMob, she was a senior entertainment reporter at Metro, and with a background in English Literature, she really gets what makes these stories special.
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