Throughout its first 26 years, Doctor Who told a wealth of different stories (much as it still does now), dancing between genres and styles. The diverse crew of writers, actors, and directors throughout the history of the series have ensured a wide range of adventures, some of which became hailed as classics, cherished by many.
Not every Doctor Who story is held in the same regard as, say, “Genesis of the Daleks” or “The Caves of Androzani,” though. Yet this doesn't mean that they are completely without merit. There's a host of under-appreciated gems scattered throughout the series between 1963 and 1989.
10 The Happiness Patrol (1988)
A direct attack on Thatcherism, this episode also dances with themes of depression and individuality. “The Happiness Patrol” is a garish piece of political statement, dressed up with bright pink wigs and a monster made of liquorice allsorts.
Sylvester McCoy is at his most determined here, showing viewers the Seventh Doctor rallying against mandatory joy enforced by a cruel regime. It's a weird, wonderful delight of a story, with shades of light and dark throughout its three memorable episodes. It's well worthy of reappraisal.
9 The Gunfighters (1966)
“The Gunfighters” certainly has its detractors. Littered with every every cowboy cliché imaginable in the sets, costumes and dialogue, it could easily be written off as silly filler. Yet it remains a charming and comedic entry in First Doctor canon.
William Hartnell flexes his funny bone in the last comedy of his Doctor's era, while companions Steven and Dodo deliberately ham it up in a bid to impress the locals. Throw in a genuinely tense final act, and the result is an adventure far better than people remember.
8 The Underwater Menace (1967)
“Why do you want to blow up the world?” This quote alone highlights the utter ludicrousness of the half-missing Patrick Troughton escapade, “The Underwater Menace.” Set on the first of several variations of Atlantis that would appear throughout the series, this story has it all.
There's the Second Doctor disguising himself as a marketplace minstrel, a mad scientist yearning for supreme power and a bizarre musical interlude involving fish people (which may or may not have been the inspiration behind Kate Bush's "Fish People" label).
7 Delta And The Bannermen (1987)
“Delta and the Bannermen” is a jolly, colorful romp that sits snugly in the whimsy of season 24. Peppered with delightful protagonists, a groovy rock'n'roll soundtrack and Ken Dodd, it's a huge dose of fun.
Sylvester McCoy really settles into his performance as the Doctor here, and does well against the evil Gavroc – a villain played completely straight by Don Henderson. There's also an argument for guest-character Goronwy actually being a Time Lord, or even a future Doctor...
6 The Two Doctors (1985)
“The Two Doctors” will never top the polls of 'Favorite Multi-Doctor Story,' but it's an entertaining adventure nonetheless. Thanks to a glaring continuity error, it even marked the creation of the fabled Season 6B, which may or may not have influenced the Fugitive Doctor arc in some small way.
Patrick Troughton and Colin Baker have an excellent rapport in this story as the Second and Sixth Doctors respectively, and filming on location in Spain was an inspired choice. Jaqueline Pearce was perfectly cast as the villainous Chessene: an antagonist of pure, sultry class.
5 Planet Of Fire (1984)
A little on the dry side it might be, but “Planet of Fire” serves outgoing companion Vislor Turlough well, finally exploring his mysterious backstory and giving him a worthy send-off. It also found a way of making the robotic Kamelion useful, in his second and final appearance.
It's also an explosive introduction for the brash American Perpugilliam Brown (Peri to her friends), and her reckless nature. In this story, viewers get one of Anthony Ainley's best performances as the Master, and the Lanzarote locations add a sense of scale to the drama.
4 The Web Planet (1965)
Suspension of disbelief has always been an integral part of Doctor Who. “The Web Planet” pushes that suspension to the nth degree, but for those that can see past the unconvincing monster suits, there's a real jewel to be found.
“The Web Planet” is weird and bizarre in a way that many other mainstream shows wouldn't dare to be. Set on a planet populated by insectoid creatures, with social commentary on communism and free enterprise hidden within the script, it's a charmingly eccentric addition to the show.
3 The Invasion Of Time (1978)
Featuring a disappointing exit for a popular companion, aliens made of tin foil and a TARDIS interior that looks like the inside of an abandoned hospital, none of these play into this episode's favor. However, it's an enjoyable story in its own right.
The Fourth Doctor (Tom Baker) lays claim to presidency over Gallifrey, as the (tin foil) Vardans invade. It's an entertaining four episodes of double-bluffs and Doctorish buffoonery. And once it seems like it's all over, the Sontarans turn up in a genuinely surprising cliffhanger.
2 Invasion Of The Dinosaurs (1974)
“Invasion of the Dinosaurs” is yet another serial let down by special effects that don't hold up today. But look past the ropey dinosaurs, and viewers will find an intriguing story touching on environmental concerns.
At the heart of these concerns is Mike Yates, a friend of the Third Doctor's who joins a cultish group of people wanting to return earth to a “golden age” – that is, before it was ruined by humanity. Allowing a companion to venture to the dark side, albeit for well-meaning reasons, was a brave move for the show.
1 Battlefield (1989)
Kicking off the final original series of Doctor Who back in 1989, “Battlefield” is an intriguing exploration of the Doctor's mysterious side, with a guest appearance from the much-loved Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart.
“Battlefield” presents audiences with the notion of an unseen future Doctor, leaving clues for their former self to unravel. This type of "timey-wimey" interference would be tackled head-on by Steven Moffat during his time running the show. “Battlefield” strongly suggests that the Doctor might be Merlin, too. Of course.