Doctor Who: Every Regeneration Ranked Worst To Best

[@WhoCulture]

What’s your favourite Doctor Who regeneration of all time?

[@kingpantherquizzes4313]

David Tennants is the most emotional Jodie’s is the most visually stunning

[@hughstark4882]

Probably 11 to 12 as (as you said) it's the most satisfying and perfectly introduced me to my first doc being Mr eyebrows Peter Capaldi. I also like 13, 9,5

[@DrurylaneEntertainers]

Story behind it: 5 Visuals: 13

[@racheladamjuliewhite]

I had a idea for a series of top 10s that is the top 10 non Doctor roles for each doctor actor, it would be interesting to know what films or TV shows we should seek out with each of the doctors in

[@lukesweeting1686]

Gotta agree with the 5th-6th being so high it maybe my favourite tbh

[@honestiago4738]

Eleven's regeneration speech was so powerful: "We all change, all through our lives, and that's good - gotta keep moving - so long as we remember all the people we used to be". It's an idea that's genuinely helped me through bad times: the version of me who experienced trauma has changed but it's okay to remember the lessons those times taught me so long as I let myself move on. The line "I'll always remember when the Doctor was me" felt like such a sincere farewell from Smith to the fans. Really lovely stuff.

[@Geee-zy7cs]

Same

[@dl3209]

I agree 100%

[@dl3209]

@@benjamindavis4974 honestly 10s finals moments was great same goes to 9 for its simplicity and feeling of doom and helplessness against the daleks, 11 was bombastic and had a nice speecg to it. Didnt like 12 or 13s final moments because 12 had some long speech that i barely remember and kinda dragged on like we get it hes the doctor with the most speeches but i didn't care and 13 i just felt detached from her along with a era with not much fun/interest and 12s character too so it left me with a empty feeling where i felt nothing

[@ZETH_27]

And the Rings of Akhaten Theme striking just in time with that moment made the impact ever more real. This was his goodbye, and yes it was sad, but it was all a part of change.

[@NottherealLucifer]

"Everything you are, gone in a moment, like breath on a mirror.

[@lycos94]

i feel like 9 sacrificing his own life for rose is quite underrated, good to see it have a high score on this list

[@kaliek5281]

She was fantastic.....and ya know what, so was he.

[@jpando2711]

Eccleston wasn't my first Doctor, but every time I watch him regenerate into Tennant, it still gets me choked up.

[@MoonlitMike]

@@kaliek5281 lame

[@giovannaargon9010]

He was my first Doctor, 10 is still my favorite but 9 will always hold a special place in my heart and I loved him so much. He was a great Doctor and he deserved better

[@evanartist8060]

9 is a personal favorite Doctor of mine. His run may have been short, but woo boy, did he make it Fantastic.

[@davidbaker1243]

You missed out David Tennant regenerating into David Tennant after being shot by a Dalek. This officially counted as a regeneration I believe.

[@ladycplum]

It did, according to the 11th Doctor in The Time Of the Doctor.

[@natestadler2352]

Yes, but he's still considered the 10th doctor. If they wanted to include EVERY Regeneration, they would have to count the Master and River as well

[@MrMann0123]

Not really as they aren't The Doctor. It was a missing Doctor regeneration

[@dazlovescarter]

he did use up the second last regeneration but its not technically a full regeneration as he never changed into new incarnation. he only healed himself then stopped the change so technically he didnt not regenerate to himself but healed then stopped the process

[@dazlovescarter]

@@ladycplum it counts as using the second last regeneration energy, but not as a full regeneration as he never changed to a new incarnation

[@MichaelPhillipsatGreyOwlStudio]

Another reason why the Fifth Doctor's regen is so great: it's a delayed one. (The first delayed regen being Pertwee's.) Pay close attention to the scene when he's landing Stotz's ship. The weird swirling venetian blinds pattern (that appears when he regenerates at the end) starts to appear. But his hands reach for the bridge of his nose, he concentrates and shakes it off. He's not allowing himself to regenerate until he's saved Peri. When I first realized what he'd done, it blew my mind. Really adds to the drama.

[@byghostlight1]

Exactly it was brave, heroic and touching when he said Adric. Now compare that quiet heroism to 10th yelling at Wilf. I know which was more like the Doctor.

[@brandonwinchester4564]

It’s like he knew the sixth doctor would try to strangle Peri

[@joshberninger8355]

@@byghostlight1 yea I get what they weee going for with 10s but I did not like it. The shouting, the over dramatic nature of it, and him saying “I don’t want to go” when they spent an entire episode with him explaining to Rose that he’s the same person just a new face. He didn’t leave and it’s still him… to then end with him whining about regenerating and not wanting to go. Felt like a huge step back for his character.

[@busylawbee]

@@byghostlight1 So the concept of different doctors just went over your head?

[@liamwilliams1794]

I love 12’s final speach. I feel like its perfect for people in this day and age who attack others and slag one another off and are just generally nasty. “Hate is always foolish and love is always wise!” And “Always try to be nice but never fail to be kind!”

[@levanlolashvili8960]

and never ever eat pears

[@PizzaTimeGuy]

Too bad that the 13th doctor didn't really adapt it of wat he was saying. As if he never sad that or forgot wat he said. Because the kblam episode(am I saying that richt?) is just the opposite of wat Capaldi was trying to say.

