10 Greatest 'Doctor Who' Companions of All Time, Ranked

Determining who is the greatest companion is a difficult task for a multitude of reasons, but it's a task we're about to undertake. The definition of an "official" companion is often loose and undefined. Some were long-term companions, others joined for a sole adventure. To make this list, we'll primarily choose from among those considered co-leads. Throughout the original and revival series, there are more than 60 official individuals who have joined the Doctor on their adventure. Some stayed by the side of a single Doctor, others spanned multiple. While the Doctor had many pals join as fellow travelers, we're focused on those willing participants in long-term adventures. Though this list could be much longer, the names on this list have made an impact on us and the Doctor's two hearts.

10 Mel Bush

Played by Bonnie Langford

Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, no pun intended, it’s the 20th-century computer programmer, Melanie "Mel" Bush (Bonnie Langford). First arriving at the Sixth Doctor's (Colin Baker) defense during his trial in front of the Time Lords, the oft-cheery Mel served her purpose: proving the Doctor would be a better person with her by his side. A main companion for the Sixth and Seventh Doctors (Sylvester McCoy), Mel was a delight during her time, but found further adoration during the revival series. Known for her optimistic personality, health-conscious habits, including an obsession with carrot juice, and high-pitched screams, Mel's proactive attitude and tech-savvy abilities served as the perfect balance as a foil to the Doctor's darker moments. Whether showcasing her bravery in traversing hazardous air ducts or neatly being eaten, Mel was a formidable individual.

Where most companions were the sidekicks, Mel often took the lead, pushing the Doctor into adventures. She even took the initiative in dangerous situations. What makes her a unique addition to the classic Who roster is that she is the type of individual who is determined to make those around her better, namely the Doctor. It's coincidental that she has been brought back recently because that similar trait has been engrained in the two most recent companions, Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson) and Belinda Chandra (Varada Sethu). Coincidentally, the former was also an orphan. Played by the iconic Bonnie Langford, Mel's recent resurgence has come through her appearances in a more mature role as a member of UNIT. Langford has proven that perfect companions can bridge classic Who with the revival series, opening the door for more appearances.

9 Yasmin Khan

Played by Mandip Gill

I will forever be a defender of the Thirteenth Doctor (Jodie Whittaker), and with that, a fervent defender of Yasmin Khan (Mandip Gill). Why couldn't she be the sole companion is beyond me, but the truth is, when it comes to the heart, no one has had such a stronghold like Yaz. The probationary police officer craves adventure, partially to prove her worth, hence her desire to join the Doctor. Yaz, alongside Graham O'Brien (Bradley Walsh) and Ryan Sinclair (Tosin Cole), form the perfect "fam." It was during this time that she proved that of anyone inside that TARDIS, she was fervently loyal. Her unmatched commitment, even when finding it difficult to adapt to a new normal life, came as a way to showcase her devotion. Yaz brought investigative skills, logical thinking, and a calming presence to chaotic situations. Compared to her two cohorts, and even Dan Lewis (John Bishop) when he tagged along, Yaz was always the most level-headed.

Many of the companions experience personal growth during their time with the Doctor, Yaz included. She came face-to-face with having to face her family's history as well as her own fears. Even those fears evolved over time. The Season 11 episode "Demons of the Punjab" became one of the most profound moments during her tenure. It was a character-driven episode and a genuine chance for Yaz to take the wheel. She was an emotional anchor for the Doctor, and here's why. Over time, Yaz was more than just a passenger in the TARDIS, she became a co-pilot. But that was because of the feelings that developed between the two. Unfortunately, time was not on their side as just when things developed into something real, their time together was over. One of only two companions to be present throughout the entirety of an incarnation's tenure, Mandip Gill's run on Doctor Who was as impactful as Whittaker's. In another timeline, Yaz would be higher if she didn't have to share the screen as much as she did.

8 Bill Potts

Played by Pearl Mackie

No companion has ever been done as dirty as Bill Potts (Pearl Mackie). Easily the most underrated and underutilized companion, Bill brought the perfect energy for the Twelfth Doctor (Peter Capaldi). And in a way, that was her purpose: to get the Doctor his final redemption arc. Initially, a canteen assistant at St Luke's University, she was taken under the Doctor's wing after he saw the potential in her. Oh, his hand was forced after a puddle of sentient oil absorbed her former love interest. So, there's that. Once she agreed to go on adventures with the Doctor, Bill had it rough. The poor girl was shot! And due to time being years for her and only minutes for him, she was converted into a Cyberman. "I waited for you" may be the most heartbreaking words uttered by any companion. Despite having the worst possible tenure of any full-time companion, she brought out the best in a melancholic Doctor.

