David Tennant, best known for his portrayal of the Tenth Doctor in the British television series “Doctor Who,” has a versatile acting career that extends far beyond his iconic role in the TARDIS. Below are ten of his best roles, apart from the beloved Time Lord.

1.Kilgrave in “Jessica Jones” (2015-2019)

Tennant’s chilling performance as the mind-controlling villain Kilgrave in the Marvel Netflix series “Jessica Jones” demonstrated his ability to play a complex and truly terrifying character, earning him critical acclaim.

2.Alec Hardy in “Broadchurch” (2013-2017)

Playing Detective Inspector Alec Hardy, Tennant brought to life a deeply flawed yet determined character in this British crime drama series. His intense and emotional portrayal won over audiences and critics alike.

3.Brendan Block in “Secret Smile” (2005)

In this psychological thriller, Tennant plays Brendan Block, a charming man who hides his manipulative and dangerous nature. It’s a role that eerily prefigures his Kilgrave character and showcases his range in playing seductive villains.

4.Bartemius Crouch Jr. in “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” (2005)

Although it was a relatively small role, Tennant made a memorable impact as Barty Crouch Jr., a fanatical Death Eater disguised as Mad-Eye Moody in the fourth movie of the Harry Potter series.

5.Peter Vincent in “Fright Night” (2011)

As Peter Vincent, Tennant stepped into the shoes of a flamboyant Las Vegas magician turned vampire hunter in this horror-comedy remake, bringing both humor and depth to the character.

6.Will Burton in “The Escape Artist” (2013)

In this legal thriller miniseries, Tennant plays Will Burton, a talented junior barrister who specializes in spiriting people out of tight legal corners but finds himself caught in a deadly game when one of his acquittals has dire consequences.

7.R.D. Laing in “Mad To Be Normal” (2017)

Tennant took on the role of real-life psychiatrist R.D. Laing, known for his controversial methods treating schizophrenia without medication during the 1960s. His portrayal captures both Laing’s charisma and the troubled aspects of his life.

8.Richard II in “Richard II” (2013)

Showcasing his theatrical chops, Tennant received outstanding reviews for his performance as Richard II at the Royal Shakespeare Company, which was also recorded for broadcast to cinemas.

9.Hamlet in “Hamlet” (2009)

Another testament to Tennant’s stage work is his critically praised interpretation of Hamlet for the Royal Shakespeare Company. His kinetic energy and emotional reach brought new layers to one of Shakespeare’s most complex characters.

10.DI Jimmy Perez in “Shetland” (2023-)

As Detective Inspector Jimmy Perez on BBC’s crime drama “Shetland,” David Tennant will take over from Douglas Henshall to play the lead role from 2023 onwards with an anticipated fresh take on Ann Cleeves’ indispensable character.

These roles reflect David Tennant’s exceptional skills as an actor across various genres – from comedy to tragedy – confirming that there is much more to him than just being The Doctor.