[@fkez0510]

I feel like it dragged on for too long. It lost half of its impact because he was just wondering around not dying It was a good idea, but it was too long

[@autistickakarot]

@@fkez0510 I agree, Capaldi is my 3rd favourite doctor in newwho after Tennant and Eccleston. As it was happening I thought it was really was really cool and moving but as it kept going, like you said, it lost its momentum and dragged on a bit too long. Which is a bit of a shame.

[@MANB91UK]

I actually felt like it had gone on a little too long. By the end I was just hoping he would shut up and turn into Jodie already

[@kaliek5281]

11ths Speech is still my favorite. Because it literally applies to ALL OF US. Each one of us are different people throughout our lives. Even if our faces don't actually change like his does, we grow, we evolve...we are not the same person TODAY as we were 5 years ago. And that is good! Change is GOOD. Just remember the people you were along the way, so you can learn from your past mistakes and continue to grow and evolve from them.

[@triplejazzmusicisall1883]

I more than agree. It actually is also a completely selfless speech. There is no self-pity or even concern. As always Smith's incarnation is concerned with all those he loves over his own existence. For me he and Capaldi are a ying and yang that together made for the perfect run of the Doctor. Yes Capaldi was far more overt with his seriousness and Smith could be child like charming but what they both had was a complete devotion to those in their care. I like Tennant but for me I am one of the few who found his self-focus somewhat irksome. The I don't want to go speech and the Timelord Victorious aspect didn't sit well with me. However that is just one person's opinion and he was a bloody great Doctor. But I can never decide which I like more between Smith and Capaldi so I choose to view them as two parts making a perfect whole. Aside from outer behaviours these two Doctors had a lot more in common that meet's the eye. Perhaps excluding Capaldi's first season when he was trying to find himself - not out of pity but out of doubt.

[@Quarteg]

I think Tennant coming back is going to bring a huge boost to Ncuti. I can't wait to see how Tennant is going to make the change into the 15th doctor. I think Tennant will be a similar version of himself but not the same. This will create a great launch pad for Ncuti whom I believe is just going to knock it out of the park.

[@WhoCulture]

Great point - Seán made the same argument in our previous video!

[@Raiaka]

I absolutely agree! This development has rekindled my interest in the show as well as the interest of everyone I know who also used to follow the show. I'm now catching up on everything following Kill the Moon, the episode which caused me to drop off, and I cannot wait to see where it goes from here.

[@stephen-dfc]

Agreed. This is 100% going to bring back almost all of the fans from Tennant’s era, and we already know Ncuti will have a part to play in the 60th, so hopefully people see enough from him that they’ll want to give him a chance that he otherwise might not have got.

[@moshpitfuneral]

Matt Smith's is definitely my favorite. He was my Doctor, I loved Eccelston and Tennant, but Smith was my Doctor, I loved his era. He has some of the best moments in the series, and his final speech is one of them. His words made it... easy to move on to Capaldi, that he was telling us it's ok, his time was done. It was bittersweet, and I look back on his era very fondly and I never feel sad that it's passed, but happy it happened. The Eleventh Hour was a great episode and Time of the Doctor is too, a brilliant start and a perfect end. I, too, will always remember when the Doctor was him.

[@triplejazzmusicisall1883]

I'm glad you too love Time of the Doctor and I don't know why more fans don't choose it as a favourite. The Doctor was never more caring and sweet and the final scenes in the Tardis were very moving. I liked the fact his regeneration was a snap moment in the end as I thought it reflected 11's character. Never about himself - always the others. Of course all the Doctors have compassion but the modern era ones alongside Davison were the strongest.

[@beezig]

For me it has to be the 12th Doctors regeneration, that was an acting masterclass by Peter Capaldi, humour, pathos, determination and a great speech, truly iconic

[@captainstage2009]

I’m very surprised how low 8th’s regeneration is here! It’s my personal favorite and really kept me craving to this day for a McGann spin-off series.

[@SullySideUp]

I thought the same, it's the best one in my opinion

[@arch1017]

Every time we see McGann in the role it makes me mad that no-one has commissioned a spin-off show with him set before Night of the Doctor - trying to keep out of the Time War as the Universe falls apart around him. I'd be all over that.

[@michellegiacalone1079]

I think Thirteen's regeneration should get mad points since she was the first one to go outside and not wreck up the flipping Tardis.

[@carljohnson3686]

Its not that deep u know like (i think 2) 3, 4, 7 and 8 all regenerated outside the tardis too but personally i didnt feel that much when she regenerated (same with 12 too)

[@breeinatree4811]

I agree. It was actually quite beautiful

[@katjavalentina]

​@@carljohnson3686 i think this is just referring to how every new series doctor up to that point had regenerared in the tardis and every time they destroyed something (except 9 to 10)

[@wavingbuddy3535]

But it's stupid to because it's when a timelord is most vulnerable

[@OnTheHorizon-]

Factually untrue

[@randomhydrocarbons2322]

I liked the regeneration of the War Doctor. It left the regeneration into the next doctor open for later in the same way the 8ths regeneration into the War Doctor was brought back up for something special. Perhaps I'm just hoping Eccleston some day decides to reprise the role, even briefly.

[@13galaxy]

really sad that eccleston fell out with the show, would have been nice to see him properly back for the 60th

[@JonathanH71]

He has returned for the audio adventures, so never say never?

[@varisrevolver4061]

BBC has blacklisted him, so I doubt it'll ever happen sadly, it's also why he had only 1 season

[@treceydory9303]

I also like the War Doctor’s regeneration. I was confused by it once, but after watching Day of the Doctor again, it reads differently to me now. Reason being that in a moment with the Moment’s AI, he says he doesn’t intend to survive using the weapon, to which she replies that his punishment would be that he lives. So him regenerating seems like a reward granted by Bad Wolf. Does that make sense?

