The best Doctor Who quotes of the Tenth Doctor
The Tenth Doctor, portrayed by the brilliant David Tennant, is one of the most beloved incarnations of the iconic Time Lord from the long-running British TV series, Doctor Who. His first appearance was in 2005’s The Christmas Invasion and he was last seen regularly in The End of Time in 2009.
Known for his wit, enthusiasm, and boundless energy, the Tenth Doctor has inspired fans with his memorable quotes that often convey wisdom, humour, and a deep love for humanity.
Today, we will revisit some of the best quotes from the Tenth Doctor’s era, which continue to resonate with fans around the world. No wonder we’re seeing more of the Tenth (or is he the Fourteenth) as part of the Doctor Who 60th anniversary celebrations in November 2023.
The best Doctor Who quotes of the Tenth Doctor
“I’m the Doctor. I’m a Time Lord. I’m from the planet Gallifrey in the constellation of Kasterborous. I’m 903 years old, and I’m the man who’s gonna save your lives and all six billion people on the planet below.”
This quote, from the episode Voyage of the Damned, showcases the Tenth Doctor’s confidence, determination, and sense of responsibility. Despite the overwhelming odds, he is always ready to do whatever it takes to save lives.
“Don’t blink. Blink and you’re dead. They are fast, faster than you can believe. Don’t turn your back, don’t look away, and don’t blink.”
One of the most chilling quotes from the Tenth Doctor, this line comes from the fan-favourite episode Blink, which was written by Steven Moffat. The Doctor’s warning about the Weeping Angels is a perfect representation of the suspense and terror that these iconic villains inspire – often voted the scariest in the whole history of Who!
“We’re all stories, in the end. Just make it a good one, eh?”
In the episode The Big Bang, the Tenth Doctor reminds us of the power of storytelling and the importance of living a life worth remembering. This quote resonates with many new Who fans, as it speaks to the heart of what Doctor Who is all about – a timeless story that continues to inspire generations no matter who is the lead character and their companion.
“I don’t want to go.”
The Tenth Doctor’s final words in The End of Time are heart-wrenching and unforgettable. This quote captures the vulnerability and fear of change that we all face at some point in our lives, making it one of the most poignant and relatable moments in the Doctor’s long history… and of course leads us on to a new face for a Doctor who is always changing.
“Some people live more in 20 years than others do in 80. It’s not the time that matters, it’s the person.”
In The Lazarus Experiment, the Tenth Doctor shares his perspective on the value of time and the importance of making the most of the life we have. This quote serves as a powerful reminder to seize the moment and echoes a Carpe Diem spirit that we see within the storytelling of Doctor Who from the very first episodes to the most recent.
“You want weapons? We’re in a library! Books! The best weapons in the world!”
From the episode Tooth and Claw, this quote demonstrates the Tenth Doctor’s appreciation for knowledge and learning, as well as his belief in the power of books to inspire and inform. Knowledge is power, and we need as much knowledge as we can get in life…
David Tennant will be returning to Doctor Who in November 2023 as the Fourteenth Doctor as part of three 60th-anniversary specials. Hopefully there will be even more classic lines and one-liners from those episodes that we will continue to quote long into the future.
- 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...
