All Black Mirror Episodes Ranked (Seasons 1-6)

If you know me well enough, I'm a sucker for anthologies. When I discovered Black Mirror, I went down a rabbit hole of binge-watching all the episodes. I watched them at random, though, so I wasn't able to catch hold of many easter eggs that link one episode to another, but that's the beauty of anthologies: you don't have to go in order. Many episodes stuck to the chilling theme of futuristic technology and their thrilling implications but some failed to impress. Here is the complete ranking of all episodes from Seasons 1 to 6 (excluding the interactive episode, Bandersnatch).

27. Arkangel (Season 4, Episode 2)

The storyline had such a superficial incorporation of the 'Black Mirror' technology that it made me think how much of a wasted opportunity this was. And my god, the acting was terrible!

Great. The walking snitch.

26. Crocodile (Season 4, Episode 3)

Maybe the makers of this film thought they created a really good character with a sinister vibe but it left me feeling very underwhelmed.

Jesus Christ, what'd you eat, a vineyard?

25. Be Right Back (Season 2, Episode 1)

I don't know... I felt like there was not much depth to the story. She lost her partner and doesn't seem to grieve much at all. I'm all for stories where the lead character grapples with the loss of a loved one but this didn't strike a chord.

When we went to the Grand Canyon you said it was just a big gap.

24. Men Against Fire (Season 3, Episode 5)

A cliched story circling the horrors of war and being in the army. There was just so much potential that was amiss here, sadly.

You popped two of 'em. It's been a while for me.

23. Mazey Day (Season 6, Episode 4)

On occasion, Black Mirror chooses to be more in the present. Sometimes they work well and sometimes they don't. Mazey Day belongs to the latter. It felt like a weird rendition of Tim Burton's Wednesday and it was quite underwhelming.

You were just doing your job, that's all.

22. The Waldo Moment (Season 2, Episode 3)

I understand the parallels drawn between Waldo and Donald Trump, but apart from this similarity, there isn't much that makes this belong to Black Mirror.

It's easy what he does. He mocks.

21. White Bear (Season 2, Episode 2)

A predictable plotline that, despite its major plot twist, fails to evoke a feeling similar to what everyone in the episode feels. Maybe I shouldn't have put myself in a position where I was trying to figure out the plot twist from the beginning since Black Mirror episodes typically have a sudden turn of events (for the worse usually).

A picnic with my two best friends.

20. Striking Vipers (Season 5, Episode 1)

This was one of the earlier episodes I watched and the concept of an immersive gaming experience was impressive but there was wasted potential towards the end of the episode. Maybe some people liked the turn of events, but it didn't make sense to me.

OK, enough of the Captain Acrobat shit.

19. Fifteen Million Merits (Season 1, Episode 2)

I'll be honest here—this episode was boring in parts and I wish there was something more gripping despite the abundance of technological elements.

You're hungry? That's a first, eh?

18. Loch Henry (Season 6, Episode 2)

I would've been content with this episode if it didn't belong to Black Mirror. It was a good thriller but I found it insufferable and disappointing.

Is it creepy if I say he looks good in that cap?

17. Demon 79 (Season 6, Episode 5)

If I can recall correctly, this is the only Black Mirror episode that is set in the past (1979). It was quite an exciting watch but towards the end, even this unconventional plotline is a letdown. Sure, it made some interesting racial political commentary but it doesn't impress much apart from that.

You see, most people's food, um, normal food, it doesn't tend to linger afterwards.

16. Smithereens (Season 5, Episode 2)

What are you supposed to feel when your main character is an anti-hero? Black Mirror has used this characterisation on many occasions and this episode was doing so well but had its focus meandering as it progressed to explore too many social issues. It didn't leave a mark.

The facilities they've got in there, they've got their own spa. It's madness.

15. Rachel, Jack and Ashley Too (Season 5, Episode 3)

The first episode I ever watched and it was fun to watch but, overall, simply okay. The main Black Mirror connection was the AI-powered robot which didn't give a real futuristic vibe. And, come on, we've seen a lot of struggling artists portrayed in movies this didn't impress me.

