10 Iconic Alien Planets In Classic Doctor Who

7. Vortis

Doctor Who Mindwarp TARDIS
BBC Studios

Vortis, most commonly referred to as 'The Web Planet', originated in a 1965 serial where the First Doctor and his companions arrived in the middle of a feud between the planet's original occupants the Menoptera - a race of butterfly-like people - and the Animus, with their ant-like Zarbi.

Both species were fighting for survival on the desolate plains of the planet, desperate for a cave, vegetation, or a crater they could call home.

This instantly recognisable planet comes from some of the Doctor's earliest adventures travelling in time and space, and even in black and white, its strange foliage, craggy outcrops and deadly acid pools stand out. It also makes Vortis entirely uninhabitable by humans.

With its grey atmosphere, low oxygen, and quaint residents, this ingenious example of an alien planet is iconic, quirky, and as beautiful as it is deadly. It would feel at home in NuWho, with the Doctor and her friends exploring its curious and updated landscapes.

Intergalactic Travel Advice: mosquito nets may be required.

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Eden Luke McIntyre is a Scottish writer, editor and script consultant, with an MA in TV Fiction Writing. He writes content for TV, radio, stage, and online, and was appointed as a BBC Writers Room Scottish Voice in early 2020. Eden can usually be found rambling about Doctor Who, The Beatles, and obscure things that no one cares about.