Daleks - Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. (1966)

Policeman Tom Campbell stumbles upon the TARDIS after mistaking it for a real police telephone box and ends up being taken to the year 2150 A.D, by Dr. Who. They arrive in London only to see that it is completely deserted, with not a person in sight nor the sound of birds in the sky. Buildings are falling apart and the place is eerily quiet. However, the group soon discovers that the world is currently being controlled by the evil forces of the Daleks. Dr. Who is surprised to see the Daleks after their last confrontation where they were destroyed on their planet Skaro. Some of the people have survived the ongoing invasion by hiding, to prevent them from being turned into Robomen. Living dead men, forced to work for the Daleks in their occupation. Dr. Who teams up with the survivors to take down the Daleks and save the planet. This is my favourite of the two Doctor Who - Dalek movies. The first: Dr. Who and the Daleks (1965) is a terrific sci-fi movie where we see the planet of the Daleks: Skaro and the Dr. alongside his granddaughters and Ian help to defeat them to save the race of the Thals. In this sequel, the Daleks are back however, they are from a different point in time to the previous ones we saw and their destructive ways have now come to Earth. This is a great action-packed sci-fi adventure with some absolutely cool Dalek scenes with some extremely brutal kills too, making them the threatening and terrifying beings we have all come to know and love. I personally enjoy the darker tone of the feature and how truly gritty it is. It doesn't shy away from some horrific deaths and all-out warfare, which I appreciated for the fact it made the Daleks something to actually fear. The best sequence in the film, in my opinion, is the battle at the Dalek's spaceship taking on both the metal monsters and the Robomen. From huge explosions to ruthless deaths and high-stakes action, this is such a heart-pumping experience. Seeing Daleks in full-blown conflict will never stop being the coolest thing ever. Even their spaceship is cool, blasting vehicles down below in a great blaze with some superb special effects on display. Invasion Earth was a perfect film for me since I grew up watching it repeatedly being a huge fan of the Daleks at the time (and still am). Having these iconic metal creatures shown in a movie format was up there as one of the best decisions of the time, especially during the peak of Dalekmania. It was a brilliant take on one of the most anticipated episodes of the classic era of Doctor Who (TV Series 1963-1989) during William Hartnell's run with the return of the Daleks after their first explosive appearance, which sprung the craze: Dalekmania. There were many amazing additions to the cast in this film too, with my personal favourite being: Bernard Cribbins who, had some great comedic scenes and was a big help in the fight against the invasion despite being a reluctant traveller to the future. He is also present in many of the Carry-On films and, funnily enough, had a role in the Revival Era of Doctor Who (TV Series 2005-2017), however, as a different role unrelated to this. I enjoyed his character in both renditions of the Doctor Who media. The music, composed by Bill McGuffie is also really invigorating and gets you eager for the adventure ahead with some magnificent musical pieces. I thoroughly enjoy the theme song played during the opening titles because it includes the TARDIS sound effects, which are played throughout the song creating the coolest piece in the whole film. Unfortunately, we never got a third instalment to these movies, which is a massive disappointment as it would have been based on the third Dalek story of the show in which the Daleks chase after the Doctor in their own time machine. Such a shame it never got made cause I know it would have been insane. Overall, Daleks - Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. is one of my all-time favourite films and is easily the best of the two Dalek movies, which I frequently revisit. If you are in search of an exciting science fiction adventure for the whole family then definitely go check out this film and its predecessor, they are a great deal of fun. I think this is worthy viewing for all Doctor Who and, especially, Dalek fans.

Runtime: 1h 24m

Director: Gordon Flemyng

Genre: Adventure / Drama / Sci-fi

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Dr. Who and the Daleks (1965)

