Pleased Christmas, Whovians! To have fun the vacation and the debut of “The Church on Ruby Highway,” we have re-ranked each Physician Who Christmas particular to determine that are the most effective to rewatch if you wish to get into the spirit.
Because the sequence rebooted in 2005, a yuletide particular has meant massive issues for the Physician and his companions, starting from alien invasion to regeneration, tearful goodbyes, and raucous reunions. However what makes some higher than others? In our analysis, we thought-about the next: How Christmassy is that this Christmas particular? How satisfying is its story? What sort of emotional wallop does it pack?
Whether or not heartwarming or heart-wrenching, the most effective of the batch made us really feel alive the best way solely a heroic Time Lord can! Listed here are our outcomes: The Physician Who Christmas specials, ranked worst to finest:
14. “The Christmas Invasion” (2005) Season 1: Episode 14
The primary Christmas particular of the rebooted sequence centered on Rose Tyler (Billie Piper) coming dwelling for the vacations. Apart from reconnecting along with her mother (Camille Coduri) and deserted boyfriend Mickey (Noel Clarke), she’s additionally introduced an uninvited visitor — the newly regenerated Tenth Physician (David Tennant). Starting the episode comatose, he has to get again within the swing of issues rapidly, as robo-Santas (aka pilot fish Santa) and an unhinged Christmas tree rush to make a multitude of the celebrations.
There is a pleasure to be present in Ten figuring all of it out, particularly as he riffs in a bathrobe in entrance of a conquering alien invader. Irreverent, swaggering, and unapologetically excitable, Tennant presents an awesome introduction to his tackle the Physician. Because the particular that began the franchise’s custom, this episode has earned a variety of love from followers. However Rose and the Physician affinity apart, it is an odd one. Not solely does this Physician find yourself quoting The Lion King at size, but in addition he pulls a sexist trick on the feminine prime minister to defeat her: “Do not you suppose she appears drained?” That does not age nicely. Not even the merry makeover after that may shake the dangerous style from my mouth over that one.
The way to watch: Physician Who: “The Christmas Invasion” is now streaming on Max.
13. “The Finish of Time: Half 1” (2009) Season 4: Episode 17
This Tenth Physician particular is the start of his finish because the titular Time Lord. (Properly, type of.) As you may count on, a variety of lore is folded in, starting from the return of Donna’s granddad Wilf (Bernard Cribbins) to a prophesizing Ood to the resurrection of the Grasp (John Simm), who swiftly went from consuming individuals to turning the world’s inhabitants into his clones. Plus, the Physician casually reveals that in his off time, he received married to “Good Queen Bess,” after which cheekily implies Queen Elizabeth I can not be accurately referred to as “the virgin queen.”
Anyhoo, as Christmas specials go — this one was fairly unsatisfying. Partially as a result of it is simply the primary half of a narrative, ending with the confounding return of the Time Lords. (Half two aired on New Yr’s Day, 2010.) Then, as Huge Bads go, Simm’s cackling cannot examine to the depraved enjoyable of Missy (Michelle Gomez). It is also irritating watching the Physician come SO CLOSE to a Donna reunion solely to run away. On prime of all that, there’s little Christmassy about this one (although Wilf tries together with his reindeer cap), so re-watch high quality is low. It is a variety of setup with too little enjoyable — or heartbreak even!
The way to watch: Physician Who: “The Finish of Time: Half 1” is now streaming on Max.
12. “The Return of Physician Mysterio” (2016) Season 9: Episode 14
A number of the finest Physician Who episodes have been set in New York Metropolis (see “The Angels Take Manhattan”) — however this is not considered one of them. Right here, author Steven Moffat imagines what would occur if the Twelfth Physician (Peter Capaldi) met an American child, and the reply is knockoff Superman stuff: flying like a rushing bullet, sporting glasses to look tremendous regular, growly hero voice, and basic derring-do.
