A Survey of Doctor Who’s Best Villains Through the Years

Doctor Who has a rich history of memorable and terrifying villains. From Daleks to Cybermen and beyond, these antagonists have made a significant impact on the show's storylines and staying power. This article delves into the best villains from each series, exploring their significance and the impact they've had on the fandom.

Modern Series Villains: A Modern Take on Iconic Threats

Starting with the modern era of Doctor Who broadcasted by BBC, several external threats have been introduced to punctuate the series. These villains include:

Series 1: The Daleks (2005)

The return of the Daleks after 17 years marked a significant reboot for the show. The iconic Daleks, definitively reintroduced in modern Doctor Who, retained their menacing presence and allowed audiences to understand their long-forgotten power.

Series 2: The Cybermen (2006)

The Cybermen followed a similar reintroduction pattern, providing a modern twist to these classic foes. These cold, technological automatons have become a staple of the series, embodying the dangers of unchecked technological advancement.

Series 3: The Master (2008)

The Master returned to the show in an overwhelming manner, marking the first introduction since the controversial TV Movie. His cunning and manipulation made him one of the most formidable villains in the series.

Series 4: Davros (2010)

Davros's return introduced a new level of horror, representing the consequences of human hubris and technological power. His reign as the creator of the Daleks and his tyranny on the mining planet//(i)Skaro// added depth and complexity to the narrative.

Specials: Unique Threats in Various Formats

The specials, such as those involving the Flood, the Silence, and the Sea Devils, have introduced unique but equally terrifying villains. These include:

4.5 Tennant's Year of Specials: The Flood (2008)

The Flood, a nightmarish alien invasion, revealed the frightening potential of the unknown and the primal nature of fear.

Series 5: The Silurians (2010)

The Silurians, a prehistoric race, provided a fascinating twist, blending elements of prehistoric lore with modern storytelling, adding layers to the show's mythology.

Series 6: The Silence (2011)

The Silence, a collection of whispers, added a chilling, psychological element to the series, making them terrifying in their subtlety.

2022 Specials: The Sea Devils (2022)

The Sea Devils, with their aquatic and elusive nature, offered a fresh and visually impressive addition to the long list of Doctor Who's most feared opponents.

Ancient Series Villains: Classic Perpetrators

Before the modern era, Doctor Who featured a variety of classic villains that had their time in the spotlight. Here are some of the standout villains from the older series:

Season 1: The Daleks (1963)

The Daleks were the definitive early antagonists, introducing the show's signature fear and creating a lasting impact on the series.

Season 2: The Meddling Monk (1965)

The Meddling Monk, a Time Lord other than the Doctor, provided a humorous yet impactful threat, marking the show's transition to a more diverse cast of enemies.

Season 3: WOTAN (1964)

WOTAN, an advanced computer, represented a new kind of enemy—one that threatened not just life but logic and reason itself. This addition was a significant step in expanding the show's science fiction elements.

Season 4: The Cybermen (1967)

The first appearance of the Cybermen, in The Tenth Planet, lays the groundwork for a series of future adventures, showcasing the show's ability to adapt and evolve classic villains.

Season 5: Salamander (1967)

Salamander, introduced in The Enemy of the World, offered a different kind of villain, a Bond-style adversary who threatened the Doctor and his companions.

Season 6: The Autons (1968)

The Autons, toy-like robots, provided a unique and frightening threat, being the alien race that led to the creation of the iconic K-9 companion.

Season 8: The Original Master (1967)

The First Master, as played by Roger Delgado, was a formidable and iconic villain, setting the standard for future incarnations of the character.

Season 9: Kronos the Chronovore (1979)

Kronos, the first true time traveler adversary, introduced a new element to the series, setting the stage for future temporal villains.

Season 10: Omega (1983)

Omega, as the creator of the Time Lords, is a pivotal villain in the overall mythology of the series, adding depth and lore to the Doctor's enemies.

Other Notable Villains

Other important villains from earlier series include the Eight Legs from Planet of the Spiders, the Field Major Styre from The Sontaran Experiment, and Sutekh from Pyramids of Mars.

These villains, both iconic and lesser-known, have played critical roles in shaping the ongoing narrative and audience engagement with Doctor Who. Whether a technologically advanced race, a time-travelling adversary, or a prehistoric threat, each of these villains has contributed to the series' enduring legacy.