When Dr. Who shows his time machine, the 'TARDIS', to the clumsy Ian, the boyfriend of his granddaughter Barbara, he accidentally transports them and Dr. Who's granddaughter Susan somewhere unknown in space and time. They land on the petrified planet of Skaro where they spot a city. Exploring further, they venture into the city only to find no one there. However, they are captured by the Daleks, deadly mutants living inside metal casings who kill anything and everything that crosses their path. They soon learn that the Daleks have been at war with another race known as the Thals and their nuclear war destroyed the planet, petrifying everything. When the Doctor and friends escape the clutches of the Daleks, they come into contact with the Thals, who are much kinder and help them to fight back against the tyranny of the Daleks. I cannot stress enough how much I adore this film. I grew up watching it, alongside the sequel, repeatedly and they have always held a very special place in my heart. They are still two of my favourite films today and continue to be rewatched in my household. This film is the first of two Dalek stories to introduce Doctor Who to the big screen following the Dalekmania craze of the 1960s. Dr. Who and the Daleks, alongside its sequel's story, follows the first two Dalek stories shown from the BBC show: Doctor Who (TV Series 1963-1989) featuring the first Doctor - William Hartnell in 1963. These two stories were given to Gordon Flemyng who brought them to cinemas, and best of all, in colour, unlike the original serials, which were filmed in black and white. I, personally, have loved the Daleks my whole life, especially from a young age and this film along with its sequel was a big influence on my favouritism of the characters. I was first introduced to them in the revival era of Doctor Who (TV Series 2005-2017) when I was growing up, which fuelled my interest in the menacing creatures and led to my discovery of the two films. Taking the role of the Doctor is Peter Cushing who is one of my favourite actors of all time mainly for his roles in many of the Hammer Horrors movies and his iconic role as Tarkin in Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977). This film made many changes to the show's version of the stories like making the Doctor a human scientist rather than an alien called a Time Lord from the planet Gallifrey and changing Barbara who was Susan's Teacher alongside Ian in the serials into his granddaughter and her boyfriend. They also made the TARDIS a creation of the Doctor and Susan rather than his alien spaceship. These changes ultimately make this film feel like its own product rather than being a carbon copy of the show whilst keeping most details and plot points the same, condensing the drawn-out stories into one feature-length adventure. Both of the original stories that were given the rights to big-screen adaptations are some of the best in the show's creation and led to two even greater pieces of sci-fi. I think many aspects of the film were greatly improved upon from the show, especially in terms of the scope. For example, the use of matte paintings enhanced the scale of mountains and backdrops to the final confrontation between the Thals and Daleks. That massive battle at the end is simply epic and easily the most exciting sequence and a highlight for me. I loved seeing the Daleks in all their bright and vibrant colours, which wasn't fully felt in the show during its black and white years and allowed for the Daleks to have much more variety of colours like the mainly silver with blue to the more interesting black with gold and red colour schemes. I must also give credit to the music composed by Malcolm Lockyer, which brings so much energy and groovy 60s vibes into every scene. Overall, I adore this film and nothing can ever change that. I will forever remember this film for playing a special part in my childhood. It is so much fun and a phenomenal science fiction adventure. Also, if you are a huge fan of the Daleks and Doctor Who then why not check out these films that were a result of the show and the villain's popularity? Also, check out the follow-up movie, and my favourite, Daleks - Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. (1966).

Runtime: 1h 22m

Director: Gordon Flemyng

Genre: Adventure / Drama / Sci-fi

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K-9 and Company: A Girl's Best Friend (TV Movie 1981)

