160 Best Doctor Who Quotes by Every Doctor & Their Companions
Doctor Who is a British science fiction television series that has captured viewers’ hearts worldwide since its debut in 1963. Throughout its 50-year history, the show has featured several talented actors who have portrayed the Doctor. This time-traveling alien explores the universe and fights against evil forces. The show’s popularity is partly due to its clever writing and memorable quotes that have become ingrained in fans’ minds.
From the first Doctor, played by William Hartnell, to the latest incarnation, each Doctor and their companions have brought their unique flavor to the series, with memorable lines that have become iconic in the show’s history. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best Doctor Who quotes from each Doctor and their companions, highlighting the wit, humor, and emotion that have made the show a beloved classic.
Quotes by the First Doctor, portrayed by William Hartnell
William Hartnell portrayed the First Doctor in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who from 1963 to 1966. As the original incarnation of the Doctor, he established the character’s now-iconic traits of intelligence, eccentricity, and deep compassion. The First Doctor’s adventures were characterized by a spirit of exploration and discovery as he explored the universe with his companions in the TARDIS, a time and space-traveling spaceship disguised as a 1960s British police box.
Here are ten of the best quotes by the First Doctor:
“One day, I shall come back. Yes, I shall come back. Until then, there must be no regrets, no tears, no anxieties. Just go forward in all your beliefs and prove to me that I am not mistaken in mine.”
“Have you ever thought what it’s like to be wanderers in the fourth dimension? Have you? To be exiles?”
“Our lives are different to anybody else’s. That’s the exciting thing. Nobody in the universe can do what we’re doing.”
“My dear child, you cannot always have your own way. It is the way of life. Sometimes, we lose, and it’s no use grumbling about it and sulking.”
“There are some corners of the universe which have bred the most terrible things. Things which act against everything we believe in. They must be fought.”
“Fear makes companions of all of us, Miss Wright.”
“The least important things, sometimes my dear boy, lead to the greatest discoveries.”
“You know, I am not human. I am a Time Lord. I’m from the planet Gallifrey in the constellation of Kasterborous. I’m 751 years old and I’m the man who is going to save your lives and all six billion people on the planet below.”
“I have no desire to be worshipped, as some kind of god. I’d simply like to be accepted as an ordinary chap, who happens to be a genius.”
“I am not a student of human nature. I am a professor of a far wider academy of which human nature is merely a part.”
Quotes by the Second Doctor, portrayed by Patrick Troughton
Patrick Troughton portrayed the Second Doctor in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who from 1966 to 1969. The Second Doctor was known for his mischievous and unpredictable personality, which contrasted sharply with the more serious demeanor of his predecessor. His tenure saw the introduction of some of the Doctor’s most iconic villains, including the Cybermen and the Ice Warriors. His stories often explored the darker side of the universe.
Here are ten of the best quotes by the Second Doctor:
“There are some corners of the universe which have bred the most terrible things. Things which act against everything we believe in. They must be fought.”
“Logic, my dear Zoe, merely enables one to be wrong with authority.”
“When I say run, run. Run, you clever boy, and remember.”
“I’m a Time Lord. I’m not a human being. I walk in eternity.”
“The universe is a wondrous place, and the more we learn about it, the more wondrous it becomes.”
“A straight line may be the shortest distance between two points, but it is by no means the most interesting.”
“Oh, my giddy aunt!”
“Courage isn’t just a matter of not being frightened, you know. It’s being afraid and doing what you have to do anyway.”
“I am not a student of human nature. I am a professor of a far wider academy of which human nature is merely a part.”
“The cosmos is full of planets that are dead or dying. Why can’t the universe have one planet that’s alive?”
Quotes by the Third Doctor, portrayed by Jon Pertwee
Jon Pertwee portrayed the Third Doctor in the popular British science fiction series Doctor Who from 1970 to 1974. The Third Doctor is notable for being the first to appear in color and for his vivid, dapper appearance and action-oriented style, which set him apart from his predecessors. He was also the first Doctor to be exiled to Earth by the Time Lords, where he worked with the United Nations Intelligence Taskforce (UNIT) to protect Earth from alien threats. The Third Doctor’s era is remembered for its blend of science fiction and action adventure, and his sharp wit and charismatic personality have made him a fan favorite.
Here are ten of the best quotes by the Third Doctor, portrayed by Jon Pertwee:
“A straight line may be the shortest distance between two points, but it is by no means the most interesting.”
“I am not a student of human nature. I am a professor of a far wider academy of which human nature is merely a part.”
“Courage isn’t just a matter of not being frightened, you know. It’s being afraid and doing what you have to do anyway.”
