It’s undeniable that Black Mirror, created by Charlie Brooker, stands out as one of the most unsettling shows on television. But what makes it truly frightening isn’t the typical horror elements like zombies or murderers lurking in the shadows. Instead, Black Mirror taps into a much more real fear — the sinister potential of the technologies we use daily, from smartphones to computers. It’s a sharp reminder of how these tools we rely on so heavily could easily turn against us if we're not careful.
The chilling theme of technology’s dark side continues in Black Mirror's latest season, Season 7, which explores even more dystopian worlds and the dangers of modern tech. From its start in Season 1 to the latest stories in Season 7, Black Mirror has kept us on the edge of our seats, highlighting the troubling impact of the digital age. To help you experience the best of the series, we've put together a list of the top Black Mirror episodes, ranked by Rotten Tomatoes, featuring the most memorable moments from each season.
Black Mirror Episodes Ranked
The National Anthem (Season 1, Episode 1) – 100%
The very first episode of Black Mirror remains unforgettable for two key reasons. First, it introduces the show’s dark humour with a plot where a prime minister (Rory Kinnear) is forced to perform an unthinkable act to save a kidnapped princess (Lydia Wilson). It offers a sharp critique of politics, privacy, and our growing obsession with technology. Second, it became unexpectedly relevant in real life when a political scandal involving a British prime minister and a pig surfaced shortly after the episode aired.
Million Merits (Season 1, Episode 2) – 100%
In this episode, Black Mirror presents a dystopian world where people pedal exercise bikes to earn ‘merits’ that power their environment. This story touches on the dangers of fame and reality TV, drawing comparisons to The Hunger Games. Notably, it features Daniel Kaluuya before his breakthrough in Get Out, alongside Jessica Brown Findlay and Rupert Everett.
Demon 79 (Season 6, Episode 5) – 100%
This episode stands out for being a Red Mirror story, a spin on Black Mirror that focuses less on technology and more on supernatural horror. Set in 1979, it follows Nida (Anjana Vasan), a timid shoe salesperson who accidentally awakens a demon. The demon gives her three days to kill three people, or the world will end. The episode deals with deep themes like xenophobia and sexism while challenging Nida to confront her moral compass.
USS Callister (Season 4, Episode 1) – 95%
This Emmy-winning episode blends sci-fi with dark psychological commentary. Jesse Plemons plays Robert Daly, a programmer who creates a virtual reality world based on his favourite show, Star Trek. He traps his coworkers’ digital clones in this virtual universe, turning them into his playthings.
Joan Is Awful (Season 6, Episode 1) – 94%
Joan Is Awful takes a meta approach, reflecting on the impact of technology, celebrity culture, and our obsession with personal privacy. Annie Murphy plays Joan, an executive who finds out that her life is being streamed in real-time on a Netflix-like service. As she tries to navigate the consequences of this, the episode cleverly examines the realities of fame and the hidden dangers of digital platforms.
Be Right Back (Season 2, Episode 1) – 93%
This emotional episode explores grief through technology. After her boyfriend (Domhnall Gleeson) dies, Martha (Hayley Atwell) uses an AI tool to recreate him based on his social media. As she interacts with the AI version of him, she struggles to find closure. The episode explores whether we can ever truly move on from loved ones when technology keeps their memory alive in the digital space.
San Junipero (Season 3, Episode 4) – 92%
One of the most touching Black Mirror episodes, San Junipero follows the love story between Kelly (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) and Yorkie (Mackenzie Davis) in a virtual reality afterlife. As the couple navigates their feelings for each other, the episode explores ageing, love, and the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, all while asking just one question: Is heaven a place on Earth?
For more such stories, stay tuned to HerZindagi.
Take charge of your wellness journey—download the HerZindagi app for daily updates on fitness, beauty, and a healthy lifestyle!
Comments
All Comments (0)
Join the conversation