Doctor Who: Destiny of the Daleks
Performance & Direction: Doctor Who: Destiny of the Daleks Review
Last updated: February 7, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Doctor Who: Destiny of the Daleks (1979) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.5/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Action.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and Doctor Who: Destiny of the Daleks features a noteworthy lineup led by Tom Baker . Supported by the likes of Lalla Ward and David Gooderson , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Doctor Who: Destiny of the Daleks
Quick Plot Summary: Doctor Who: Destiny of the Daleks is a Action, Adventure, Drama, Science Fiction, TV Movie film that delivers highly intense sequences and pulse-pounding confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: Doctor Who: Destiny of the Daleks
Ending Breakdown: Doctor Who: Destiny of the Daleks attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to action resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the action themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Doctor Who: Destiny of the Daleks reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Doctor Who: Destiny of the Daleks?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Action films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Top Cast: Doctor Who: Destiny of the Daleks
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Doctor Who: Destiny of the Daleks Parents Guide & Age Rating
1979 AdvisoryWondering about Doctor Who: Destiny of the Daleks age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Doctor Who: Destiny of the Daleks is 100 minutes (1h 40m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.5/10, and global performance metrics, Doctor Who: Destiny of the Daleks is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1979 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Doctor Who: Destiny of the Daleks worth watching?
Doctor Who: Destiny of the Daleks is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies. It has a verified rating of 5.5/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Doctor Who: Destiny of the Daleks parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Doctor Who: Destiny of the Daleks identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Doctor Who: Destiny of the Daleks?
The total duration of Doctor Who: Destiny of the Daleks is 100 minutes, which is approximately 1h 40m long.
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How Doctor Who: Destiny of the Daleks Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Doctor Who: Destiny of the Daleks
The "Doctor" (Tom Baker) is fiddling about with the TARDIS when in walks "Romana" - except, well it isn't her. Or is it? Can she regenerate too? Appears so and so now Lalla Ward picks up the slack. Luckily, there's still the old quarry to set this story in as they emerge in the middle of an inter-galactic scuffle between the "Movellans" and their (and everyone else's) arch enemy - the "Daleks". "Tyssan" (Tim Barlow) represents the indigenous human population who are being used by the latter to excavate deep under the surface - but why? Well it doesn't take our time travelling duo long to realise that they are back on "Skaro" and the diggers are looking for something, or someone, that could be uniquely placed to alter the stalemate between their battle fleet and that of their opponents. It seems the "Movellans" know of this strategy too, and co-opt the pair to help them. Of course, the "Doctor" is aware that he isn't supposed to take sides - but can he stay neutral, especially when it seems that neither party is any more scrupulous that the other. Terry Nation was one of the better series writers on "Dr. Who" and coupled with a decent effort from Baker and plenty of action, this is quite a watchable drama that uses a solid story and reliable baddies to support the new arrival. Ward was never my favourite "assistant" - something just a little too preppie about her contributions for me, but she gets off to an adequate start here as the bombs go off and a battle royal looms. Not the best, but not bad.
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.







