10 Best ‘Black Mirror’ Characters, Ranked

Black Mirror sticks with audiences due to the cautionary tales it tells, usually exploring the darkish facet of technological development and human nature. Nonetheless, the characters that inhabit its tales are additionally part of what really makes it an unforgettable collection, largely as a result of they play a vital half in reflecting the ethical dilemmas that come up from residing in a tech-driven world and society.

Whereas Black Mirror ceaselessly presents unsettling futures that present meals for thought, it is the emotional journeys and development of those key figures that resonate with viewers and stick of their minds lengthy after the credit roll. We glance again at a number of the finest Black Mirror characters whose memorable arcs and personalities have made them stand out within the beloved anthology.

10

Cooper Redfield

Performed by Wyatt Russell in “Playtest” (2016)

Portrayed by Wyatt Russell in “Playtest,” Cooper is an adventurous American traveler who finds himself in London after his father’s dying from Alzheimer’s. After taking part in a cutting-edge augmented actuality recreation take a look at for SaitoGemu with mind-bending outcomes, he undergoes a serious psychological horror journey that blurs the strains between actuality and simulation.

Regardless of being initially portrayed as a carefree character, Cooper ultimately seems to be way more than what meets the attention—his fears, unresolved grief, and complex household dynamics are a part of what makes him an interesting and three-dimensional determine to many viewers. Moreover, Russell’s efficiency, which has helped elevate the character to fan-favorite standing, has earned the star widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike. Whereas maybe initially unlikable, Cooper revealed himself as a layered, undeniably memorable determine within the Black Mirror universe.

9

Blue Coulson

Performed by Faye Marsay in “Hated within the Nation” (2016)

Though Kelly Macdonald‘s Karin Parke—Blue’s work companion and mentor—can be a spotlight particularly due to the chemistry between the 2, Faye Marsay‘s Blue is a standout determine in “Hated within the Nation.” Blue is a extremely smart Black Mirror character who helps examine a collection of mysterious deaths linked to social media hate campaigns within the episode.

Blue is beloved by followers for her intelligence, resourcefulness, and layered character, together with her logical strategy to problem-solving contrasting her emotional funding in justice. To many, she is thought to be a “breath of contemporary air” due to her distinctive mix of competence and vulnerability. It isn’t troublesome to understand why followers are fascinated by Marsay’s efficiency and her character’s relatability, as she stands out not simply inside the underrated episode but across Black Mirror as an entire.

8

Gaap

Performed by Paapa Essiedu in “Demon 79” (2023)

One of many Black Mirror‘s latest introductions, Gaap, from the most recent season’s “Demon 79,” is a charismatic and witty demon who seems to protagonist Nida (Anjana Vasan) as a part of his initiation to turn into a full-ranking demon. Within the episode, he informs Nida of a possible apocalypse and duties her with killing three individuals in three days to stop it.

These charmed by comedian reduction characters are assured to like Paapa Essiedu‘s deuteragonist, as he’s a multifaceted character who shouldn’t be solely humorous but in addition educated and surprisingly empathetic. His sharp wit and comedic timing make him extremely entertaining, and his bond with Nida—marked by their chemistry—creates a compelling dynamic inside the episode. At his core, Gaap exemplifies the present’s skill to create unforgettable, morally ambiguous characters that problem viewers’ perceptions.

7

Amy and Frank

Performed by Joe Cole and Georgina Campbell in “Grasp the DJ” (2017)

Performed by Joe Cole and Georgina Campbell in “Grasp the DJ,” an episode that follows contributors in a courting system that matches individuals for predetermined durations, Frank and Amy are thought of two of the very best characters within the collection for a number of causes, together with their fascinating bond and palpable chemistry.

This fascinating, feel-good, but in addition transferring episode explores fashionable courting and the reliance on algorithms, illustrating a singular narrative that questions free will, predetermined matches, and the true nature of compatibility. For hopeless romantics, the rewatchable “Hang the DJ” is undoubtedly worthwhile, with its fantastically developed central relationship elevating the story to greater ranges. Whether or not as a result of their relatability or particular person appeal, the candy Black Mirror couple resonates with international audiences, embodying hope, vulnerability, and quiet riot within the title of real love.

6

Nish Leigh

Performed by Letitia Wright in “Black Museum” (2017)

Performed by Letitia Wright earlier than her Black Panther days, Nish is, too, one of the crucial memorable Black Mirror figures. Her function in “Black Museum”—an episode that intertwines three darkish tales of technological exploitation, all tied collectively by character Rolo Haynes (Douglas Hodge) and his sinister museum of “criminological artifacts”—is an important one.

Black Mirror exemplifies its skill to create complicated and memorable characters but once more with Nish, as she subverts expectations on this twisted episode. A fancy character elevated by Wright’s superb efficiency which earned the star a Primetime Emmy Award nomination, it’s removed from troublesome to sympathize with Nish and perceive her motivation for revenge. In reality, loads of viewers title her as one of many collection’ most badass characters, and her retaliation is among the many most satisfying.

