I haven't seen the first 8 Doctors, but I have seen 9, 10, and 11.
I would have to say:
3. 11 (Matt Smith) I have only seen season 5 and 6, but he just seems too childish to me. Yes, he does have some serious points, but he doesn't seem to fit the roll of the Doctor. (To me.)
2. 9 (Christopher Eccleston) I personally thought that Eccleston tried too hard to be light hearted and enjoyable, but I couldn't see it in his eyes. He nature seems to be serious, and not funny and goofy like I imagine the Doctor should be.
1. 10 (David Tennant) Who doesn't like Tennant? When I first watched Doctor Who, I thought of him as insane. (Mainly because he played Barty Crouch Jr...) Then he just kinda grew on me. He's funny, semi-insane, serious when he needs to be, and he can portray emotions with his eyes. Just one look and you can see every single emotion, even if he says nothing. Don't forgot the fact the Tennant is incredibly sexy.
This is just what I think. I mean, all three are great in their own way. They are special to me in their own way. 9 introduced me to the wonderful world of Doctor Who, 10 is the Doctor I fell in love with, and 11 is the type of guy who becomes your best friend.
Drew - 11 years ago
10th Doctor (David Tennant) I love the way he played the docter.
Kylie - 11 years ago
David Tennant has to be my favorite! He was amazing as the Doctor and I was devastated to see him go. I do like Matt Smith though... I'm okay with him, and Eccleston was my first Doctor so I really can't hate him.
Joel - 11 years ago
DR WHO
1.William Hartnell=not bad
2.Patrick Troughton=old and weird
3.Jon Pertwee=gramps
4.Tom Baker=descent
5.Peter Davison=clueless & dull
6.Colin Baker=flamboyant & whinny
7.Sylvester McCoy=harmless & boring
8.Paul Mcgann=awesome=============2nd best Dr Who
9. Christopher eccleston= ==============brilliant/dark/tough=The best Dr Who
10.David tennant=gay wimp
12.Matt Smith=silly & childish
kayla - 12 years ago
I, unfortunately, have only just recently been introduced to the show, and therefore only have seen most of what netflix has to offer. I have seen all of nine, ten, eleven, and a bit of four, and in order, my favorites are -
4 - Christopher Eccleston
Don't get me wrong, he was brilliant and often hilarious, but the way he constantly wallowed in self pity made him seem, well, flat out emo. He got angry at the slightest remarks, even if they're meant to be a joke.
3 - Tom Baker
Come on, who doesn't love Tom Baker?! Between his scarf, his funnieness...Sarah Jane....
Anyway, Baker played the role brilliantly. I will complain to netflix until the day I die if it means all of the original episodes will be up.
2 - Matt Smith
Eleven is just adorable. Completely hilarious and utterly freaking adorable. He is just amazingly quirkly and geniously jokes in the worst of situations. He is not my favourite, however. He just isn't as multi-layered as the doctor is supposed to be and is only funny and cute.
1 - David Tennant
My all time favorite is Mr.Sexy- I mean, David Tennant. He actually develops as he goes along- he began adorable, quirky, and quite silly, but in his last few episodes, he was angry and sad and tortured and generally, the greatest man to walk the earth after Van Gogh, The Beatles, and Freddie Mercury. I mean, anyone who is in Harry Potter AND Doctor Who is definately a friend of mine.
Igor - 12 years ago
David Tennant, by very far!!!!
His way of playing the role, his sarcasm, his storylines (Blink and Midnight which are the best Dr Who eps ever in my humble opinion, but also The Library, Voyage of the Damned, 42, Utopia, New Earth, etc.)
The only thing I really like about the latest Doctor is the whole River Song storyline and character, she's the best companion!
Nathan - 12 years ago
1- Fourth Doctor
2- Second Doctor
3- First Doctor
4- Third Doctor
5- Seventh Doctor
6- Fifth Doctor
7- Eleventh Doctor
8- Eighth Doctor
9- Ninth Doctor
10- Sixth Doctor
11- Tenth Doctor
Richard - 12 years ago
1. Sylvester McCoy - My favourite doctor, with (in his last 2 series) an excellent balance of comedy and seriousness, light and dark, authority and unimposingness.