“I reversed the polarity of the neutron flow.”
“You know, the very powerful and the very stupid have one thing in common: they don’t alter their views to fit the facts, they alter the facts to fit their views.”
“I am a scientist, not a fortune teller.”
“I’m not just a Time Lord, I’m the last of the Time Lords.”
“Reverse the polarity of the neutron flow!”
“I don’t know everything, just because I’m a Time Lord.”
“I always believe in leaving things better than you found them.”
Quotes by the Fourth Doctor, portrayed by Tom Baker
Tom Baker played the role of the Fourth Doctor in the British science fiction series Doctor Who from 1974 to 1981. He is widely regarded as one of the most iconic and beloved actors to portray the character, thanks to his unique blend of eccentricity, wit, and intensity. The Fourth Doctor’s adventures were characterized by their dark and gothic tone and the introduction of some of the show’s most memorable villains, including the Daleks, the Cybermen, and the Master. His signature long coat, curly hair, and trademark scarf have become synonymous with the character, and his quotes are often quoted and referenced by fans of the series.
Here are ten of the best quotes by the Fourth Doctor:
“Would you like a jelly baby?”
“You know the very powerful and the very stupid have one thing in common: they don’t alter their views to fit the facts, they alter the facts to fit their views.”
“There’s no point in being grown up if you can’t be childish sometimes.”
“The very first thing you need to do is to get rid of that silly [crow] costume. You can’t just walk around in a bird suit.”
“Well, of course I’m being childish. There’s no point being grown-up if you can’t be childish sometimes.”
“The trouble with computers, of course, is that they’re very sophisticated idiots.”
“Don’t forget the bacon!”
“You might be a doctor, but I’m the Doctor. The definite article, you might say.”
“If we fight like animals, we’ll die like animals!”
“There’s no such thing as an ordinary human.”
Quotes by the Fifth Doctor, portrayed by Peter Davison
Peter Davison portrayed the Fifth Doctor in the British science fiction series Doctor Who from 1982 to 1984. The Fifth Doctor was notable for his youthful appearance and earnest, compassionate personality, which set him apart from his more flamboyant predecessors. His tenure saw a greater emphasis on character development and emotional storytelling, as well as the introduction of some of the show’s most memorable companions, including Tegan Jovanka and Vislor Turlough. The Fifth Doctor’s era is remembered for its strong performances, intricate storytelling, and memorable moments that have captured the hearts of fans for decades.
Here are ten of the best quotes by the Fifth Doctor:
“Brave heart, Tegan.”
“I don’t like it. I don’t like it at all.”
“Adric, I give you the chance I never had. You can change your own future.”
“I’m not a student of human nature. I’m a Time Lord. I don’t concern myself with the likes of petty human squabbles.”
“When did you last have the pleasure of smelling a flower, watching a sunset, eating a well-prepared meal?”
“There should have been another way.”
“All the best people are.”
“I’m not a pessimist, I’m a realist.”
“The universe is a very large and complex thing, and human beings are very small and simple.”
“You may disguise your features, but you can never disguise your intent.”
Quotes by the Sixth Doctor, portrayed by Colin Baker
Colin Baker played the role of the Sixth Doctor in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who from 1984 to 1986. The Sixth Doctor was known for his flamboyant dress sense, his bombastic personality, and his sometimes abrasive demeanor. His tenure was marked by a darker, more complex tone and the introduction of some of the show’s most memorable villains, including the Master and the Cybermen. Despite its mixed reception at the time, the Sixth Doctor’s era has gained a dedicated fan following in recent years, thanks partly to Baker’s charismatic performance and the show’s willingness to take risks.
Here are ten of the best quotes by the Sixth Doctor:
“Carrot juice? Carrot juice, carrot juice, carrot juice!”
“Change, my dear, and it seems not a moment too soon.”
“I demand to be incarcerated in my own terms!”
“I’m not a politician, I’m just a bloke in a box telling stories.”
“Never give up. Never give in.”
“I’m the Doctor, whether you like it or not.”
“I’m an expert on everything.”
“I’m going to be perfectly honest with you: I have absolutely no idea what’s going on.”
“I can’t stand burnt toast. I loathe bus stations. Terrible places, full of lost luggage and lost souls.”
“People are always talking about change. But it’s not about change. It’s about control. And the only thing you can control is yourself.”
Quotes by the Seventh Doctor, portrayed by Sylvester McCoy
Sylvester McCoy portrayed the Seventh Doctor in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who from 1987 to 1989 and again in 1996. The Seventh Doctor was known for his manipulative and enigmatic personality and his use of humor and absurdity to mask his true intentions. His stories were often complex and thought-provoking, focusing on character development and mythology-building. His era saw the introduction of new companions, including the alien teenager Ace, and the return of classic villains like the Daleks and the Cybermen.
