Doctor Who: Every Regeneration Ranked From Worst To Best
9. The Eighth Doctor (The Night Of The Doctor)
Brought in to replace Sylvester McCoy for the Doctor Who TV movie in 1996, Paul McGann made just one appearance in the role before 2013, and has been credited by some as having killed off the franchise before it was brought back in 2005.
This isn't true of course, but people like having someone to blame.
McGann got his chance at redemption in the web-exclusive minisode The Night of the Doctor, which was also part of the show's half-century celebrations.
The episode begins with the Eighth Doctor trying to save a pilot from crashing, only to die in the crash himself. However, he is momentarily revived by the Sisterhood of Karn, who make a plea to him.
They beg him to drink their elixir, which will allow him to choose characteristics for his next form. They ask him to become a warrior in order to stop the Time War and bring peace to the universe. Eight begrudgingly accepts.
It's not big or flashy, but the Eighth Doctor's regeneration is one of the more unique ones in the series. It also gave McGann another shot at the character - as he deserved.