Ranked: Every Matt Smith Doctor Who TV Story

"Doctor Who" has always been a stalwart of British television, but the arrival of Matt Smith as the Eleventh Doctor in 2010 brought a renewed vigour to the beloved series. Donning a bow tie and professing that "bow ties are cool," Smith's Doctor was a blend of old wisdom and youthful exuberance. This ranking looks at each of his stories, from the adventurous highs to the rare missteps, giving viewers a comprehensive overview of his tenure. For the sake of brevity, detailed synopses and guest star highlights will be provided for the top ten stories, while the remaining ones will be simply listed.

1. "The Day of the Doctor" (23 November 2013): This story is an exceptional celebration of "Doctor Who's" 50th anniversary, uniting the Tenth (David Tennant) and Eleventh Doctors, with the surprise inclusion of the War Doctor (John Hurt). It beautifully encapsulates the core ethos of the Doctor's character, and resonates with a staggering 12.8 million viewers.
2. "Vincent and the Doctor" (5 June 2010): Richard Curtis' story humanises Vincent Van Gogh (Tony Curran) and explores the impact of mental illness. Its poignant handling of Van Gogh's story resonated deeply, drawing an audience of 6.76 million.
3. "The Eleventh Hour" (3 April 2010): Smith's debut sees him winning over sceptical fans and taking control of his TARDIS with gusto. It introduces the "crack in the wall" arc, and managed to entice a strong audience of 10.08 million viewers.
4. "The Doctor's Wife" (14 May 2011): Neil Gaiman's award-winning script explores the emotional relationship between the Doctor and the TARDIS, brought to life through Suranne Jones's exceptional performance. It attracted 7.97 million viewers.
5. "A Christmas Carol" (25 December 2010): Smith's first Christmas Special reimagines Dickens' classic with a "Doctor Who" twist. Michael Gambon's performance as Kazran elevates the emotional drama, which was watched by 12.11 million viewers.
6. "The Pandorica Opens/The Big Bang" (19/26 June 2010): The conclusion of the fifth series delivers an epic and intricate narrative that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats, securing 7.57 million viewers.
7. "A Good Man Goes to War" (4 June 2011): This story showcases a fiercer side of the Doctor, while revealing the true identity of River Song (Alex Kingston). It provided a thrilling watch for 7.51 million viewers.
8. "The Name of the Doctor" (18 May 2013): This episode teased the reveal of the Doctor's biggest secret, ending with the tantalizing introduction of the War Doctor. Richard E. Grant's Great Intelligence was a formidable adversary, helping draw in 7.45 million viewers.
9. "Asylum of the Daleks" (1 September 2012): This Dalek-infused adventure surprised fans with an early introduction of Jenna Coleman as Oswin Oswald. The twist was enjoyed by 8.33 million viewers.
10. "The Impossible Astronaut/Day of the Moon" (23/30 April 2011): The series six opener transports the Doctor to America, introducing the menacing Silence. These episodes marked a bold tonal shift, captivating 8.86 million viewers. The remaining stories, ranked from 11-39, are:
11. "The Girl Who Waited"
12. "The Angels Take Manhattan"
13. "The Lodger"
14. "The Time of Angels/Flesh and Stone"
15. "The Beast Below"
16. "Cold War"
17. "Night Terrors"
18. "The Snowmen"
19. "Amy's Choice"
20. "The Wedding of River Song"
21. "The Bells of Saint John"
22. "The God Complex"
23. "The Rings of Akhaten"
24. "Victory of the Daleks"
25. "The Rebel Flesh/The Almost People"
26. "The Doctor, The Widow and The Wardrobe"
27. "Dinosaurs on a Spaceship"
28. "Hide"
29. "Journey to the Centre of the TARDIS"
30. "Nightmare in Silver"
31. "Closing Time"
32. "The Crimson Horror"
33. "Cold Blood/The Hungry Earth"
34. "Curse of the Black Spot"
35. "Let's Kill Hitler"
36. "Time Heist"
37. "The Caretaker"
38. "Kill the Moon"
39. "In the Forest of the Night"

Matt Smith's era was an invigorating blend of drama, humour, and emotional depth. His Doctor was a testament to the enduring appeal of the character, bringing a delightful eccentricity and an ancient quality that resonated with audiences. Smith's tenure was filled with laughter, tears, fear, and an undeniable sense of wonder that embodies the spirit of "Doctor Who."

Which is your favourite Eleventh Doctor adventure?