2. Patrick Troughton - For very similar reasons - shame so much is missing, the soundtracks give a glimpse of how wonderful many of his shows that haven't survived must have been
3. Matt Smith - My favourite of the modern doctors, the perfect star for Moffat's version of the show
4. Christopher Eccleston - Darker, tougher, but develops greatly as his short time on the show went on. Also able to be funny without it being forced, which is a plus
5. David Tennant - Very enjoyable and fun, just too much over-the-top angry acting and strange faces as his tenure continued
6. Tom Baker - Often brilliant (funny, authoritative, likable) but conversely often failing to be funny while trying, and seeming irritable in an irritating way (more so in later series, though these have some great serials among them)
7. Colin Baker - Somewhat underrated, mainly as his character was initiated to seem somewhat unlikable, intending this to soften as time went on - as it happened, he did not get the time to do this before a hiatus. Nonetheless in these episodes he is still often very enjoyable. In the trial of a time lord series (which is rather mixed in quality) we see a greater range of his acting talents, and it is a shame he was not allowed to further develop on screen. The Big Finish Audios in which he stars show what great potential was still left in him.
8. Jon Pertwee - Positive points include some poignant moments with companions (eg. in The Green Death,) his general action-y-ness (i know that's not a word) and his authority. However I have always found him somewhat stuffy and annoying. Perhaps he is just not quite to my taste
9. Paul McGann - Such potential, emotionally, comically, authoritatively etc. - again BFAs show this - but let down by having only one tv appearance (which, similarly, had great potential but just didn't get it quite right)
10. Peter Davison - A few brilliant stories, several good, several bad. As for the doctor himself, he is likable enough, but lacks authority and humour (with a few exceptions) - the blandest doctor (apart from Peter Cushing, but let's not mention him)
11. William Hartnell - I feel bad that the original doctor is bottom of my list. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy his performance, but perhaps, as doctors following him have tended to take their lead from Patrick Troughton's portrayal more than Hartnell's, the original doctor seems less doctorish, and more of merely an old man. Nonetheless he is capable of some versatility and emotional acting when it is called for, and I do not believe that any of the doctors are bad. For me, Harnell is simply the least enjoyable of eleven very enjoyable portrayals.
Incidentally, as far as the the first doctor people watch being 'their doctor' and therefore there favourite is concerned, I believe the first doctor I saw was Hartnell in The Keys of Marinus. I have vague memories of seeing the 4th and 5th doctors as a child too - I remember the Wirrn and bubblewrapped hand in The Ark In Space from my childhood - but the first doctor who episode to grip me was, ironically, the last Classic episode, Survival, starring Sylvester McCoy. While it was Eccleston's series that made me a fan of the show, McCoy's performance is what sparked my interest, and I was later not to be disappointed when I watched every episode through and McCoy turned out to be my favourite.
Rich - 12 years ago
The first four doctors were fantastic and I think each one got progressively better. Tom Baker still for me the best and in my mind is Doctor Who. I also loved Jon Pertwee's Doctor and only wish more of the Patrick episode were not lost.
But after Tom it all went wrong for quiet a while, Peter Davison was miscast and wrong for the role, Colin Baker was a bit better and shame is outfit was so terrible. Sylvester McCoy! ..... what were they thinking? it's almost as if they hired him to drive down the ratings and kill off the show (worst Doctor by far).
Paul McGann had potential but hard to judge with one TV show and the audios. I'm just so glad it was not taken up in 1996 as I think Doctor Who made for a US audience would have killed it (US remakes of UK shows rarely work and vice versa).
As for the new series, Chris started well and would have liked him to stay on longer but David Tennant, although being a fantastic actor, never felt like the Doctor to me and I was glad when he moved on (but far more glad Russell T Davis was going - he made Who far to camp and over the top - big Dalek battles at the end of each season - yawn- shabby Xmas specials).
Then came Matt Smith. When I saw he had been cast I thought oh no! But as soon as he started it was oh yes, at long last we have the real Doctor back and Peter Moffat, the best producer since Philip Hinchcliffe.
Matt and Moffat is a superb Doctor Who combination and I think they can get even better.
So my ranking ....
1. Tom Baker
2. Matt Smith
3. Jon Pertwee
4. Patrick Troughton
5. William Hartnell
6. Christopher Eccleston
=7. Paul McGann
=7. David Tennant
9. Colin Baker
10. Peter Davison
11. Peter Cushing
12. Sylvestor McCoy (but I'm sure he'll be great in the Hobbit).
By the way who would you pick to play the Doctor should Matt decide to move on? For me it's Benedict Cumberbatch.
528495 - 12 years ago
I really loved Tennant as the Doctor due to his excellent portrayal of the role, but the level of humanity he had was a bit much for me; that's why he's my number 2. Matt Smith is definitely my favorite on account of how utterly alien he makes the role.