[@bitduelist]

The War Doctor's regeneration makes sense because he became the war doctor for a specific purpose and when that purpose was completed and he accepted that he is the doctor and not a warrior, the regeneration potion he drank started to end and he regenerated once more

[@ooooneeee]

exactly. also he may have been fighting the time war for hundreds of years so old age could be on top of that. Which she was okay with in two other regenerations on this list.

[@conscienceaginBlackadder]

​@@ooooneeee why th don't folks give each Time Lord incarnation just an adult human duration? What is the psychological attraction in way superhuman aged aliens, when we can never fantasise ourselves to be them? Luckily the superhuman ages claimed in the show are such a contradictory mess they are a joke and no canon can be drawn from them. Regenerations would be too ridiculously far apart for their arrival to feel familiar or evoke the sense of serial change, and how would we understand the ageing process if it was slower than ours? With the Doctor's lives usually cut short by his adventures, I take most as lasting just a few years. Of those known to have a longer ageing, War maybe 30 years the same as Hurt aged in real life. Matt maybe 50: the joke idea that he lasted 900 is off the rails even of all other versions of incarnation spans.

[@vynnyn5489]

@@ooooneeee Yes, I think it must have been missed!? The reflection of the War Doctor showed him as young John Hurt. He received a potion from the Sisterhood of Karn. Between extreme old age from the time war and the fact that this version of the doctor had fulfilled his purpose, it made perfect sense to me that he regenerated. And it was obvious to me that he turned into Christopher Eccleston via the CGI eyes. Loved this list but I don't understand their commentary around the War Doctor.

[@jameskeeling5278]

Putting 12's regeneration so low is a crime. His speech has me tearing up every time. "Never be cruel, never be cowardly. Rmember, hate is always foolish, and love is always wise. Laugh hard, run fast, be kind. Doctor...I let you go" I just can't-

[@alfcmccoy]

Tennant is my favorite so I'm glad that's number one on the list. There was so much emotion going on that it was hard not to tear up throughout the last thirty minutes. I feel like some of that emotion will show up in the 60th anniversary episodes.

[@donhutchens9718]

I have to agree with you. I can't help the lump I get in my throat when he says "I don't want to go!". I cry like a two year old

[@CocoCece08]

@@donhutchens9718 Fun fact: That wasn't in the actual script. Tennant ad libbed it and they kept it.

[@timidwolf]

The criteria seemed to change gradually through the list, true Jon Pertwee > Tom Baker may have been graphically simple but some of your later ones seemed to be judged on their final speech rather than the regen itself (of which all the reboot ones are the same anyway), Jon's final words were among the best there have been!

[@JeremiahEcks777]

Toyltally agree.

[@ooooneeee]

IKR, she mostly ignored the great speeches Smith, Capaldi and Whittaker got in favour of Tennant's which wasn't as well written.

[@SSG1N571]

The Doctor Who TV movie was my first introduction to Doctor Who. Living in the US, didn’t really have access to Doctor Who, and my parents weren’t really SciFi fans. I was re-introduced to Doctor Who when David Tennant was in his first tenure. I thought that his departure was incredibly emotional. I have had trouble figuring out which was more emotional for me… Tennant’s departure or Smith’s departure. Both, even now, bring me to tears. Super happy to have Tennant back, even for a very short time.

[@tonyingram1337]

Paul McGann did not "only play the Doctor once before 2013". He's played the Doctor in over a hundred audio stories since 2000. And The Night of the Doctor was not a "web exclusive", it was originally broadcast on the BBC Red Button service, available through terrestrial TV.

[@nathanbusherw]

As well as this, I don't think I've ever heard anyone say Paul McGann killed the show? I know some people don't hold the movie very highly in regards but as far as I'm aware people have always said he's the absolute highlight of the film and people still want him back to this day, not sure where WhoCulture got that quote from (6:04)

[@ooooneeee]

Yeah they didn't do the research 🤦.

[@jlbwho7913]

The 5th doctor regeneration is probably my favourite I love the urgency. The 13th doctor's regeneration I really liked the optimistic way she accepted it and ended on a smile.

[@phantomsidious2934]

5th doctor regen easily, regenerates like a true hero, no self indulgent speeches or whining, no opera music, just a simple heroic regeneration, not to mention caves of androzani is a great story

[@portiaeins9496]

I'm a little nervous about Russell T Davies coming back on to the show. Obviously we owe him a lot for getting it started again and both Eccleston and Tennant were beyond fabulous. However, as the show went on, RTD had the tendency of aggrandising The Doctor beyond all bounds. Instead of being mysterious, he became mythical and basically God like. In Torchwood, where I feel RTD had more leeway, it became more obvious his lack of commitment to characterization and character development when juxtaposed with spectacle and sometimes outright melodrama. While more restrained in Doctor Who, I was beginning to tire somewhat of these tendencies in the show. For these reasons, I found the beginning of the Moffat era refreshing. That in returning, RTD chose to interject Tennant between the regeneration from the previous and the new doctor could suggest again that reliance on spectacle at the expense of both plot and character development. I've been watching the show for almost 40 years, so obviously I'm in for the ride. I'm still excited to see what new adventures the Doctor will have!

