Verdict:Doctor Who: The Keys of Marinus is a confirmed FLOP based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.
With a rating of 5.9/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the Science Fiction, Drama, Adventure genre.
Answer: Maybe not, Doctor Who: The Keys of Marinus is likely a skip if you enjoy Science Fiction 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 1964, Doctor Who: The Keys of Marinus enters the Science Fiction genre with a narrative focused on The TARDIS arrives on the planet Marinus on an island of glass surrounded by a sea of acid. Under the direction of John Gorrie, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
The film is anchored by performances from William Hartnell, Carole Ann Ford, Jacqueline Hill. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
From a technical standpoint, Doctor Who: The Keys of Marinus 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 Keys of Marinus resonates with current cultural themes in the Science Fiction space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
As of January 2026, Doctor Who: The Keys of Marinus is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US, UK, and India, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release. Don't miss the high-definition experience provided by premium large format (PLF) screenings.
The plot of Doctor Who: The Keys of Marinus centers on a unique premise within the Science Fiction landscape. The TARDIS arrives on the planet Marinus on an island of glass surrounded by a sea of acid. The travellers are forced by the elderly Arbitan to retrieve four of the five operating keys to a machine called the Conscience of Marinus, of which he is the keeper. These have been hidden in different locations around the planet to prevent them falling into the hands of the evil Yartek and his Voord warriors, who plan to seize the machine and use its originally benevolent mind-influencing power for their own sinister purposes. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1964 cinema will find fairly predictable.
The ending of Doctor Who: The Keys of Marinus 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 Keys of Marinus sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final verdict for Doctor Who: The Keys of Marinus (1964): with an audience rating of 5.9/10, the reception has been divisive. It is a recommended for fans of Science Fiction, Drama, Adventure cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.9/10, and global collection metrics, Doctor Who: The Keys of Marinus stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1964 cinematic year.
Doctor Who: The Keys of Marinus has received mixed reviews with a 5.9/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Doctor Who: The Keys of Marinus is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Science Fiction, Drama, Adventure movies, but read reviews first.
Doctor Who: The Keys of Marinus is a Science Fiction, Drama, Adventure movie that The TARDIS arrives on the planet Marinus on an island of glass surrounded by a sea of acid. The travellers are forced by the elderly Arbitan to retrie...
Doctor Who: The Keys of Marinus has received mixed reviews with a 5.9/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Doctor Who: The Keys of Marinus is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Science Fiction, Drama, Adventure movies, but read reviews first.
Doctor Who: The Keys of Marinus is a Science Fiction, Drama, Adventure movie that The TARDIS arrives on the planet Marinus on an island of glass surrounded by a sea of acid. The travellers are forced by the elderly Arbitan to retrie...
Doctor Who: The Keys of Marinus is a Science Fiction, Drama, Adventure movie. Please check the content rating before watching with family.
You can find streaming options and availability for Doctor Who: The Keys of Marinus on popular platforms. Check movieMx for the latest updates and reviews.
Doctor Who: The Keys of Marinus features a talented cast. Check our "Top Cast" section to see the full list of actors and the characters they play in this film.
The runtime and duration of Doctor Who: The Keys of Marinus are available in the movie details section. It's a gripping story that keeps you engaged from start to finish.
When the TARDIS materialises on a strange planet, the crew discover that the beach is made of sharp glass and the water of acid. Is something being kept in, or kept out? As they head off to explore, one by one they are captured by the robe-clad "Arbitan" (George Colouris) who explains that he is in search of a set of keys that will operate a machine that will offer him freedom - especially important as the encroaching "Voord" are never far away and he is not getting any younger. The "Doctor" (William Hartnell) doesn't think this is any of their business, but with "Arbitan" holding the TARDIS key, the four must don some wristbands that enable instantaneous spatial travel and go search. There now follows a series on stand-alone adventures that take them to the city of "Morphoton" - where nothing is quite as it seems; then a jungle world where the hungry plant life has it's eyes on four human-sized snacks. Thirdly, there's the most interesting of the stories as "Ian" (William Russell) and "Barbara" (Jacqueline Hill) follow the ever disobedient "Susan" (Carole Ann Ford) into a system of caves that are the home of the menacing "Ice Soldiers" before, finally, the fourth key has to be obtained despite considerable danger to "Ian" who has been quite neatly fitted up for a murder, and who's trial requires the "Doctor" to use all his own wits and guile to track down the real culprit before his friend goes the way of the dodo. The concluding episode in the series sees them return to collect the key to their time machine, only to find that there's been a change of management on "Marinus" and the marauding "Voord" are poised for their final confrontation. The episodic nature of these adventures works fine, with each character getting a shot at the limelight whilst Hartnell holds the narrative together well. I usually found that three companions for the "Doctor" was too many - especially the annoying "Susan", but here it works to advantage with some decent stories, writing and some baddies and puzzles that provide an engaging challenge for everyone.
