6 best Cybermen stories in Doctor Who
When it comes to the sprawling universe of Doctor Who, few adversaries are as enduring, as chilling, or as iconic as the Cybermen. Rivalled perhaps only by the Daleks, these metallic monstrosities from the planet Mondas represent the epitome of dehumanisation, embodying a future where humanity is stripped of emotion and individuality, replaced instead by cold, hard logic and uniformity.
The Cybermen first marched onto our screens back in 1966, in the William Hartnell serial “The Tenth Planet”, and they’ve been making regular appearances ever since, plaguing the Doctor and his companions across space and time. Their relentless pursuit of survival and upgrade, their eerie, emotionless voices, and their unwavering belief in the superiority of their cybernetic existence have made them a staple of the show, and some of the Doctor’s most formidable foes.
Over the decades, the Cybermen have been central to some of the most compelling, thought-provoking, and downright terrifying storylines in the series. They have appeared in different forms, evolved in design and motive, but their core essence has remained the same – the chilling vision of a humanity purged of all emotion.
In their unyielding quest for universal cyber-conversion, the Cybermen have provided us with countless memorable moments – from their chilling reveal in “The Tenth Planet” to their haunting invasion of Earth in “The Invasion” and their surprise return in the modern era with “Rise of the Cybermen/The Age of Steel”. They have forced the Doctor to confront the darkest aspects of his own nature and have tested the strength and resolve of his companions.
In the following passages, we will explore six of the most impactful Cybermen stories in the Doctor Who canon. These tales showcase the Cybermen at their best (and worst), highlighting their evolution, their chilling philosophy, and the unique threats they pose. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the series, a newcomer looking to delve into the Doctor’s battles with these cybernetic nightmares, or simply a lover of compelling sci-fi storytelling, these stories offer a glimpse into why the Cybermen remain some of the most memorable villains in the history of Doctor Who.
Are you ready? Let us begin…
“The Tenth Planet”
This First Doctor (William Hartnell) story is notable for being the Cybermen’s debut. The Doctor and his companions find themselves at a South Pole space base, where they encounter the Cybermen from Mondas. The story builds tension effectively and is also famous for featuring the Doctor’s first regeneration. The Cybermen are quickly established as a formidable foe.
“Tomb of the Cybermen”
Regarded as a classic, this Second Doctor (Patrick Troughton) story sees the Doctor, Jamie, and Victoria uncovering a hidden tomb of the Cybermen on the planet Telos. The story offers a look at the Cybermen’s history and culture and features memorable scenes of the Cybermen emerging from their icy tombs. This would be the start of many more adventures with the Cybermen.
“Earthshock”
The Fifth Doctor (Peter Davison) confronts the Cybermen in this action-packed story. The twist reveal of the Cybermen as the story’s villains was a significant moment, and the story is also known for its tragic ending, marking the death of companion Adric.
Click here for page 2…
- Love Doctor Who? Get all the latest Doctor Who news and views from Screen OD
- Looking for some entertainment? Have you tried our general knowledge quiz questions and answers yet? Or browse all the Screen OD quizzes.
- Want to supercharge your streaming? Take a look at our guide to Netflix secret codes for TV and movie fans
- Love TV and movies? Try Screen OD on YouTube...