[@7vernessa]

Love the 11th doctor regeneration but I have to say Jodi’s regeneration was absolutely fantastic.Every moment of her regeneration was really so good the close up on her face while changing so good .

[@ironicanimations]

Yesss And the “tag, you’re it” is the perfectly child-like wonderful response to changing into another person we’ve seen and it’s beautiful

[@mephostopheles3752]

This. Her lines and acting were awesome. The setting was beautiful. The regeneration effects were cooler than they’ve ever been. The execution of the Doctor realizing they’re David Tennant again was perfectly hilarious. Literally the only thing I didn’t like about it was not getting to see David in Jodie’s costume, but considering his confusion regarding his outfit, I’m sure they’ll address it as a part of why he’s back in the first place. I’ve been an Eleven purist since I first watched the show (early 2014, not long after that regeneration aired), but I gotta say, they really pulled all the stops for Jodie’s sendoff.

[@ThePretenderGirl]

@@ironicanimations Absolutely! Even if she didn't change into Tennant, the "Tag! You're it!" part would have put this in the awesome regeneration column for me

[@triplejazzmusicisall1883]

I can't admit to being a fan of the recent series however kudos when due and 13's regeneration was awesome. This is not the place to start another script writing debate however Jodie's last scenes with Yas and the ice cream and the positivity of her nature in a very well shot regeneration scene were both superb. Sadly I found at the very end a connection with 13. This does make me wonder if her characterisation should have been toned down a bit because when she left she did so with such lovely grace and humility.

[@thejanglingjones6164]

9s is so underrated. The bild up towards it is excellent and the words he says before are perfectly fitting

[@themysticlinguine]

Something interesting about the 12th to 13th regeneration is at the very end of the regeneration, you can hear 9th/10ths theme song which might have symbolized that the 13th Doctor was going to somehow get reconnected to the 9th/10th Doctors in some way. Also, just my idea, but the reason why the Doctor regenerates back into David Tennant is because the Doctor feels as though something is still incomplete, so a second (or third) incarnation as David is necessary to complete the 10th/14th Doctors arc

[@UnderhillKoufax]

Caves of Androzani is historically considered the best final episode and regeneration in the Classic Series. I agree and think it is the best of all final episodes and regenerations.

[@harryjones3821]

3rd to 4th doesn't deserve to be bottom. It's a low-key scene and at the time introduced the word regeneration and was a fitting end to an amazing Doctor. I'd put 7th to 8th and 6th to 7th much lower than 3rd to 4th.

[@RaggedyDoctor11]

My regeneration is the best and you know it!

[@oxfordisacoyote]

13s regeneration has been the best in the revival, if you ask me. No dramatics, no fan service, just her accepting her fate and enjoying a quiet moment. It felt like an actual death, which we've arguably not had since 5s regeneration decades ago

[@carljohnson3686]

Honestly preferred 9 and 10s regeneration, it felt like not really much with 13s regeneration caus it didn't really evoke much of a reaction tbh

[@charliedavidarnott1537]

I loved her regeneration. Not the best for me, but it's certainly up there. The actual regeneration scene itself was gorgeous.

[@pikachucetthesecond4296]

I'd argue the 10th Doctor's regeneration felt the most like a death, especially with the build up

[@CaptRobertApril]

Peter Davison's main frustration with his regeneration scene was that, there he was, acting his heart out, while he was certain that everyone at home had their eyes glued to Nicola Bryant's cleavage, right above his head. It should also be noted that once the transition to Colin Baker is completed, magically Nicola's blouse has been buttoned up.

[@conscienceaginBlackadder]

They could look at her but listen to him. Visually all he was doing was lying on the floor, the acting his heart out was in sound, no conflict with a sight.

[@CaptRobertApril]

@@conscienceaginBlackadder But notice that the second Colin Baker comes into focus, magically Nicola's blouse is buttoned up...

[@kennyearthling7965]

I can honestly say I did not cry when Tennant's doctor died, that ridiculously OTT ending where he met evry...single...fucking one of his companions for a tearful goodbye. Coupled with the fact that they only did a few specials that year rather thana proepr season, made me rather glad he was gone. Shame really, as before that I reallly liked him, such a shitty last year and a self-indulgent goodbye.

[@LuizFelipe508-ty2id]

To say something stupid, you certainly didn't watch the last season of the 10th, and if you did, you weren't paying attention.

[@altinaykor364]

such a nonsense and such a terrible person

[@sarahgeorge2440]

Time and the Rani was extremely underwhelming even at the time, it really did look like someone had knocked it up in 5 minutes on a ZX Spectrum. Contrast to Caves of Androzani which was so memorable to my then 5 year old brother that he spent the next year regenerating at every opportunity, crawling into a corner to croak "I've changed my dear" (it was only on watching the video 20 years later we realised he'd got the line wrong)

[@nhilandra7586]

My favorite hovers between 10, 12 and lately 13. I like 13's simplicity, 12's speech and 10's acting. They are all brilliant in their own way.

[@kevinmaltby]

In my opinion, the Eccleston regeneration is still the best one of new who in terms of visuals. The actual morphing as the hair grows longer for example is great and I wish they took the time to go back to doing it like that instead of making it progressively more destructive

[@ИванИванов-р8ь8ч]

Matt Smith should have been 1 and for me it will always be mainly because of the perfect speech he delivered. It was very very very emotional and made me cry like a baby

[@ecnalreleam]

Capaldi's regeneration is my favorite. It always gives me chills.

