Over the years, the Cybermen have featured as the primary villains of 16 Doctor Who stories (with a bunch of smaller and cameo roles besides). In celebration of their half-centenary, here’s our ranking of every single one from worst to best…
‘Nightmare in Silver’
After ‘The Doctor’s Wife’, the idea of Neil Gaiman tackling the Cybermen was an amazing prospect. In the event, though he gave us the most powerful version ever (with their ability to upgrade instantly), it wasn’t exactly a classic. *Cough* Angie and Artie. *Cough*
‘Closing Time’
It’s hard to argue that the Cybermen are at their most formidable in this adventure but, on its own terms, ‘Closing Time’ is a warm and funny sequel to 2010’s ‘The Lodger.’ And at least it brings back the long-forgotten Cybermats – this time with extra bite.
‘Dark Water’ and ‘Death in Heaven’
Season 8’s finale is one of the darkest Who stories ever, as the Cybermen learn to upgrade the dead in their graves (the link between Cybermen and vampires/zombies has never been so apparent). At least Michelle Gomez is on hand to lighten the mood as the bonkers Missy.
‘The Next Doctor’
2009’s Christmas special ‘The Next Doctor’ is a big Dickensian bonanza, with a steampunk giant Cyberman and Dervla Kirwan brilliantly hamming it up as their stooge Miss Hartigan. Not to mention David Morrissey is great value as fake Doctor Jackson Lake.
‘The Five Doctors’
The Cybermen aren’t exactly the central villains of Who’s 20th birthday bash but they do have a hefty role. For fans, it’s great to see them face the Third Doctor and team up with the Master for the first time. Plus, there’s the infamous Raston Warrior Robot massacre scene.
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