The 10 Best Twilight Zone Episodes According to IMDB

As a devoted admirer, I can attest that Rod Serling’s groundbreaking series, The Twilight Zone, has undeniably influenced numerous renowned directors throughout the years. The allure is evident: the episodes were innovative, thought-provoking, and frequently delivered a shocking twist. Over five seasons and 156 episodes, there were some true gems that continue to resonate strongly even after six decades. However, it’s important to acknowledge that not every episode was a gem. In truth, The Twilight Zone could sometimes be a bit of a mixed bag. At its best, it shone a penetrating light on society or skillfully caught viewers off-guard. Conversely, when it aimed for humor, it wasn’t always at its finest.

Here’s what we have ahead: These episodes belong to the top-tier category, according to IMDb voters. They consider them the cream of the crop. Why don’t we check and see if you find them just as impressive?

10) “The Shelter” (Season 3, Episode 3) – 8.6

Certainly compelling Twilight Zone episodes, such as “The Shelter,” focus less on supernatural or science fiction elements and more on exploring the darker aspects of human nature. In other words, these episodes delve into themes like self-interest and aggression that can be found within us humans. Similar to the episode “The Monsters are Due on Maple Street” (which I’ll discuss further), “The Shelter” offers a chilling portrayal of humanity’s inherent flaws.

The story unfolds around Dr. Bill Stockton, who spends his free moments constructing a nuclear bunker. When they all, including his family, friends, and neighbors, start receiving Civil Defense alerts about possible UFO occurrences, those he thought were close reveal their hidden natures.

9) “The Obsolete Man” (Season 2, Episode 29) – 8.6

Rocky, portrayed by Burgess Meredith, was always a captivating figure on The Twilight Zone. He imbued his characters with a unique blend of charm and timid demeanor that frequently made them objects of derision from those in their vicinity. And similar to the character he played in “Time Enough at Last,” this quality proved crucial for his role in “The Obsolete Man.

In this futuristic totalitarian regime, Meredith plays Romney Wordsworth, a librarian living under oppressive rule. Accused of being obsolete, he stands trial and is convicted. As a devout man in an atheist society, he requests a public execution by an assassin on live TV. The trial’s overseer, the Chancellor, visits Wordsworth in his cell, where he learns that Wordsworth intends to detonate a bomb as his method of execution and the door to his cell is locked. As the countdown to the bomb’s explosion nears, the Chancellor grows increasingly despondent, screaming for Wordsworth to unlock the door “in the name of God.” This outburst leads to the Chancellor being put on trial and eventually being brutally murdered.

8) “It’s a Good Life” (Season 3, Episode 8) – 8.6

The episode ‘It’s a Good Life’ from the original Twilight Zone series was so exceptional that it was chosen for adaptation in the movie ‘Twilight Zone: The Movie’, although it didn’t quite live up to the original. Remarkably, one of an anthology horror series’ most chilling villains is portrayed as a child, but Bill Mumy, known from Lost in Space, pulls it off perfectly as Anthony Fremont.

As a movie enthusiast, I’d rephrase that as follows: In the role of a six-year-old prodigy named Fremont, I wield an extraordinary influence over everyone in my small Ohio town. My unique talents, such as telepathy, ensure that any thought of disapproval towards my actions is swiftly and severely punished. For example, when a tipsy town resident finally voices his discontent towards Anthony, he metamorphoses into a jack-in-the-box. This episode, much like certain other masterful episodes from The Twilight Zone, delves deep into the realm of nihilism – pushing the boundaries of despair and futility.

7) “Living Doll” (Season 5, Episode 6) – 8.7

One significant influence behind the character Chucky from the Child’s Play franchise is Talky Tina, a renowned figure in the history of The Twilight Zone. While not every episode of the series portrays a seemingly alive inanimate object, “Living Doll” stands out as the most impressive among them.

The episode centers on Telly Savalas, known for his roles in ‘Kojak’ and ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’, as Erich Streator, a sterile and temperamental stepfather. In this family of three, a fourth character unexpectedly emerges – a doll. While Erich’s wife and stepdaughter view the doll as innocent and cute, Erich becomes convinced it has malicious intentions. And he turns out to be correct. However, by the time his wife accepts his beliefs, it is already too late.