Here are ten of the best quotes by the Seventh Doctor:
“Time and tide melt the snowman.”
“I had an umbrella. I put it in a bin. And now I’m here.”
“There are worlds out there where the sky is burning, and the sea’s asleep, and the rivers dream; people made of smoke and cities made of song. Somewhere there’s danger, somewhere there’s injustice, and somewhere else the tea’s getting cold. Come on, Ace – we’ve got work to do!”
“I don’t like to be consistent. I like to keep my options open.”
“Whenever you’re in trouble, just remember: keep calm, and carry on.”
“I’m not a god, Ace. I’m a Time Lord.”
“A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.”
“I’m the Doctor, and I’d very much like to know what you’re doing in my house.”
“I never carry weapons. If people see you mean them no harm, they never hurt you.”
“There are worlds out there where things are not as they seem.”
Quotes by the Eighth Doctor, portrayed by Paul McGann
Paul McGann portrayed the Eighth Doctor in the British science fiction television movie Doctor Who in 1996. Despite his brief time in the role, the Eighth Doctor has become a beloved figure in the Doctor Who canon, thanks partly to McGann’s charming and romantic portrayal. The Eighth Doctor was known for his youthful appearance, sensitivity and compassion, and love of adventure. His tenure saw the introduction of new concepts and mythology into the series, including the idea of the Doctor as a half-human Time Lord.
Here are ten of the best quotes by the Eighth Doctor:
“I love humans. Always seeing patterns in things that aren’t there.”
“I’m not a hero. I really am just a madman in a box.”
“I’m half human. On my mother’s side.”
“Every great decision creates ripples, like a huge boulder dropped in a lake. The ripples merge, rebound off the banks in unforeseeable ways. The heavier the decision, the larger the waves, the more uncertain the consequences.”
“It’s not just a time machine. It’s a timeship. It’s like a camel. Smaller on the outside than it is on the inside.”
“The universe hangs by such a delicate thread of coincidences that it’s useless to meddle with it unless, like me, you’re a Time Lord.”
“I don’t want to live without you, and I’d rather die than lose you.”
“Regeneration, it’s a lottery.”
“I’m not afraid to die. I just don’t want to be there when it happens.”
“Never cruel or cowardly. Never give up, never give in.”
Quotes by the War Doctor, portrayed by John Hurt
John Hurt portrayed the War Doctor, also known as the Ninth Doctor, in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. The War Doctor was introduced in the show’s 50th-anniversary special in 2013 and was revealed to be a previously unseen incarnation of the Doctor who fought in the Time War, a devastating conflict between the Daleks and the Time Lords. The War Doctor was a darker, more tortured version of the character, struggling with the weight of his actions and the trauma of the war.
Here are ten of the best quotes by the War Doctor:
“Great men are forged in fire. It is the privilege of lesser men to light the flame.”
“I have been fighting this war for a long time, I’ve lost the right to be the Doctor.”
“Never cruel or cowardly. Never give up, never give in.”
“I’m looking for the Doctor. And so are you.”
“I don’t have a plan, I just have a thing that does the thing.”
“It’s the end, but the moment has been prepared for.”
“I’m a soldier, not a politician.”
“I’m not running away, but this is one corner of one country on one continent on one planet that’s a corner of a galaxy that’s a corner of a universe that is forever growing and shrinking and creating and destroying and never remaining the same for a single millisecond. And there is so much, so much to see.”
“I’ve had many faces, many lives. I don’t admit to all of them. There’s one life I’ve tried very hard to forget.”
“I am looking for the Doctor. Has he come through here?”
Quotes by the Ninth Doctor, portrayed by Christopher Eccleston
Christopher Eccleston played the role of the Ninth Doctor in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who in 2005. The Tenth Doctor was known for his charming and quirky personality, love of adventure and exploration, and deep empathy for humanity. His tenure saw the introduction of new companions, including Rose Tyler and Martha Jones, and some of the most memorable story arcs in the show’s history. Eccleston’s performance as the Ninth Doctor was widely praised for its emotional depth and intensity, and his era has become a fan favorite.
Here are ten of the best quotes by the Tenth Doctor:
“Allons-y!”
“I’m the Doctor, and I just snogged Madame de Pompadour!”
“I don’t want to go.”
“Don’t blink. Don’t even blink. Blink and you’re dead.”
“I’m burning up a sun just to say goodbye.”
“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”
“The universe is big. It’s vast and complicated and ridiculous, and sometimes, very rarely, impossible things just happen and we call them miracles.”
