Doctor Who: Every Regeneration Ranked From Worst To Best
3. The Ninth Doctor (The Parting Of The Ways)
Nine years after the TV movie, Doctor Who burst back onto TV screens with a new series from writer Russell T Davies.
Leading the charge as the ninth iteration of Gallifrey's favourite son was Christopher Eccleston, who expertly straddled the line between a dark version of the character and the cheeky chappy fans knew and loved.
Eccleston stuck around for just one series of the show, but he made sure to go out in spectacular fashion. He saved Rose Tyler from the power of the time vortex, absorbing the energy that powers the TARDIS at the cost of his own life.
After a heartfelt speech to Rose - capped with a typically brazen last line - the Ninth Doctor erupts into a burst of yellow-orange energy, and the tough Northern exterior of Eccleston makes way for the smooth Scottish good looks of David Tennant.
The convention of the Doctor emitting light from their face and hands while regenerating has appeared in every single regeneration since Eccleston's.
This moment helped establish a new convention for the show which, combined with the emotional farewell that preceded it, is why it is so high up this list.