Yeah, you know, it's really important for people to feel like they're in control of their own destiny, and, you know, that means having the confidence to be who you want to be.

14. Nosedive (Season 3, Episode 1)

This was the first Black Mirror plotline I heard about before and was quite interested. When I watched it though, it was predictable and sometimes over-the-top. I would've liked something more subtle and less cliched, without the use of certain tropes.

I'm gonna have to ask you to moderate your language here.

13. Beyond The Sea (Season 6, Episode 3)

I was fascinated by this slow burn which explored the darkness of friendship. The motives behind the main characters' actions are open to interpretation but some questions should've been answered...

I know they're excited, but sometimes it's so goddamn rude.

12. The National Anthem (Season 1, Episode 1)

Repulsive yet insightful into the grotesque ways of humankind. Perhaps a bit too disgusting for making it to the top 10. I can't even describe it... just watch it and see.

It's history, this.

11. The Entire History Of You (Season 1, Episode 3)

How obsessed is too obsessed? How can a couple justify their actions when their entire lives are tracked by this invasive technology? A brilliant episode although I would've preferred an alternative ending.

Nothing has been going on!

10. San Junipero (Season 3, Episode 4)

This episode felt like a dream. The atmosphere was set really well and the chemistry between the two leads was amazing.

You know, caught that first wave, would have had a different story.

9. Playtest (Season 3, Episode 2)

I thoroughly enjoyed the loop of horror and thrill. What is reality? Who is real? Such questions arouse as you watch this edge-of-the-seat episode.

I, you know, just... trying to do, you know, shit I've never done before.

8. Metalhead (Season 4, Episode 5)

The only Black Mirror episode (thus far) to be in greyscale. The horrifying dystopian wasteland that humans struggle to survive in is terrifically presented. This was the last episode I watched before concluding my non-stop binge of this series and I felt very happy with it.

What kind of society is that? An equal one?

7. USS Callister (Season 4, Episode 1)

I couldn't get enough of the excellent writing in this Star Trek-like episode. I love the use of smart comedy and the ending was terrific, too.

Mini-skirted damsels. A little cold for that in space.

6. Hang The DJ (Season 4, Episode 4)

While the whole futuristic dating game scared me a bit, I was feeling a rush of happiness and excitement as this episode showed that love is still beautiful in a technologically-revolving world.

God, no. It's so much simpler when it's all mapped out.

5. Joan Is Awful (Season 6, Episode 1)

And making it to the Top 5 is the opening episode of Season 6, which premiered very recently. I was enthralled by the concept and brilliant writing. It was even delightful to see Netflix take a jibe at its alternate streaming platform (cutely called Streamberry). It has a stellar cast playing... themselves. Watch it to find out more!

Do they have your face or my face?

4. Hated in The Nation (Season 3, Episode 6)

This clever commentary on cancel culture and its implications are stunning, to say the least. The rapidly worsening situation becomes nationwide and will they save everyone in time?

I know she is dead. But did you read what she had written?

3. Black Museum (Season 4, Episode 6)

Many stories, all linked. Imagine an anthology inside an anthology episode. The fascinating horror was depicted without any shying away and I found this totally deserving of a spot in the Top 3. The ending was so satisfying.

But persevere and it becomes addictive.

2. White Christmas (Christmas Special)

Like Black Museum, this too had 3 stories—all filled with the horrors of technology. What makes this stand out from all the other episodes is the achievement of feeling what the characters are feeling in a much more palpable sense.

You know, caught that first wave, would have had a different story.

1. Shut Up and Dance (Season 3, Episode 3)

Bone-chilling and truly makes Black Mirror what it is. Surprisingly, the bleakness of technology portrayed in this episode is completely possible in the present time. It just goes to show how we are already in the future and that we are not far from experiencing any shocking turn of events. C'mon, with the rise of AI and rapid technological advancements, this was extremely gripping and intense to watch.

There's no cure for the Internet. It would never go away.

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Well, there you have it. The complete ranking of all the episodes, save for the interactive special Bandersnatch. I hope you enjoyed this honest post and comment below if you agree with it! Watch Black Mirror only on Netflix.