‘Black Mirror’ Seasons Ranked: The Best and Worst Episodes

The latest season of Netflix’s “Black Mirror,” created by Charlie Brooker, now boasts a grand total of 34 darkly captivating tales for viewers to explore. Season 7 introduces six fresh episodes to an already impressive collection that includes a Christmas special from 2014 featuring Jon Hamm and the first-ever Netflix adult interactive movie in “Black Mirror: Bandersnatch” (2018). However, you might be wondering which episodes are the best, which ones miss the mark, and where the new episodes stand in our ranking.

The award-winning anthology series, initially debuted in the U.K., later acquired by a major U.S. streaming platform, explores universal disquiet through technology-related paranoia plots. Contrary to popular belief about “Black Mirror”, it doesn’t portray technology as an adversary; rather, it serves as a metaphorical mirror, revealing the true nature of humanity. The advanced technology depicted in each story is intended to reflect the characters’ own capabilities back at them.

What often strikes me as peculiar – though I comprehend their reasoning – is when people claim that ‘Black Mirror’ serves as a warning,” Brooker recently stated to The Hollywood Reporter. “To me, it isn’t my role to issue warnings, and it’s not my intention. Instead, it’s more like me expressing concerns. However, there are indeed instances within the series that I find astounding for how swiftly they transition into reality.

The episodes of Black Mirror aren’t arranged in any specific sequence. Although Brooker did provide an episode order for the first time with season four, he emphasized that viewers can watch them “in whatever order you prefer.” While it might be beneficial to watch them chronologically by season due to the numerous Easter eggs scattered throughout the series, particularly in season four where one episode references every story in the Black Mirror universe, we suggest setting aside ample time for the interactive film Bandersnatch, as it offers at least eight different endings to explore.

As a gaming enthusiast diving into the captivating world of “Black Mirror”, I’ve come across an intriguing list compiled by The Hollywood Reporter that ranks each episode from least favorite to most captivating. Remember, this isn’t a simple task. Whether you use it as a guide for your binge-watching adventure or as a starting point for heated debates over the episodes that missed the mark for you, it’s a valuable resource for any fan!

“Men Against Fire” (season three)

A soldier named Malachi Kirby is assigned to eliminate beings referred to as “roaches,” yet an anomaly in his microchip causes him to perceive the world differently than others in his unit. This glitch reveals a hidden eugenics scheme run by the government. Michael Kelly portrays a military psychologist advocating for the eradication of PTSD through manipulation of memory using implants, which distort reality and alleviate pain. The relevant episode grapples with contemporary warfare, offering a moral dilemma reminiscent of “Black Mirror,” but it offers minimal character development, making it hard for the audience to empathize.

“Shut Up and Dance” (season three)

In a suspenseful manner reminiscent of a crime drama, Alex Lawther’s character is thrust into a high-stakes chase after being blackmailed by hackers. He’s compelled to follow their mysterious instructions or risk having damaging secrets exposed. As the plot twists and turns, he encounters other equally desperate characters in this intricate web of deceit. However, it isn’t until the climax that the common thread linking them all is cruelly unveiled. Lawther’s acting shines throughout the episode, leaving viewers to ponder issues of privacy and humanity, much like in an earlier episode titled “White Bear.” Yet, this story is so bleak that it leaves one feeling disillusioned with no clear hero to support.

“Mazey Day” (season six)

A significant number of viewers found this episode quite disappointing. However, we felt it was only slightly superior to others due to its outrageous and divisive conclusion. In the storyline, a photographer (Zazie Beets) persistently follows an actress (Clara Rugaard), who harbors a secret. And here’s where it gets intriguing – her secret is that Mazey Day transforms into a werewolf! Yes, it may seem absurd, but in its absurdity lies an unconventional charm that keeps one hooked.