“You were fantastic, and you know what? So was I!”
“I’m a Time Lord. I’m the last of the Time Lords. They’re all gone. I’m the only survivor. I’m left traveling on my own because there’s no one else.”
“Some people live more in 20 years than others do in 80. It’s not the time that matters, it’s the person.”
Quotes by the Tenth Doctor, portrayed by David Tennant
Doctor Who from 2005 to 2010. The Tenth Doctor was known for his energetic and charismatic personality and his love of adventure and exploration. His tenure saw the introduction of new companions, including Rose Tyler, Martha Jones, and Donna Noble, as well as some of the show’s most memorable story arcs and emotional moments. Tennant’s performance as the Tenth Doctor was widely praised for its emotional range and intensity, and he has become a beloved figure among fans of the series.
Here are ten of the best quotes by the Tenth Doctor:
“Allons-y!”
“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.”
“I don’t want to go.”
“People assume that time is a strict progression of cause to effect, but actually from a non-linear, non-subjective viewpoint, it’s more like a big ball of wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey stuff.”
“The thing is, Rose, they’re just dreams. But dreams can come true.”
“I’m clever, but I’m not always right.”
“We’re all stories in the end. Just make it a good one, eh?”
“I’m the Doctor, and I declare this war is over.”
“The way I see it, every life is a pile of good things and bad things. The good things don’t always soften the bad things, but vice versa, the bad things don’t necessarily spoil the good things or make them unimportant.”
“The universe is big. It’s vast and complicated and ridiculous, and sometimes, very rarely, impossible things just happen and we call them miracles.”
Quotes by the Eleventh Doctor, portrayed by Matt Smith
Matt Smith played the role of the Eleventh Doctor in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who from 2010 to 2013. The Eleventh Doctor was known for his quirky and eccentric personality, childlike wonder and enthusiasm, and love of bow ties and fezzes. His tenure saw the introduction of new companions, including Amy Pond, Rory Williams, and Clara Oswald, as well as some of the show’s most ambitious and imaginative storylines. Smith’s performance as the Eleventh Doctor was widely praised for its energy and charisma, and he has become a fan favorite among viewers.
Here are ten of the best quotes by the Eleventh Doctor:
“Geronimo!”
“Bow ties are cool.”
“We’re all stories in the end. Just make it a good one, eh?”
“I am definitely a mad man with a box.”
“The way I see it, every life is a pile of good things and bad things. The good things don’t always soften the bad things, but vice versa, the bad things don’t necessarily spoil the good things or make them unimportant.”
“I wear a fez now. Fezzes are cool.”
“We’re all capable of the most incredible change. We can evolve while still staying true to who we are. We can honor who we’ve been and choose who we want to be next.”
“I’m being extremely clever up here and there’s no one to stand around looking impressed. What’s the point in having you all?”
“You know when sometimes you meet someone so beautiful and then you actually talk to them and five minutes later they’re as dull as a brick? Then there’s other people, when you meet them you think, ‘Not bad. They’re okay.’ And then you get to know them and… and their face just sort of becomes them. Like their personality’s written all over it. And they just turn into something so beautiful.”
“We’re all just stories in the end. Make it a good one, eh?”
Quotes by the Twelfth Doctor, portrayed by Peter Capaldi
Peter Capaldi portrayed the Twelfth Doctor in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who from 2013 to 2017. The Twelfth Doctor was known for his brusque and no-nonsense demeanor and his dry wit and acerbic humor. His tenure saw the introduction of new companions, including Clara Oswald and Bill Potts, as well as some of the show’s most complex and thought-provoking storylines. Capaldi’s performance as the Twelfth Doctor was widely praised for its intensity and depth, and he brought a unique and distinct interpretation to the character.
Here are ten of the best quotes by the Twelfth Doctor:
“I’m the Doctor. I’ve lived for over 2,000 years, and not all of them were good. I’ve made many mistakes, and it’s about time that I did something about that.”
“Never be cruel, never be cowardly. Remember, hate is always foolish, and love is always wise. Always try to be nice, but never fail to be kind.”
“I’m not a hero. I’m an idiot, with a box and a screwdriver.”
“You can’t see the whole picture when you’re inside the frame.”
“Sometimes the only choices you have are bad ones, but you still have to choose.”
“I’m not trying to win. I’m not doing this because I want to beat someone, because I hate someone, or because I want to blame someone. It’s not because it’s fun. God knows it’s not because it’s easy. It’s not even because it works, because it hardly ever does. I do what I do because it’s right! Because it’s decent! And above all, it’s kind. It’s just that… Just kind.”
