Doctor Who: Every Doctor Ranked From Worst To Best
12. The War Doctor (John Hurt)
The appearance of the War Doctor - a secret incarnation of the Doctor between the Eighth and Ninth versions - shocked viewers back in 2013. The fact that veteran actor John Hurt was stepping into the role was incredible, as the man carried years of gravitas with him.
The Day of the Doctor explained that the War Doctor was the one to end the Time War, though he didn't act alone. Seeing Hurt alongside David Tennant and Matt Smith was a marvel to behold, and - to put it kindly - he acts them both off the screen, and this is said with deep, deep affection for both other actors. Hurt simply is that good.
His acceptance of the guilt he'll have to carry by the episode's end, along with the simple little joke about his regeneration into Eccleston's Ninth Doctor, rank among some of the very finest moments of acting in Doctor Who's long history.
While Hurt has since passed away, he will forever be remembered as the kindest man to ever break the promise.