[@lp-xl9ld]

THE CAVES OF ANDOZANI was the first "classic" WHO story I saw in its entirety. Thought Peri was confused...just imagine how *I* felt! Apart from that: I'd have to say that Tom Baker had the best closing line of the 20th century series and Eccleston had the best closing line (so far) in the 21st.

[@theevildalek5425]

Ranking: 14). Six to Seven (Time & the Rani) 13). War to Nine (The Day of the Doctor) 12). Seven to Eight (The Enemy Within) 11). Eight to War (The Night of the Doctor) 10). Three to Four (Planet of the Spiders) 9). Thirteen to Fourteen? (The Power of the Doctor) 8). Ten to Eleven (The End of Time) 7). Twelve to Thirteen (Twice Upon a Time) 6). One to Two (The Tenth Planet) 5). Four to Five (Logopolis) 4). Two to Three (The War Games) 3). Nine to Ten (The Parting of the Ways) 2). Eleven to Twelve (The Time of the Doctor) 1). Five to Six (The Caves of Androzani)

[@WhoCulture]

Great ranking! Glad to see you also love Five into Six - definitely a unique and powerful regeneration.

[@DittoGTI]

The Enemy Within?

[@theevildalek5425]

@@DittoGTI It’s the name producer Phillip Segal gave the 1996 TV Movie at at a Doctor Who Convention rather than it just being called ‘Doctor Who: The TV Movie’ or just ‘Doctor Who.’ Technically the 1996 TV Movie is just known as The TV Movie, but many fans over the years (especially in recent years) are more inclined to call it The Enemy Within, as it’s a more fitting story title

[@DittoGTI]

@theevildalek5425 I did not know this. That's pretty cool, I wish it actually got used more often

[@LuminousPrime]

I'm not that surprised the 10th Doctor got number one, but I am surprised that the song didn't get a mention. Vale Decem is one of my absolute favorite pieces of music in the whole of Doctor Who, and it really helps elevate the emotion of scene, with it starting as a slow soft choir, building louder as it moves closer to Tennant's final line, then the crescendo right at the moment the energy bursts forth, it's the perfect backing track for such a significant moment.

[@xerofetus]

Alright, Peter Davidson wore different shoes after regeneration because Tom Baker owned the 'pirate' boots he regenerated in and took them with him. Why the BBC costumes department couldn't find something similar, is on them. Now, with that said, why didn't David Tennant regenerate in Jodie's clothes? She regenerated into Peter's clothes, exemplified by the ring falling off of her more slender fingers. "What's up with that?" I would appreciate if my fellow commenters didn't use the 'wizard' joke from the Simpsons.

[@ZebitasMartinex]

Personally the 10th Doctor to 11th is my least favorite of the modern era It feels so out of character and a bit hypocritical to his first episode, that even Moffat tried to retcon the meaning for his last words TWICE is funny

[@nuggetanimations155]

I like to think that the war doctor had been holding off his regeneration and once his final mission was over he let go and just let it happen

[@DeeLynne]

I loved this video.. I really thought 13’s regeneration was so touching and then of course the big surprise at the end had me screaming 💙my favorite classic regeneration was five I was so sad to see him go

[@byghostlight1]

Davison's was the best, heroic, touching 'Adric'. Tears. For me Jodies was the worst because there was simply no stakes, if they had the ice cream earlier in the episode and her life ended with Yaz carrying her to the TARDIS as she started regenerating in her arms, now that would have been amazing. But it was just another lame duck Tenth Doctor moment where she got say her goodbyes with no sense of urgency, without looking like she was dying. The only good thing about the 10th regen episode was the change itself and the music, the rest dragged on, made worse by his yelling at Wilf. One of the worse new Who moments ever.

[@nathanielfarkas4431]

The whole point was she wasn’t dying there was no big fanfair that she accepted she was going to become someone else and not cry how she is dying

[@danthemeegs8751]

"Raggedy man... goodnight" KILLS me every single time 😭

[@JonathanH71]

Fantastic list Elle although I was under the impression that the War Doctor’s body was just spent when he regenerated. I’d like to think with the burden of the war finally lifted he was able to let go and move on. Shame about Christopher Eccleston not returning but without him returning we wouldn’t have gotten John Hurt and the timeline would be a little less messy lol.

[@colinboneham7387]

Vale Decem still gets to me now even after so many years after 10’s departure. Matt Smiths departure speech was a cracker as was Peter Capaldi’s. I’m thinking forward now to the next regen and will 10(14) be happy to go this time?!

[@CrownTheGame]

What a great list showing me all over again why I love this series. Sadly the video is over, cause..... "I don't wanna go!"

[@BraxEvans]

I can't believe you didn't even mention the weirdness of Jody's regeneration breaking all the rules and somehow changing her clothes like she is Mystiq from X-men? No! I love that Tennant is back but just No! That was just lazy. Jody's outfit won't fit Tennant make another. Really irritates me. The light bursts out from inside the clothes it doesnt make a lick of sense to then change his clothes.

[@thewhiplashfx2001]

Theres so many better Regeneration Stories than The End of Time

[@altinaykor364]

no

[@progKansas]

Ninth doctor gave a great goodbye speech.

[@Dovahkiin049]

A big part of why I consider Tennant’s farewell to be the best is the song in the background “Vale Decem” or “Farewell Ten”. It fit the scene so perfectly. Edit: also, idk if it’s just a theory or not, but I’ve heard the Ood were singing it directly into Tennant’s mind.