It is the year 1981, and some years have passed since journalist Sarah Jane Smith ended her adventures in time and space with The Doctor, resuming her career as an investigative journalist. Days before Christmas, Sarah Jane Smith arrives at the home of her Aunt Lavinia in the cosy village of Moreton Harwood only to find that Lavinia is nowhere to be found. However, a large and heavy mysterious box has been left behind. Upon opening it she finds out the Doctor has left her a parting gift in the form of a robot metal dog: K·9 Mark III. With the help of K-9 and Lavinia's young ward Brendan Richards, Sarah Jane starts investigating her aunt's disappearance. In the process, they discover that Moreton Harwood is home to a coven worshipping the pagan god Hecate and preparing for a human sacrifice. Originally intended as a spin-off series, this show was to follow Sarah Jane after her departure with the Doctor and return to Earth. Unfortunately, the pilot episode didn't do well enough to grant it a series and is now classed as a TV movie. The film is still part of the world of Doctor Who, with the story being a part of the canon. We know this because we later see Sarah has K-9 in an episode of the amazing show Doctor Who: The Classic Era (TV Series 1963-1989) - The Five Doctors. This episode was a celebration story marking the 20th Anniversary of the series, where many characters returned for a huge event. Sarah and K-9 returned in Doctor Who: The Revival Era (TV Series 2005-2017) in the episode - School Reunion, even getting a new series: The Sarah Jane Adventures (TV Series 2007-2011). This series was far more successful and made up for the failed attempt of K-9 and Company. Although we are never told which incarnation of the Doctor sent K-9 I believe it was Tom Baker's incarnation of the 4th Doctor who sent him as a gift since he was the last version of the Doctor Sarah met before her departure. In my opinion, despite only being one episode, I thought the short story was fine, although nothing special. I enjoyed K-9 being back and the new friendship he made with Sarah, which would be explored further in their later revival show and Doctor Who episodes. Sarah moves into her Aunt's town for the Christmas holiday but little did she know there were strange occurrences taking place. With most of the town believing in witchcraft, we are left with a great deal of mystery as to whom we can trust since the mysterious goings-on involved pagan god worship. Most of the time Sarah would call on the help of other townfolk, but we would later find out they are involved. From kind older gentlemen to even policemen, everyone appears to be part of it. I do find it to be quite an unusual and brave first choice for an episode pilot, especially for a Christmas one targeted at the younger audience and then having some rituals worshipping the devil. My favourite part of the entire episode was when K-9 mentions the Doctor to Sarah. As he starts talking about him, we hear his theme from the show played, which genuinely gave me goosebumps. It was extremely cool. Even just seeing Sarah's reaction to hearing his name and seeing the amazing gift, is sure to make any fan smile. The intro is quite catchy too, giving off those very 80s vibes. Watching it simply makes me wonder how this whole concept could have turned out as a running Doctor Who spin-off series. Overall, K-9 and Company is a fun addition to the Whoniverse and if you are a fan of all things Doctor Who, especially Sarah Jane and K-9, this is a nice instalment to check out. With only being a 50 minutes episode, it makes for some quick viewing even if it is likely to be a one-time viewing as it can get a bit boring. Also, being released and set at Christmas this short can be viewed during the festive season or all year round.

Runtime: 50m

Director: John Black

Genre: Mystery / Sci-fi

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Doctor Who: The Movie (TV Movie 1996)

The Doctor is transporting the remains of his nemesis, the Master back to their homeworld of Gallifrey. However, the Master is not as dead as the Doctor may think. The Master's essence escapes and sabotages the TARDIS causing it to crash land in San Francisco on December 30th 1999. The Doctor requires a beryllium atomic clock to repair the TARDIS, but upon leaving the TARDIS he is shot. Taken to the hospital, the seventh Doctor's regeneration is triggered by a surgeon, confused by his alien physiology, while the Master takes over a paramedic's body. He needs a Time Lord's body to survive and be able to regenerate again so he needs the Doctor's. Newly regenerated, the Doctor must fight to save his own eighth body, and the world when the Master sabotages the TARDIS' power source. By midnight on December 31st 1999, the Earth will be pulled through this power source, a mini-black hole, and only the Doctor can stop if only he can remember who he is... This made-for-TV movie follows the amazing long-running series: Doctor Who: The Classic Era (TV Series 1963-1989) and was an attempt to revive the show. Unfortunately, this didn't work which is a big shame as I really enjoyed Paul McGann as the eighth incarnation of the Doctor and only ever got a film to show his rendition of the beloved character. He should have gotten the chance to have a series and was a big missed opportunity. This movie also has one of the coolest TARDIS interiors in my opinion and has so much detail. It was also the first interior to have a centre column that meets with the ceiling, which was later used in all future TARDIS interiors for the later revival series. I like how this version appears more as a cosy home, rather than the bright white sci-fi console room we had become accustomed to. It has a Victorian-type look about it mixed with futuristic technology, making for one of the more unique interiors. It is such a shame it only appears in this film and never got the chance to be viewed more often in all its glory. Despite not reviving the Doctor Who franchise in the 90s, all was not lost as the series was finally brought back in 2005 and, many years later, Paul McGann did return in a mini-episode: 'The Night of the Doctor' to show his regeneration into the War Doctor. One of the best and nicest surprises of this film was being able to see Sylvester McCoy return as the seventh Doctor for some of the opening, showing how he regenerated. Unfortunately, he didn't have many lines nevertheless, his acting skills made up for it with some great moments and facial expressions that still make him an impactful inclusion, especially with that brutal death. Hands down the most horrific and darkest way to go because it was so sudden and much more graphic than we have ever seen from the show. The regeneration sequence was very awesome, actually seeing the physical transformation right before our eyes from one to the other, which had never been shown like this in the original serial. Throughout the movie, there are plenty of references to the iconic show from a bowl of jelly babies, an unusually long scarf and even the return of the trusty sonic screwdriver, which we hadn't seen since its destruction with the 5th Doctor. There is so much for fans to point out in the background and foreground, so keep your eyes peeled for all kinds of easter eggs. The return of the Master was also made for some interesting rivalry moments for our newly regenerated Doctor and was very menacing in this depiction. Overall, I love this film despite being a TV movie. With such amazing acting and lines from Paul McCann alongside some other engaging characters who become part-time companions. I found it extremely enjoyable and it left me wanting more. This film is as much a favourite of mine as the series and is a lot of fun for fans that everyone can agree should've gotten a follow-up series for McGann to shine. Also check out the renewed show that eventually came back in Doctor Who: The Revival Era (TV Series 2005-2017) to see where the Doctor's travels continue.