Unlike many other companions who sought out a destiny, Bill was a "regular" person. Bill asked practical questions that, in a sense, neither the Doctor nor the show, had answered before. It was that curiosity and wonder that made Bill alluring. With that, Bill was unafraid to call the Doctor out on his behavior, questioning his authority. She was also the one to force the Doctor to acknowledge the value of human life, famously asking how many people he had seen die and insisting on accountability. Bill was a major player in the series' history as a queer person of color. Not the first nor the last, but her presence opened the door to the next set of journeys, where diversity took a starring role. Brought to life by Pearl Mackie, Bill was a light in the darkness. If ever there was a companion who deserved a second chance, it's Bill.

7 Martha Jones

Played by Freema Agyeman

It's hard to be sandwiched in between two of the most beloved companions who just so happened to be played by two iconic women, but that was the fate for one Miss Martha Jones (Freema Agyeman). The brilliant medical student was known for her intelligence and bravery. And for her unrequited love with the Tenth Doctor (David Tennant). Competent and independent, Martha was no damsel in distress. She did some saving along the way! Whether it was during her debut in "Smith and Jones" when she saved the Doctor when the hospital moved to the moon or when she walked the Earth to save the Doctor in "Last of the Time Lords," Martha's heroism took her far. Martha had a strong moral compass and immense empathy. The latter came into play toward the Doctor, the civilians she aided, and her family. Speaking of, no one's family has been quite as impacted by the Doctor as the Jones clan. And Martha felt that.

Martha's departure was significant because she did so on her own terms. Martha did so because she had to stop living for him and regain her life back. Her time wasn't wasted, as she worked for elite organizations like UNIT and Torchwood. She even married Mickey Smith (Noel Clarke), which was certainly a choice. Especially since she didn't want to be second fiddle to Rose Tyler (Billie Piper). Portrayed by Freema Agyeman, Martha's arrival was notable because she was the first Black woman to serve as a series-long companion. Arriving after Piper was not going to be an easy task, but Agyeman ensured that Martha was nothing like Rose. Except for the love subplot, which minimized her strength. Though Martha may have the strongest resume, with world-saving on the top of the list, timing was not on her side, dropping her down simply due to legacy.

6 Brigadier Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart

Played by Nicholas Courtney

Call him Sir Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart (Nicholas Courtney) or the Brigadier or simply the Brig. Whatever way you refer to him, it's his prominence on the classic series. As one of the founders of UNIT, the Brigadier became a crucial companion. Reluctant at first, the Brigadier slowly became one of the Doctor's greatest friends and principal allies. His first appearance came opposite the Second Doctor (Patrick Troughton) before his predominant run alongside the Third Doctor (Jon Pertwee). The Brigadier served as a bridge between military action and the Doctor's non-violent approaches. With steadfast loyalty and a stiff upper lip, the alien dangers were no match for him. Unlike many other companions, he was often on equal footing with the Doctor. Even his boss during certain adventures. He brought a more mature essence to the series. Though rigid, it didn't prevent him from having fun.

The character, played by Nicholas Courtney, was genuinely a splendid fellow. Calm and courageous, he enjoyed enduring popularity for his heroism. The character was often referenced outside of Who, often by name, including Marvel Comics' Excalibur and the short-lived ABC Family show The Middleman, securing his place as an important pop culture player. The Brigadier's legacy endures today, first when he reprised his role briefly in The Sarah Jane Adventures, then, as his daughter and new UNIT chief, Kate Lethbridge-Stewart (Jemma Redgrave), remains a key cog in the Doctor Who universe. One significant stat tied to the Brigadier was that he holds the record for having met the most incarnations of the Doctor, at seven. Alistair remains a longstanding staple that helped define the series.

5 Clara Oswald

Played by Jenna Coleman

Following up as a new companion with an established Doctor is not an easy task. Especially when you're replacing someone who made an impact on the Doctor and the series as a whole. Perhaps the greatest slow-burning companion in the revival series is Clara Oswald (Jenna Coleman). First, she joined the Eleventh Doctor (Matt Smith), and later stuck around after his regeneration into the Twelfth Doctor. It was her ability to bridge the two Doctors that allowed Clara to emerge as a key companion. Known as "The Impossible Girl," Clara had died multiple times in different time periods, as Oswin Oswald and Clalra Oswin Oswald. And yet, having saved the Doctor throughout his timeline, she became the most consequential companion in the mythology of the series. With profound bravery, different shades of Clara emerged depending on which Doctor she was with. With the Eleventh Doctor, there was a light and airy flirtatiousness that was built on mystery. Though as the puzzle of Clara was pieced together, their dynamic became one of mutual respect. With the Twelfth Doctor, things started off rocky: his amnesia-like arrival and his seeking validation caused toxic tension. It soon faded away as they became equals and partners.