“Rachel, Jack and Ashley Too” (season five)

Miley Cyrus portrays pop star character Ashley O, who grapples with her identity and artistic expression. Her aunt, Susan Parfour, treats her as a money-making tool and seizes control of her life and image. However, when two fans, Angourie Rice and Madison Davenport, break the “limiter” on their AI smart doll “Ashley Too,” which mirrors Ashley’s mental abilities, the sisters, accompanied by their now self-aware robotic doll, embark on a mission to aid Ashley. In this episode, the tone shifts significantly and presents a daring conclusion. The news tickers are filled with Easter eggs throughout the show. (Alternatively, the episode features numerous Easter eggs in its news tickers.)

“Joan Is Awful” (season six)

The sixth season of “Black Mirror” isn’t particularly well-liked, and its opening episode sets a bland tone. The episode titled “Joan Is Awful” revolves around an ordinary woman (played by Annie Murphy) who is shocked to discover that her life is being live-adapted on a global streaming service in real time. The self-referential jabs at Netflix become overly thick, and the excessive reverence shown towards Salma Hayek’s portrayal of Joan on TV feels disjointed. “Joan Is Awful” seems like “Black Mirror” catering to its own fans.

“The Waldo Moment” (season two)

In a somewhat surprising turn, “The Waldo Moment” episode stands out for its prescient themes that seem almost prophetic in light of Donald Trump’s rise. Airing in 2013, this story follows an underdog (Daniel Rigby) who gives voice to a cartoon bear character, ultimately winning an election through his use of anti-establishment slogans. The character, known as Waldo, was initially controlled by a human using predictive face technology, but eventually grew beyond its creator’s control, resorting to insulting voters. This tactic resonated with the electorate because they were tired of the existing political climate (a strategy that later proved effective for Trump during his 2016 presidential campaign). Following Trump’s election and the Brexit vote, Charlie Brooker expressed a desire to shy away from politics in his work due to the rapidly changing political landscape.

“Loch Henry” (season six)

In a departure from its usual format, the series Black Mirror explores the true crime documentary genre as a couple (Samuel Blenkin and Myha’la Herrold) vacationing in the Scottish countryside find themselves enmeshed in a perplexing murder investigation. The episode “Loch Henry” is notable for its distinctive atmosphere, blending classic folk horror elements with hints of the chilling suspense found in The Blair Witch Project.

“Crocodile” (season four)

Under Andrea Riseborough’s leadership, “Crocodile” delves into the concept of enhanced memory aiding in crime-solving. This dark, gripping tale challenges traditional gender roles by portraying what one mother is capable of when her survival is at stake. It also explores how the past can resurface to torment the present, a theme that Brooker has frequently employed in his most intense and thought-provoking narratives. The role was originally intended for a male actor, but Riseborough expressed interest in auditioning for it. Impressed by her enthusiasm, Brooker and executive producer Annabel Jones decided to break with convention and produce an even more captivating thriller.

“Demon 79” (season six)

Titled as “The Red Mirror” episode, this installment was criticized for its artificial attempt to suggest supernatural elements over technology (Charlie, let’s not complicate things!). However, we found this retro tale engaging, revolving around a sales assistant, Anjana Vasan, who inadvertently frees a playful demon, portrayed by Paapa Essiedu, who later turns out to be future Severus Snape. As the world teeters on the brink of apocalypse, the episode’s romantic storyline, accompanied by Art Garfunkel’s “Bright Eyes,” creates a poignant and strangely beautiful climax that leaves us pondering.

“Smithereens” (season five)

Andrew Scott gives an intense portrayal of a mourning rideshare driver aiming to punish a social media corporation named Smithereen. He captures one of their employees (Damson Idris) as a means to compel the company’s CEO, Billy Bauer (introduced earlier in “Bandersnatch” and played by Topher Grace), to speak with him over the phone. The dialogue between them carries unexpected weight as Billy admits the pitfalls of his addictive platform. Scott’s performance has sparked interest from local law enforcement and piqued the attention of Smithereen’s users (a reference to “Black Mirror” through the use of hashtags). The episode concludes with a more enigmatic ending than usual.