The story begins in 1992 on Christmas Eve, when an 8-year-old comedian guide lover mistakenly swallows a wishing gem that provides him superpowers. Reduce to 2016, when journalist Lucy Fletcher (Charity Wakefield), the Physician, his bumbling companion Nardole (Matt Lucas), and a superhero referred to as The Ghost (Justin Chatwin) workforce as much as struggle evil. Frankly, the mash-up in types would not work. Maybe as a result of there is a tinge of mockery all through, as if Moffat is utilizing the particular as a platform to snark about America’s obsession with the superhero style. To his credit score, that is a singular model of bummer for a Physician Who Christmas particular.
The way to watch: Physician Who: “The Return of Physician Mysterio” is now streaming on Max.
11. “Final Christmas” (2014) Season 8: Episode 13
Santa versus the Dream Crabs appears like one thing out of MST3K, but it surely’s the daffy but pleasant idea of this vacation particular. Clara Oswald (Jenna Coleman) and the Twelfth Physician (Peter Capaldi) workforce up with Father Christmas (a terrifically jolly Nick Frost) to save lots of a North Pole analysis facility below siege by brainwashing parasites.
If you happen to like your Christmas episodes creepy with a aspect of goopy, you may relish this one. Plus Santa goes motion hero, driving in on a bucking Rudolph, sending in toys and tangerines as his infantry. And there is a variety of glee available from tough-talking Santa making believers of the under-siege scientists one after the other. Nonetheless, the ultimate twist (upon twist upon twist) of this particular will get a bit tedious. Nonetheless, we do love that “Merry Christmas Everyone” from Slade bit, the place a scared scientist will get down to save lots of her mind. So, throughout, a enjoyable — albeit funky — rewatch.
The way to watch: Physician Who: “Final Christmas” is now streaming on Max.
10. “The Time of the Physician” (2013) Season 7: Episode 16
Matt Smith’s run because the Eleventh Physician ended with this Christmas particular, and he goes out in loads of fashion. This outrageous ep combines basic Physician Who villains just like the Cybermen, Daleks, Weeping Angels, the Sontarans, and the Silence with a basic vacation comedy ploy. Clara is internet hosting a Christmas dinner, and she or he wants a Christmas date. So, she calls on her socially awkward alien bestie to play the half. Naturally, he turns up bare (however in a cheeky, appropriate-for-family-viewing means).
Nonetheless, this isn’t the actual focus of the episode. That entails a crack within the universe, secrets and techniques of Gallifrey, and an ominous message for the Physician. All this makes for a really thrilling episode, however a tough revisit, as a lot lore may need you head-scratching or googling over hooting and laughing. However even should you’ve grown foggy on some particulars, Smith’s enthusiasm and the overwhelming onslaught of memorable foes make this one a worthy rewatch. It is also amusing to recollect the time when the present feinted that this really could be the final of the Physician’s incarnations.
The way to watch: Physician Who: “The Time of the Physician” is now streaming on Max.
9. “The Physician, the Widow, and the Wardrobe” (2011) Season 6: Episode 14
Outdated Hollywood allure infuses this particular, centered as it’s round a kindly spouse and mom, who does her finest with good humor even in probably the most making an attempt circumstances. In 1938, when Madge Arwell (Claire Skinner) discovers a discombobulated spaceman in want of help, she gamely obliges. Three years later, he’ll return the favor in a most spectacular means.
Along with her husband KIA throughout World Battle II, Madge has her arms full along with her youngsters — and that is earlier than considered one of them wanders off right into a time portal that transports him to a mysterious forest, the place a horrible risk looms. Depart it to the Eleventh Physician (Matt Smith) — masquerading as a unusual caretaker — to assist Madge save Christmas for every one. A sweeping journey with touches’ of sci-fi, C.S. Lewis-inspired fantasy, and loads of mum energy, this episode will go away you “completely satisfied crying — humany wumany.”
The way to watch: Physician Who: “The Physician, the Widow and the Wardrobe” is now streaming on Max.
8. “A Christmas Carol” (2010) Season 5: Episode 14
Amy Pond (Karen Gillan) and Rory Williams (Arthur Darvill) start their yuletide particular with three acquainted issues to Whovians: 1) a resort spaceship getting ready to catastrophe 2) Amy in her mini-skirted police costume, and three) Rory in his centurion outfit. What does all of it imply? This couple is lastly on a romantic vacation and are into role-playing their finest adventures — in mattress! (Good for them!)
