10 Greatest ‘Black Mirror’ Characters, Ranked

Black Mirror sticks with audiences because of 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 sequence, principally 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 steadily presents unsettling futures that present meals for thought, it is the emotional journeys and progress 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 greatest 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 demise from Alzheimer’s. After collaborating in a cutting-edge augmented actuality sport check for SaitoGemu with mind-bending outcomes, he undergoes a significant psychological horror journey that blurs the strains between actuality and simulation.

Regardless of being initially portrayed as a carefree character, Cooper finally 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 also be a spotlight particularly because of 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 sequence 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 recent air” because of her distinctive mix of competence and vulnerability. It is not tough to understand why followers are fascinated by Marsay’s efficiency and her character’s relatability, as she stands out not simply throughout 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 newest 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 out to be 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 will not be solely humorous but additionally 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 throughout the episode. At his core, Gaap exemplifies the present’s potential to create unforgettable, morally ambiguous characters that problem viewers’ perceptions.

7

Amy and Frank

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

Performed by Joe Cole and Georgina Campbell in “Cling the DJ,” an episode that follows members in a relationship system that matches individuals for predetermined intervals, Frank and Amy are thought of two of the perfect characters within the sequence for a number of causes, together with their fascinating bond and palpable chemistry.

This fascinating, feel-good, but additionally transferring episode explores trendy relationship and the reliance on algorithms, illustrating a novel 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 resulting from their relatability or particular person attraction, the candy Black Mirror couple resonates with international audiences, embodying hope, vulnerability, and quiet revolt 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 position 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 a crucial one.

Black Mirror exemplifies its potential to create advanced and memorable characters but once more with Nish, as she subverts expectations on this twisted episode. A fancy character elevated by Wright’s wonderful efficiency which earned the star a Primetime Emmy Award nomination, it’s removed from tough to sympathize with Nish and perceive her motivation for revenge. In truth, loads of viewers title her as one of many sequence’ 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 means of their telephones from one to 5 stars for each interplay, impacting their socioeconomic standing.

It is not tough to empathize with Lacie, as she mirrors the pressures and insecurities many people face in our digital age. Whereas her state of affairs is loads 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 grew to become a fan-favorite. Her final breakdown and liberation by the tip of the episode has resulted in one in every of Black Mirror‘s most compelling arcs—even when Lacie doesn’t obtain a “comfortable ending,” her transformation highlights private progress and breaking free from societal expectations.

4

Matthew Trent

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

Jon Hamm delivers one in every of Black Mirror‘s best performances by entering into the footwear 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 know-how operating amok in the course of the Christmas season informed by two males at a distant outpost in a frozen wilderness.

Matt performs a central position on this episode, with many followers discovering him fascinating and fascinating to observe, whilst his actions cross moral boundaries. With a simple approach 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 attraction and menace to the character that make him not possible to disregard. To this present day, 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 profitable 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 means of his potential to see by means of the system’s vacancy. Not solely is he top-of-the-line characters within the present due to Daniel Kaluuya’s astounding performance, but additionally 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 improbable episode with loads of memorable performances and characters, however Nanette continues to be a spotlight as a result of she absolutely embodies the spirit of resistance, turning into the chief and driving pressure of the crew’s revolt. Milioti’s portrayal of Nanette shocks audiences and the opposite characters alike, as she proves her willpower to withstand within the face of oppression. This earns her the title of top-of-the-line Black Mirror characters—and character developments—to this point.

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 finally fall in love.

Like “Cling the DJ,” “San Junipero” supplies 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 sequence, but additionally as a result of their bond affords a refreshing portrayal of real love, private therapeutic, and progress within the present’s universe.

NEXT: Black Mirror’s Most Original Episodes, Ranked