Sixty years. Six decades, this wacky little show has gone on. From TV to books to an awful movie, the Doctor and the Tardis have been everywhere and more. Hopefully, they’ll keep on going for years yet to come!
But that’s a lot of history. Obviously, you can’t watch all of it in time for the big event of the 60th anniversary. So I’ve narrowed it down to a select list of episodes that I personally consider to be the best of the best. My personal must-watch Doctor Who stories to prepare yourselves.
When I say run, run. Here we go!
The Dead Planet
Is this a normie pick? Yes. Do I care? No.
Though it wasn’t the first story of Doctor Who, ‘The Dead Planet’ was the true beginning of this sixty year epic. Not only did it introduce the titular Time Lord’s most iconic enemy, the Daleks, it also defined what the series would be for the next six decades. Terrifying adventure, making peace, and lots of running.
It holds up surprisingly well, all things considered. The Daleks are legitimately scary, and their merciless cruelty is horrifying. Sure, it has its dull moments – that climb through the caves, for instance – but it’s still a good bit of classic sci-fi horror.
Much like our next story.
Tomb of the Cybermen
If you’re looking for a good 2nd Doctor story, I could think of few better than this one.
‘Tomb of the Cybermen’ is a perfectly balanced story. Horror and comedy. Emotion and action. It’s a delight from start to end.
This one also has one of my favorite Doctor speeches in the entire series. In a moment of quiet calm, our beloved time traveler takes time to comfort one of his companions, who is still grieving her lost father. Anyone who says Classic Who lacked emotion clearly hasn’t seen this episode.
Besides that, this one has some of my favorite Doctor and Jaime moments. Seriously, those two are one of the best duos in the show’s entire history.
Even more so in…
The Enemy of the World
Need a break from horror? Here, have some politics and comedy!
The premise of this one is simple. The Doctor and his friends arrive on a world ruled by a ruthless dictator. One who looks exactly like the Doctor! Hijinks and revolution ensue!
Patrick Troughton is an absolute delight here. One moment he’s playing our favorite goofy time traveler. The next, he’s a cartoonishly sinister dictator. It’s a ton of fun to watch. The story itself is alright, but his performance elevates the material to another level.
Simple and fun. A great example of the 2nd Doctor’s era at its best.
Doctor Who and the Silurians
After 2020, this episode is more relevant than ever.
This is one of my favorite cases of the Doctor at his best. Humanity and the Silurians are ready to go to war, and the Doctor is all that stands between them and conflict. No matter how bad things get, he’s always trying to make peace. It’s fantastic stuff!
Creepy, too. When the Silurians unleash their virus on humanity, we get some grotesque and disturbing imagery. Like I said earlier: after 2020, this episode is more powerful than even when it aired.
Would that we had Jon Pertwee to save us now like then…
We also get the Brigadier in this episode. Which is always a win.
The Three Doctors
How can you appreciate the 60th without having enjoyed the 10th?
‘The Three Doctors’ is a wonderful celebration of Doctor Who in its early years. All three actors to have played the Doctor at the time return for a part. William Hartnell, Patrick Troughton, and Jon Pertwee all together at once? Must be Christmas!
Multi-Doctor stories are plain fun. This one is no exception. The bickering between the 2nd and 3rd is a delight, even more so when the 1st puts them both in their place. And Joe’s desperate attempts to understand the situation is super cute.
Less fun is…
Genesis of the Daleks
Delightful times are over! Back to horror!
Genesis of the Daleks is the titular monster at their best. Remorseless, evil, and cunning, their origins are just as intriguing and frightening as their first appearance. Even if the Dalek props themselves don’t look especially impressive.
In this story, we’re also introduced to the Doctor’s arch nemesis: Davros. This is him at his absolute strongest. A maniac, a man only a few steps away from becoming a Dalek himself. His confrontation with the 4th Doctor is one of the greatest showdowns in the series history!
It also treats us to one of the most iconic moral debates in Doctor Who’s entire run. The Doctor is presented with the chance to annihilate the Daleks once and for all. But in doing so, is he any better than them? Could there, perhaps, be some good to come from their existence? It’s brilliant stuff!
Even if the Doctor himself has since changed his mind on the matter.
The Face of Evil
Earlier, I talked about how Jaime was one of the show’s best companions. Now I get to talk about another of the Classic’s best: Leela!
This episode mostly serves as her introduction. And what a first impression she makes! Fierce, violent, determined, simple yet open-minded, she is a consistent delight in every one of her scenes. Even more so when she shares one with Tom Baker; her and the 4th Doctor have fantastic chemistry!
Although I must feel bad for Louise Jameson. Poor woman had to wear that ridiculous, exposing costume…
Beyond that, the story itself is intriguing and compelling. A barren world, a mysterious evil figure, a conflict between scientists and savages, and amidst it all: the Doctor. It’s a great little mystery story.
City of Death
Hope you like Paris. Because a good half of this story’s first episode is just the Doctor and Romana walking around.
Once you get past that, this story is phenomenal! An elaborate heist revolving around the Mona Lisa! A powerful enemy appearing in multiple points in time! A hilarious one-off companion with hands rated E for everyone! Some of the 4th Doctor’s greatest comedic moments! It’s got it all!
Even if the ending is a bit anti-climactic. But it’s Classic Who. Most stories end that way.
Honorable Mentions
Obviously, these aren’t the only stories of these eras that are worth the viewing. Unfortunately, I don’t have time for every single one of them. So here are some honorable mentions, if you need more to watch!
- The Dalek Invasion of Earth
- The Web of Fear
- The War Games
- Spearhead from Space
- The Sea Devils
- Invasion of the Dinosaurs
- Planet of the Spiders
- Robot
- Terror of the Zygons
- Pyramids of Mars
- The Deadly Assassin
- Horror of Fang Rock
- The Invasion of time
- The Armageddon Factor
- The Keeper of Traken
- Logopolis
Think that was all a lot? Don’t. We’re only just getting started!
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