Black Mirror has been going on for more than a decade now (it’s not done yet) and the beauty of this series — apart from the cautionary tales about technology, is that it’s mostly episodic. That means you can skip watching certain episodes and not miss much. It’s good news for those who want to see which Black Mirror episodes are the best or the worst.
If you have limited time or want to see all the fuss, here are all Black Mirror episodes, ranked for your viewing pleasure. This worst-to-best ranking is based on our personal and subjective tastes.
Honorable Mention: Bandersnatch (Special Interactive Film)
“Bandersnatch” gets props for breaking ground in what was possible in TV shows, but the runtime makes it debatable as an episode since it can technically be a full-length film. And just as its characters began questioning their reality, you too can be a part of that chaos depending on your choices.
27. Mazey Day (S6/E4)
“Mazey Day” was the first Black Mirror episode to feature the supernatural, breaking tradition. That likely led to the poor reception as the twist where the Paris Hilton analog turned into a werewolf seemed too contrived as symbolism while being too ridiculous for shock value.
26. Rachel, Jack and Ashley Too (S5/E3)
It’s the famed Miley Cyrus episode but sadly, it couldn’t rely on its star power to appeal to the viewers. The odd episode spotlights the commodification of artists. It did seem reliant on Miley Cyrus too much that it’s hard to care about other characters’ motivations.
25. The Waldo Moment (S2/E3)
“The Waldo Moment” stands as one of the most politics-heavy Black Mirror episodes, and that might have been off-putting. Moreover, it’s centered around the political parties in the UK, which further drives a cultural disconnect between the show and its non-UK viewers.
Still, it’s a haunting look at the dangers of nuisance candidates and how cultural icons are easily manipulated for political gain. You just have to peel off the layers of localized political jargon.
24. Demon 79 (S6/E5)
While the callback to 1970s and 1980s horror certainly lent a lot to the feeling of a fresh direction for “Demon 79,” it’s another supernatural horror story instead of sci-fi. The whole sequence felt more like an episode of Stranger Things, but it nevertheless features Black Mirror‘s signature style of social commentary.
23. Striking Vipers (S5/E1)
In one of the most notorious Black Mirror episodes ever, Striking Vipers likely made best-friend viewers question their sexuality. This intense and sensual episode has two straight male leads living out a fantasy sexual tryst in their video game world with rather complicated insinuations about infidelity.
The story itself is quite simple as far as Black Mirror episodes go if you take out the video game aspect, but at the very least you’re treated with some entertaining scenes.
22. Arkangel (S4/E2)
“Arkangel” is a solid jab at helicopter parenting and how excessive control and involvement in your child’s life can often lead to the opposite desired effect. For the most part, it’s executed well since the episode really drove home the point of how technology can destroy the parent-child relationship. The ending is rather dramatic, however.
21. Loch Henry (S6/E2)
“Loch Henry” is another departure from futuristic sci-fi tech stories and more of a straight-up thriller, but with some thoughtful criticism on true crime filmmakers thrown in for good measure. It’s something we’re are familiar with and will appreciate as the usual Black Mirror treat.
20. Joan is Awful (S6/E1)
“Joan is Awful” stays true to its Black Mirror roots and features a sci-fi black comedy about simulations on top of simulations. It’s not heavy on the lessons and symbolism unlike other Black Mirror episodes, but the shock value is there.
19. Smithereens (S5/E2)
“Smithereens” is quite special since it’s one of the few Black Mirror episodes that didn’t have futuristic technology. Instead, it’s a hostage-taking event that spirals quickly out of control due to a social media account password. The hyperbolic plot was depicted rather well here, with stress that’s all too palpable and even relatable.
18. Men Against Fire (S3/E5)
“Men Against Fire” is yet another cautionary tale against the dangers of augmented reality, and how they can warp perception to serve sinister and immoral agendas.
It’s also a commentary on the indoctrination methods of modern militaries and how they have become inhuman. The male lead, Stripe, is the glue that ties this episode together, especially with his stellar acting.
17. The Entire History of You (S1/E3)
What if you can turn your literal memories into videos? That’s what “The Entire History of You” explored in its marriage drama story. We can imagine it touched a lot of nerves for people who have had some rocky romantic relationships and even posed some conundrums and dilemmas about the bittersweet shades of reminiscing.
16. Beyond the Sea (S6/E3)
“Beyond the Sea” is a heavy episode with allegories about the isolation astronauts face during their space travels, but here, their families are literally killed. Aaron Paul gives another emotional and tearfully intense performance, not unlike his role in Breaking Bad.