As for the older series, Tom Baker is my favorite followed closely by Peter Davison and Paul McGann tied.
All together, it would be 1-11, 2-4, 3-10, 4-5&8
Jeremy - 12 years ago
Paul McGann. Had Fox - or the BBC themselves - greenlit the series return of Who back in 1996, we'd probably all consider him to be the greatest of the Doctors, even surpassing the great Tom Baker.
If you watch his interview from that Vancouver set from 96 - in "Bidding Adieu", you can find that easily online - you'll discover he clearly created the characterization later used for the 9th Doctor then. He wanted to wear modern clothing [leather jacket], he wanted a buzz cut, and he wanted to explore the dark avenues of The Doctor's character. Gee, doesn't that sound familiar?
When the BBC announced they'd bring back the show for 2005, he said he was interested in reprising the role, but Eccleston was asked by Russell T. Davies instead to take over. He's stated numerous times since then he wishes to return but it hasn't happened yet. Even his TV Movie companions [Daphne Ashbrook and Yee Tso] both want to return [at the very least] for the 50th Anniversary but apparently NBC Universal has their characters [Dr. Grace Holloway & Chang-Lee] locked away in an intellectual property purgatory and the BBC is unwilling to pay the Pied Piper to free them. Of course, McGann has for several years participated in the Doctor Who audio adventures for those fans interested. He also attends numerous fan conventions and he's always a hit there [especially at the GallifreyOne Convention a few months back in Los Angeles].
And while it's so trendy to bash the 1996 TV Movie online due to its alleged failure, it should be noted it did modernize the franchise and more importantly, it showed the BBC what their own property could achieve if they actually spent decent money on production values. It took Phil Segal's dedication to get it made in the first place, especially considering the BBC viewed the franchise as dead [then] and they were generally uninterested in reviving it previously. And it should also be noted that a female companion [Grace Holloway] was finally shown to be strong and intelligent on her own [which hadn't been done since "Liz Shaw" in the early 1970s], so much so that her follow-up Rose Tyler in comparison was a major disappointment. Furthermore, it is easily argued that its quality level surpasses most of the later episodes written by Davies despite the mass success they received.
With that having been said, Matt Smith & Co. are awesome and may Steven Moffat continue in his role as showrunner for the conceivable future because he is beyond brilliant. Robert Holmes would be proud.
Chadder - 12 years ago
For the TV show - Tom Baker (4) all-time fave. David Tennant (10) a VERY close second. In truth, I like them all. Was always a little disappointed with 80's Peter Davison (5), Colin Baker(6), and Sylvester McCoy (7) shows, as it seemed they got a raw deal with the budget cuts, strikes, and then politicking going on and didn't get the chance they should have had. Have LOVED the Big Finish audio series where these Doctors and Paul McGann (8) have been able to reprise the roles with well over a hundred new full-cast stories with their original companions (LOVE the Nyssa, Tegan, & Turlough episodes with Peter [5]). I've completely reversed my opinion of Colin Baker due to the audio series. He's now my favorite Doctor for the audio series. Having the opportunity to get to know Paul McGann's Doctor has been awesome and almost allows me to forgive the 1996 movie.
Madison - 12 years ago
DAVID TENNANT!!!!!!! The way he became the character with all the sarcasm and knowledge!!! And the relationship between him and Rose!!!! David Tennant = Best Doctor EVER!! :))
Sunshine - 12 years ago
It's nice to know I'm not the only one who appreciates Christopher Eccleston's Doctor. I always felt like there was so much seething underneath - like he really was 100's of years old.
dmalti - 12 years ago
It has to be Jon Pertwee for me ,he's the one i grew up with,2nd for me is William Hartnall followed by Christopher Ecclestone,Sylvester McCoy then Tennant. Don't get me wrong i think Matt Smith is a Good Doctor but i just prefer the older Doctors.
curt bourque - 12 years ago
Older serie #4 Tom Baker was my fave until David Tennant, who shone thru the series. But Baker didn't have the FX budget and the modern writing. If he had he might be in the running with Tennant for #1 of all the Doctors!
#3 Jon Pertwee was the first Doctor for me as a viewer and is a close runner up for the prior century's best Dr Who's!
New series #1 Christopher Eccleston leaving after one season kills his chances to be top of the chart but he did a good job. Rose made that 1st new season for me, though (and the second).
