Verdict:Doctor Who: The Reign of Terror is a confirmed FLOP based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.
With a rating of 6.4/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the Science Fiction, Action, Adventure, Drama, History, TV Movie genre.
Answer: Yes, Doctor Who: The Reign of Terror is definitely worth watching 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 Reign of Terror enters the Science Fiction genre with a narrative focused on The TARDIS materialises not far from Paris in 1794 — one of the bloodiest years following the French Revolution of 1789. Under the direction of Henric Hirsch, 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 Reign of Terror 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 Reign of Terror 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 Reign of Terror 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 Reign of Terror centers on a unique premise within the Science Fiction landscape. The TARDIS materialises not far from Paris in 1794 — one of the bloodiest years following the French Revolution of 1789. The travellers become involved with an escape chain rescuing prisoners from the guillotine and get caught up in the machinations of an English undercover spy, James Stirling — alias Lemaitre, governor of the Conciergerie prison. 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 Reign of Terror 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 Reign of Terror sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final verdict for Doctor Who: The Reign of Terror (1964): with an audience rating of 6.4/10, the reception has been divisive. It is a recommended for fans of Science Fiction, Action, Adventure, Drama, History, TV Movie cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.4/10, and global collection metrics, Doctor Who: The Reign of Terror stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1964 cinematic year.
Doctor Who: The Reign of Terror has received mixed reviews with a 6.4/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Doctor Who: The Reign of Terror is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Science Fiction, Action, Adventure movies, but read reviews first.
Doctor Who: The Reign of Terror is a Science Fiction, Action, Adventure movie that The TARDIS materialises not far from Paris in 1794 — one of the bloodiest years following the French Revolution of 1789. The travellers become involve...
Doctor Who: The Reign of Terror has received mixed reviews with a 6.4/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Doctor Who: The Reign of Terror is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Science Fiction, Action, Adventure movies, but read reviews first.
Doctor Who: The Reign of Terror is a Science Fiction, Action, Adventure movie that The TARDIS materialises not far from Paris in 1794 — one of the bloodiest years following the French Revolution of 1789. The travellers become involve...
Doctor Who: The Reign of Terror is a Science Fiction, Action, Adventure movie. Please check the content rating before watching with family.
You can find streaming options and availability for Doctor Who: The Reign of Terror on popular platforms. Check movieMx for the latest updates and reviews.
Doctor Who: The Reign of Terror 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 Reign of Terror are available in the movie details section. It's a gripping story that keeps you engaged from start to finish.
Aside from a bit of a moral conundrum about how time travel might present a dilemma for people who might be able to use their knowledge to affect the future, this is just a rather clunky drama that gives the crew of the TARDIS an excuse to dress up in red, white and blue and play a game of "French Revolution". No sooner have they left their blue box than they are arrested and it falls to the "Doctor" (William Hartnell) to get himself a fancy sash and try to get the others out of the dreaded Conciergerie prison before they have breakfast with "Madame Guillotine". Meantime, the incarcerated "Ian" (William Chesterton), "Barbara" (Jacqueline Hill) and the increasingly annoying "Susan" (Carole Ann Ford) encounter a mysterious English prisoner who might just be connected with a "Scarlet Pimpernel" style rescue operation designed to get the doomed to safety. The rest of this story is an amalgam of themes that I found a bit meandering and focussed too much on Hartnell's attempt at flamboyant theatricals. Six parts is probably two too many and the introduction of Robespierre (Keith Anderson) into the plot to complicate matters with the already duplicitous "Léon" (Edward Bradshaw) just fell a bit flat. Far too much dialogue and nothing remotely to do with sci-fi. For my money, one of the least entertaining of their travels.
