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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, as Black Mirror Season 7 is due to be released on April 10th, we’re checking out the highest rated episodes of previous seasons to catch up on.
The chillingly prescient world of “Black Mirror” is poised to return, with Season 7 looming on the horizon, featuring stars such as Will Poulter, Awkwafina, Asim Chaudhry, and Emma Corrin. Before plunging back into its unsettling narratives, what better way to prepare than revisiting the series’ most critically acclaimed episodes?
Since its debut in 2011, Black Mirror has captivated audiences with its unsettling yet thought-provoking takes on technology, society, and human nature. Created by Charlie Brooker, the anthology series has garnered a devoted following and critical acclaim, with certain episodes standing out as fan favorites on IMDb. Join us as, with the help of experts at VIP-Grinders, we delve into the highest-rated episodes on IMDB from past seasons, a perfect primer for the impending digital dystopia.
As Black Mirror fans eagerly await the release of season seven, now is a great time to rewatch the best episodes the show has to offer so far. These highly rated episodes have fans wondering if season seven will live up to or exceed their expectations. With the overall IMDb ratings peaking at season three, fans are anticipating the show taking a darker direction that may cause some controversy.
-Telma Casaca, Head of Publishing at VIP-Grinders
The Best Episodes Of Black Mirror
Fourth-Best Episodes: Tied at 8.5/10
Two episodes share the distinction of being the fourth-highest rated in the Black Mirror catalog, each earning an IMDb score of 8.5: Season 1, Episode 3, “The Entire History of You,” and Season 3, Episode 4, “San Junipero.” Despite airing years apart, both episodes showcase the series’ ability to blend innovative concepts with deeply human stories.
“The Entire History of You” (Season 1, Episode 3)
Written by Jesse Armstrong, this early gem introduces viewers to a world where a “grain” implant allows individuals to record and replay their memories with perfect clarity. The episode follows Liam (Toby Kebbell), whose obsession with revisiting past interactions unravels his relationship with his wife, Ffion (Jodie Whittaker).
What begins as a futuristic convenience spirals into a paranoia-fueled nightmare, exposing the fragility of trust and the destructive power of overanalyzing the past. Its claustrophobic narrative and raw emotional stakes make it a standout, proving Black Mirror’s strength even in its first season.
“San Junipero” (Season 3, Episode 4)
Directed by Owen Harris and written by Brooker, “San Junipero” is often hailed as the series’ most uplifting episode—a rarity in the typically bleak Black Mirror universe. Set in a nostalgic 1980s-inspired virtual reality, the story follows Yorkie (Mackenzie Davis) and Kelly (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), two women who meet in the simulated afterlife of San Junipero.
This digital paradise offers terminally ill or elderly individuals a chance to live forever in a youthful, carefree state. The episode’s tender exploration of love, identity, and mortality, paired with its synth-heavy soundtrack and vibrant visuals, struck a chord with viewers, earning it widespread praise and even an Emmy Award for Outstanding Television Movie.
Fifth-Best Episodes: Tied at 8.4/10
Just a notch below at 8.4, Season 3 delivers two more standout episodes: Episode 3, “Shut Up and Dance,” and Episode 6, “Hated in the Nation.” These entries showcase the diversity of Black Mirror’s storytelling, from grounded thrillers to sprawling techno-political dramas.
“Shut Up and Dance” (Season 3, Episode 3)
Directed by James Watkins and co-written by Brooker and William Bridges, “Shut Up and Dance” diverges from the show’s futuristic norm, unfolding in a present-day setting.
The episode centers on Kenny (Alex Lawther), a teenager blackmailed via hacked webcam footage into completing increasingly harrowing tasks. Paired with Hector (Jerome Flynn), another victim of the anonymous tormentors, Kenny’s descent raises questions about guilt, morality, and the hidden consequences of digital exposure. Its relentless pacing and shocking twist ending leave a lasting impression, proving that Black Mirror can unsettle without relying on sci-fi gimmicks.
“Hated in the Nation” (Season 3, Episode 6)
Clocking in at 89 minutes, this season finale—directed by James Hawes and written by Brooker—feels like a feature-length thriller.
Starring Kelly Macdonald as DCI Karin Parke and Faye Marsay as Blue Colson, the episode tackles a chilling scenario where autonomous drone bees, originally designed for pollination, are hacked to target individuals vilified by online mobs. As the death toll rises, the story critiques the dangers of social media outrage, unchecked AI, and the weaponization of technology. Its ambitious scope and political undertones make it one of the series’ most expansive and relevant tales.
Season Highlights and IMDb Trends
Season 3 emerges as the strongest in terms of average IMDb ratings, boasting an impressive 8.18 across its six episodes—a testament to its consistent quality and variety.
Season 1 follows with an average of 8.03, buoyed by early classics like “The Entire History of You,” while Season 2 trails slightly at 7.93, still delivering memorable moments.
When it comes to season openers, Seasons 3 and 4 tie for the best pilots, each earning an 8.3. Season 3’s “Nosedive,” a pastel-hued satire of social media ratings starring Bryce Dallas Howard, and Season 4’s “USS Callister,” a Star Trek-inspired tale of digital tyranny with Jesse Plemons, set high bars for their respective runs.
Meanwhile, season finales showcase even greater highs: Season 2’s “White Christmas” (starring Jon Hamm) tops the list with a stellar 9.1, a haunting holiday special weaving multiple narratives into a chilling whole.
Season 4’s “Black Museum,” with its anthology-within-an-anthology structure, follows at 8.6, offering a grim yet satisfying capstone.
Why These Episodes Resonate
The highest-rated Black Mirror episodes succeed by striking a delicate balance: they provoke unease about technology’s role in our lives while grounding their stories in universal human experiences—love, fear, shame, and justice.
Whether it’s the emotional catharsis of “San Junipero” or the gut-punch twists of “Shut Up and Dance,” these episodes linger in viewers’ minds, sparking conversations that extend far beyond the screen. As Black Mirror continues to evolve, its best moments remind us why it remains a cultural touchstone in the age of rapid technological change.
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