#2 David Tennant and the writers made his Dr. Who stand out from the start and had 3 great companions whom he worked with to perfection.
#3 Matt is great but he seems a bit too much like Tennant, which does make me enjoy his portrayal. But he's not enough of a change to stand out for me. Emminently watchable, of course. Amy Pond is wonderful to watch but she is the 4th best regular companion of the new series both in timeline and in character/talent.
And companions help make a Doctor Who great! (Liz Sladen!)
Can't wait for the new shows!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dylan - 12 years ago
mine has to be david tennant. his portrayal of the doctor was perfect: he showed childish glee about the universe, yet still managed to appear tough and intimidating.
Cris - 12 years ago
David Tennant in Doctor Who is like Sean Connery in James Bond. Not a lot of people will get that.
Amy - 12 years ago
My favorite doctor is the Doctor. They all create a unique character in their own way.
Samantha - 12 years ago
Toms Baker will always be The Doctor for me. That hair! The scarf!
I think the scarf alone could get more votes then some of the Doctors, lol.
But David Tennant is a very close second.
The way he was so easily able to show a child like joy and sadness of his past in his eyes.
I've begun to come around to Matt Smith, he is definitely 3rd.
Isabella - 12 years ago
Matt Smith is my favorite. Everything about him is absolutely perfect.
Tawrens - 12 years ago
Tom Baker was my guy even if I did like 5 due to being 13 when he aired and teenage lust. I remained true to 4 umtil number 9 Eccleston. The handsomeness of number 5 with the angsty wounded hero of 4 to make the perfect Doctor. Eccleston was an amazing Doctor, shame he didn't continue due to back stage politics and was instead replaced by the annoyng Tennant. Of all the Doctors I considered the worst Colin Baker until Tennant. Tennant was the 1st time I liked the companion better then the Doctor. Smith is good but if I had a perference it would be Eccleston, T Baker, Davison, McGann, Smith, etc. until the bottom of the list would be Tennant. Eccleston was and still is the best choice for Doctor.
Barry - 12 years ago
Matt Smith. It's ironic that the youngest actor to play the part comes across as the oldest and, more importantly, ALIEN of all the Doctors. Fantastic.
Michael - 12 years ago
Classic Who - Tom Baker. New Who - Matt Smith. Tennant is by far my least favourite of all eleven.
Gus - 12 years ago
The 5th Doctor , the quintessential english man, played by Peter Davison.
Brenda - 12 years ago
I voted for Tom Baker only because I can't vote for more than one. He's tied for my favourite with David Tennant, but I pretty much love all of the Doctors from Three onwards. Haven't yet seen enough of One and Two to make a judgement on them.
callistawolf - 12 years ago
My favorite is EASILY Tennant. I enjoyed his portrayal the most, found it the most empathetic and the most fun to watch. But Eccleston is a very close second. He was my first Doctor and I think he gets discounted WAY too much these days. His Doctor was amazing and watching him transform throughout series 1 was amazing. My third favorite would probably have to be McGann. I know that's probably unpopular but I really wish we could have seen more of him. The little we did get to see was intriguing and I think it would have been fascinating to see him go to war. Fourth might have to be Tom Baker because he was iconic... IS iconic. He really made the series explode in popularity. Matt Smith would be fifth, I suppose. I haven't connected as well with his Doctor though he has grown on me the last two series.
magelet - 12 years ago
My favorite is all of them.
Mary Jane - 12 years ago
Conducting this now we know David or probably Matt will come out on top, I would vote for Paul McGann but I felt his Doctor wasn't explored enough in the movie, so I'll have to go with Christopher Eccleston whom I dearly adore, followed closely by a joint David Tennant and Tom Baker. Sorry Matt, your Doctor just doesn't work as well for me.
Heather - 12 years ago
I adore Matt with all my heart. The others are great, but he just takes The Doctor above and beyond. Not a caricature. A perfect combination of that childish joy and old, wise, sadness. He has blood on his hands and he never forgets that, but he doesn't let that get in the way of universal justice.
Emily - 12 years ago
I love every single one, why make me choose? They're all the same person but different. Sad times.
Danielle - 12 years ago
Christopher Eccleston's easily my favourite Doctor. Because without Nine and his whole story arc, we wouldn't have Ten who was made out of what Rose made Nine. Plus, the man was a jaguar and built with rage and fury. David Tennant is an easy close second, though.
MrsHudson - 12 years ago
Matt Smith. All my respect and love to the others, but he's my Doctor, the mad man with a blue box.
