Verdict:Doctor Who: The Invasion of Time is a confirmed FLOP based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.
With a rating of 6.0/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the Adventure, Drama, Action, Science Fiction, TV Movie genre.
Answer: Yes, Doctor Who: The Invasion of Time is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Adventure movies.
It features a runtime of 150 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Last updated: January 11, 2026
Released in 1978, Doctor Who: The Invasion of Time enters the Adventure genre with a narrative focused on The Doctor returns to Gallifrey, claims his rights and is inaugurated President. Under the direction of Gerald Blake, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
The film is anchored by performances from Tom Baker. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
From a technical standpoint, Doctor Who: The Invasion of Time offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. While the 4K mastering highlights the production value, the pacing during its 150-minute runtime can feel deliberate.
Beyond the narrative, Doctor Who: The Invasion of Time resonates with current cultural themes in the Adventure space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
As of early 2026, Doctor Who: The Invasion of Time 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 Invasion of Time centers on a unique premise within the Adventure landscape. The Doctor returns to Gallifrey, claims his rights and is inaugurated President. It soon turns out that he has led a group of aliens called Vardans to the planet to eradicate them completely. After they are destroyed, the Sontarans take their opportunity and follow them in their invasion until they are destroyed by the Doctor. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1978 cinema will find fairly predictable.
The ending of Doctor Who: The Invasion of Time has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a Doctor Who: The Invasion of Time sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final verdict for Doctor Who: The Invasion of Time (1978): with an audience rating of 6/10, the reception has been divisive. It is a recommended for fans of Adventure, Drama, Action, Science Fiction, TV Movie cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6/10, and global collection metrics, Doctor Who: The Invasion of Time stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1978 cinematic year.
Doctor Who: The Invasion of Time has received mixed reviews with a 6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Doctor Who: The Invasion of Time is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Adventure, Drama, Action movies, but read reviews first.
Doctor Who: The Invasion of Time 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 Invasion of Time has received mixed reviews with a 6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Doctor Who: The Invasion of Time is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Adventure, Drama, Action movies, but read reviews first.
Doctor Who: The Invasion of Time 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 Invasion of Time is a Adventure, Drama, Action movie that follows: The Doctor returns to Gallifrey, claims his rights and is inaugurated President. It soon turns out that he has led a group of aliens called Vardans to the planet to eradicate them completely. After th...
Doctor Who: The Invasion of Time is classified as Adventure, Drama, Action. We recommend checking the official age rating before watching with children.
Doctor Who: The Invasion of Time is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.
The Doctor returns to Gallifrey, claims his rights and is inaugurated President. It soon turns out that he has led a group of aliens called Vardans to the planet to eradicate them completely. After they are destroyed, the Sontarans take their opportunity and follow them in their invasion until they are destroyed by the Doctor.
This isn't such a good outing for Tom Baker as the eponymous Time Lord. It's essentially two stories with the first part seeing him and "Leela" (Louise Jameson) arriving on his home planet of "Gallifrey" to assert his right to be President of the Supreme Council. This doesn't go down so well with his former tutor, and now Chancellor "Borusa" (John Arnatt) nor the slightly sneaky security chief "Kelner" (Milton Johns). We already suspect that the "Doctor" is up to something, and as he takes office the impregnable citadel is soon overrun by enemies bent on controlling the galaxy. The second trio of episodes introduces us to the real paymasters from the first three: a menacing militaristic race whom even K9's laser cannot harm. With the fate of their home on the line, what is the plan and what might the elusive "Key of Rassilon" have to do with anything? This was the last six-parter of the series and I felt maybe the writers (there were four) had run out of steam a little, as had Baker. Sure, there's still some mischief to be had and Johns, Arnatt and Chris Tranchell - captain of the guard "Andred" and the source of a little romance for the especially useful "Leela", all contribute well enough as we base much of the action in what looked like an old municipal swimming baths, but the story is much weaker and slightly over-written. It's perfectly watchable, just not so great.