[@DittoGTI]

It's fact, watch those final few scenes of The End Of Time Part 2 for proof

[@weewoo6943]

Paul Mcgann is an amazing doctor and no one can change my mind

[@idraigirtm]

Since people keep shouting out Vale Decem, I wanna do the same thing for Capaldi's regeneration music. The track is called "The Shepards Boy" and is of course first heard at the end of Heaven Sent, when the Doctor breaks through the wall. It is such an amazing piece of music and fits so well with the speech! It is one of the reasons why Twelves regenaration is still my absolute favourite.

[@DrurylaneEntertainers]

It's quite sad about thirteen because her regeneration scene was really nice and the effects were beautiful but for some reason everyone ignores it for a shot of David Tennant. Feel sorry for Whittaker

[@baseballnut26]

Glad to see the 5th Doctor’s is regarded as the best classic but disappointed it wasn’t number one since the 9th and 10th are literally RTD attempts to recreate it. Sacrificing that incarnation to save a single person. 5’s the best of them since he barely knows Peri and doesn’t hesitate or whine before saving her. I honest think 10’s is bottom 3.

[@timidwolf]

Agree about Davison's being the best. Similar about Tennent's as well, the reboot seems to be treating them too much like different people, sad to leave and referring to the next person, classic regens were more about survival and basically cheating death but at a cost.

[@jamesjoelholmes4541]

I think you nailed it! My personal favorite, however, was this most recent one into David Tenant! I actually really loved Jodie Whittaker's time as the Doctor. I know the show was controversial during this time, but I think she played the Doctor with grace and style. I hope to see more of her in future whoniverse lore. Thanks for the trip down memory lane! Been watching the Doctor since I was a little kid. :)

[@Dalekzilla]

I still have to say my favourite is the First into the Second. The TARDIS engines grow louder as the regeneration begins, suggesting that the TARDIS itself is assisting this first regeneration. And the switchover is timed just right, Hartnell slowly "glowing" into Troughton.

[@so1opiniao]

The best regeneration was the 12th Doctor's one.

[@brobro9169]

The whole storyline for 12’a regeneration made perfect sense and wasn’t overdone like davids...9 and 12 have the best regenerations by far for me

[@dw7704]

12 & 11 were my favourites The speeches, the way they led into them and the acting were all superb Not that most of the others didn’t have good stuff to them as well, but 12 & 11 are my favourites I didn’t want them to go ( to borrow from 10, sort of)

[@progKansas]

The ninth doctor had one great line: "You were fantastic. You know what? So was I."

[@colinboneham7387]

Happy New Year to all Whovians wherever & whenever you are.

[@detectivesquirrel2621]

As someone who did see the regeneration from Colin Baker's 6th and Sylvester McCoy's 7th and being someone who appreciated Colin's 6, the regeneration is VERY OBVIOUSLY Sylvester McCoy in a bad wig. I pretty much disagree with the placement of EVERY entry of this list. Missing the emotion of the 3rd Doctor's regeneration, not respecting the limitations of the classic era. Also the rapidity of the change between 11 & 12 was just stupid.

[@doctorclu]

Not a bad review, even if Tennant's was one of the most over the top... well... thank you for the review. I do agree on Davison's regeneration being wayyy up there.

[@luigiboi4244]

I love how 11's regeneration is described as "sneezing into Peter Capaldi." It's so stupid and goofy, and that is something Doctor Who is at its core.

[@IsiahBradley]

I hate ranking videos but I'm beginning to love Who/Trek Culture so here I am! And I love regenerations!!! :) Thanks for defending MCGann!!! He is a great bridge between Classic and Nu Who!!! I have no issues with this ranking!!!

[@saltwell]

I think the one they ranked as Number 2 was the best by a long way. Davison is one of the best actors to have played the part and really looked and sounded as if he might be dying - something that can't be said about *any* of the other regenerations. In comparison, Tennant's regeneration into Smith was tacky and self-indulgent and made no sense in story terms (dying isn't something you can postpone to do a "farewell tour", even if you're aTime Lord).

[@HulkVahkiin]

11th Doctor regeneration was my favorite because his speech is surprisingly quite thought provoking. We are all different people all our lives, but it's alright, as long as we remember all the people we used to be.

[@football_kithistory5111]

I love the fact she said long awaited not like we been waiting since her first season probably the darkest time in who since the 90s

[@seanmackinnon2548]

From the minute the 11th gets back onto the tardis and has that speech it was the best regeneration in my opinion from the we all change to the reunion of Amy and the 11th doctor nothing could beat that

[@Anime-Doom]

I have to say that I could not disagree with number 1 any more than I do. It might be better than some of the old school ones but Tennent's goodbye is easily the worst regeneration of the revival so far.

[@Strizz484]

Glad to see Ecc / Doctor 9 got deserved respect here. Absolutely one of the greatest actors to ever play the role.

[@SergioBallZ]

"I don´t want to go" Well then buddy, guess why you are back.

[@Psychetwo]

I started the show with Eccleston. Had no idea what the show was about. Really liked the show. Then he regenerated to Tennant. Thought that was interesting. Really liked the idea of not having 1 actor for a main character of a show. Tennant stayed as the doctor for a very long time. Even when he regenerated, he pointed to his severed hand to stay. Then when he really had to go he said "I don't want to go". That was so emotional as this video said. Was so sad to see him go, it feels like Tennant the actor really didn't want to go. Matt Smith took over. He really grew on me quick. Loved him as the doctor. Him leaving was just as sad. Not as sad as Tennant, but still very sad to see him go. I quit the show lol. It's always sad to see a character leave a show. GOT was a big one where character leaves all the time, but something about the main character leaving makes it worse. Happy to see Tennant back. Thinking about getting back to the show and catching up on the Capaldi and Whittaker seasons.

