Next to the Daleks, the Cybermen are considered Doctor Who's most worthy and dangerous foe. These cybernetic humanoids have made it their mission to conquer the galaxy and convert other humanoids into Cybermen to swell their ranks and grow their power. The Doctor has managed to drive them back, but much like the Daleks, they are stubborn survivors.

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New Cybermen designs have popped up constantly throughout Doctor Who's history, each time building on what came before. From their primitive beginnings on Mondas to their ascension within the halls of Gallifrey itself, the Cybermen have never been more dangerous than they are now, and that trend doesn't look likely to reverse.

Nightmare In Silver Cybermen

Redesigned Cybermen from Nightmare in Silver, from Doctor Who

Nightmare In Silver introduced audiences to a version of the Cybermen that looked remarkably similar to the iconic Invasion-era variants, and that was by choice. These Cybermen migrated away from the parallel Earth variety and back into primary universe territory, sporting something that longtime fans could better identify with.

In so doing, the paradigm of the Cybermen shifted dramatically in Doctor Who. Subsequent redesigns would build on this initial model until they started looking more and more like Cybermen cobbled together from bits and pieces of multiple different eras, including a few from Earthshock.

Mondasian Cybermen

The Twelfth Doctor with a Mondasian Cyberman in Doctor Who

The Mondasian Cybermen were the very first of the original race that had decided to lop off body parts and replace them with cybernetics. The First Doctor encountered them on the planet Mondas, the twin planet of Earth, in the year 1986. That planet was destroyed, effectively driving the Cybermen out and robbing them of a homeworld.

These Cybermen are rather silly by today's standards, given that the cheap costume and the odd vocal delivery that is more laughable than frightening. However, they were brought back in one of the best modern Cybermen episodes for the Twelfth Doctor's semi-final outing, which was much creepier and more disturbing. It was a fantastic nod to the series' roots.

Cyber Masters

Four Cyber Masters raising their fists in Doctor Who

The Cyber Masters bear the unfortunate distinction of being one of the most aesthetically cool and striking designs in the series' history, whilst tragically being tied to one of the worst storylines. Indeed, "The Timeless Children" has earned the ire of many Doctor Who fans who were upset that showrunner Chris Chibnall decided to mess with the source material on such a radical level.

That being said, the designs themselves are solid, marrying Gallifreyan design aesthetics with Cyberman symmetry, creating something unique in the process. A big unanswered Cybermen question is whether this design will make a return in the future in any way. For now, it is certainly a bold take on the existing formula.

Age Of Steel Cybermen

Parallel Earth Cybermen in Doctor Who

When Doctor Who returned in 2005, the series picked up where the original left off, and Russell T. Davies took immediate steps to make that known. He introduced an Invasion-era Cyber-head in the first season episode "Dalek," which would foreshadow the return of the species in the next season.

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There, a new breed of Cybermen were born from a parallel universe, with an entirely different origin story. Yet, the basic overall shape and design were the same, as was their relentless pursuit of perfection. These Cybermen looked like armored tanks in comparison to the previous designs, and although they are a bit cartoony by today's standards, they did help bring the Doctor's second-most deadly foe back with a bang.

Moonbase Cybermen

The second-gen Cybermen from Mondas, in Doctor Who

The Cybermen went through their first major redesign during the Second Doctor's era. Here, they were given a massive upgrade in both look and menace. These Cybermen were spared the goofy vocals of their predecessors, opting instead for a spine-chilling, flat-toned computerized delivery.

It was enough to scare audiences back in the 60s, and the combination of their more aggressive and dangerous features (not to mention weaponry) was a major step up in every way. They were also around for one of the best Cybermen stories ever written - the indomitable Tomb of the Cybermen.

Warrior Cybermen

A Warrior Cyberman reaching for a victim in Doctor Who

The Warrior Cybermen introduced in Ascension of the Cybermen are the closest mix between the Invasion-era and Earthshock-era Cybermen to date, and it shows. They are probably the most well-rounded of the bunch thus far, looking like a true-to-form evolution of the classic series' creatures.

These Cybermen sported all the right details, lines, and refinements needed to turn them into a sleek and efficient monster. It remains to be seen how future Cybermen designs will build on this look, but it appears as if the race is coming full circle, mirroring the original series.

Earthshock Cyber Leader

The Cyber Leader from Doctor Who

The Cyber Leader is the number two in the chain of command, reporting directly to the Cyber Controller. However, most Cyber Leaders have typically been henchmen with very little to say. That changed significantly when Earthshock came out, featuring a Cyber Leader that was a character unto himself.

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There was little to differentiate him from a regular Cybermen, save for two things - black colored antennae, and a much more vivid personality. This Cyber Leader bantered and philosophized with the Doctor, playing a game of psychological tug of war with him, seemingly just for the sake of it. The two were bitter rivals in a way that had never been shown before.

Cybus Cyber Controller

The parallel Earth Cyber Controller from Doctor Who

Many Cyber Controllers have come and gone over the years, and they're all recognizable for having a transparent dome with a visible brain encased within, which marks their status. The first Cyber Controller was shown in the Second Doctor's era, followed by a rather odd-looking redesign during the Fifth Doctor's era.

The Cybus-era Cyber Controller is easily the best of the bunch. The redesign is quite striking, with much higher production values that give the character a much-needed sense of power and menace. The glowing blue eyes are an especially nice touch, making it the ultimate upgrade.

Invasion Cybermen

Four Cybermen during the invasion of Earth in Doctor Who

The Cybermen finally came into their signature look late into the Second Doctor's era. This third redesign emphasized the now-iconic radio-style antennas protruding from the sides of their heads, as well as the rather blank emoticon-style facial design, which has recently made a comeback.

These Cybermen tend to be the most memorable, and the model upon which other designs tend to branch out from. They last in one form or another, with very minor modifications until the Fifth Doctor's era, when they got a radical new redesign.

Earthshock Cybermen

Two Cybermen confronting the Sixth Doctor in Doctor Who

While the Invasion-era Cybermen became the most prolific design of Doctor Who, there's a lot to be said for the ones first revealed in Earthshock. These Cybermen were only around for a handful of stories before the original series was put on ice, but they remain the coolest of the show's history.

In many ways, they were a logical upgrade from their predecessors, sporting more agile costumes, more details, and their iconic facial designs, which were much more sinister and aggressive. The moving mouthpiece was an especially odd but creepy touch, and they were played by much taller actors for those stories, giving them a sense of menace and super strength.

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