These episodes of Doctor Who include some of the series’ most rewatchable adventures that we’d happily watch over and over again. As the longest-running science-fiction series in history, Doctor Who has contributed to some of British pop culture’s most notable, memorable, and quotable moments. The series kicked off in 1963 and, aside from a 16-year hiatus throughout the 1990s, has remained prevalent on British TV ever since. Doctor Who saw a successful revival in 2005, and, since then, some of the series’ most rewatchable episodes have hit our screens.
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In the 20 years since Doctor Who returned to the BBC in 2005, there have been 15 seasons and nine different incarnations of the titular time-traveling Time Lord. A lot of episodes only work if watched as part of the whole season, or are slightly underwhelming on their own, but there are many episodes that sci-fi fans love to rewatch by themselves time and again. These episodes include some of Doctor Who’s most feel-good, nostalgic, dramatic, hilarious, terrifying, intense, and cathartic moments, making them some of the series’ best.
10) “School Reunion” (Season 2, Episode 3)
David Tennant’s first season saw the Tenth Doctor continue to travel with Rose Tyler (Billie Piper) after regenerating, but he also reunited with a classic companion who witnessed his regeneration in 1974. Sarah Jane Smith (the late Elisabeth Sladen) traveled with the Third and Fourth Doctors between 1973 and 1976, and captured the hearts of viewers, so it was incredible to see her return after 30 years later in season 2’s “School Reunion.” The episode’s dose of nostalgia, chemistry between Tennant, Sladen, and Piper, emotional depth, and intriguing villain plot make it a great story to keep coming back to.
9) “Silence in the Library” & “Forest of the Dead” (Season 4, Episodes 8 & 9)
This incredible double-episode released in the middle of Doctor Who season 4 saw the Tenth Doctor and Donna Noble (Catherine Tate) travel to the Library and come face-to-face with the carnivorous Vashta Nerada. “Silence in the Library” marked the first appearance of River Song (Alex Kingston), later revealed to be the Doctor’s wife, in her final adventure chronologically. These episodes are dark, full of suspense, hugely emotional, and include clever twists, and the non-linear storytelling makes it even more surprising and entertaining. Written by Steven Moffat, these episodes foreshadowed great things to come for Doctor Who.
8) “The Eleventh Hour” (Season 5, Episode 1)
Steven Moffat’s first episode as Doctor Who’s showrunner and Matt Smith’s first full episode as the Eleventh Doctor, season 5’s “The Eleventh Hour,” could be considered one of the best premieres in the series. Smith had huge shoes to fill after Tennant’s departure, but he demonstrated his youthful, vibrant, and charismatic energy as the Doctor straight away in “The Eleventh Hour.” The episode balances brilliant character moments – fish-custard – with high-stakes action, while using comedy and heart to also mark strong debuts for new companions Amy Pond (Karen Gillan) and Rory Williams (Arthur Darvill).
7) “The Runaway Bride” (2006 Christmas Special)
Doctor Who’s Christmas specials have always been fun, but one stands out as the most entertaining and the best example of David Tennant’s run on the show. After the tragic end of the Doctor and Rose Tyler’s journey together, it was a great choice to partner Tennant with British comedy icon Catherine Tate. “The Runaway Bride” is packed full of comedy but also intense emotion as the Doctor is still grieving. This was a thrilling one-off story, but rewatching “The Runaway Bride” is even better now that we know what the future holds for the Doctor and Donna Noble.
6) “Fugitive of the Judoon” (Season 12, Episode 5)
Unfortunately, a lot of Jodie Whittaker’s era as the Thirteenth Doctor – the first female incarnation of the Time Lord – received criticism. Season 12’s “Fugitive of the Judoon,” however, received huge praise thanks to its incredible twist that Jo Martin’s Ruth Clayton was actually a previously-unseen historical incarnation of the Doctor. This established a wild new timeline for Doctor Who and altered the entire history of the series, and while this choice was controversial, Jo Martin’s performance as the Fugitive Doctor realizing her true identity is brilliant to watch over and over.
5) “Midnight” (Season 4, Episode 10)
Considered to be one of the best episodes of Doctor Who ever, season 4’s “Midnight” is the perfect example of why Doctor-lite episodes really work. Isolating the Doctor from Donna Noble was a fantastic choice for this intense, heated, and haunting adventure across the toxic diamond planet of Midnight. We loved the Doctor and Donna’s time together for their fun chemistry, but “Midnight” took season 4 in an entirely different direction, and put the Doctor’s life at risk when coming face-to-face with the unseen copycat creature. Tennant and Lesley Sharp’s performances are remarkable, making “Midnight” a thrilling episode to rewatch.
4) “The Day of the Doctor” (50th Anniversary Special)
Celebrating 50 years of Doctor Who back in 2013, “The Day of the Doctor” brought together the Tenth and Eleventh Doctors for the first time on-screen, and introduced us to a previously-unseen Doctor, John Hurt’s War Doctor who existed during the Time War. “The Day of the Doctor” depicts the final day of the Time War and allows the Doctor to amend his greatest mistake by actually saving Gallifrey. The episode also pays homage to the entire history of the series, delivering a healthy dose of nostalgia and a tribute to years passed with a higher production value. This was a true love letter to the fans, and it holds up even to this day.
3) “Blink” (Season 3, Episode 10)
It’s enough to send shivers down our spines even 18 years later. Doctor Who season 3’s “Blink” was yet another Doctor-lite episode, focusing on Sally Sparrow (Carey Mulligan), who finds herself battling the terrifying Weeping Angels in their first appearance. Weeping Angels can only move when they are not being observed, which makes them one of the show’s most haunting and nightmarish antagonists. “Blink” has been lauded as one of the best Doctor Who episodes ever, and it stands the test of time beautifully. Steven Moffat again thrills with a clever script, leaning into horror in the best way.
2) “Vincent and the Doctor” (Season 5, Episode 10)
Season 5’s “Vincent and the Doctor” is perhaps one of the most emotional episodes of Doctor Who ever, especially for fans of legendary Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh. Tony Curran’s performance as Vincent, especially during the final moments in which the present-day Dr. Black (Bill Nighy) expresses his admiration for the artist, is just beautiful, and Vincent’s chemistry with the Doctor and Amy Pond is great to watch. “Vincent and the Doctor” respectfully depicts Vincent’s mental health issues, and stressing the artist’s posthumous legacy is enough to bring a tear to our eye every time we rewatch.
1) “Partners in Crime” (Season 4, Episode 1)
A full season after the Doctor and Donna Noble fought the Racnoss under the Thames, the pair reunited in hilarious fashion when they were separately investigating Adipose Industries. Season 4’s premiere, “Partners in Crime,” delivers exceptional comedy and a natural but destined reunion between the Doctor and Donna, kick-starting a thrilling season of adventures for the pair. This episode is full of charm and brilliantly encapsulates what made Russell T. Davies’ first run as Doctor Who’s showrunner so perfect. A lot of fun with a lot of heart, “Partners in Crime” is just as entertaining on a rewatch as it was the first time around, and one of our favorite Doctor Who episodes ever.
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