Of any companion, Clara is the most complex. From a mythological legacy to an ordinary human to a Doctor-like figure upon her death, the former nanny became accustomed to his ways and grew increasingly attached. It's why her departure, which resulted in the erasure of the Doctor's memories, was such a profoundly emotional moment. The more comfortable that Clara got, the more reckless she became. She became, in a sense, a human version of the Twelfth Doctor, creating a deep and dangerous partnership. But that ultimately served his arc as discussed with Bill's arrival. Though many actors have had the chance to play opposite multiple Doctors, Jenna Coleman's journey was uniquely wonderful. She had the chance to play two very different iterations of the same woman because the dynamic changed drastically from Smith to Capaldi. Because of her growth and ability to showcase different facets of Clara, Coleman continues to emerge as a fan favorite. Like Piper before her, Coleman's capability and strength as an actress eased the transition from one Doctor to the next.

4 Amy Pond

Played by Karen Gillan

When David Tennant joined the revival series, he was coming into something that was already being established, so he was given a companion. Following his departure and the arrival of Matt Smith, Doctor Who started from scratch and brought in a fresh companion. Well, companions, but for the sake of this list, we're going to give the spot to one half of the party: Amy Pond (Karen Gillan). A truly unique first meeting, the Eleventh Doctor had a meet-cute with Amy when she was seven years old, when he crash-landed in her garden. She spent much of her formative years waiting for the mysterious spaceman. Though he promised to return five minutes later, the twelve-year wait was worth it as "The Girl Who Waited", along with her fiancé-turned-husband Rory Williams (Arthur Darvill), opted to join the Doctor on his array of travels.

Amy's tenure was quite monumental. She experienced many profound moments in the greater picture of Doctor Who, including the revelation that her and Rory's daughter, Melody Pond, becomes River Song (Alex Kingston), one of the greatest recurring travelers in Who history. "The Angels Take Manhattan" may be one of the most emotional send-offs in the revival series' run. Those damn Weeping Angels! Amy kept her promise and waited for the Raggedy Man, but choosing Rory over the Doctor in the end proved that there is more to just being a companion. Life doesn't revolve around the adventures, and love always wins.

Amy brought a blend of wit, bravery, and vulnerability to the TARDIS. She went from reckless adventurer to a crucial emotional anchor for the Doctor. It's why, for the rest of Smith's run, the Ponds' deaths held heavy on him. Karen Gillan brought a ferocity to Amy that allowed her to emerge as an instantly beloved character. Though she did have Rory by her side, even forming a unique family with the Doctor tossed in, it was always Amy that emerged as the primary companion during Gillan's two-season run. Gillan brought a new sense of humor and sass that differentiated her from her predecessor, matching Smith's. Gillan, alongside Smith and showrunner Steven Moffat, helped usher in a new, iconic era for the revival. Many fans of the show point to Smith as their favorite Doctor; it's because of Amy that contributes to that feeling.

3 Sarah Jane Smith

Played by Elisabeth Sladen

There truly is no other classic Who companion quite like Sarah Jane Smith (Elisabeth Sladen). Best known for serving as the companion for the Third and Fourth Doctors (Tom Baker), Sarah Jane was known as a feisty, investigative journalist who defied the typical stereotypes of companions before her. Rather than being the damsel, her curiosity allowed her to ask the questions. Like some other dual-Doctor companions, Sarah Jane's unparalleled chemistry with each distinct Doctor provided for strong character growth. Alongside the Third Doctor, she was more formal and protective, evolving into a fun, comedic partnership with the Fourth Doctor. It was an "odd couple" inspired relationship that simply worked. Sarah Jane evoked feminist values during her initial run that served as an educational opportunity.

Played by Elisabeth Sladen, Sarah Jane was more than just a great companion; Sarah Jane was a crucial bridge that connected classic Who with modern Who. Before the revival series, Sladen appeared in the pilot, K-9 and Company in 1981. Though it didn't pan out, that duo would return in 2006 to join the Tenth Doctor before earning her own spin-off, The Sarah Jane Adventures. You must be a beloved, iconic character to gain that honor! Sarah Jane represents the golden era of the series, embodying independence and heroism. From facing off against many iconic villains to being the voice of someone whose emotional impact post-travels changed her, Sarah Jane remains a crucial cog in how companions are crafted. Sarah Jane was a pioneer, and Sladen will forever be remembered fondly in our hearts.