“Arkangel” (season four)

In an innovative move, Jodie Foster marked her debut as the first woman director for an episode of Black Mirror with this poignant mother-daughter narrative. The plot revolves around a conscientious single mother (Rosemarie DeWitt), who, in her quest to safeguard her daughter, had her test an experimental parental tracking device at a young age. This story resonates with the generation of kids raised on Find My iPhone and overprotective parenting practices. The indie film-like episode delves into the questionable lengths parents might take to ensure their child’s safety and the boundaries that can be crossed in the process.

“Metalhead” (season four)

Metalhead,” a gripping 38-minute episode in black and white, features Maxine Peake as she evades a ruthless, robotic canine reminiscent of Boston Robotics’ creations. This tense drama is the shortest and colorless tale in the series. The narrative revolves around Peake’s character, driven by her human connections, set against an emotionally charged backdrop where human existence is scarce, and CGI machines are on a rampage seeking any signs of life. The survival-thriller, which includes a “White Bear” reference, offers a poignant critique on the overreliance of society on machines, despite its straightforward storyline, making it a self-contained tale within the broader context of season four.

“Fifteen Million Merits” (season one)

As a devoted fan, I find myself immersed in a thrilling reality competition set within a sci-fi game-like universe where physical exertion earns us valuable “Merits” that function as currency. In this world, I’ve formed an alliance with a remarkable woman named Jessica Brown Findlay. Together, we strive to help her excel in a televised talent show, hoping that victory will grant her the freedom she yearns for. The series thoughtfully explores themes such as overnight stardom, class systems, and a culture obsessed with celebrities.

The visual brilliance of one particular episode was so striking it was transformed into an art exhibition in London! As the narrative has unfolded, this episode has been revisited, making appearances in season four stories like “Black Museum” and “Crocodile.” The episode also marks a significant milestone as it introduced the haunting 1964 Irma Thomas song “Anyone Who Knows What Love Is (Will Understand)” to the series, a tune that has since been reused frequently.

“Plaything” (season seven)

In “Plaything,” reminiscent of a past video game-themed episode (“Playtest”) and following up on another (“Bandersnatch” with Will Poulter reappearing as his game designer character), we have an episode that feels like it could be a Stephen King short story. Here, Peter Capaldi plays a murderer confessing to detectives, but instead of the ordinary, he spins a yarn about video game addiction spiraling out of control. “Plaything” demonstrates that “Black Mirror” doesn’t need lofty themes or expensive production to create an hour of captivating entertainment. (Additionally, Netflix made the game depicted in the story a reality.)

“Striking Vipers” (season four)

The series ‘Striking Vipers’ excels at what Black Mirror is known for, prompting ethical dilemmas and fostering a broader discussion. In this action-romance, two old college friends (Anthony Mackie and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) rekindle their bond after the game they once played, ‘Striking Vipers’, receives a VR enhancement. This Street Fighter-esque fighting game creates sensations similar to reality, and the actions taken within this virtual world influence both in-game and real-life experiences. The narrative delves into topics such as monogamy (with Nicole Beharie playing Mackie’s wife), sexual identity, and fluidity.

“Hated in the Nation” (season three)

In this Black Mirror series, the initial full-length episode titled “Hated in the Nation” had the slowest pace compared to all episodes before “Bandersnatch.” Starring Kelly Macdonald as a detective, it follows her efforts to halt the deaths of people targeted by an ominous social media game. The story delves into cyberterrorism when advanced robotic bees, introduced to combat insect extinction, are hacked and used for nefarious purposes in executing the game’s objectives. Notably, this mini-movie was influenced by Nordic noir detective thrillers and subtly referenced another episode that tackled voyeurism, “The National Anthem.

“Black Museum” (season four)

The last episode of Brooker’s season four was intentionally placed for a specific reason, as it subtly references almost every prior episode, thereby confirming that all these tales belong to the same Black Mirror universe. Be on the lookout for subtle nods when a woman (Letitia Wright) tours a remote museum of techno-nightmares operated by an expert in the history of the exhibits’ criminal past (Douglas Hodge). The episode, split into three interconnected stories, elicits a variety of feelings while delving into innovative theories about future technology and artificial consciousness.