Tom Baker, definitely. He was the best Doctor, even though Tennant is a very close second and was my first Doctor.
Rachel - 12 years ago
I have to pick David Tennant, but honestly, I think that if we'd had just a tiny bit more time to explore Christopher Eccleston's Doctor, he would easily be my favorite.
Cilla - 12 years ago
Troughton (second Doctor) is my favourite. :)
He's a whimsical, silly, angry-when-necessary, ball of anxiety. Oh, and your leader will be angry if you kill him, because... he's "a genius!"
I haven't seen the first 8 Doctors, but I have seen 9, 10, and 11.
I would have to say:
3. 11 (Matt Smith) I have only seen season 5 and 6, but he just seems too childish to me. Yes, he does have some serious points, but he doesn't seem to fit the roll of the Doctor. (To me.)
2. 9 (Christopher Eccleston) I personally thought that Eccleston tried too hard to be light hearted and enjoyable, but I couldn't see it in his eyes. He nature seems to be serious, and not funny and goofy like I imagine the Doctor should be.
1. 10 (David Tennant) Who doesn't like Tennant? When I first watched Doctor Who, I thought of him as insane. (Mainly because he played Barty Crouch Jr...) Then he just kinda grew on me. He's funny, semi-insane, serious when he needs to be, and he can portray emotions with his eyes. Just one look and you can see every single emotion, even if he says nothing. Don't forgot the fact the Tennant is incredibly sexy.
This is just what I think. I mean, all three are great in their own way. They are special to me in their own way. 9 introduced me to the wonderful world of Doctor Who, 10 is the Doctor I fell in love with, and 11 is the type of guy who becomes your best friend.
10th Doctor (David Tennant) I love the way he played the docter.
David Tennant has to be my favorite! He was amazing as the Doctor and I was devastated to see him go. I do like Matt Smith though... I'm okay with him, and Eccleston was my first Doctor so I really can't hate him.
DR WHO
1.William Hartnell=not bad
2.Patrick Troughton=old and weird
3.Jon Pertwee=gramps
4.Tom Baker=descent
5.Peter Davison=clueless & dull
6.Colin Baker=flamboyant & whinny
7.Sylvester McCoy=harmless & boring
8.Paul Mcgann=awesome=============2nd best Dr Who
9. Christopher eccleston= ==============brilliant/dark/tough=The best Dr Who
10.David tennant=gay wimp
12.Matt Smith=silly & childish
I, unfortunately, have only just recently been introduced to the show, and therefore only have seen most of what netflix has to offer. I have seen all of nine, ten, eleven, and a bit of four, and in order, my favorites are -
4 - Christopher Eccleston
Don't get me wrong, he was brilliant and often hilarious, but the way he constantly wallowed in self pity made him seem, well, flat out emo. He got angry at the slightest remarks, even if they're meant to be a joke.
3 - Tom Baker
Come on, who doesn't love Tom Baker?! Between his scarf, his funnieness...Sarah Jane....
Anyway, Baker played the role brilliantly. I will complain to netflix until the day I die if it means all of the original episodes will be up.
2 - Matt Smith
Eleven is just adorable. Completely hilarious and utterly freaking adorable. He is just amazingly quirkly and geniously jokes in the worst of situations. He is not my favourite, however. He just isn't as multi-layered as the doctor is supposed to be and is only funny and cute.
1 - David Tennant
My all time favorite is Mr.Sexy- I mean, David Tennant. He actually develops as he goes along- he began adorable, quirky, and quite silly, but in his last few episodes, he was angry and sad and tortured and generally, the greatest man to walk the earth after Van Gogh, The Beatles, and Freddie Mercury. I mean, anyone who is in Harry Potter AND Doctor Who is definately a friend of mine.
David Tennant, by very far!!!!
His way of playing the role, his sarcasm, his storylines (Blink and Midnight which are the best Dr Who eps ever in my humble opinion, but also The Library, Voyage of the Damned, 42, Utopia, New Earth, etc.)
The only thing I really like about the latest Doctor is the whole River Song storyline and character, she's the best companion!
1- Fourth Doctor
2- Second Doctor
3- First Doctor
4- Third Doctor
5- Seventh Doctor
6- Fifth Doctor
7- Eleventh Doctor
8- Eighth Doctor
9- Ninth Doctor
10- Sixth Doctor
11- Tenth Doctor
1. Sylvester McCoy - My favourite doctor, with (in his last 2 series) an excellent balance of comedy and seriousness, light and dark, authority and unimposingness.
