The 5 Best Black Mirror Episodes, Ranked (Including ‘U.S.S. Callister’)

Black Mirror, the sci-fi anthology series that holds a funhouse mirror up to our tech-obsessed society, has given us some of the most chilling, thought-provoking, and emotionally gut-punching stories in modern TV. Each episode works as a standalone tale, blending futuristic concepts with deeply human flaws. But which ones stand out the most? Here’s a ranking of the five best episodes—including the fan-favorite “U.S.S. Callister”—that capture the show’s genius.

5. “Hated in the Nation” (Season 3, Episode 6)
Imagine a world where social media outrage has literal, deadly consequences. This police procedural-style episode follows detectives investigating a wave of murders linked to a viral online hashtag, #DeathTo. The twist? Robot bees, originally created to save dying pollinators, are weaponized to hunt down whoever the internet mob hates most that day. It’s a slow-burn thriller that escalates into a horrifying finale, critiquing our addiction to performative anger and the dangers of crowd-sourced justice. The episode feels eerily plausible, especially in an age where cancel culture can spiral out of control.

4. “The Entire History of You” (Season 1, Episode 3)
Before Black Mirror went big-budget, this early episode proved how devastating a simple concept could be. In a world where everyone has a “grain” implant recording their every moment, a paranoid husband (Toby Kebbell) obsessively replays his memories to uncover whether his wife is lying about an affair. It’s a brutal exploration of jealousy, trust, and the toxic allure of living in the past. The episode’s intimacy and relatable relationship drama make its bleak ending hit even harder—a reminder that some truths are better left buried.

3. “White Christmas” (Season 2, Episode 4)
This holiday-themed nightmare weaves three interconnected stories, all starring Jon Hamm as a suave “dating coach” with a dark secret. The episode introduces some of Black Mirror’s most haunting tech: “Cookies” (digital clones of human consciousness used as personal assistants) and a punishment system that traps people in endless time loops. The final act, where two men confront their sins in a frozen cabin, is a masterclass in tension and moral horror. It’s a triple-layer dystopian cake, each slice more bitter than the last.

2. “San Junipero” (Season 3, Episode 4)
A rare Black Mirror story with warmth and hope—but still plenty of tears. In the 1980s-inspired virtual paradise of San Junipero, shy Yorkie (Mackenzie Davis) and free-spirited Kelly (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) fall in love, dancing through neon-lit arcades and beachside sunsets. But their romance is shadowed by a heartbreaking truth: San Junipero is a digital afterlife for the elderly and dying. The episode’s lush visuals, nostalgic soundtrack, and themes of love, loss, and eternal life make it a standout. Its bittersweet ending asks whether forever is a blessing or a prison—and leaves you crying either way.

1. “U.S.S. Callister” (Season 4, Episode 1)
This Star Trek-inspired space adventure is Black Mirror at its most entertaining—and most terrifying. Jesse Plemons plays Robert Daly, a bullied tech genius who recreates his workplace enemies as digital puppets in a Twilight Zone-style simulation. He rules over them as a god in his retro sci-fi universe, but when the crew (led by Cristin Milioti’s fierce Nanette) rebels, the episode becomes a thrilling saga about power, consent, and the line between creator and monster. Packed with dark humor, visual flair, and a surprisingly emotional punch, “U.S.S. Callister” balances spectacle with a scathing take on toxic fandom and unchecked ego. It’s a perfect blend of what makes Black Mirror great: high-concept sci-fi with a soul.

Why These Episodes Work
What ties these stories together is their ability to take wild, futuristic ideas and ground them in raw human emotion. Whether it’s the grief of losing a loved one (“San Junipero”), the paranoia of modern relationships (“The Entire History of You”), or the hunger for control (“U.S.S. Callister”), Black Mirror reminds us that technology doesn’t corrupt people—it just amplifies who they already are. These five episodes are the ones that linger long after the credits roll, making you side-eye your phone, your memories, and maybe even your Netflix queue.