If there’s one thing Doctor Who is celebrated for—aside from its iconic time travel adventures, the sonic screwdriver, and the ever-changing face of the Doctor—it’s the show’s incredible lineup of unforgettable monsters. With a brand-new season now underway, we’re diving into the archives to revisit the Doctor’s most terrifying foes and spotlight the most chilling creatures from across the series’ long history.
Before we dive in, a few quick notes: We’ve excluded characters that don’t quite fit the “monster” mold in the traditional sense—so you won’t find the Master on this list. Also, while some of these creatures originated in the classic era of the show, each entry has made at least one on-screen appearance since the series’ revival in 2005. We feel modern-era design and storytelling often elevate these villains, making them even more impactful. That said, let’s jump right in. Here are our top 20 Doctor Who monsters from the modern era.
21 Images