5

Lacie Pound

Performed by Bryce Dallas Howard in “Nosedive” (2016)

Initially characterised by her candy and outwardly nice character, Lacie Pound, performed by Bryce Dallas Howard in a staggering performance, is the primary character in Black Mirror‘s “Nosedive.” The episode is about in a world the place individuals charge one another by their telephones from one to 5 stars for each interplay, impacting their socioeconomic standing.

It isn’t troublesome to empathize with Lacie, as she mirrors the pressures and insecurities many people face in our digital age. Whereas her state of affairs is so much extra excessive (she is trapped in an oppressive social system), her struggles ring true to a society pushed by appearances and exterior validation, which is why she slowly turned a fan-favorite. Her final breakdown and liberation by the tip of the episode has resulted in one among Black Mirror‘s most compelling arcs—even when Lacie doesn’t obtain a “comfortable ending,” her transformation highlights private development and breaking free from societal expectations.

4

Matthew Trent

Performed by Jon Hamm in “White Christmas” (2014)

Jon Hamm delivers one among Black Mirror‘s best performances by entering into the sneakers of Matt Trent, a charismatic and quick-witted man who embodies the ethical ambiguity the present is about. “White Christmas” illustrates three intertwined tales of expertise working amok in the course of the Christmas season informed by two males at a distant outpost in a frozen wilderness.

Matt performs a central function on this episode, with many followers discovering him fascinating and interesting to observe, at the same time as his actions cross moral boundaries. With an easy means with phrases and an unsettling pragmatic disposition, he operates with a humorousness and likability — making his actions much more disturbing and memorable. Naturally, Hamm’s acclaimed efficiency has elevated the morally doubtful protagonist, including layers of appeal and menace to the character that make him not possible to disregard. To at the present time, he stands out as one of the crucial mentioned personalities on the present.

3

Bing Madsen

Performed by Daniel Kaluuya in “Fifteen Million Deserves” (2011)

Earlier than successful his very much-deserved Academy Award, Daniel Kaluuya dazzled audiences along with his spectacular efforts as Bing Madsen in “Fifteen Million Deserves,” an episode set in a dystopian future the place individuals reside in a confined, synthetic society and should cycle on stationary bikes to earn forex.

Contrasting to different Black Mirror characters who’re extra reckless and outspoken, Bing is initially an introspective and reserved character indifferent from these round him. Not like his friends, who settle for their monotonous existence, Bing fascinates audiences by his skill to see by the system’s vacancy. Not solely is he among the finest characters within the present due to Daniel Kaluuya’s astounding performance, but in addition due to his well-written and deeply human nature, making it straightforward for followers to empathize along with his ache and frustration regardless of his final bleak and ironic future.

2

Nanette Cole

Performed by Cristin Milioti in “USS Callister” (2017)

Performed by Cristin Milioti in “USS Callister,” Nanette additionally stands out as one of the crucial badass Black Mirror characters, together with her intelligence and powerful sense of justice making her stand out from the bunch. She is among the many digital clones trapped inside a twisted model of Star Trek-inspired digital actuality managed by a socially awkward and resentful programmer performed by Jesse Plemons.

“USS Callister” is a incredible episode with loads of memorable performances and characters, however Nanette continues to be a spotlight as a result of she totally embodies the spirit of resistance, changing into the chief and driving pressure of the crew’s riot. Milioti’s portrayal of Nanette shocks audiences and the opposite characters alike, as she proves her dedication to withstand within the face of oppression. This earns her the title of among the finest Black Mirror characters—and character developments—to date.

1

Kelly and Yorkie

Performed by Gugu Mbatha-Uncooked and Mackenzie Davis in “San Junipero” (2016)

The central characters in Black Mirror‘s most uplifting episode, Kelly Sales space and Yorki, portrayed by Gugu Mbatha-Uncooked and Mackenzie Davis respectively, are two of essentially the most beloved figures in Black Mirror. “San Junipero” tells the story of two girls who meet in a digital actuality simulation of a seashore city and ultimately fall in love.

Like “Grasp the DJ,” “San Junipero” gives viewers with an emotionally wealthy love story, with its two protagonists sharing unbelievable chemistry. Whereas they’ve contrasting personalities, Black Mirror‘s rays of sunshine Kelly and Yorkie really feel three-dimensional and simple to attach with, which is why so many viewers have named them as favorites. On the coronary heart of the present, this unmatched duo stands out not solely due to the humanity they bring about to the collection, but in addition as a result of their bond presents a refreshing portrayal of real love, private therapeutic, and development within the present’s universe.

NEXT: Black Mirror’s Most Original Episodes, Ranked