Playing the Doctor for three seasons and four specials, Matt Smith’s 11th Doctor is one of the best incarnations of the iconic role. With his inherent love of bow ties and fezzes, the 11th Doctor is certainly the most quirky and hilarious incarnation of the modern era of Doctor Who. Following an iconic and pitch-perfect performance from David Tennant as the 10th Doctor, Matt Smith had a very difficult job as the 11th Doctor. However, Smith immediately made it his own, and with his first ever episode and his odd combination of fish sticks and custard, fans fell in love with his version, making the role his own.
In his three years as the Doctor, Matt Smith appeared in many brilliant episodes that are among the best in the modern era ofDoctor Who. So, grab your sonic screwdrivers and fasten your bow tie, as we rank all the best Doctor Who episodes featuring the 11th Doctor.
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7 Vincent and The Doctor
BBC Studios
The 11th Doctor’s first season contained many great episodes, one of which being “Vincent and the Doctor”. The episode is packed with exceptional writing from Richard Curtis, heartfelt emotion, and brilliant dialogue. Similarly, the performances from Matt Smith, Karen Gillan, and Tony Curran (Vincent van Gogh) were compelling and layered, forcing audiences to care for Vincent. It’s also very sweet how much Van Gogh cared about Amy, and if they were to ever form a relationship, it would be very cute. Likewise, seeing Bill Nighy appear and interact with Matt Smith’s Doctor was a welcomed delight and a highlight of the episode. “Vincent and The Doctor” delivers one of the best episodes in the hit show about a historical figure.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
6 Angels Take Manhattan
This heartbreaking episode delivers everything fans love about the show. A terrifying return of the infamous Weeping Angels, a stunning noir-themed time period, and compelling, incredibly emotional writing. The episode is action-packed and is another brilliant use of the Weeping Angels. However, the real draw was the fantastic yet deeply gut-punching end to Amy Pond and Rory Williams. As well as featuring River Song, the death of Amy and Rory breaks the Doctor and the audience, in one of the 11th Doctor’s most emotional moments.
5 The Impossible Astronaut
Kicking off with the surprising death of the Doctor, the episode pulls out all the stops, as fans are dunked into a tension-filled episode ending on a cliffhanger that will have fans’ jaws on the floor. “The Impossible Astronaut” is a very different Doctor Who episode than what fans had seen before. Not only for being set in America, but essentially reinventing the show and making the hit series more popular than ever. With a horrifying introduction to the ghastly Silence, an engaging story arc, great performances, and new direction for the show “The Impossible Astronaut” is simply brilliant.
4 The Eleventh Hour
As the first appearance of the 11th Doctor, fans were skeptical of how Matt Smith could follow David Tennant’s turn as the iconic protagonist. Fortunately, Smith became a new favorite for fans, and “The Eleventh Hour” is one of the episodes to thank for that. The episode was an engaging, action-packed and adrenaline-fueled ride from the start, introducing fans to the cracks, which are prolific throughout Matt Smith’s turn as the Doctor. Likewise, we are introduced to the unique villain known as Prisoner Zero, who can shape-shift into any life form that he has seen before. The episode’s end is one for the ages, as Matt Smith delivers an exciting speech before cementing himself as the 11th Doctor in his iconic tweed suit and bow tie.
3 The Pandorica Opens
This episode will leave you speechless. Delivering everything fans love about the show and so much more. Telling a compelling story, great performances, awesome speeches, and unexpected twists and turns. Of course, these make for a great episode, but we haven’t yet mentioned the onslaught of iconic Doctor Who villains, who appear in this jaw-dropping episode. From the Daleks and the Cybermen, to the Sontarans and even the Judoon revealing they have all formed an alliance to protect the universe from the Doctor, of which the Pandorica was created to capture the Doctor to prevent the end of the universe. “The Pandorica Opens” is an emotional, exciting, and near-perfect Doctor Who episode.
2 The Time of The Doctor
As Matt Smith’s final episode, “The Time of The Doctor” had a lot to live up to, and gave Matt Smith a satisfying and emotional end to his character. Thankfully, “The Time of The Doctor” certainly delivers. Having the Doctor protect the town of Christmas from an onslaught of attacks from his deadliest foes. The Cybermen, Weeping Angels, and of course the Daleks; this episode is action-packed and sees the Doctor in his weakest state yet. At least, before he unleashes some very powerful regeneration attacks on the Daleks. The regeneration scene is of course very emotional, but “Time of the Doctor” is the perfect end, and we could not wish for a better ending, or overall episode.
1 The Day of the Doctor
BBC
Was there really any competition? Featuring three Doctors, Billie Piper making a brilliant appearance, as well as telling a tragic, yet very important story of the Doctor, “The Day of the Doctor” is Matt Smith’s best episode. As the 50th anniversary special, ‘The Day of the Doctor’’ celebrates everything Doctor Who, making it the perfect Doctor Who episode ever. Celebrating every incarnation of the Doctor, from the very first Doctor played by William Hartnell, all the way to the Twelfth Doctor played by Peter Capaldi, who at that point, hasn’t yet played the Doctor.
Sporting an all-star Doctor Who cast, with Matt Smith, David Tennant, Billie Piper, and the incredible John Hurt making his appearance as the War Doctor, “The Day of The Doctor” is truly something special. Written by Steven Moffat, Chris Chibnall, Mark Gatiss, and Richard Curtis, just to name a few, “The Day of the Doctor” is an exciting, emotional and hilarious Doctor Who episode that is easily among the best.
