Every Doctor Who Title Sequence Ranked Worst To Best (2025)
For such a famous sequence, the Doctor Who titles sure have been through some changes over the years...but which is better?
From the TARDIS to the Daleks to the sonic screwdriver, Doctor Who has many iconic elements which are recognisable to even those who aren't diehard fans of the franchise.
Amongst those elements is the opening title sequence. Over the past 62 years, the title sequence has been through many changes and adaptations, both visually and audibly, whilst also remaining consistent enough to maintain its iconic status. Some changes have been minor, switching out one actor's face for another, while others have showcased major progression is special effects and elevated the show to a whole new level.
So let's take a look at each variation, plus a few additions from elsewhere in the Whoniverse, and determine which is the worst and which is the best.
Hold on to your fezzes, folks. It's gonna be a wibbly wobbly ride...
17. Honourable Mentions
Before we get into the main title sequences of the Whoniverse, let's take a look at some openings within the wider Doctor Who franchise that deserve some recognition.
Kicking things off with Totally Doctor Who. Kids in the UK, during the airing of Series 2 and 3, were treated to a fun behind-the-scenes/chat show on CBBC which explored each new episode of the show. Hosted by Barney Harwood, Liz Parker (Series 1) and Kirsten O'Brien (Series 2), this was peak Doctor Who childhood in the mid 2000s and the energetic, comic book style animation of the opening title sequence perfectly highlights that 00s hype and nostalgia for the show. This was the perfect intro for a more junior centric behind-the-scenes show full of bright colours and recognisable characters.
Sticking with behind-the-scenes shows, next we have Doctor Who Confidential. Airing on BBC3 after every episode of Doctor Who between 2005 and 2011, this show gave a great insight into the inner workings of the production. The opening titles were simple, yet effective. Opting for a blue variation of the time vortex filtered over various clips from the upcoming episode and a more upbeat, bouncy version of the Doctor Who theme tune. It seems fitting that a show focused on pulling back the curtain on the behind-the-scenes magic should have a more toned down and to-the-point opening sequence.
Finally, we have The Science of Doctor Who – an hour long science lesson hosted by Professor Brian Cox as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations. Focusing on the science behind theories of time travel, black holes and planets outside of our solar system, it is only fitting that the opening title sequence combines science fiction with real science, as the TARDIS flies through the time vortex whilst being seemingly chased by scientific equations. In over 60 years of Doctor Who, it's actually surprising that we haven't seen something like this in the main show itself.
Speaking of the main show, let's take a trip into the main Whoniverse...