Top 10 Twilight Zone Episodes
Having been home with my mom taking care of her, I have been watching various shows. From ones we have seen a hundred times, to some older shows I never had a chance to watch. My mom and I would always watch the Twilight Zone marathon during the new year. We have always both enjoyed the show. I mean I honestly think I am living in a form of the twilight zone as it is. I put it back on recently to give Mom some variety and I know she enjoys them. I thought to myself, why not make this into a top five? I haven’t posted on my blog for a while. There’s a lot going on recently, this would be great to break that lull. There are a lot of episodes and I am not including the new ones either. I stick with the original only. This list is a short top ten, because there are so many, and this does not include all the ones I love. I will probably do a part two at a later date. If you don’t see your favorite, please, share in the comments or post on my Facebook page which ones you love or don’t. Without further ado, here are my top ten episodes.
- “Third From the Sun”
The story follows two families who become aware of an impending cataclysmic event and hatch a daring plan to leave their world behind. As they face numerous obstacles and dangers, they must make difficult choices in their quest for freedom and safety. This thought-provoking episode explores themes of desperation, courage, and the human drive for survival in the face of dire circumstances.
Pay attention to how this episode was shot. The feeling of unease and knowing that something is just not quite right. It is a great episode!
The episode centers on the life of a retired actress who becomes obsessed with reliving her past through old films. As she retreats further into her memories, her connection to reality begins to blur, and the episode explores the consequences of living in the past. This episode delves into themes of nostalgia, escapism, and the human desire to recapture lost moments.
As someone who can be hung up by nostalgia and living in the past, this episode says a lot. But on occasion, wishes do come true.
2. “The Sixteen-Millimeter Shrine”
3. “The Four of Us Are Dying”
A man with an unusual and powerful ability can change his appearance to resemble anyone he desires. He uses this talent to manipulate situations and people, but as the story unfolds, he faces unexpected consequences. This episode explores themes of identity, deception, and the moral implications of abusing one’s unique abilities.
I like the idea of this supernatural power this man possesses. What would he use it for? What happens when he does use it? I also like the episode because it has Ross Martin in it. I pretty much had a crush on him from The Wild Wild West and his role in The Great Race.
Following a mysterious street peddler who seems to possess an uncanny ability to provide people with exactly what they need at a given moment. However, as he interacts with various individuals, including a down-on-his-luck gambler and a ruthless businessman, the consequences of his power become increasingly complex. This episode explores themes of desire, fate, and the unexpected outcomes of seemingly benevolent gifts.
I like the fact that the man gives without wanting anything in return. Once someone is using his gift for their own gain, we see how karma comes in. Great episode!
4. “What You Need”
5. “The After Hours”
We follow a woman who visits a department store after hours and experiences a series of inexplicable events. As she navigates through the eerily deserted store, she begins to uncover unsettling truths about her surroundings and herself. This episode delves into themes of reality, identity, and the uncanny, leaving viewers with a sense of unease and mystery.
There are a few movies that involve mannequins that intrigue me. This episode is no exception.
Centers on a playwright who possesses a unique ability to bring his written characters to life simply by describing them in a dictation machine. However, as he indulges in this power, the consequences become increasingly surreal and unpredictable. This episode explores themes of creativity, imagination, and the blurred boundaries between fiction and reality in a lighthearted and fantastical manner.
You know what I would give to have a machine like that. Oh, the worlds I would create! I live on a small boundary between reality and fiction. So, it makes sense this is a favorite of mine.
6. “A World of His Own”
7. “Nick of Time”
This episode revolves around a couple traveling through a small town and becoming entrapped by a mysterious fortune-telling machine. As they continually seek guidance from the machine, their lives start to revolve around its predictions, leading to increasing paranoia and fear. This episode explores themes of superstition, reliance on external forces, and the power of belief in shaping one’s destiny.
This is actually my son’s favorite episode. Plus, you have to love William Shatner in it. We have a replica of the Mystic Seer. Prize possession.
This episode tells the story of an elderly man who discovers a radio that allows him to hear broadcasts from the past. As he becomes obsessed with revisiting his cherished memories through the radio, he faces a dilemma that challenges his perception of time and reality. This episode explores themes of nostalgia, the passage of time, and the emotional impact of reliving the past.
You will see a recurring theme here with the episodes I like. Nostalgia and the passage of time. I have always been very aware of time and how finite it is.
8. “Static”
9. “The Obsolete Man”
This episode portrays a dystopian society where individuals deemed “obsolete” by the state are sentenced to death. The story centers on a librarian who is declared obsolete and must face his execution. Through a tense confrontation with a government official, the episode explores themes of totalitarianism, individualism, and the courage to stand up against oppressive systems.
This reminds me very much of a Ray Bradbury novel. This covers a society that finds people with archaic knowledge no longer needed. Therefore, erasing what came before, to just make way for a fresh future free of the old.
Follows an aging professor who is forced to retire after many years of dedicated teaching. Feeling hopeless and unfulfilled, he contemplates ending his life but is visited by the ghosts of former students who show him the profound impact he had on their lives. This episode explores themes of legacy, the value of one’s life’s work, and the significance of meaningful connections with others.
We always want to make sure that we leave something behind to be remembered. Otherwise, what is the point of it all? Not to be a downer, but it is something we all think about at some point. This has a heartwarming ending but be prepared to cry.
10. “The Changing of the Guard”
As I said before, this is not an exhaustive list. There are so many more that are great. I will definitely be doing another part of this list. Be on the lookout for your favorite, or comment and tell me which one is yours and why I should add it to the next list.