“We’re all stories in the end. Just make it a good one, eh?”
“The universe shows its true face when it asks for help, we show ours by how we respond.”
“Listen, this is just a dream. But very clever people can hear dreams. So please, just listen. I know you’re afraid, but being afraid is all right. Because didn’t anybody ever tell you? Fear is a superpower. Fear can make you faster and cleverer and stronger.”
“I’m not a hugger. Hold my hand.”
Quotes by the Thirteenth Doctor, portrayed by Jodie Whittaker
Jodie Whittaker portrays the Thirteenth Doctor in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who from 2017 to 2022. The Thirteenth Doctor is known for her energetic and empathetic personality, love of exploration and discovery, and passion for justice and equality. Her tenure has seen the introduction of new companions, including Ryan, Yaz, and Graham, and a renewed focus on social issues and activism in the show’s storytelling. Whittaker’s performance as the Thirteenth Doctor has been widely praised for its warmth and humanity, and she has become a role model for young viewers worldwide.
Here are ten of the best quotes by the Thirteenth Doctor:
“I’m the Doctor. Sorting out fair play throughout the universe.”
“It’s not about changing the past. It’s about learning from it and looking to the future. It’s about taking the best of humanity and moving forward.”
“I am the Doctor, and I will always help people who need it.”
“Never be cruel, never be cowardly. And if you ever are, always make amends.”
“I don’t have friends. I’ve got family.”
“Hope is a terrible thing on the scaffold.”
“Sometimes the best thing you can do is a bad idea. It gets you out of a worse one.”
“We’re all capable of the most incredible change. We can evolve while still staying true to who we are. We can honor who we’ve been and choose who we want to be next.”
“I’m just a traveler. Sometimes I see things need fixing, I do what I can.”
“The universe is full of hope. It’s where you look for it that really matters.”
Best Quotes by Doctor Who’s Companions
Throughout its many years on the air, Doctor Who has introduced us to many companions, from plucky humans to sentient robots and everything in between. These companions have played an essential role in the show’s storytelling, providing a human perspective on the Doctor’s adventures and often serving as his moral compass. Many of these characters have delivered some of the show’s most memorable lines, offering wisdom, humor, and insight that endeared them to fans worldwide.
Here are 20 of the best quotes by Doctor Who’s companions:
“The universe is big. It’s vast and complicated and ridiculous, and sometimes, very rarely, impossible things just happen and we call them miracles.” – Amy Pond
“Do what I do. Hold tight and pretend it’s a plan.” – Clara Oswald
“In 900 years of time and space, I’ve never met anyone who wasn’t important.” – Donna Noble
“Courage isn’t just a matter of not being frightened, you know. It’s being afraid and doing what you have to do anyway.” – Jo Grant
“You don’t just give up. You don’t just let things happen. You make a stand. You say no. You have the guts to do what’s right, even when everyone else just runs away.” – Rose Tyler
“The way I see it, every life is a pile of good things and bad things. The good things don’t always soften the bad things, but vice versa, the bad things don’t necessarily spoil the good things or make them unimportant.” – Vincent Van Gogh (as spoken by the Eleventh Doctor)
“Some people live more in 20 years than others do in 80. It’s not the time that matters, it’s the person.” – Donna Noble
“I don’t want to survive. I want to live.” – Clara Oswald
“When you’re a kid, they tell you it’s all… grow up. Get a job. Get married. Get a house. Have a kid, and that’s it. But the truth is, the world is so much stranger than that. It’s so much darker. And so much madder. And so much better.” – Elton Pope
“It’s not just a door. It’s the gateway to everything that ever was or ever can be.” – Amy Pond
“You’re always moving on, because you never stay anywhere long enough to get stuck.” – Captain Jack Harkness
“We’re all stories in the end. Just make it a good one, eh?” – Amelia Pond
“You want weapons? We’re in a library! Books! The best weapons in the world!” – Donna Noble
“If we fight like animals, we’ll die like animals!” – Rose Tyler
“I am not a passenger on your ship. I am not a part of your crew. I am the captain.” – River Song
“I don’t want to be the last of my kind.” – Martha Jones
“Everybody knows that everybody dies. But not every day. Not today. Some days are special. Some days are so, so blessed. Some days, nobody dies at all.” – Donna Noble
“All of time and space, everything that ever happened or ever will – where do you want to start?” – Rose Tyler
“I’m not running away from things. I’m running to them before they flare and fade forever.” – Clara Oswald
“The universe is full of people trying to get you to be something you’re not. But you don’t have to do that. You have to be true to yourself. You have to be who you are.” – Bill Potts