Saucy implications apart, the Eleventh Physician (Matt Smith) arrives to save lots of Christmas Day — coming down the chimney like Santa himself! (Bonus enjoyable: he presents a confounded youngster with a snapshot of him, Frank Sinatra, Albert Einstein, and “Jeff” (aka Father Christmas).)
On this sci-fi spin on Charles Dickens’ hottest work, the nice Michael Gambon performs Physician Who’s model of Ebenezer Scrooge. Kazran is a cruel cash lender hellbent on being horrible on the vacations. As a substitute of using seasonal ghosts, the Physician goes again in time to make this curmudgeon extra of a Claus. With festive flare, daddy points, and flying sharks, this episode is a terrific present.
The way to watch: Physician Who: “A Christmas Carol” is now streaming on Max.
7. “The Subsequent Physician” (2008) Season 4: Episode 14
This particular got here after “Journey’s Finish,” which closed the guide on a number of beloved chapters for higher (Rose and her Physician parting present) and worse (Donna and a series-rattling reminiscence wipe). Followers wanted one thing enjoyable and festive to recuperate, and Russell T Davies delivered with a story of kid abduction and Cybermen that seems surprisingly completely satisfied (for this present, anyway).
The Tenth Physician touches down in 1851 London on Christmas Eve and encounters a jaunty gentleman (David Morrissey) calling himself “The Physician.” He is even received an ultra-competent, comely companion as well! (Velile Tshabalala is a deal with as Rosita Farisi.)
Our Physician is initially delighted to fulfill what he assumes to be considered one of his future regenerations. However quickly he realizes one thing sinister is happening. A strong thriller boils on the core of this one, whereas the Victorian setting provides the entire thing a Dickensian/Christmas Carol vibe. And in the end, there’s loads of pleasure to be discovered within the Physician discovering somebody who actually will get him.
The way to watch: Physician Who: “The Subsequent Physician” is now streaming on Max.
6. “The Snowmen” (2012) Season 7: Episode 6
Sentient snowmen! Following the Eleventh Physician’s lack of Amy and Rory (“The Angels Take Manhattan”), this Christmas particular is jam-packed with pals new and previous. In Victorian England (a recurring setting for Physician Who Christmas), reptilian detective Madame Vastra (Neve McIntosh), her human spouse/Watson Jenny Flint (Catrin Stewart), their grumbly Santaran butler, Strax (Dan Starkey), and unimaginable woman Clara Oswald (Jenna Coleman) all be part of forces because the Physician does battle with vicious people-eating snowmen and their icy human ally (Richard E. Grant in glower mode).
Having some enjoyable within the vacation horror subgenre, this mid-season trifle is filled with treats: fiercely fanged snowmen, Sherlock-like sleuthing, and bouncy banter. What’s to not relish?
The way to watch: Physician Who: “The Snowmen” is now streaming on Max.
5. “The Runaway Bride” (2006) Season 2: Episode 14
The adventures of the DoctorDonna start on this Christmas episode, during which the vacation wedding ceremony of Donna Noble (Catherine Tate) is interrupted by an inexplicable TARDIS abduction. And nobody is extra outraged than the snatched bride on her massive day.
The place Rose (after which Martha) crushed onerous on their Medical doctors, Donna gagged on the thought of getting with the thin “spaceman” (David Tennant). Her brassy perspective is a part of what made this episode – which concerned an alien arachnid queen who was bent on overtaking Earth — such a salty deal with. Sadly, it could be a bit earlier than she’d swing again into the Physician’s timeline. However with an journey that boasted as a lot motion and annihilation because it did Tate’s daring model of humor, their reunion was nicely definitely worth the wait.
The way to watch: Physician Who: “The Runaway Bride” is now streaming on Max.
4. “Twice Upon a Time” (2017) Season 10: Episode 13
Christmas is a time for change — or in Physician Who, a time for regeneration. The final Christmas particular for 5 years noticed Peter Capaldi face his final battle as The Physician. (He’d then hand the TARDIS over to Jodie Whittaker, who did a string of New Yr’s specials throughout her tenure.) Fittingly, his was a battle of letting go.