[@Quarteg]

I just had a new thought, what if Tennant came back due to something with Bad Wolf?

[@firet101]

As a first generation Doctor who fan who started watching in Christopher eccleston's time I was privileged enough to watch that regeneration with no idea what was happening it was truly an amazing moment and one of the moments I treasure the most from the show

[@friendlyotaku9525]

Interesting list! My ranking would be : The Thirteenth Doctor - Whittaker to Tennant (it is thematically and visually beautiful, a perfect end to Jodie's time and showing why this Doctor was so special) Ninth Doctor - Eccleston to Tennant Eleventh Doctor - Smith to Capaldi Fifth Doctor - Davison to C Baker Twelfth Doctor - Capaldi to Whittaker Fourth Doctor - T Baker to Davison Eighth Doctor - McGann to Hurt Seventh Doctor - McCoy to McGann Tenth Doctor - Tennant to Smith Second Doctor First Doctor - Hartnell to Troughton Third Doctor - Pertwee to T Baker War Doctor - Hurt to Eccleston (albeit he doesn't show up) Sixth Doctor - C Baker (though really McCoy in a Wig) to McCoy

[@WhoCulture]

Thanks for posting your own ranking, love seeing these!

[@JackRafael]

Lol let me guess you actually liked the 13th doctor and disliked tennants era?

[@friendlyotaku9525]

@@JackRafael I love both of their eras actually! In fact I appreciate every era, its all Doctor Who and I love this show. The reason Tennant's regeneration is so low is because I'm not a fan of the "I don't wanna go" line so it brings it down for me a bit though I know plenty of people loved it and that's okay too ^^

[@autistickakarot]

David Tennant is my favourite doctor so his regeneration, for me, is obviously number 1. However my top four (not in any order) other than Tennant are Eccleston, it was not dragged out, really well paced and I thought it was just an incredible moment. Davison, I have always loved his regeneration scene, I think it was so well done and brilliantly acted Matt Smith, whilst he was not one of my favourites I think his final moments as the doctor were really good and well written. And Troughton, when I watched his regeneration for the first time I enjoyed every moment of it, again I thought the acting from Troughton was really good, giving lots of emotions all at once.

[@obibraxton2232]

10 was too sad I would say 12 and 9 I think are my favourites and I actually really liked 13’s especially going back into my favourite nostalgic doctor David Tenant 😁

[@0PhillMC0]

I honestly didn't like the 10th regeneration. My favorite one is the 9th. No fancy monolog, just the doctor trying his best to prepare his companion for the change

[@triplejazzmusicisall1883]

Everyone loves the line of Ten where he states 'I don't want to go...' and for sure it is emotionally engaging but Eleven's final words were all about the good of his tenure and the importance or change. He was devoid of self-pity till the very end and in this age of self obsession I love that fact about this incarnation. Capaldi later continued with this complete sense of duty towards others, especially Clara and would go through hell and back (which he basically did) to save her from anything. 'Be Kind' - does anyone need more simpler words to echo the best of the Doctor? I think not. If you are inline with popular culture then ten was always going to win this title. However, for those, maybe us older folk, love eleven for he was there for everyone else, would give up his life in an instant and only care for others. So for me eleven wins easily followed by 12 for those values of selflessness and that they were more focused on the good of change. Rather than looking backwards with sadness, they were able to look back with love and affection without the need for a self-indulgent run around. Referring to that, and I am not as strong in my opinion of it as others, but that incredibly long journey for Ten just felt too gratuitous. Very RTD. I also thought the tattslotto ticket win, however lightly brushed over was something the Doctor would not do as it is actually morally wrong. He broke a law and was thinking of monetary wealth as a key to happiness. What about those starving from lack of food. Nup not good.

[@altinaykor364]

such a nonsense it wasn't gratuitous at all! everything about it felt by heart and soul and about that petty excuse of "Popular culture" and "everyone else" I didn't see Eleven much caring about people he supposedly wanted to watch over, nor the companions of his former incarnation, which means Ten had every right to be worry and watch over them one last time

[@triplejazzmusicisall1883]

@@altinaykor364 It's just an opinion of me one person.

[@backpackingtony1779]

The best regeneration is when the showrunner regenerated from Chibchib back to RTD.

[@RaggedyDoctor11]

BURNNNNN

[@sothisishowusernameswork.2043]

6:25 Correction: He asked to be a warrior not the other way around.

[@DanBrizuela]

Whether it’s the simplicity and quickness of the classic era, or the emotional and epic of the modern, regeneration is a concept that shouldn’t have worked but does. Keeps the show going and willing to try new things.

[@phoenixruin6640]

Agree with most, but I have to say Matt Smith version of the doctor. Please add best number two because when you see Amelia come down and say “raggedy Man“ and that brief pause where she puts her hand in his face, and says “good night” was the most heart wrenching thing I’d ever seen from Doctor Who. Yes, the 10th doctor I’d say was on the same level as that when he says “I don’t want to go” but I still believe Matt Smith’s doctor gave us all the best sendoff speech.