2. Patrick Troughton - For very similar reasons - shame so much is missing, the soundtracks give a glimpse of how wonderful many of his shows that haven't survived must have been
3. Matt Smith - My favourite of the modern doctors, the perfect star for Moffat's version of the show
4. Christopher Eccleston - Darker, tougher, but develops greatly as his short time on the show went on. Also able to be funny without it being forced, which is a plus
5. David Tennant - Very enjoyable and fun, just too much over-the-top angry acting and strange faces as his tenure continued
6. Tom Baker - Often brilliant (funny, authoritative, likable) but conversely often failing to be funny while trying, and seeming irritable in an irritating way (more so in later series, though these have some great serials among them)
7. Colin Baker - Somewhat underrated, mainly as his character was initiated to seem somewhat unlikable, intending this to soften as time went on - as it happened, he did not get the time to do this before a hiatus. Nonetheless in these episodes he is still often very enjoyable. In the trial of a time lord series (which is rather mixed in quality) we see a greater range of his acting talents, and it is a shame he was not allowed to further develop on screen. The Big Finish Audios in which he stars show what great potential was still left in him.
8. Jon Pertwee - Positive points include some poignant moments with companions (eg. in The Green Death,) his general action-y-ness (i know that's not a word) and his authority. However I have always found him somewhat stuffy and annoying. Perhaps he is just not quite to my taste
9. Paul McGann - Such potential, emotionally, comically, authoritatively etc. - again BFAs show this - but let down by having only one tv appearance (which, similarly, had great potential but just didn't get it quite right)
10. Peter Davison - A few brilliant stories, several good, several bad. As for the doctor himself, he is likable enough, but lacks authority and humour (with a few exceptions) - the blandest doctor (apart from Peter Cushing, but let's not mention him)
11. William Hartnell - I feel bad that the original doctor is bottom of my list. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy his performance, but perhaps, as doctors following him have tended to take their lead from Patrick Troughton's portrayal more than Hartnell's, the original doctor seems less doctorish, and more of merely an old man. Nonetheless he is capable of some versatility and emotional acting when it is called for, and I do not believe that any of the doctors are bad. For me, Harnell is simply the least enjoyable of eleven very enjoyable portrayals.
Incidentally, as far as the the first doctor people watch being 'their doctor' and therefore there favourite is concerned, I believe the first doctor I saw was Hartnell in The Keys of Marinus. I have vague memories of seeing the 4th and 5th doctors as a child too - I remember the Wirrn and bubblewrapped hand in The Ark In Space from my childhood - but the first doctor who episode to grip me was, ironically, the last Classic episode, Survival, starring Sylvester McCoy. While it was Eccleston's series that made me a fan of the show, McCoy's performance is what sparked my interest, and I was later not to be disappointed when I watched every episode through and McCoy turned out to be my favourite.
The first four doctors were fantastic and I think each one got progressively better. Tom Baker still for me the best and in my mind is Doctor Who. I also loved Jon Pertwee's Doctor and only wish more of the Patrick episode were not lost.
But after Tom it all went wrong for quiet a while, Peter Davison was miscast and wrong for the role, Colin Baker was a bit better and shame is outfit was so terrible. Sylvester McCoy! ..... what were they thinking? it's almost as if they hired him to drive down the ratings and kill off the show (worst Doctor by far).
Paul McGann had potential but hard to judge with one TV show and the audios. I'm just so glad it was not taken up in 1996 as I think Doctor Who made for a US audience would have killed it (US remakes of UK shows rarely work and vice versa).
As for the new series, Chris started well and would have liked him to stay on longer but David Tennant, although being a fantastic actor, never felt like the Doctor to me and I was glad when he moved on (but far more glad Russell T Davis was going - he made Who far to camp and over the top - big Dalek battles at the end of each season - yawn- shabby Xmas specials).
Then came Matt Smith. When I saw he had been cast I thought oh no! But as soon as he started it was oh yes, at long last we have the real Doctor back and Peter Moffat, the best producer since Philip Hinchcliffe.
Matt and Moffat is a superb Doctor Who combination and I think they can get even better.
So my ranking ....
1. Tom Baker
2. Matt Smith
3. Jon Pertwee
4. Patrick Troughton
5. William Hartnell
6. Christopher Eccleston
=7. Paul McGann
=7. David Tennant
9. Colin Baker
10. Peter Davison
11. Peter Cushing
12. Sylvestor McCoy (but I'm sure he'll be great in the Hobbit).
By the way who would you pick to play the Doctor should Matt decide to move on? For me it's Benedict Cumberbatch.
