Doctor Who: EVERY Series Opener Ranked Worst To Best
1. The Eleventh Hour
The story that launched Series 5 and the Eleventh Doctor is almost universally regarded as the perfect opener – and rightly so.
It’s once again very different to what came before and this helps it stand out, with new companion Amy hailing from a quaint country village (rather than the previous default of London) and Murray Gold going for more of a magical vibe with his score.
The device of introducing Amy to the Doctor as a child is a perfect way to endear him to us, and Matt Smith hits the ground running more than any other incarnation. In those first ten minutes alone, he’s instantly the Doctor – funny, quirky, and yet totally in command.
Elsewhere there are eye-catching new monsters, teasers for both the climax of the series and the climax of the era, and plenty of "punch the air" moments (none more thrilling than the Doctor’s rooftop showdown with the Atraxi). And that TARDIS reveal! Absolutely spellbinding.
The Eleventh Hour comfortably trumps the four openers that preceded it, and it hasn’t been bettered since. 11/10!