[@brendanadams3589]

Love your videos. You should do a video where you talk about your top ten pieces from the doctor who soundtrack, that would be pretty cool

[@totallynotkhobsessed]

> sees the 3rd doctor is first > Clicks off video

[@TheMilkman-ur5ip]

Spoiler alert

[@grahambretman4010]

Agreed.Though I did wait to see where they placed Tom Baker (my Doctor) They accuse Peter Davison of gurning but then place Sylvester McCoy pulling faces higher up

[@totallynotkhobsessed]

@@grahambretman4010 they literally thought 11 was better then 4

[@SteveInScotland]

Lot of classic series hate I feel

[@totallynotkhobsessed]

@@SteveInScotland exactly

[@lox3607]

My favorite regeneration are the 10th and the 12th doctor

[@SgtBaha]

I love everything about the 11th's regen *except* the sudden snap to Capaldi. It always makes me feel like the scene is building up all this emotion and instead of letting it all burst out during the doctor's explosion of energy, Capaldi just steps in suddenly and starts the typical new lines of the new doctor in charge. It feels like an emotional whiplash that fails to let the sadness subside before the excitement begins. Ultimately it's a masterfully done scene, but its pacing is hurt by that one transition.

[@1976stoney]

Tom Baker to Peter Davison and Peter Davison to Colin Baker are my favourites. Good build up, decent effects for the time and I like seeing the faces of those he has interacted with during those versions of the character. Of the new series, Whittaker back to Tennant is my favourite. I'd heard spoilers, but I was still thinking- 'Are they really going to do this?' And they did. I think the Fourteenth Doctor being the same body (but different personality perhaps??) as the Tenth Doctor is a really interesting experiment. I also really like the whole build up to the Capaldi- Whittaker regeneration with Capaldi warning David Bradley about what will happen.

[@Silivrina]

He didn't want to go and so he came back

[@AndorRadnai]

I will always remember twelves line „never be cruel, never be cowardly. Remember that hate is always foolish and love is always wise. Always try to be nice, but never fail to be kind“ It is basic stuff, really… but it is such a fantastic baseline to live one’s life by.

[@Narutoanime16g]

10 & 11’s regeneration were my favorites & I like how Dr who handles recasting they have a legit story reason why it happens and when it happens so no one is upset when it’s announced or does happen

[@charliejenkins3211]

6:11 I have to ask why was ryuki belt summoning sound used here lol

[@JediPhoenix1976]

Some thoughts (no particular order): 1. I think Twelve had the best exit speech, with Eleven's right behind it. Although I did like Thirteen's exit line. 2. One thing about Eight's regeneration into the War Doctor is that he mentions all his past companions in a final goodbye, most of which were from the Big Finnish radio dramas. Meaning that Big Finnish Who is canon - I think there was some debate prior to this about it. 3. I always thought the reason that Ten's regeneration was so destructive to the TARDIS was because he put it off for so long; the energy just kept building up until it finally hit critical mass, and kaboom. 4. Knowing what we know now of regenerations - that every time the Doctor regenerates, it's not just a face change, it's a whole new identity - Two basically got straight-up executed by the other time lords. Kinda gruesome, isn't it?

[@kamikazilucas]

best one is 9th to 10th but im biased

[@ladycplum]

I've always thought 6-7 is the worst, considering Colin Baker isn't even in it! The 5th Doctor's regeneration will forever remain my favorite. His reasons for it, Peter's stunning performance, his companions all coming back to urge him to live on, his plaintive final word of "Adric?" the Master showing up urging him to die, the wavy screen, then BOOM! The 6th Doctor shows up. But the First regen should have been far higher up for how seamless it was for such an early age of television. And seeing Paul McGann getting a proper one should've been higher as well. And yes, he delivered a beautiful speech, but the 11th's regeneration in and of itself was complete and utter rubbish. It gave way to the hilarious meme "Have you ever sneezed so hard you regenerated into Peter Capaldi?" And of course there's 10. He's way down there on my list, mainly because of the huge tantrum he threw over having to save Wilf, then his rather egotistical "I'm going to get my reward" line, then the visiting of old companions that took for-bloody-ever, and the whiny "I don't want to go". Sorry, not a fan.

[@MichaelPhillipsatGreyOwlStudio]

Yep, that would be my choice as well. I was surprised it ranked so high. I don't give a crap about how good the special effects are. To me, what's interesting is the drama behind it and reason why he regenerated.

[@geronimoletsplays]

“The Night of the Doctor” is NOT a web exclusive. It ran in a loop ALL WEEK on the BBC Red Button from Paul McGann’s birthday up until “The Day of the Doctor” aired on BBC One. Sure not a traditional channel, but nevertheless it WAS broadcast for a week on Freeview and other platforms, not just the internet.

[@Flynn-gf6wj]

You missed one.. probably fairly far down the list, when the 10th doctor (i.e. David Tennant) regenerated, but kept the same form. Don't recall if it was explicitly stated at the time, but I do recall one of the major plot points of the 11th doctors impending demise being that he had used up all his regenerations, which meant he'd have used 12 by that point. As I recall there was also quite a few depicted in the 'timeless child' from before he regenerated into what we know as the 1st Doctor, but hey, he wasn't the Doctor back then.

[@redactedusernameconfirmed]

The 12th's regeneration is always going to be my favourite (although i am so excited to see the 15ths regeneration) just because of the emotions, the music, the words.

[@dl3209]

My rankings would be: 1. 10 2. 11 3. 9 4. 5 5. 8 6. War 7. 3 8. 13 9. 12 10. 4 11. 1 12. 2 13. 7 14. 6 Was difficult to put it together but this is best to worst in my opinion