Ranking The Companions of Doctor Who

10. Mickey Smith (2005-2010)

Appearances: Series One: ‘Rose’, ‘Aliens of London/World War Three’, ‘Boomtown’, ‘Parting of the Ways’; Series Two: ‘New Earth’, ‘School Reunion’ – ‘The Age of Steel’, ‘Army of Ghosts/Doomsday’; Series Four: ‘Journey’s End’; Specials: ‘The Christmas Invasion’, ‘The End of Time: Part Two’.

Mickey had one of the best and most transformative characters arcs of any companion. He began as Rose’s cowardly boyfriend but, thanks to the Doctor touching his life, grew into a kickass action hero in his own right. An important part of his story was letting go of Rose and he eventually found love with another former companion: Martha Jones.

 

9. Clara Oswald (2012-2015)

Appearances: Series Seven: ‘Asylum of The Daleks’, ‘The Bells of Saint John’ – ‘The Name of the Doctor; Series Eight – Series Nine; Specials: ‘The Snowmen’, ‘The Day of the Doctor’, ‘The Time of the Doctor’, ‘Last Christmas’.

Is it controversial to have the longest-serving companion of the modern era so low? Clara is undoubtedly of incredible importance to the Doctor’s life – just watch the video above for why – but she did out stay her welcome a bit. Still, the character had some amazing moments and was winningly played by Jenna Coleman.

 

8. Martha Jones (2007-2010)

Appearances: Series Three; Series Four: ‘The Sontaran Stratagem’ – ‘The Doctor’s Daughter’, ‘The Stolen Earth/Journey’s End’; Specials: ‘The End of Time: Part Two’.

Martha had a tough time in the TARDIS as he had an unrequited crush on the Doctor and had to live under the shadow of Rose’s memory. Nevertheless, she proved herself incredibly capable. Due to her experiences travelling the world during the Master’s apocalyptic reign, she became a tough-as-nails soldier and eventually joined UNIT. Another terrific character arc.

 

7. Sarah Jane Smith (2006-2010)

Appearances: Series Two: ‘School Reunion’; Series Four: ‘The Stolen Earth/Journey’s End’; Specials: ‘The End of Time: Part Two’; The Sarah Jane Adventures: ‘The Wedding of Sarah Jane Smith’, ‘The Death of the Doctor’.

Sarah Jane Smith is perhaps the definitive companion of the classic era of Doctor Who so it was wonderful that she came back to meet the Tenth Doctor several times (and also the Eleventh on her own spin-off show The Sarah Jane Adventures). Sarah had her own arc across her modern Who episodes – as she finally found a new purpose after travelling with the Doctor.

 

6. Rory Williams (2010-2013)

Appearances: Series Five: ‘The Eleventh Hour, ‘The Vampire of Venice’ – ‘The Big Bang’; Series Six; Series Seven: ‘Asylum of the Daleks’ – ‘The Angels Take Manhattan’; Specials: ‘A Christmas Carol’, ‘The Doctor, The Widow and the Wardrobe’.

On the face of it, Rory is only in the TARDIS because he is Amy’s fiancee, later husband. Similar to Mickey, though, he grows into his hero boots – eventually becoming the mythical, 2000-year-old Lone Centurion. Rory took the weirdness of the Doctor’s world on his chin and he was always motivated by his love for Amy, the old romantic.

 

NEXT PAGE