Doctor Who: Ranking every Doctor since the show’s 2005 relaunch
(BBC)
(BBC)
When Doctor Who relaunched in 2005 it didn’t just revitalise the longest running sci-fi series of all time, it introduced us to some of the most iconic (and sometimes divisive) portrayals of our favourite Time Lord.
Brooding leather jackets, fezzes and sonic sunglasses a plenty, every iteration since the revival has left their unique mark on the TARDIS.
But who really is the best Doctor? Who mastered the art of storming the cosmos fighting aliens while fumbling around the TARDIS?
Before you disagree, remember the wise words of The Doctor: “I’m always right.”
9. David Tennant (14th Doctor, 2023)
David’s first entrance on this list is, sadly, the lowest ranking Doctor. His return as the 14th version was a gift to fans and, had it not been for a spoiler before his regeneration, would’ve been a massive surprise. While the short tenure saw the return of much-beloved companion Donna, it felt a little… flat.
Yes the stories were fun, but he returned for a three-episode celebration of the show’s 60th anniversary. The trilogy ended up feeling more like a victory lap for Russell T Davies’ fourth series of the revival, and David’s second portrayal of the character didn’t seem different enough from his first to count as a whole new regeneration. Where’s the character development?
8. John Hurt (The War Doctor, 2013)
The War Doctor exists in a category separate to his more linear counterparts, but we wanted to include him anyway.
John Hurt was a living legend and his portrayal of a battle-weary, guilt-ridden Time Lord was fantastic even considering the fact he was only around for one episode. His chemistry with the more bouncy, silly Tennant and Matt Smith made for some great moments and, without this Doctor, we’d never have seen the return of the time lord.
7. Jo Martin (The Fugitive Doctor, 2020-2025)
While she only appeared for a handful of episodes, her presence was certainly felt. The Fugitive Doctor was full of mystery and she had a no-nonsense attitude that was very reminiscent of some of the classic Doctor’s.
While her introduction raised a lot of questions for fans, and the Timeless Child arc was extremely polarising, you can’t doubt that Jo Martin’s Doctor was certainly The Doctor. Now, where is her spin-off?!
6. Ncuti Gatwa (15th Doctor, 2023-2025)
Ncuti was only around for a couple of seasons, with his tenure coming to an abrupt and premature ending. While the 15th Doctor oozed charisma and charm – he felt like a perfect fit for modern-Who, he was massively let down by messy storytelling and a lot of loose ends.
We saw him bring new life to the show and his portrayal was well-received by fans, but his Timelord struggled to carry a show that seemed to have lost its heart.
5. Christopher Eccleston (9th Doctor, 2005)
The Doctor who (re)started it all. Christopher Ecclestone’s no-nonsense, leather-jacketed 9th Doctor gave some proper northern grit to the role but still managed to keep the character’s sense of whimsy.
He had an emotional depth to him that we hadn’t seen as much in the classic-era, and the 9th Doctor laid a lot of the groundwork for a post-Time War Doctor. He was full of trauma, sarcasm and adoration for Rose.
4. Jodie Whittaker (13th Doctor, 2017–2022)
Jodie Whittaker arrived as the 13th Doctor with a big task. She was the first (canon) female Time Lord in the history of the show.
And she rose to the occasion with warmth and energy. While the writing may not have been the best during her tenure, her Doctor felt more like a bestie than any other – even with weaker material.
3. Matt Smith (11th Doctor, 2010-2013)
Matt Smith was another Doctor who had a big task coming into the show. He had to follow David Tennant. But, like The Doctor, Matt Smith was a walking contradiction. An ancient alien in the body of a gangly 20-something lad.
The 11th Doctor was very scatty but had deep, emotional weight. He was his best when he was facing life-threatening situations, full of anger and fight. But Smith’s youthful energy made him a joy to watch and fans quickly fell in love.
2. Peter Capaldi (12th Doctor, 2014-2017)
Your grumpy (but secretly soft) uncle is a time travelling alien. He likes to wear sonic sunglasses and plays electric guitar. He’s also a well-respected university professor. And the driest, most sarcastic man you will ever meet. Peter was a lifelong fan of Doctor Who and he brought that to his portrayal as the 12th Doctor.
Capaldi’s run as the 12th Doctor may have had more of a steeper learning curve for fans, but he had perhaps the most character development of all the Doctor’s. Those who stuck around to witness it were rewarded with one of the most nuanced performances of the Doctor of all time.
1. David Tennant (10th Doctor, 2005-2010)
Surprise! The 10th Doctor is the gold standard for so many fans. Equal parts quirky, emotional and brilliant, the 10th Doctor gave us epic speeches, heartbreaking moments and plenty of romance. He is the modern Doctor.
While Christopher Eccleston showed us what modern day Doctor Who is, David showed us who the modern day Doctor is.
Whether you agree or disagree with this ranking, every Doctor brings something new to the role that we all fall in love with. We’re all stories in the end, after all.
Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.