15. The National Anthem (S1/E1)
Black Mirror episodes are well-known for their shock value. That was established early on during the very first episode. Not many political TV shows would force a Prime Minister into having coitus with an actual pig, and that served as quite the climax for the episode. At the same time, the mystery thriller in the background of the story made for a good start.
“Metalhead” is a straightforward post-apocalypse story which is quite ambitious for a Black Mirror episode. It did well for a post-apocalypse world with less opportunities to flesh out its lore and setting. The stylistic cinematography and color-grading (or lack thereof) is also a nice touch.
13. Be Right Back (S2/E1)
“Be Right Back” is a disturbing take on sex dolls or humanoid dolls as replacements for actual, deceased people. At its core, however, it makes a strong point about dealing with grief and how sterile and “perfect” impressions of human beings can never replace the real, imperfect person. Thus, it’s a must-watch for grieving people.
12. White Bear (S2/E2)
Speaking of crime, “White Bear” offers an alternative punishment system. It’s a prison with a twist as the goal is to drive the convicted to the brink of insanity by making them relive what can only be described as a fever dream, or more aptly: a fever nightmare. This sharp commentary about justice systems has enough plot twists to keep you guessing.
11. Crocodile (S4/E3)
“Crocodile” sees Black Mirror delving into the cold and foreboding backdrop of Scandinavian noir. It’s a classic crime thriller episode ridden with guilt, desperation, and animals that count as witnesses thanks to new police technology. It’s worth watching alone for toying with the idea of what if animals could talk.
10. Hang the DJ (S4/E4)
“Hang the DJ” delves into the intricacies of dating app algorithms and creates a personified dystopia where lovers are assigned instead.
Whether intentional or not, the satire of dating app relationships and modern dating is a clever allegory. More importantly, it’s a lighter Black Mirror story with romantic themes.
9. Shut Up and Dance (S3/E3)
“Shut Up and Dance” is basically a battle royale for potential pedophiles and sex offenders in yet again another daring statement about partisan justice. But you only find that out later on, adding to the episode’s pleasant surprise factor.
8. Hated in the Nation (S3/E6)
“Hated in the Nation” had its eyes set on social media and its lack of consequences, particularly in regard to crime. This is one of the most fast-paced Black Mirror episodes because it’s also a crime thriller with a tech-savvy killer who makes a joke out of the police force and the media.
7. Playtest (S3/E2)
Of course, there’d be an episode about video games. For Black Mirror, that would be “Playtest.” The whole story is about how the drive for more realistic virtual experiences can be harmful, literally in this case as the video game killed its gamer. While it might be an exaggerated take on video game harm, it’s still a relatable tale.
6. Nosedive (S3/E1)
As always, Black Mirror episodes shine the brightest when they’re technological criticisms. This time in “Nosedive,” social media is the target. The episode is a critique of social media vanity and insincerity and how it turns people into miserable social climbers. The episode was undoubtedly ahead of its time, and is way too relevant these days.
5. USS Callister (S4/E1)
“USS Callister” is another take on video games and for the episode, it’s an exploration of the gamer god complex.
It’s also a parody of Star Trek at the surface, with a deeper exploration of human depravity and the virtual playgrounds that foster humanity’s darkest urges.
4. Fifteen Million Merits (S1/E2)
“Fifteen Million Merits” is a powerful message about the toxicity of entertainment and stardom. About how everything is marketable enough depending on how much you sell out. The episode is one of the most grim Black Mirror sequences ever. It even paints an unapologetically negative, yet relevant image about modern societies.
3. San Junipero (S3/E4)
“San Junipero” is strikingly warm for a Black Mirror episode. Think of it as the more sensible and heartfelt version of “Striking Vipers” since it’s between two lesbians who only managed to live life on their terms near the end of their physical lives. Thankfully, the simulation lets them have a second life in each other’s arms. You don’t get too many positive Black Mirror episodes, so grab it while you can.
2. Black Museum (S4/E6)
Every once in a while, you get Black Mirror episodes like “Black Museum” which not only contains an overarching story but also plenty of mini-stories inside them that are equally engaging. Letitia Wright also provides a magnetic performance here as a vengeful visitor that catalyzes the episode’s shocking climax.
1. White Christmas (S2/E4)
“White Christmas” remains the most definitive Black Mirror episode yet. It’s a combination of a techno-crime thriller, a mini-story anthology, and a complete brain-twister of a plot that keeps you guessing. Coupled with Jon Hamm’s hypnotic character, “White Christmas” is about as good as a Hollywood film and even deserves to be watched in a theater.
