Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Dr. Who and the Daleks

film

Dr. Who and the Daleks

1966

Scientist Doctor Who accidentally activates his new invention, the Tardis, a time machine disguised as a police telephone box. Who, his two granddaughters Barbara and Susan, and Barbara's boyfriend Ian are transported through time and space to the planet Skaro, where a peaceful race of Thals are under threat of nuclear attack from the planet's other inhabitants: the robotic mutant Daleks.

Ages 8+Source checked

Why this age? Fantasy peril, captivity, radiation danger, threatened mass death, and battle violence may unsettle younger children, but the presentation is generally adventurous and non-graphic. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age8+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Violence3/5
  • Death of a character2/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Good role models3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Historically significant as part of the 'Dalekmania' merchandising era, though not overt in the film itself.

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

The Daleks die when their power is cut, and the story includes plans to kill the Thals and a neutron-bomb threat. No human deaths or graphic grief are described.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

No strong language is indicated; any dialogue appears mild and suitable for a general audience.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Barbara and Ian are established as a couple, but there is no significant romantic focus.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Menacing Daleks, imprisonment, radiation danger, a bomb countdown, and threats to wipe out an entire species create sustained peril.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Characters use anti-radiation drugs as essential medical treatment; this is not recreational substance use.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Repeated fantasy battles, attacks, captivity, and a failed assault occur; violence is largely non-graphic and adventure-oriented.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Susan undertakes a dangerous mission, and humans and Thals repeatedly risk themselves to resist the Daleks and save others.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Time travel, inventive technology, strategic deception, infiltration, and problem-solving drive the adventure.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Limited in diversity by 1960s casting norms, though it features a cooperative multi-species effort.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Encourages interest in science fiction and imaginative storytelling.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Characters share medicine, warn the endangered Thals, cooperate across groups, and help rescue captives.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

The story supports cooperation, protecting others, resisting extermination, and finding courage to oppose oppression.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

The travelers and Thals show resourcefulness and bravery, although Dr. Who uses deception and the group faces morally dangerous choices.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in Dr. Who and the Daleks would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Dr. Who and the Daleks, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community reactions

What families noticed

Add your perspective

Sign in from the homepage to rate this title.

Where to watch or buy

Buy or rent on AmazonFind on JustWatch

As an Amazon Associate, Dickens & Rumi may earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

Report an incorrect rating