I really loved Tennant as the Doctor due to his excellent portrayal of the role, but the level of humanity he had was a bit much for me; that's why he's my number 2. Matt Smith is definitely my favorite on account of how utterly alien he makes the role.
As for the older series, Tom Baker is my favorite followed closely by Peter Davison and Paul McGann tied.
All together, it would be 1-11, 2-4, 3-10, 4-5&8
Paul McGann. Had Fox - or the BBC themselves - greenlit the series return of Who back in 1996, we'd probably all consider him to be the greatest of the Doctors, even surpassing the great Tom Baker.
If you watch his interview from that Vancouver set from 96 - in "Bidding Adieu", you can find that easily online - you'll discover he clearly created the characterization later used for the 9th Doctor then. He wanted to wear modern clothing [leather jacket], he wanted a buzz cut, and he wanted to explore the dark avenues of The Doctor's character. Gee, doesn't that sound familiar?
When the BBC announced they'd bring back the show for 2005, he said he was interested in reprising the role, but Eccleston was asked by Russell T. Davies instead to take over. He's stated numerous times since then he wishes to return but it hasn't happened yet. Even his TV Movie companions [Daphne Ashbrook and Yee Tso] both want to return [at the very least] for the 50th Anniversary but apparently NBC Universal has their characters [Dr. Grace Holloway & Chang-Lee] locked away in an intellectual property purgatory and the BBC is unwilling to pay the Pied Piper to free them. Of course, McGann has for several years participated in the Doctor Who audio adventures for those fans interested. He also attends numerous fan conventions and he's always a hit there [especially at the GallifreyOne Convention a few months back in Los Angeles].
And while it's so trendy to bash the 1996 TV Movie online due to its alleged failure, it should be noted it did modernize the franchise and more importantly, it showed the BBC what their own property could achieve if they actually spent decent money on production values. It took Phil Segal's dedication to get it made in the first place, especially considering the BBC viewed the franchise as dead [then] and they were generally uninterested in reviving it previously. And it should also be noted that a female companion [Grace Holloway] was finally shown to be strong and intelligent on her own [which hadn't been done since "Liz Shaw" in the early 1970s], so much so that her follow-up Rose Tyler in comparison was a major disappointment. Furthermore, it is easily argued that its quality level surpasses most of the later episodes written by Davies despite the mass success they received.
With that having been said, Matt Smith & Co. are awesome and may Steven Moffat continue in his role as showrunner for the conceivable future because he is beyond brilliant. Robert Holmes would be proud.
For the TV show - Tom Baker (4) all-time fave. David Tennant (10) a VERY close second. In truth, I like them all. Was always a little disappointed with 80's Peter Davison (5), Colin Baker(6), and Sylvester McCoy (7) shows, as it seemed they got a raw deal with the budget cuts, strikes, and then politicking going on and didn't get the chance they should have had. Have LOVED the Big Finish audio series where these Doctors and Paul McGann (8) have been able to reprise the roles with well over a hundred new full-cast stories with their original companions (LOVE the Nyssa, Tegan, & Turlough episodes with Peter [5]). I've completely reversed my opinion of Colin Baker due to the audio series. He's now my favorite Doctor for the audio series. Having the opportunity to get to know Paul McGann's Doctor has been awesome and almost allows me to forgive the 1996 movie.
DAVID TENNANT!!!!!!! The way he became the character with all the sarcasm and knowledge!!! And the relationship between him and Rose!!!! David Tennant = Best Doctor EVER!! :))
It's nice to know I'm not the only one who appreciates Christopher Eccleston's Doctor. I always felt like there was so much seething underneath - like he really was 100's of years old.
It has to be Jon Pertwee for me ,he's the one i grew up with,2nd for me is William Hartnall followed by Christopher Ecclestone,Sylvester McCoy then Tennant. Don't get me wrong i think Matt Smith is a Good Doctor but i just prefer the older Doctors.
Older serie #4 Tom Baker was my fave until David Tennant, who shone thru the series. But Baker didn't have the FX budget and the modern writing. If he had he might be in the running with Tennant for #1 of all the Doctors!
#3 Jon Pertwee was the first Doctor for me as a viewer and is a close runner up for the prior century's best Dr Who's!
New series #1 Christopher Eccleston leaving after one season kills his chances to be top of the chart but he did a good job. Rose made that 1st new season for me, though (and the second).
