Top 10 Best Black Mirror Episodes Ranked
If you’ve ever watched Black Mirror, you know how quickly one episode can stick with you for days—or even years. This show isn’t just about twisted tech or dystopian futures; it’s about those episodes that make you pause, rewatch, or immediately text a friend to say, “You have to see this.” For this ranked top 10, I picked episodes that left a real impact: the ones that made me think, cringe, cry, or just kept me talking about them long after the credits rolled. Whether you’re new to the series or a longtime fan, these are the Black Mirror episodes that truly stand out for their storytelling, social commentary, and unforgettable twists.
📚 Table of Contents
My Black Mirror Story: How I Got Hooked How I Chose and Ranked Each Episode At a Glance: My Top 10 Ranked List Where to Watch Black Mirror Episodes 10th Place 9th Place 8th Place 7th Place 6th Place 5th Place 4th Place 3rd Place 2nd Place 1st Place Honorable Mentions & Close Contenders What Makes a Black Mirror Episode “The Best”? FAQ: Black Mirror Episodes Ranked Your Turn: Share Your Own Top 10 Love Sci-Fi? Read More on the BlogMy Black Mirror Story: How I Got Hooked
I still remember my first Black Mirror episode—National Anthem. Like most people, I didn’t know what I was in for. One uncomfortable hour later, I was completely hooked. Since then, I’ve watched (and rewatched) every season, sometimes solo, sometimes with friends who swore they weren’t into sci-fi—until Black Mirror proved them wrong. What keeps me coming back? It’s the way each episode feels like a standalone film: surprising, sometimes darkly funny, and always sharp enough to get under your skin. My top 10 comes from years of revisiting favorites, debating with fellow fans, and realizing which episodes truly linger.
How I Chose and Ranked Each Episode
Ranking Black Mirror episodes is no small feat. I started by jotting down every episode that gave me a strong gut reaction—good or bad. Then I rewatched my shortlist, keeping an eye out for what really holds up: originality, emotional punch, cultural relevance, and that signature Black Mirror twist. I factored in a mix of classic and new releases, making sure to balance personal favorites with episodes widely loved (or debated) by the fandom. Each spot in my ranking reflects a combination of storytelling, impact, and how likely I am to recommend it to someone watching Black Mirror for the first time.
At a Glance: My Top 10 Ranked List
Want the quick version before I dive into each episode? Here’s my top 10, starting from #10 and building up to my all-time favorite:
| Rank | Episode | Season | IMDb Rating* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Bandersnatch | Special | 7.1 |
| 9 | Shut Up and Dance | Season 3 | 8.5 |
| 8 | The Entire History of You | Season 1 | 8.7 |
| 7 | USS Callister | Season 4 | 8.3 |
| 6 | Joan Is Awful | Season 6 | 7.7 |
| 5 | Bête Noire | Season 7 | TBD |
| 4 | National Anthem | Season 1 | 7.7 |
| 3 | San Junipero | Season 4 | 8.6 |
| 2 | Common People | Season 7 | TBD |
| 1 | Nosedive | Season 3 | 8.3 |
*IMDb ratings are current as of writing; new episodes may not have full ratings yet.
Where to Watch Black Mirror Episodes
All of these Black Mirror episodes are available to stream on Netflix in most regions. If you’re outside the US, some availability may vary, especially with newer releases like “Bête Noire” and “Common People” (Season 7), which may take a few weeks to show up worldwide. Bandersnatch, the interactive episode, is best experienced on a desktop or smart TV for full feature support. Just search “Black Mirror” on Netflix and you’ll find each episode listed by season, ready for your next binge or rewatch session.
10th Place: Bandersnatch (Interactive Episode)
Bandersnatch isn’t just an episode—it’s an experience. This interactive film puts you in the driver’s seat, letting you make choices for Stefan, a young game developer whose reality gets more distorted with each decision. The format alone makes Bandersnatch unforgettable. No two viewers have exactly the same story, and the number of endings is mind-boggling. Sure, it’s divisive (some found it overwhelming or gimmicky), but the ambition here is classic Black Mirror. If you’re the kind of viewer who rewinds to catch every twist, or you love “choose your own adventure” books, this one’s for you.