Runtime: 1h 29m

Director: Geoffrey Sax

Genre: Adventure / Drama / Sci-fi

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Paul McGann's only other appearance as the Doctor is in this mini episode from 2013. It really goes to show how amazing he could have been had he gotten his own series.

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Doctor Who: The Classic Era (TV Series 1963-1989)

The Doctor is a mysterious time traveller from a distant planet, who travels through time and space in the TARDIS (Time And Relative Dimensions In Space). The TARDIS is disguised as a 1960's London police box, which is larger on the inside than on the outside. His adventures take him through time and space to other planets and galaxies and any time within the history of these planets and galaxies. He has a fondness for Earth and its inhabitants and has visited there many times at various stages in its history. He is accompanied by companions from Earth (and sometimes other planets) as he explores and learns about the galaxy. Along the way, he comes across many evils that he thwarts and helps out wherever he goes. His greatest foes have been the Daleks, the Cybermen and an evil opposite of his race: The Master. This has to be up there as one of the most creative sci-fi shows ever conceived that has so many interesting ideas. The coolest creation has to be the idea of a London police box that is really a spaceship in disguise and usually changes to suit its surroundings but is now stuck looking this way. It is piloted by The Doctor, a Time Lord from the planet Gallifrey and when he dies, he regenerates into a new man with a new face and personality. I love this show for its incredible ideas and world that is so intriguing and entertaining for people of all ages. I have loved this show especially because I personally grew up watching the later revival version in 2005 when I was a young boy and so when I found out about the classic era, I watched through every episode, finally getting to see the many other faces of The Doctor. Since the Doctor can change his face, he has been played by many people over many seasons and years. They are (in order of their appearance): William Hartnell, Patrick Troughton, Jon Pertwee, Tom Baker, Peter Davison, Colin Baker and Sylvester McCoy. Each actor has brought something new and loveable to the role of the iconic time traveller throughout his 7 incarnations. My personal favourite Doctor, however, has to be Tom Baker as the 4th instalment as the Doctor. He has to be the most iconic and memorable face of the show, from his signature long scarf attire and notably the fact he had the longest-running tenure as the character. I do however, enjoy each Doctor and their era respectively for many different reasons, like how I enjoy the 60s version differently to that of the 70s and 80s run yet I love them all the same. There is not one Doctor I have disliked, but some I have favoured more over others and the same goes for their seasons. The TARDIS has to be one of the best elements of the show, besides the Doctor, being a spaceship bigger on the inside, which makes for some incredible visuals and ideas with it being infinite and also having multiple console rooms that change over the years. Everyone has that memory of seeing their first TARDIS interior and it is truly magical. The villains are also iconic from my personal favourite the Daleks, who I adored from a young age and still do to this day, to Cybermen, The Master and so many more. There are plenty of stories to enjoy from this long-running series, despite some early episodes from the 60s era being missing. Thankfully, there are still some surfacing today being brought back in many forms of media. Some episodes are found in good, watchable condition whilst others are animated using recovered audio, which is just as enjoyable. This show has to be one of the most popular and longest-running sci-fi show ever and got many spin-offs like Doctor Who: The Movie (TV Movie 1996), Doctor Who: The Revival Era (TV Series 2005-2017), Dr. Who and the Daleks (1965), Daleks Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. (1966) and K-9 and Company: A Girl's Best Friend (TV Movie 1981). Overall, Doctor Who delivers loads of amazing content with plenty of episodes and seasons, bringing so much iconic media over three decades despite its low budget. It played a huge part in the sci-fi genre and is, without a doubt, a pop culture icon. A real piece of magic on our screens.

Seasons & Episodes: 26 Seasons - 694 Episodes

Creator: Sydney Newman 

Genre: Adventure / Drama / Family / Sci-fi

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