Doctor Who: 24 Doctors Ranked From Worst To Best

1. Tom Baker

You probably aren't surprised to see Tom at the top. He tops most commentators lists and remains the most iconic of the Doctors. Rarely has there been such a fit of actor to role as here. Firstly, with his mad eyes, endless smile and unruly hair, Baker truly looks as if he hails from another planet. His voice, like golden chocolate, demands respect and attention. He's also an actor who realises this is the part of a lifetime. In his first few seasons he throws himself completely into the part, his performance brave and playful and insistent. It helps, of course, that he has the best creative team of the classic era in Philip Hinchcliffe and Bob Holmes. Nearly every tale is a bonafide classic from Ark in Space to Genesis of the Daleks, Talons of Weng-Chiang, Robots of Death and The Seeds of Doom. Baker is also blessed by having Elizabeth Sladen with him, the pair forming the best ever Doctor/companion partnership. As time went on and weaker producers took charge, Tom's performance became more indulgent and broad yet by then he was so established in the public's minds that few even cared. Tom Baker was Doctor Who. Even his more madcap years gave us such gems as City of Death. In his last of seven years, new producer John Nathan-Turner tried to tone him down, getting a sombre, funereal performance from his star. When he finally hung up his scarf, it seemed impossible to imagine anyone else replacing him and in many ways this was true with none of the three following classic Doctors repeating any of his success. It's telling that it was Tom that Moffat brought back for a cameo in the 50th special. Tom's still the Doctor to beat. What did you think of this list? Do you agree with the countdown? Join the conversation in the comments section below.