Verdict:Doctor Who: The Hand of Fear is a confirmed HIT based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.
With a rating of 7.5/10, it has delivered a compelling experience for fans of the Science Fiction, Drama, Adventure genre.
Answer: Yes, Doctor Who: The Hand of Fear is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Science Fiction movies.
It features a runtime of 100 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Last updated: January 11, 2026
Released in 1976, Doctor Who: The Hand of Fear enters the Science Fiction genre with a narrative focused on When the TARDIS lands in a quarry on Earth, Sarah unearths what appears to be a fossilised hand, buried in one-hundred-fifty-million-year-old strata. Under the direction of Lennie Mayne, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
The film is anchored by performances from Tom Baker. The chemistry between the leads drives the emotional core of the movie, making the stakes feel genuine.
From a technical standpoint, Doctor Who: The Hand of Fear offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Beyond the narrative, Doctor Who: The Hand of Fear resonates with current cultural themes in the Science Fiction space. It effectively mirrors local sentiment while maintaining a global appeal, a rare feat in recent releases.
As of early 2026, Doctor Who: The Hand of Fear is available in theaters worldwide. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Amazon Prime and Apple TV roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
The plot of Doctor Who: The Hand of Fear centers on a unique premise within the Science Fiction landscape. When the TARDIS lands in a quarry on Earth, Sarah unearths what appears to be a fossilised hand, buried in one-hundred-fifty-million-year-old strata. Analysis shows the hand to be silicon-based and inert, but when Sarah begins to act as if possessed, the Doctor suspects that it may still be alive... The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1976 cinema will find satisfying and robust.
The ending of Doctor Who: The Hand of Fear has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the triumph of the protagonist over internal conflicts. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a Doctor Who: The Hand of Fear sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final verdict for Doctor Who: The Hand of Fear (1976): with an audience rating of 7.5/10, the reception has been generally positive. It is a must-watch for fans of Science Fiction, Drama, Adventure cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.5/10, and global collection metrics, Doctor Who: The Hand of Fear stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1976 cinematic year.
Doctor Who: The Hand of Fear is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.5/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Science Fiction, Drama, Adventure movies.
Yes, Doctor Who: The Hand of Fear is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Science Fiction, Drama, Adventure cinema.
Doctor Who: The Hand of Fear may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
Doctor Who: The Hand of Fear is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.5/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Science Fiction, Drama, Adventure movies.
Yes, Doctor Who: The Hand of Fear is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Science Fiction, Drama, Adventure cinema.
Doctor Who: The Hand of Fear may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
Doctor Who: The Hand of Fear is a Science Fiction, Drama, Adventure movie that follows: When the TARDIS lands in a quarry on Earth, Sarah unearths what appears to be a fossilised hand, buried in one-hundred-fifty-million-year-old strata. Analysis shows the hand to be silicon-based and in...
Doctor Who: The Hand of Fear is classified as Science Fiction, Drama, Adventure. We recommend checking the official age rating before watching with children.
Doctor Who: The Hand of Fear is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.
When the TARDIS lands in a quarry on Earth, Sarah unearths what appears to be a fossilised hand, buried in one-hundred-fifty-million-year-old strata. Analysis shows the hand to be silicon-based and inert, but when Sarah begins to act as if possessed, the Doctor suspects that it may still be alive...
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!
