Verdict:Doctor Who: Planet of the Spiders is a confirmed HIT based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.
With a rating of 7.4/10, it has delivered a compelling experience for fans of the Drama, Action, Adventure, Science Fiction, TV Movie genre.
Answer: Yes, Doctor Who: Planet of the Spiders is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 150 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Last updated: January 9, 2026
Released in 1974, Doctor Who: Planet of the Spiders enters the Drama genre with a narrative focused on The blue crystal that the Doctor took from Metebelis III in a previous adventure is desperately sought by the Eight Legs, a race of mutated spiders, as the final element in their plan for universal domination. Under the direction of Barry Letts, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
The film is anchored by performances from Jon Pertwee, Tom Baker, Elisabeth Sladen. The chemistry between the leads drives the emotional core of the movie, making the stakes feel genuine.
From a technical standpoint, Doctor Who: Planet of the Spiders offers a competent presentation. The cinematography aligns well with the tone, though the pacing during its 150-minute runtime can feel deliberate.
As of January 2026, Doctor Who: Planet of the Spiders is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US and UK, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45 days after the theatrical release. Check your local listings for specific showtimes.
With an audience rating of 7.4/10, the reception has been generally positive. For fans of Drama, Action, Adventure, Science Fiction, TV Movie, it serves as a worthy addition to the watchlist.
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.4/10, and global collection metrics, Doctor Who: Planet of the Spiders stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1974 cinematic year.
Doctor Who: Planet of the Spiders is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.4/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Drama, Action, Adventure movies.
Yes, Doctor Who: Planet of the Spiders is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Drama, Action, Adventure cinema.
Doctor Who: Planet of the Spiders is a Drama, Action, Adventure movie that The blue crystal that the Doctor took from Metebelis III in a previous adventure is desperately sought by the Eight Legs, a race of mutated spiders, a...
Whilst the "Doctor" (Jon Pertwee) and the "Brigadier" (Nicholas Courtney) are doing some experimentation with a scientist with strong clairvoyant skills, "Capt. Yates" (Richard Franklin) manages to interest "Sarah Jane" (Elisabeth Sladen) in some curious goings on at a country retreat run by a kindly old Buddhist. Of course, the two topics soon become one as those doing the meditation manage to tap into some intergalactic spiders whose aim is to find a missing blue crystal - that the "Doctor" has had for years - so as to augment the power of their supreme leader and enable her to rule the cosmos. The spiders are wily old things and they manage to use the ambitious "Lupton" (John Dearth) to try to track down their missing gemstone and the rest of this six part drama sees our dynamic duo try to find a way to deal with the conspiratorial arachnids, loads of ESP and some serious amounts of voltage. It's good to (briefly) see the return of "Bessie" and there's plenty of outdoor action with car and helicopter chases and even an hovercraft. Whatever happened to them? The spiders are not the most realistic, no, but the production designer has managed to do quite well hiding the strings and the magnets and the use of electricity is a tad reminiscent of the duel at the end of the "Raven" (1963). The denouement is tinged with sadness and opportunity - and this is one of the better stories from series eleven.