“White Christmas” (special)

Charlie Brooker has a knack for devising gruesome psychological endings for his characters, and “White Christmas” might be his most chilling conclusions yet. First broadcast between seasons two and three, this extended episode featuring Jon Hamm was released during the holiday season in the U.K. in 2014. When it eventually reached Netflix viewers in the U.S., it offered a connected narrative reminiscent of the stories seen in “Black Museum” from season four. In essence, two men with hidden pasts trapped in a secluded cabin reveal their backstories to each other, and the episode unfolds with three smaller tales embedded within the main storyline. The overall effect is greater than the individual parts combined.

“Hotel Reverie” (season seven)

In a contemporary twist, actress Issa Rae finds herself caught up in a timeless black-and-white romantic drama reminiscent of “Casablanca,” developing feelings for the film’s lead character, Emma Corrin. This potential full-length production left us divided – is it heartwarming and emotional or tediously slow and absurd (“romance meter on the rise!”)? The storyline aims to portray Rae as uncomfortable in her digital surroundings, but this level of awkwardness seems a bit excessive.

“Hang the DJ” (season four)

In a fresh take on romantic comedies, “Hang the DJ” from the series Black Mirror delves into the realm of online dating as a form of social commentary. The characters portrayed by Georgina Campbell and Joe Cole are subjected to a dating system that restricts their time together to just 12 hours. This intriguing love story unfolds the complexities of human relationships amidst the endless possibilities and repetitive cycles individuals encounter in their quest for true love. Highly praised for its surprising finale, this tale is one of several in the series (including “San Junipero” and “White Christmas”) that explore digital consciousness from a unique perspective.

“Playtest” (season three)

The twisty finale of ‘Playtest’ really tugs at your emotions. This horror adventure serves as a cautionary tale about potential hazards associated with virtual and augmented reality in the near future. The lead character, played by Wyatt Russell, is a refreshingly relatable figure, which is not common in the world of ‘Black Mirror’. Throughout the episode, the story puts both the main character and viewers to the test, blurring the lines between what’s real and what isn’t. The technologies showcased here may not be too far from our reach, and as this episode demonstrates, the repercussions can be dire.

‘Black Mirror: Bandersnatch’ (interactive film)

It took approximately two years for Brooker, Jones, and Netflix’s product team to create their first adult-oriented interactive series, which debuted on Netflix in December 2018. This branching narrative story is presented in a choose-your-own-adventure format, allowing viewers to make decisions as the protagonist Stefan (Finn Whitehead) pursues his goal of developing an acclaimed interactive game. The script, penned by Brooker, generates countless variations in the plot, leading to multiple storylines and endings. Genres range from comedic to tragic, with a viewer-friendly experience lasting between 90 minutes and 2.5 hours (over five hours of footage were filmed). Directed by “Metalhead’s” David Slade, this groundbreaking production was highly praised for its innovation, and Netflix has since developed more interactive projects. This ’80s period piece functions as an origin story, demonstrating how TCKR, initially known as Tuckersoft with top gamer Colin Ritman (Will Poulter), began to influence the Black Mirror universe. (He also appears in season seven’s “Plaything.”)

“Bête Noire” (season seven)

The term “Bête Noire,” fittingly, refers to someone or something intensely disliked. In the series, Siena Kelly plays an ambitious food researcher whose life is turned upside down when a former classmate (Rosy McEwen) resurfaces, possessing a special ability and a deep-seated grudge. The show, directed by Toby Haynes of “USS Callister” fame, maintains a balanced blend of darkness and cheerfulness. The title cards indicating the days of the week are a nice touch, and the acting is commendable – Kelly’s compelling performance keeps viewers invested in her character, despite her flaws, while McEwen delivers an infuriatingly wonderful portrayal. The conclusion offers a satisfying release. This show serves as a refreshing change following the season seven opener “Common People.