Viewer note:
Some scenes may be disturbing (violence, mental health themes). Best experienced on a device with interactive support—desktop or smart TV.
Critics/fans say:
Praised for pushing boundaries, but you’ll find debate on whether the story holds up without the gimmick. For me, the format and sheer creativity make it a top 10 must-watch.
9th Place: Shut Up and Dance (Season 3)
If you like your thrillers tense and relentlessly dark, “Shut Up and Dance” is one you won’t forget. The episode follows a teenager, Kenny, who’s blackmailed by mysterious hackers—and things spiral out of control fast. It’s grounded, gritty, and painfully plausible in our digital age. Unlike Black Mirror’s more futuristic outings, this one is set in the here and now, making the horror feel all the more real.
Content warning:
Themes of exploitation and psychological distress. This is one of the most disturbing episodes, so proceed with caution.
Why it’s on the list:
The pacing, twists, and emotional gut-punch at the end left me shaken. It’s an episode I hesitate to rewatch—but can’t stop thinking about.
8th Place: Entire History of You (Season 1)
Imagine being able to replay every memory you have—good, bad, or awkward. That’s the tech at the heart of “The Entire History of You.” It’s one of Black Mirror’s earliest and most haunting episodes, exploring jealousy, surveillance, and how our minds can work against us. The emotional intensity ramps up as a simple dinner party devolves into obsession and heartbreak.
Replay value:
This episode gets even better the second time around, once you know where it’s headed.
Why it stands out:
It’s personal, raw, and raises questions about privacy and forgiveness that feel even more relevant today. Many longtime fans still rank this as one of the show’s most “real” stories.
7th Place: USS Callister (Season 4)
“USS Callister” starts out as a tongue-in-cheek Star Trek homage and quickly morphs into something much darker. It’s fun, visually creative, and ultimately a biting critique of toxic fandom and unchecked power. Jesse Plemons leads a stellar cast as the repressed game designer who creates his own virtual “crew”—but not everyone is playing by his rules.
Fan/critic reception:
This one is a fan favorite for its balance of humor, suspense, and surprising emotional depth. It swept the Emmys, too, winning four awards.
Best for:
If you love sci-fi, video games, or stories that subvert classic genres, “USS Callister” is essential Black Mirror.
6th Place: Joan Is Awful (Season 6)
Season 6 brought a fresh jolt with “Joan Is Awful”—a sharp, self-aware satire on streaming culture, privacy, and who really owns our stories. Annie Murphy shines as Joan, whose life becomes a global TV show overnight, with some wild, reality-bending twists along the way. The episode feels especially current, poking fun at everything from AI to content algorithms.
Why it’s a top pick:
It’s funny, weird, and manages to make a serious point about digital identity and consent, all wrapped up in a binge-worthy plot.
Best for:
Anyone new to Black Mirror or fans who like their dark satire with a side of meta-humor.
5th Place: Bête Noire (Season 7)
“Bête Noire” stands out as one of the boldest new additions to Black Mirror. Without spoiling too much, it dives into the complexities of technology, personal responsibility, and society’s hunger for spectacle. The pacing is tight, and the central dilemma had me questioning what I would do in the same situation. Even with stiff competition from earlier seasons, this episode’s mix of suspense and timely commentary made it an easy addition to my top five.
Personal reaction:
I caught myself thinking about “Bête Noire” long after the credits rolled. It’s a reminder that Black Mirror still has fresh stories—and big questions—to ask in 2025.
4th Place: National Anthem (Season 1)
The one that started it all. “National Anthem” doesn’t ease you into Black Mirror; it throws you right into the deep end with a storyline that’s as shocking now as it was in 2011. The premise is simple and horrifying: a crisis that forces a leader into a public moral nightmare, all under the glare of relentless media coverage. Even if you’ve never seen an episode, you’ve probably heard people reference this one.