#2 David Tennant and the writers made his Dr. Who stand out from the start and had 3 great companions whom he worked with to perfection.
#3 Matt is great but he seems a bit too much like Tennant, which does make me enjoy his portrayal. But he's not enough of a change to stand out for me. Emminently watchable, of course. Amy Pond is wonderful to watch but she is the 4th best regular companion of the new series both in timeline and in character/talent.
And companions help make a Doctor Who great! (Liz Sladen!)
Can't wait for the new shows!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
mine has to be david tennant. his portrayal of the doctor was perfect: he showed childish glee about the universe, yet still managed to appear tough and intimidating.
David Tennant in Doctor Who is like Sean Connery in James Bond. Not a lot of people will get that.
My favorite doctor is the Doctor. They all create a unique character in their own way.
Toms Baker will always be The Doctor for me. That hair! The scarf!
I think the scarf alone could get more votes then some of the Doctors, lol.
But David Tennant is a very close second.
The way he was so easily able to show a child like joy and sadness of his past in his eyes.
I've begun to come around to Matt Smith, he is definitely 3rd.
Matt Smith is my favorite. Everything about him is absolutely perfect.
Tom Baker was my guy even if I did like 5 due to being 13 when he aired and teenage lust. I remained true to 4 umtil number 9 Eccleston. The handsomeness of number 5 with the angsty wounded hero of 4 to make the perfect Doctor. Eccleston was an amazing Doctor, shame he didn't continue due to back stage politics and was instead replaced by the annoyng Tennant. Of all the Doctors I considered the worst Colin Baker until Tennant. Tennant was the 1st time I liked the companion better then the Doctor. Smith is good but if I had a perference it would be Eccleston, T Baker, Davison, McGann, Smith, etc. until the bottom of the list would be Tennant. Eccleston was and still is the best choice for Doctor.
Matt Smith. It's ironic that the youngest actor to play the part comes across as the oldest and, more importantly, ALIEN of all the Doctors. Fantastic.
Classic Who - Tom Baker. New Who - Matt Smith. Tennant is by far my least favourite of all eleven.
The 5th Doctor , the quintessential english man, played by Peter Davison.
I voted for Tom Baker only because I can't vote for more than one. He's tied for my favourite with David Tennant, but I pretty much love all of the Doctors from Three onwards. Haven't yet seen enough of One and Two to make a judgement on them.
My favorite is EASILY Tennant. I enjoyed his portrayal the most, found it the most empathetic and the most fun to watch. But Eccleston is a very close second. He was my first Doctor and I think he gets discounted WAY too much these days. His Doctor was amazing and watching him transform throughout series 1 was amazing. My third favorite would probably have to be McGann. I know that's probably unpopular but I really wish we could have seen more of him. The little we did get to see was intriguing and I think it would have been fascinating to see him go to war. Fourth might have to be Tom Baker because he was iconic... IS iconic. He really made the series explode in popularity. Matt Smith would be fifth, I suppose. I haven't connected as well with his Doctor though he has grown on me the last two series.
My favorite is all of them.
Conducting this now we know David or probably Matt will come out on top, I would vote for Paul McGann but I felt his Doctor wasn't explored enough in the movie, so I'll have to go with Christopher Eccleston whom I dearly adore, followed closely by a joint David Tennant and Tom Baker. Sorry Matt, your Doctor just doesn't work as well for me.
I adore Matt with all my heart. The others are great, but he just takes The Doctor above and beyond. Not a caricature. A perfect combination of that childish joy and old, wise, sadness. He has blood on his hands and he never forgets that, but he doesn't let that get in the way of universal justice.
I love every single one, why make me choose? They're all the same person but different. Sad times.
Christopher Eccleston's easily my favourite Doctor. Because without Nine and his whole story arc, we wouldn't have Ten who was made out of what Rose made Nine. Plus, the man was a jaguar and built with rage and fury. David Tennant is an easy close second, though.
Matt Smith. All my respect and love to the others, but he's my Doctor, the mad man with a blue box.
Tom Baker, definitely. He was the best Doctor, even though Tennant is a very close second and was my first Doctor.
I have to pick David Tennant, but honestly, I think that if we'd had just a tiny bit more time to explore Christopher Eccleston's Doctor, he would easily be my favorite.
Troughton (second Doctor) is my favourite. :)
He's a whimsical, silly, angry-when-necessary, ball of anxiety. Oh, and your leader will be angry if you kill him, because... he's "a genius!"