“USS Callister: Into Infinity” (season seven)

The highly anticipated sequel of the new season, titled “USS Callister: Into Infinity,” which is a clever play on words with “Star Trek: Into Darkness,” offers an engaging continuation on one side. “Into Infinity” logically follows where the original ended, with Cristin Milioti’s Captain Cole and her clone crew from the game, battling for survival in a merciless open-world setting. This time, they pull some of their real-life counterparts into their sci-fi turmoil. The cast is captivating, especially Cristin Milioti who recently starred in “The Penguin” and Jesse Plemons, who returns to instill immediate tension among the audience. However, “Into Infinity” doesn’t significantly explore the potential horrors and possibilities presented in the original episode, which leaves it somewhat lacking in comparison. The original “Callister,” arguably the most re-watchable of all “Black Mirror” episodes, boasts a remarkable script and an overarching sense of danger. Nonetheless, we’re looking forward to a trilogy.

“Nosedive” (season three)

Bryce Dallas Howard resides in a future world with a soft color scheme, where individuals are graded from 1 to 5. As a 4.2-rated individual, her character is fixated on moving up the social hierarchy in a society that lavishes privileges upon those with top rankings. This TV show serves as a critique of social media and its users, mirroring the rapid emergence of similar technology globally today, not to forget the rating systems employed by popular apps such as Uber and Postmates. The episode was penned by Rashida Jones (who later starred in another episode on this list) and Michael Schur.

“Common People” (season seven)

In a clever, contemporary, and unapologetically harsh manner, the seventh season kicks off powerfully with its darkest episode yet from the new collection. Entitled “Common People”, this episode features Chris O’Dowd and Tracee Ellis Ross as a delightful, contented couple who encounter misfortune and the sinister manipulations of Rivermind, a nightmarish streaming service. This episode is a shrewd, pitch-black satire of streaming services and the struggles within the gig economy, although its unrelenting grimness may make it an hour to be tolerated rather than enjoyed (though we’d still appreciate grabbing a burger after work at Juniper).

“Eulogy” (season seven)

Paul Giamatti offers a delightful change in his portrayal, making it seem as if he’s an ordinary individual who appears reluctant to be part of a “Black Mirror” tale and seems slightly irritated by the situation. In “Eulogy,” a grumpy loner is compelled to delve into his most agonizing romantic past after his ex-partner passes away, leaving him with a device that allows him to scrutinize their memories in forensic detail. The plotline bears resemblances to “The Entire History of You,” and the episode skillfully avoids letting its technology or unexpected twists overshadow a deeply moving human narrative.

“Beyond the Sea” (season six)

Among the outstanding episodes from season six, there’s one standout feature-length sci-fi tale that I can’t forget – it’s about two astronauts (Aaron Paul and Josh Hartnett) on a lengthy mission who, to escape their monotonous routine, transfer their consciousness into replicas of themselves back on Earth. However, when one of those bodies is brutally murdered, the story takes an ominous turn that leaves you haunted for days. (Fun fact: Aaron Paul also lends his voice in “USS Callister.”)

“Be Right Back” (season two)
Among a few romantic stories presented in the series ‘Black Mirror’, the episode titled “Be Right Back” narrates the tale of a woman (Hayley Atwell) who tragically loses her boyfriend (Domhnall Gleeson) in a car accident. In her period of mourning, she decides to employ a novel technology capable of generating an artificial intelligence replica of her deceased partner, using his social media activity and online data as the foundation for its creation. This heartwarming story delves into themes of grief, the lingering impact of one’s digital presence after death, and the struggle to move on, particularly when technology can mimic and even modify a relationship that has been irreversibly lost. Notably, the episode was helmed by director Owen Harris, who later returned to guide “San Junipero” and “Striking Vipers”.

