Doctor Who: The Hand of Fear
Performance & Direction: Doctor Who: The Hand of Fear Review
Last updated: February 8, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Doctor Who: The Hand of Fear (1976) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a SUPER HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.6/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Science Fiction.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Science Fiction is often anchored by its ensemble, and Doctor Who: The Hand of Fear features a noteworthy lineup led by Tom Baker . Supported by the likes of Elisabeth Sladen and Stephen Thorne , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: The lead actors exhibit a remarkable range, navigating the emotional peaks and valleys of their respective characters with a precision that makes every motivation feel earned.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Doctor Who: The Hand of Fear
Quick Plot Summary: Doctor Who: The Hand of Fear is a Science Fiction, Drama, Adventure film that explores futuristic concepts and technological possibilities while examining humanity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: Doctor Who: The Hand of Fear
Ending Breakdown: Doctor Who: The Hand of Fear resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to science fiction resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, creating a memorable conclusion that audiences have responded to positively.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the science fiction themes in a way that feels organic to the story.
The final moments of Doctor Who: The Hand of Fear demonstrate careful narrative planning, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Doctor Who: The Hand of Fear?
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of Science Fiction cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate thought-provoking concepts and imaginative world-building
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
Top Cast: Doctor Who: The Hand of Fear
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Doctor Who: The Hand of Fear Parents Guide & Age Rating
1976 AdvisoryWondering about Doctor Who: The Hand of Fear age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Doctor Who: The Hand of Fear 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 7.6/10, and global performance metrics, Doctor Who: The Hand of Fear is classified as a SUPER HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1976 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Doctor Who: The Hand of Fear worth watching?
Doctor Who: The Hand of Fear is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Science Fiction movies. It has a verified rating of 7.6/10 and stands as a SUPER HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Doctor Who: The Hand of Fear parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Doctor Who: The Hand of Fear identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Doctor Who: The Hand of Fear?
The total duration of Doctor Who: The Hand of Fear is 100 minutes, which is approximately 1h 40m long.
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Critic Reviews for Doctor Who: The Hand of Fear
I wonder if anyone at the BBC ever had the presence of mind to just go and buy a quarry? The "Doctor" (Tom Baker) and "Sarah Jane" (Elisabeth Sladen) duly arrive amidst the rockfalls and amongst the rubble, she discovers a disconnected hand. It appears to be made of stone, and is wearing a ring which she promptly puts on her finger. Really? She ought to have known better as soon it takes control of her mind and drives her to find a nuclear plant where the hand can be rejuvenated by the radiation. With the "Doctor" hot on her trail, they soon discover that it's not just the hand that needs regeneration - and nothing the Earthlings can do will stop it. The "Doctor", though, remembers his "Janet and John" book of psychology and decides it might be better to reason with "Eldrad" (Judith Paris) and discover what it wants; why is she angry; what went wrong in her childhood? That kind of stuff. That takes them onto her home desolate planet where she has some scores to settle... Though she doesn't really feature so much, Paris proves to be quite a good glitter-clad alien and Sladen also does well, especially when she is reduced to an almost childlike state of hypnosis. There's a little room for a small tear in the eye at the end, too, and it ought to remind us Brits to take the security of our nuclear facilities just a little more seriously!
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.









