Top 10 Most Underrated Twilight Zone Episodes

With so many classic and legendary Twilight Zone episodes to sift through, a few, fantastic stories are bound to fall through the cracks. Whether the stories were not appreciated in their own era, or have simply succumb to the passage of time, these are the underrated episodes that deserve a second look. It's important to note the distinction that these episodes are good--sometimes incredible--but they are not necessarily among the absolute best in the series. Of course, if you are curious about any particular episode, feel free to check out my full review for each. Finally, these are my personal opinions, and, if you have a problem with that, you can complain about it to the Ministry of Truth on Twitter. Now, without further ado, I present the most underrated episodes of The Twilight Zone!

Honorable Mentions (in no particular order):

A Passage for Trumpet (Season 1, Episode 32) - Some great ideas here, and I love the implications throughout, but it's not quite remarkable enough.

Judgement Night (Season 1, Episode 10) - A man stuck in a hellish loop due to his own misdeeds in WWII. It's great all around, but this episode does receive fair recognition.

Showdown with Rance McGrew (Season 3, Episode 20) - This is an exceptionally funny story, but, if you don't have the cultural context to understand the jokes, it falls flat.

Probe 7, Over and Out (Season 5, Episode 9) - A novel twist for the time, but it's hindered by the sheer implausibility of the scenario's setup.

You Drive (Season 5, Episode 14) - Could have been one of the scariest episodes in the series, however, they decided to tone it down with borderline comedic moments.

Stopover in a Quiet Town (Season 5, Episode 30) - An all around intriguing plot that keeps you guessing to the end; unfortunately it's not quite memorable enough for the list.

Once Upon a Time (Season 3, Episode 13) - As for this last contender...I really wanted this episode on the list due to the unique episode format and the humor, but, alas, it falls shy of the tenth position.

10: And When the Sky Was Opened (Season 1, Episode 11)

There are few things in fiction to compare this episode to. Hell, I still can't tell you what exactly was happening. What I can tell you is that the story gets you thinking. Few episodes can match the intrigue present here as you try to figure out what's happening to the characters. Is it supernatural? Is time and space warping around them? Are they dead? It's tough to say, but there's nothing quite like it.

9: I Shot an Arrow into the Air (Season 1, Episode 15)

I can't believe this episode is so rarely mentioned by fans and critics. You have a somewhat cliched story of betrayal and survival, but the revelation that everything has been for naught is awesome. In particular, the irony is that harshness other episodes receive credit for. Why not here?

8: Perchance to Dream (Season 1, Episode 9)

This episode is simply "Inception" before there was "Inception." Sure, the execution isn't quite where it needed to be, but it deserves significantly more acknowledgement. I love the notion that the entire episode's events pass by within a minute and, of course, that attempt at a titty squeeze. Plus, that title is always amazing--you have to admit that.

7: A Penny for Your Thoughts (Season 2, Episode 16)

I want to say this episode has fallen under the radar due to the comic elements. Most of TZ's regarded classics are serious and offer some critique of humanity. This episode doesn't tackle any major themes, but it does offer an entertaining premise that incorporates the supernatural aspects perfectly. Besides, you can't go wrong with Dick York.

6: Twenty Two (Season 2, Episode 17)

There are a lot of original ideas going on in this episode. And, let's be honest, this outright inspired the creation of "Final Destination." The tone and atmosphere are captured near perfectly with excellent lighting tricks. The only noticeable drawback is the shit quality of the footage. Considering how ballsy the ending was, I can't believe this episode rarely receives praise.

5: A World of Difference (Season 1, Episode 23)

Imagine finding out your life is nothing more than a movie, and you're only an actor. I love that premise, and the episode pulls it off admirably. There are a ton of implications to be drawn and ways to look at the story meaningfully. While I don't like TZ deciding for the viewer which is the true reality, you cannot deny the creativity employed here. The lack of recognition for this episode baffles me.

4: A Stop at Willoughby (Season 1, Episode 30)

This is an episode far, far ahead of its time. Long before the midlife crisis was understood, there was this episode and it's insightful look at married life coupled with wage slave hell. I adore the introspection of this story, and the realization that you have lived a life everyone else told you to live. The ending also leaves things just ambiguous enough that you can draw whatever conclusion suits you as the viewer. For me, I have to give credit to a youtuber who wrote (I'm paraphrasing), "Every man should find his own Willoughby." You're damn right, my friend.

3: The New Exhibit (Season 4, Episode 13)

What really holds this episode down is being one of the hour long episodes. Naturally, season 4 episodes do not receive the same kind of airing frequency as the others due to this time change. Because of this, a lot of people are missing out on one of the creepiest and most disturbing episodes. The references to "Psycho" and the actual psychological terror work well. The ending is somewhat predictable, but it's still marvelously put together.

2: A World of His Own (Season 1, Episode 36)

This is easily one of the best episodes in the entire series despite its unforgivable lack of acknowledgement. Again, the comedic aspects probably hurt this tale's legacy, but the overall ideas are imaginative. Besides, this is the one and only episode with the distinction of having Rod Serling as an actual character. What a perfect ending and it doubled as a season finale to boot. How can you not love this episode?


And the most underrated episode in the entire series is...(Drumroll!)


1: Walking Distance (Season 1, Episode 5)

I don't think this pick should come as a shock to anyone who has followed my reviews; I mention this episode frequently. That whimsical tone, introspection, nostalgia, and serendipitous longing...ahh...these are the kind of themes the TZ writers excelled at examining. Sure, there is no mind-blowing twist yet I feel this story captures the aura of TZ better than most. More so, this episode demonstrates that TZ can tell wonderfully heartfelt stories without relying on a twist to pull it together--the story alone speaks for itself. I'd highly recommend revisiting this episode with fresh eyes.