Doctor Who: Every Doctor Ranked From Worst To Best

12. The War Doctor (John Hurt)

Doctor Who the War Doctor John Hurt
BBC Studios

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.

 
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Seán is the host and head writer/presenter for TrekCulture, as well as a writer/presenter on WhoCulture and WhatCulture Horror. He has authored two novels, dozens of short stories, and hundreds of articles for WhatCulture. He holds a Master of Arts in Creative Writing from University College Dublin. As part of his work with TrekCulture, Seán has been invited to participate in collaborations with Roddenberry Entertainment, as well as contributing to several Star Trek community projects. An avid fan of Star Trek, Doctor Who, and the horror genre at large, Seán's expertise has helped develop these channels to the successes they are today. As host of the Ups & Downs series on TrekCulture, Seán has become internationally recognised for his positive yet critically informed approach to reviewing every episode of modern Star Trek, ensuring he is one of the go-to voices in the Trek community. Favourite Quote to describe himself: "I'm serious about what I do, just not always about the way that I do it"