6) “Will the Real Martian Please Stand Up?” (Season 2, Episode 28) – 8.7

Is the True Martian Here, If So, Please Identify Yourself?” encapsulates some of The Twilight Zone’s most captivating features. It presents an examination of paranoia? Yes, it does. It carries a playful but not overly whimsical atmosphere? Affirmative. A surprising and impactful twist? Indeed, it has two of those!

The story unfolds within a solitary setting: a cozy diner. Inside this diner reside a band of weary bus travelers, their journey halted due to adverse conditions. However, the arrival of two state police officers is not because of the bus delay. Instead, they’ve come to investigate an odd report about a downed UFO. Remarkably, it appears that the UFO’s occupant is among the diner patrons. As tension rises within the group, passengers start accusing one another with growing intensity. The officers are correct in their suspicions, but there seems to be something more than an extraterrestrial lurking in the diner.

5) “The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street” (Season 1, Episode 22) – 8.9

The classic episode ‘The Monsters are Due on Maple Street’ is a prime example of why The Twilight Zone stands out as not just one of the scariest horror TV anthology series, but also the most insightful. Maple Street represents any typical American street, populated by people who appear friendly on the outside, but are prone to gossip and suspicion when they’re behind closed doors and curtains.

As odd events multiply, such as flickering street lamps, the previously tranquil residents of this narrow town street start to attack each other violently. Is it really an alien invasion? Indeed, it is, but instead of a hostile takeover, it’s actually a humorous research project on human behavior.

4) “Time Enough at Last” (Season 1, Episode 8) – 8.9

An excellent introduction for new fans of “The Twilight Zone”, the episode “Time Enough at Last” is exceptionally thought-provoking and engaging. With one of Burgess Meredith’s finest performances, it packs a powerful story in its compact 22-minute run time.

Meredith is Henry Bemis, a banker who often finds solace in books, whether at work or at home where his demanding boss and wife are always on him. His ideal scenario is diving deep into the written word. Unfortunately, when he secludes himself in the bank’s vault to read, a nuclear explosion occurs, killing everyone he knows. However, Bemis isn’t so fortunate as he has less-than-perfect eyesight and needs his glasses to enjoy his books. Let’s hope those glasses don’t get broken!

3) “To Serve Man” (Season 3, Episode 24) – 9.0

The chilling finale of “The Twilight Zone,” particularly in “To Serve Man,” is crucial for its success due to a cleverly used double meaning. With an impeccable atmosphere and swift tempo, this episode ranks among the series’ finest.

The extraterrestrial beings known as the Kanamit have recently made themselves known to us humans. Their leader, who resembles the villain Jaws from James Bond movies, played by Richard Kiel, presents himself with what appear to be benevolent intentions. In his grasp, he holds a book titled To Serve Man. To comprehend the Kanamit’s true intentions for Earth, this book must first be translated. However, upon translation, it becomes clear that this is not a manual on altruism, but rather a cookbook.

2) “Nightmare at 20,000 Feet” (Season 5, Episode 3) – 9.0

To this day, “Nightmare at 20,000 Feet” from the chilling series, “The Twilight Zone,” remains a standout example of the show’s peak quality when it focused on a solitary setting. This episode is often the one that comes to mind when people mention the title, and it’s no surprise that it was adapted for the movie version, “Twilight Zone: The Movie.” However, like the adaptation of “It’s a Good Life,” its impact was significantly reduced.

In a new twist, William Shatner portrays Robert Wilson, a man with a fear of flying who’s recently discharged from a psychiatric facility. Accompanied by his spouse, they find themselves on an airplane. As the journey unfolds, Wilson is haunted by a mysterious “gremlin.” After landing, both audience and wife are left wondering: Was this tormentor real or simply a product of Wilson’s imagination?

1) “Eye of the Beholder” (Season 2, Episode 6) – 9.1

The episode ‘Eye of the Beholder’ stands the test of time, not just for its impressive visual effects at the end, although they were quite convincing considering the budget constraints the show often had, but primarily due to its timeless message. Its exploration of human perception and judgment remains as relevant today as it was then.

The story revolves around Janet Tyler, undergoing her eleventh transformation surgery in a future society, limited by their rules. After the wrappings are taken off, she’s met with disdain from others, finding herself repulsive. However, the audience perceives a stunning woman. It’s when the physician and nursing staff face the camera that one might shudder in disgust.

2025-03-24 02:09