“White Bear” (season two)

A highly popular show, with an eerie twist akin to “The Twilight Zone” but darker than “Black Mirror”: The story revolves around a woman (Lenora Crichlow) who awakens to find herself in a chilling predicament, seemingly hunted by ruthless individuals guided by a television broadcast. This thought-provoking drama delves into numerous societal issues such as media influence, violence, and human compassion. The finale demonstrates Brooker’s storytelling prowess in the “Black Mirror” vein, leaving an indelible impact on viewers who manage to finish it. The emblematic symbol of this episode is echoed in the interactive narrative of “Bandersnatch,” with Lenora Crichlow’s character, Victoria Skillane, and Prime Minister Callow (from “National Anthem”) being frequently mentioned throughout the series.

“San Junipero” (season three)

The Emmy-winning episode was strategically crafted as a shocking revelation. Prior to being awarded the TV trophy, “San Junipero” quickly gained cultural significance due to its vibrant neon color scheme, catchy ’80s music, and heartwarming love story featuring Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Mackenzie Davis. In an imaginary place known as San Junipero, Kelly (Mbatha-Raw) assists Yorkie (Davis) in accepting her sexuality, and their star-crossed romance unfolds to the tune of Belinda Carlisle’s “Heaven Is a Place on Earth,” a song that perfectly complemented the narrative. The story, the first one Brooker wrote for the series upon its move to Netflix, was lauded for its LGBTQ representation and, indeed, its unexpected twist. The episode’s closing moments, largely playing during the credits, are considered the best ending in the series. Additionally, this episode introduced TCKR technology that would later be utilized throughout the show’s universe.

“The National Anthem” (season one)

The first “Black Mirror” episode that aired on Channel 4, titled “The National Anthem,” might not be the ideal introduction to Charlie Brooker’s universe because it lacks a technological twist. Instead, its political satire is quite divisive and could potentially deter viewers, serving as a warning that this series isn’t for the sensitive or faint-hearted. This episode presents an unimaginable scenario, which is characteristic of “Black Mirror.” In the storyline, when a member of the British royal family is kidnapped, the only way Prime Minister Michael Callow (played by Rory Kinnear) can save her life is by performing a shocking and humiliating act on live television – having sex with a pig. This groundbreaking episode, often remembered in the “Black Mirror” universe as “Piggate,” has been referenced numerous times in subsequent episodes and is commonly known for this event.

“The Entire History of You” (season one)

This “Black Mirror” episode, surprisingly penned by Jesse Armstrong instead of Charlie Brooker, showcases the chilling potential of human paranoia when technology is at their fingertips. The device, now familiar in the “Black Mirror” universe, allows a man (Toby Kebbell) to scrutinize his relationship with his wife (Jodie Whittaker) by replaying their shared memories, which can be played back like replays or re-do’s thanks to an implant in his temple. This intriguing tale sparked numerous discussions and raised thought-provoking questions about a future reality that seems plausible. Interestingly, two years after its initial airing on Channel 4, Robert Downey Jr. expressed interest in adapting this twisted love story into a film with Warner Bros., though no further updates have been shared.

“USS Callister” (season four)

As a passionate gamer immersed in the virtual universe, I found myself captivated by the groundbreaking season seven episode of my favorite series, which starred Jesse Plemmons as a high-ranking executive at a cutting-edge VR gaming company. This Emmy-winning masterpiece paid tribute to legendary franchises like Star Trek and Star Wars while navigating a thrilling journey aboard the USS Callister, a spaceship brought to life on the London set.

The episode’s brilliantly written script deftly skewered and scrutinized various themes – classic sci-fi, toxic fandom, office politics, gaming – all at once, leaving viewers in awe of its impressive narrative prowess. Enriched with cinematic feats, Easter eggs, and cameos from talented actors such as Cristin Milioti, Jimmi Simpson, and Michaela Coel (who also graced the screen in “Nosedive”), this 74-minute sci-fi adventure continues to resonate with audiences for its empowering message of resisting tyranny and reclaiming power.

2025-04-11 00:56