Within the South Pole, the Twelfth Physician is pressured to face himself actually when he runs into his first incarnation (David Bradley, filling in for the late William Hartnell). The 2 should work collectively as a curious glass entity and a soldier from World Battle I pop by. However extra importantly, the present Physician should face his previous. Within the First, he sees how a lot he has grown — particularly when his companion Invoice Potts (Pearl Mackie) is curiously resurrected and delay by the previous Physician’s sexist methods! Amid the mischief of colliding Medical doctors, this episode bids a fond farewell to Capaldi and his companions, together with Clara Oswald (Jenna Coleman) and Nardole (Matt Lucas). Certain, the Christmassy component is relegated to some snow and a little bit of battlefield carol-singing, and the thriller on this one rings a bit hole. However in the case of catharsis, few Physician Who vacation specials can examine!
The way to watch: Physician Who: “Twice Upon a Time” is now streaming on Max.
3. “Voyage of the Damned” (2007) Season 3: Episode 14
Keep in mind the time the Physician crashed into the Titanic? No — not that Earth one. In an extremely ominous determination by dangerously rich industrialist Max Capricorn (George Costigan), a nuclear-powered interstellar cruiser setting forth on a vacation cruise among the many stars was additionally named Titanic. If that — plus the episode’s title — weren’t sufficient to place you on edge, maybe the garish shows of wealth and golden robotic angels may prime you for catastrophe.
Certain, from the beginning you’ll be able to suppose this vessel is doomed. However author Russell T Davies introduced recent agony by introducing an exquisite one-off companion in Astrid Peth (performed by the radiant Kylie Minogue), solely to snuff her out by ep finish! A humble humanoid waitress who dreamed of seeing the celebrities, she is precisely the Physician’s sort. And he was fast to take discover of her! However as this boat and all its souls appear certain for catastrophe, this courageous duo will do no matter it takes to maintain historical past from repeating. Whereas Whovians (and Minogue followers) had been heartbroken over this ending, it supplied a bittersweet and exquisite silver lining.
The way to watch: Physician Who: “Voyage of the Damned” is now streaming on Max.
2. “The Church on Ruby Highway” (2023) Season 14, episode 0
The Christmas particular returns after 5 years off — and what a marvel! “The Church on Ruby Highway” marks the primary full episode that includes the Fifteenth Physician, Ncuti Gatwa. Correctly set on the Christmas vacation, this rollicking romp introduces Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson), a 19-year-old who’s a foundling and a Christmas child. On her birthday, it is solely becoming she helps the Physician rescue one other Christmas child from being wolfed up by a pirate ship’s value of singing goblins!
Removed from mournful or thick with plot, this particular is a real delight, thanks in no small half to the superior charisma of Gatwa, who dances, quips, and runs with gusto. Filled with seasonal decor, basic merriness, and the sort of journey that is family-friendly, this vacation episode ought to get your coronary heart warming like chestnuts on an open hearth. Plus, this Physician has expanded the celeb name-dropping to incorporate a “sizzling summer season” with Harry Houdini. What an exciting method to fill us with pleasure for his upcoming season!
The way to watch:Physician Who, “The Church on Ruby Highway” is now streaming on Disney+.
1. “The Husbands of River Music” (2015) Season 9: Episode 13
Spoilers! This episode is gorgeous, bonkers, and deeply, deeply unhappy.
Starting on Christmas Day of 5343, “The Husbands of River Music” reunites the Physician together with his timey-wimey wifey (Alex Kingston). However there are a few snags to would-be romance. This incarnation of the Physician (Peter Capaldi) hasn’t crossed paths along with her earlier than. She acts like she would not know him, after which she introduces him to her — uh — ailing husband, King Hydroflax (Greg Davies). However it’s River Music. There’s extra to this than meets her glowing eyes.
For a lot of their escapades, River has been a pressure of nature, at all times fawning over the Physician whereas refusing to let him get too filled with himself. This dynamic hits a dramatic flip, nevertheless, when a heist goes awry. In a monologue that is positive to make you tear up, she lays out what it means to be a Time Lord’s spouse. And he’ll in the end present her all she means to him. Goodbye, sweetie.
The way to watch: Physician Who: “The Husbands of River Music” is now streaming on Max.