2 Rose Tyler

Played by Billie Piper

Perhaps a bold statement, but the reboot of Doctor Who proved worthy when a young pop star named Billie Piper defied the odds and proved that she embodied the spirit of a Who companion. A rose by any other name would simply not be as sweet as Rose Tyler. Introduced in 2005 alongside the Ninth Doctor (Christopher Eccleston), Rose served as the audience's guide into the revival series. From an ordinary working-class individual to a confident, brave, and substantial young woman, Rose set the tone for the franchise's rebirth. While she was a crucial player during the Ninth Doctor's impactful, albeit brief run, it was her time with the Tenth Doctor that remains the most profound and influential. With Rose by his side, the Doctor went from a traumatized war survivor into a compassionate hero, immortalizing the Tenth Doctor as a beloved icon and face of the franchise.

Rose was designed to be a fully realized character, aside from being a typical travel companion. It wasn't just her; Rose had a complete life, including her boyfriend, Mickey, and her iconic mother, Jackie Tyler (Camille Coduri). By giving Rose a rich backstory, audiences had something to relate to. Finally, there was a character who felt grounded and realistic. We say poor Mickey, but one of the legacy traits of Rose is her romantic entanglement with the Tenth Doctor. This added a new emotional depth that hadn't been tapped before. In doing so, it made many of the show's most poignant moments hold further weight. Rose wasn't just a passenger because she took charge, especially in the latter part of her run. Bad Wolf, anyone? That goodbye still remains an emotional gut-punch.

Though perhaps a notch behind our next entrant, selecting such a recognizable household name for a major role could have been decisive. Especially given the fact that there might have been an expiration date on Piper's run on the show, as her career was expanded. Nevertheless, it paid off in dividends. Piper brought empathy to the monsters alongside a growing confidence as Rose. Even in certain states of panic, Rose remained grounded. There are very few individuals who have had such a lasting impact on the recurring story. Nearly every iteration of the Doctor since Tennant has had reverence and admiration for Rose. Which leads us to 2025's "The Reality War." Piper's future on Doctor Who is still in limbo as our final image of the latest episode remains her face post-regeneration of the Fifteenth Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa). Was it Piper in a new role as the Sixteenth Doctor, or was it Rose Tyler? We may still be awaiting the reveal, but the joy felt at seeing her again defines her place in Who history.

1 Donna Noble

Played by Catherine Tate

Doctor Who has had its fair share of one-off companions for specials during its modern run. From Kylie Minogue to a more recent appearance by Nicola Coughlan, these special companions have been wonderful for the specials. So, getting someone like beloved funnywoman Catherine Tate was a coup. First, it was that surprising closing scene in "Doomsday." Then she returned as that runaway bride in the 2006 special, back in a white gown. There was something enigmatic about Tate in the Who universe. So, she came back, and Doctor Who was never the same. And we're all the better for it. Gone was the romantic storyline. It was the best partnership, both as characters and performers. There is a reason why it was essential for Tennant and Tate to return to herald in the short-lived Disney+ era.

Donna Noble was an eccentric, shouty woman, filled with the right amount of wit, cynicism, and passion that matched the Doctor. Forming a bond based on being best mates, the newfound energy between the Doctor and Donna was palpable. Being so far removed from Rose and Martha, Donna was able to establish her own trajectory, just as Tate veered away from character work and into a fully-fledged companion. Donna began her journey as a temp, only to become the "most important woman in all creation." The DoctorDonna arc may still be one of the strongest stories during her tenure. Like many before and many after, her time with the Doctor came to an end in excruciating fashion. Having her memories erased to save her life was truly a tragic moment, but it defined the cost of traveling with the Doctor.

And then, it was all retconned when the duo returned. Russell T. Davies made a lot of bold decisions upon his return to the showrunner chair, changing the Who lore and mythology in the process, but if you place Tennant and Tate at the top of your "greatest" lists, figuring out a slightly illogical reunion was worth it in the end. It was a different Doctor, the Fourteenth to be exact; the chemistry was undeniable. Donna wasn't just a companion; she was a friend who affected the Doctor as much as he affected her. Tate brought equal amounts of comedy and devastation to make Donna a well-rounded character. She was spunky and tenacious. Even in her return, in which Donna has grown and evolved within a post-Doctor life, the attributes we fell in love with were still present. No companion will ever match the unique intricacies Tate brought to Donna, which is why no one has, or ever will, try to replicate her. Donna Noble is the definitive companion.