The question of how many Doctor Who movies exist is deceptively simple, but the answer requires some careful qualification. There are two canonical, theatrical movies based directly on the Doctor Who television series: Dr. Who and the Daleks (1965) and Daleks – Invasion Earth: 2150 A.D. (1966).
Exploring the World of Doctor Who Cinema
While the television series Doctor Who has enjoyed an incredibly long and varied run, its cinematic presence is surprisingly limited. This is largely due to the fact that the television show was itself a feature-length serial for much of its history, and the budget required for true big-screen adaptations often proved prohibitive. This article will explore these two movies in detail, as well as touch on other related projects that could be considered tangential to the cinematic Doctor Who universe.
The Two Canonical Films: A Closer Look
These two films, both starring Peter Cushing as a human inventor named Dr. Who (a departure from the alien Time Lord of the television series), offer a fascinating alternate universe version of the Doctor’s early adventures. They represent the sole theatrical releases directly adapting storylines from the show.
Dr. Who and the Daleks (1965)
This film, based on the first Dalek adventure, “The Daleks” (originally broadcast in 1963-64), presents Dr. Who as a kindly, somewhat eccentric inventor. He, along with his granddaughters Susan and Barbara, and Barbara’s boyfriend Ian Chesterton, accidentally activate his invention, a time-traveling machine he calls “TARDIS” (significantly different from the television series’ abbreviation for Time And Relative Dimension In Space), and journey to the planet Skaro. They encounter the Daleks, presented here as metal-clad mutants living on a war-torn planet, and help the peaceful Thals overthrow the Dalek menace. The film is notable for its vibrant color palette and its simplification of the original storyline, aimed at a younger audience.
Daleks – Invasion Earth: 2150 A.D. (1966)
This sequel, based on the second Dalek serial, “The Dalek Invasion of Earth” (1964), once again features Peter Cushing as Dr. Who. This time, the TARDIS lands in a future England that has been conquered by the Daleks. Dr. Who, along with his granddaughter Louise (replaced Susan), a policeman named Tom Campbell, and a resistance fighter named Wyler, work to free Earth from the Daleks’ tyrannical rule. This film is slightly darker in tone than its predecessor, reflecting the grimmer nature of the source material, and showcases the Daleks’ ruthlessness in enslaving humanity.
Beyond the Canon: Related Projects
While only two films are considered strictly Doctor Who movies, other projects have explored similar territory or involved elements of the Doctor Who universe. These projects are often debated amongst fans.
Doctor Who: The Movie (1996)
This television movie, co-produced by BBC, Universal Television, and Philip Segal Productions, starred Paul McGann as the Eighth Doctor. While technically a TV movie and not a theatrical release, it was significant for being a revival attempt for the series and for introducing the character to a new generation of viewers in North America and beyond. It serves as a bridge between the classic series and the 2005 revival. The film was broadcast on Fox in the US.
Spin-Off Series and Their Potential for Films
While Torchwood, The Sarah Jane Adventures, and Class are all spin-off series from Doctor Who, none have yet received theatrical movie adaptations. However, the success of the main series and the enduring popularity of these spin-offs mean that such a possibility could arise in the future. The potential for a Torchwood film, in particular, has been discussed for years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Doctor Who Movies
FAQ 1: Are the Peter Cushing Doctor Who films considered canon?
No, the Peter Cushing Doctor Who films are not considered canon within the main Doctor Who television series continuity. They represent an alternate universe version of the Doctor, portrayed as a human inventor rather than a Time Lord from Gallifrey.
FAQ 2: Why were the Peter Cushing films made?
The Peter Cushing films were made to capitalize on the popularity of the Doctor Who television series, particularly among children. They were aimed at a broader audience and offered a more family-friendly version of the Doctor’s adventures.
FAQ 3: Is Doctor Who: The Movie (1996) a theatrical release?
No, Doctor Who: The Movie (1996) was a television movie, although it was shown in some cinemas outside of the US and UK. It was designed to revive the Doctor Who franchise and introduce the Eighth Doctor.
FAQ 4: Will there ever be another Doctor Who movie in cinemas?
While there are no concrete plans for a future theatrical Doctor Who movie, the enduring popularity of the series makes it a possibility. Funding and creative vision would be key factors.
FAQ 5: Are there any fan-made Doctor Who films?
Yes, there are numerous fan-made Doctor Who films. These range in production quality and ambition, but demonstrate the passion and creativity of the Doctor Who fanbase. However, these are not official releases.
FAQ 6: Where can I watch the Peter Cushing Doctor Who films?
The Peter Cushing Doctor Who films are generally available on DVD and Blu-ray. They can also often be found on streaming platforms, depending on regional availability.
FAQ 7: Are the Daleks different in the movies compared to the TV show?
Yes, the Daleks in the Peter Cushing films are often portrayed with slight differences compared to their television counterparts. For example, their voices may sound different, and their designs might be altered slightly for budgetary or aesthetic reasons. The narrative around their origins may also differ.
FAQ 8: What is the significance of the 1996 TV movie?
The 1996 TV movie is significant because it was a revival attempt for the Doctor Who franchise after its cancellation in 1989. It introduced the Eighth Doctor and attempted to bridge the gap between the classic series and a potential new era. It also set the stage for the 2005 revival.
FAQ 9: Who owns the rights to Doctor Who films?
The rights to the Doctor Who franchise, including the television series and the Peter Cushing films, are primarily held by the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation).
FAQ 10: Are the Peter Cushing films available in color?
Yes, both Dr. Who and the Daleks and Daleks – Invasion Earth: 2150 A.D. were filmed and released in color.
FAQ 11: Were the Peter Cushing films successful?
While not critical darlings, the Peter Cushing Doctor Who films were relatively successful at the box office, particularly Dr. Who and the Daleks. They helped to broaden the appeal of the Doctor Who brand and introduced the Daleks to a wider audience.
FAQ 12: Could spin-off series like Torchwood ever have a movie?
It’s certainly possible. The success of the Doctor Who franchise opens doors for its spin-offs. Torchwood, with its mature themes and dedicated fanbase, has the potential for a theatrical adaptation if the right story and financing align. A significant hurdle to any spin-off movie would involve securing the necessary production budget.