Top 10 Scariest Doctor Who Monsters That Should Have Had More Appearances

The long-running series Doctor Who has captivated audiences with its imaginative take on monsters and villains. Although many iconic foes have graced its episodes, numerous intriguing antagonists have made only a brief appearance, departing the scene after just one story. Across more than sixty years on television, fans have consistently been entertained by the Doctor, his trusty TARDIS, and a rotating cast of companions. Meanwhile, other temporary villains emerge sporadically, contributing to the show’s allure.

In contrast to the recurring threats posed by characters like the Master or the menacing Daleks, there exist a plethora of one-off villains that deserve greater recognition. Even with a protagonist capable of traversing space and time, the sheer variety of adversaries is astonishing. Some villains, despite their limited screen time, boast intricate backstories and significant depth. Much like the modern-day terror of the Weeping Angels, these one-time foes warrant a return to enrich the Doctor’s adventures.

10 Sycorax

Brutal Alien Invaders

The Sycorax were the Tenth Doctor’s first encounter with extraterrestrial beings following his regeneration. These formidable adversaries, adorned in bone armor, boast a primitive yet martial language. Despite their tribal aesthetics and aggressive demeanor, they are a remarkably technologically advanced race. Their capability for lightspeed travel suggests rapid evolution, hinting at their complex history.

Furthermore, their scientific prowess allows them to exert control over populations through blood, resembling something akin to magic. In essence, the Sycorax embody the idea that with sufficient technological advancement, the boundaries between science and magic blur.

9 Times

Shapeshifting Nightmare

The Mara is trapped in a circle of mirrors in Doctor Who

Having appeared in two closely related stories during the classic era, the Mara is often viewed as a representation of human folly. Officially recognized as part of Doctor Who’s Pantheon of Gods, the Mara first manifested as an embodiment of greed and hatred when it took control of Tegan, one of the Fifth Doctor’s companions. Eventually, it shed its human host to reveal its true form as a serpent.

Although it has long been exiled and trapped, recent allusions to the Mara suggest a potential for its return. As Doctor Who continues to explore its mythology, fans are hopeful for a revival of this complex entity.

8 Vashta Narada

Shadowy Book Creatures

Another striking creation from the modern era is the Vashta Narada, the unseen threat encountered by the Tenth Doctor. In the storyline set within the universe’s largest library, the Doctor uncovers the chilling truth of these invisible beings that were transported to the vast literary collection from their home planet. Far from mere figments of imagination, the Vashta Narada prove to be potent adversaries that could expand their narrative in future episodes.

7 The Cheetah People

Ferocious Humanoids

cheetah people with the Seventh Doctor Sylvestor McCoy on Doctor Who

The Seventh Doctor’s adventures introduced viewers to the enigmatic Cheetah People. These creatures appear as humanoids with cheetah features, driven by primal instincts. However, there is an intriguing twist: any being present on their home planet gradually transforms into a Cheetah Person, experiencing a metamorphosis that includes heightened predatory instincts.

This transformation affects all are humanoids – Time Lords and humans alike. Given the rich history and complexity of their origin, revisiting the Cheetah People in modern Doctor Who could offer fascinating narratives and character development.

6 Meglos

Manipulative Alien Lord

Encountered by the Fourth Doctor, Meglos stands out as a formidable foe. The last of the Zolfa-Thuran species, Meglos has an unusual appearance resembling a large cactus, but its power is anything but innocuous. Demonstrating significant cunning, Meglos managed to imprison both the Doctor and Romana, using their likeness to orchestrate complex plots.

As a unique character with the ability to disguise itself as the Doctor, Meglos presents intriguing narrative opportunities. While it has not reappeared since its initial debut, the potential for its return makes it a character to watch in future stories.

5 The Dream Lord

Twisted Reality Master

The Dream Lord in the TARDIS In Doctor Who

When the Eleventh Doctor faced the Dream Lord, it exposed a profound aspect of his character. Trapped in the TARDIS with Amy, they confronted an entity that appeared to wield god-like powers. Ultimately, it was revealed that the Dream Lord was a manifestation of the Doctor’s darkest thoughts, driving him into harrowing confrontations.

This duality showcases the Doctor’s internal struggles, suggesting that while he is generally perceived as a hero, there exists a darker side. The possibility of the Dream Lord’s return poses intriguing questions for the future development of the Doctor’s character arc.

4 Krillitane

Deadly Alien Chameleons

The Tenth Doctor encountered the monstrous Krillitane while investigating a series of mysterious disappearances at a school. This group of aliens demonstrated remarkable adaptability, possessing the ability to incorporate the traits of their defeated foes into their own physiology. Their chameleon-like abilities made them especially complex as adversaries, exhibiting different forms and powers in each confrontation.

Their unique capacity to evolve rapidly also resulted in some alarmingly dark implications, as they could enhance human abilities by consuming their bodily fluids—albeit at a lethal cost for themselves.

3 Chameleons

Alien Shapeshifters

In the early adventures of the Second Doctor, a race of scientifically curious aliens presented a fascinating dilemma. Known as the Chameleons, they were able to alter their physical appearances in a desperate attempt to survive after a catastrophic experiment left them disfigured. Through this ability, they could seamlessly integrate into humanoid forms, stealing identities and captivating audiences.

The Doctor’s encounters with them not only revealed their formidable capabilities but led to profound moments of conflict, emphasizing their role as compelling villains in the universe.

2 The Trickster

Reality-Warping Entity

The Trickster speaking to David Tennant's Tenth Doctor in The Sarah Jane Adventures

Although The Trickster has yet to make a full-length appearance in Doctor Who, it stands out as one of the most distinctive foes of the series. Originating from the spin-off series ‘The Sarah Jane Adventures,’ this extradimensional entity is known for its formidable reality-warping skills. The Trickster’s impact resonates through episodes such as “Turn Left,”where its actions profoundly alter the trajectory of Donna Noble’s life.

With recent narrative references to the Pantheon, the potential for the Trickster’s return looms large, providing an exciting opportunity for new storylines.

1 Midnight

Trapped on a Spaceship

Wide-Eyed Sky Possessed by the Midnight Entity in Doctor Who

The Midnight entity presents an adrenaline-pumping antagonist with an elusive grip on its victims. During one fateful journey to the planet Midnight, the Doctor and a group of travelers encounter a rapidly shifting adversary that can invade and imitate the consciousness of those on board. The tense atmosphere escalates as the entity begins to mirror the Doctor, attempting to dominate him in the process.

With a unique conceptualization that allows for deep character exploration and unsettling suspense, the Midnight creature’s potential for future narratives could prove captivating for longtime viewers.

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