Content warning:
Uncomfortable subject matter and intense social commentary. Not for the faint of heart.
Why it’s still talked about:
It set the tone for the entire series, pushing the boundaries of what tech-driven drama could be. If you want to understand Black Mirror’s DNA, start here.
3rd Place: San Junipero (Season 4)
If you ever doubted that Black Mirror could do feel-good, “San Junipero” proves otherwise. This episode is a standout for its emotional storytelling, hopeful message, and killer ‘80s soundtrack. It’s a love story with a sci-fi twist, and it’s the rare episode that leaves you with a smile. It also earned the show some of its highest critical praise, picking up Emmy Awards for Outstanding TV Movie and Writing.
Why it’s a fan favorite:
People return to “San Junipero” because it balances big ideas with big heart. It’s a go-to episode for new viewers—and a palate cleanser after Black Mirror’s darker tales.
Replay value:
High. There are details you’ll appreciate more each time.
2nd Place: Common People (Season 7)
A fresh face in the top three, “Common People” shows that Black Mirror is still evolving. The episode blends social commentary with a deeply human story, making it both timely and timeless. Without giving away the twist, I’ll just say it’s the kind of episode that feels ripped from tomorrow’s headlines, with all the tension and nuance the show is known for.
What sets it apart:
“Common People” nails the balance between personal drama and big-picture questions. It’s the kind of episode you’ll want to discuss as soon as it ends.
1st Place: Nosedive (Season 3)
Topping my list is “Nosedive,” an episode that’s only grown more relevant since it aired. It’s a sharp, uncomfortable, and at times hilarious look at a world where social ratings rule every interaction. Bryce Dallas Howard delivers a pitch-perfect performance as a woman trying to climb the social ladder—one five-star rating at a time. The pastel palette and cheery surface only make the final unraveling more satisfying.
Why it’s #1:
“Nosedive” captures the absurdity and anxiety of modern social media better than anything else I’ve seen. It’s smart, stylish, and disturbingly close to reality. If you watch just one Black Mirror episode, make it this one.
Honorable Mentions & Close Contenders
Not every standout episode made my top 10, but a few came close and deserve a quick shout-out:
If you haven’t watched these yet, add them to your queue—they’re only a notch below the main list.
What Makes a Black Mirror Episode “The Best”?
When I think about what makes a Black Mirror episode truly “the best,” it comes down to a mix of originality, emotional impact, and that uncomfortable sense of possibility. The standout episodes usually take a simple idea—some everyday technology or familiar social trend—and push it just far enough to make you squirm. The most memorable stories leave you questioning your own habits or imagining what you’d do if you were in the same situation. They don’t rely on shock value alone; instead, they combine clever writing, strong performances, and just enough realism to make the premise feel plausible. The best Black Mirror episodes are the ones I can rewatch and still notice new details, pick up on hidden meanings, or get hit by the story’s message all over again.
FAQ: Black Mirror Episodes Ranked
➡️ Do I need to watch Black Mirror in order?
➡️ Which episodes are the most disturbing?
➡️ What’s the happiest Black Mirror episode?
➡️ Is Bandersnatch worth trying?
➡️ Where can I watch Black Mirror?
Your Turn: Share Your Own Top 10
Now I want to hear from you—because ranking Black Mirror episodes is half the fun, and no two lists ever look the same. Do you agree with my top picks, or did I leave out your personal favorite? Maybe you’re a diehard fan of “White Christmas” or think “Metalhead” deserves more love. Whatever your opinion, I’d love to see your own ranked list or just hear which episode made you a Black Mirror believer.
Drop your top 10 (or even just your top 3) in the comments below, and let’s get a conversation going. If you’re new to the series, share which episodes you’re most excited to watch next. And if you’ve got a hot take or an episode you think is criminally underrated, don’t hold back! Your recommendations might help someone else find their new favorite.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a longtime fan, this is your space to geek out, debate, and swap suggestions. So, what’s your Black Mirror lineup? Let’s build the ultimate list together.
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There’s always something weird and wonderful to add to your watchlist.
