By Joe Orange
I have seen a lot of anthology shows in the genre of speculative fiction, like Outer Limits, Twilight Zone, and a whole lot more. There are real hidden gems out there that almost no one has seen outside the major anthologies, so I wanted to list some here. I am always looking for something to watch, and if you are like me, maybe you will find something here. Most can be tracked down on the Internet Archive, for example, or maybe on your streaming platform. Here are some that stood out to me. Some are famous, some are much lesser known, and some I have never heard anyone else but myself having seen.
Fox Mystery Theater (Hammer House of Mystery and Suspense) - S1 E7
A family stuck inside a house with no way out. It's getting hotter, and there is no way out. Mary Crosby, Bing Crosby's daughter, leads a cast dealing with something I won't spoil, except to say it escalates in exactly the right way. A single episode that is almost feature length which is executed beautifully. Great performance by both leads and was the inspiration for my upcoming novella Red Form.
Tales of the Unexpected
Based on a short story by Elizabeth Taylor (the writer, not the actress). Roald Dahl introduced this episode and said it was so neat and nice and spooky he wished he had thought of it himself. A young girl on a bus is approached by a strange man, then rescued by a kindly old lady. But all is not what it seems. One of the most disturbing anthology episodes I have ever seen. The ending still sticks with me.
The Twilight Zone (1985)
Based on the short story by Henry Slesar. In a dystopian future, every child must undergo a government intelligence test on their twelfth birthday. The Jordans never spoke of the exam, not until their son Dickie turned twelve. A chilling tale about a society where being too smart is dangerous. The ending is devastating.
The Twilight Zone (1985)
Written by Rockne S. O'Bannon and directed by Wes Craven. A salesman discovers that everyone around him has suddenly started using words with completely different meanings. His wife tells him their son is ill, his coworker asks about a good place to take a girl for dinosaur, and the word for dog now means encyclopedia. It sounds funny, but it's played completely straight, which makes it unsettling.
Tales from the Crypt
Directed by Walter Hill. Two rival gamblers, Reno (Lance Henriksen) and Sam (Kevin Tighe), have been at each other's throats for years. One night they decide to settle things with a simple game of cards. But these aren't ordinary stakes. Great performances from both actors. Almost the entire episode takes place in one room with just the two of them, showing what's possible with good writing and two strong actors.
Tales from the Crypt
Directed by Robert Zemeckis. Set in 1918 during World War I. A cowardly soldier is sentenced to death by firing squad. His father, who is also his commanding general, tells him there is a plan to fake the execution and save him. But this is Tales from the Crypt, so there is always a twist. Stars Kirk Douglas, Eric Douglas, Dan Aykroyd, and Lance Henriksen.
The Outer Limits (1995)
In lieu of execution, Linden Stiles (Clancy Brown) submits to a military experiment where he is injected with alien DNA. Fighting to retain his humanity, he finds himself hunted after he escapes using his new found superhuman strength. A classic Outer Limits episode with Clancy Brown really great in the role. The ending ties everything together well.
The Outer Limits (1995)
A scientist creates nanobots that can cure diseases at the cellular level. When his future brother-in-law injects himself with the serum to cure his cancer, the results are rapid and dramatic. But within days, he begins to develop in ways no one could have imagined. I think one of the best versions of the transformation story. The best being Afterlife (also Outer Limits and listed here). But this one is close, maybe a tie.
The Outer Limits (1995)
On the night of his inauguration, the new President must deal with an approaching alien fleet heading toward Earth at half the speed of light. With only 30 minutes to decide humanity's fate, he must determine whether to welcome them or destroy them. A good example once again of one location storytelling and how external pressure drives drama.
The Outer Limits (1995)
Four soldiers, including repatriated prisoner of war Major John Skokes, are the last survivors of a space battle. On board a crippled space cruiser, they are slowly dying of radiation poisoning, but they are the only remaining chance to launch a strike against the alien enemy. Stars Wil Wheaton, Robert Patrick, and Graham Greene. Of course this is one of the most famous episodes of Twilight Zone, original series, so all Twilight Zone fans have seen it, but I have always loved it for maybe different reasons. Mine is that it's an example of a few people in a room making a great tale.
The Outer Limits (1995)
As Norman Glass celebrates his first wedding anniversary, he must struggle with the strange, growing revulsion he feels when he touches, smells, tastes, or sees his stunningly beautiful and talented wife. In some ways, it's a simple tale. But it stands out to me because of its weird plot. Not the highest rated by fans, but for me very memorable.
The Outer Limits (1995)
Senator Richard Adams is involved in a car accident. When he wakes up, his doctor reveals his lab results show something very strange: a four-lobed brain, hinting at an alien or advanced evolutionary origin. As he investigates further, he uncovers a shocking truth about his true nature. One of the most underrated Outer Limits episodes with a great premise.
Night Visions
Directed by Joe Dante. A lonely scientist is called in by the military to analyze a mysterious barrier that surrounds an idyllic family farm in the middle of a desert. Through a window in the desert, he sees another reality, another time, and another place. One of the greatest episodes of speculative fiction I have seen. I love the tone, the feeling, and the story. Although I think some of the flashbacks could probably be cut out, overall it's great. I have read the story it's based on as well. The take on the original took a different direction, and it works.
The Twilight Zone (2002)
Pool-cleaner Ritchie Almares is approached by a slightly familiar man who orders him to awaken just before shooting him - and Ritchie finds himself in bed, recognizing the experience as a dream, but has an unexplainable scar on his chest. Lou Diamond Phillips is really great in it. The theme, of course, has been explored a lot in Outer Limits, Twilight Zone, but this is the best version I believe. I won't say what that theme is because I don't want to spoil it.
The Twilight Zone (2002)
Police refuse to pursue a child's kidnapper because a game show has exclusive coverage. The host offers to provide clues to help the mother find her son - for a prize of $500,000. A really great black comedy filled with dark humor. He's perfect in the role.
The Twilight Zone (1959)
Written by Rod Serling. Annoyed by fellow country club member Jamie Tennyson's constant chatter, Colonel Archie Taylor bets half a million dollars that Jamie cannot be silent for one year while living in a glass enclosure in the club's basement. As the months go by, it becomes increasingly clear that both men will do anything to win. Another perfect example of how you can make something dramatic with just two people in one room. And not only that, but hit a real home run plotwise.
Black Mirror
After a teenager falls into an online trap, he is forced into an uneasy alliance with shifty Hector, both at the mercy of persons unknown. A terrifying thriller about cyber blackmail and the desperate things people will do to keep their secrets safe. Black Mirror's most intense episode with a truly dark and memorable ending.
Black Mirror
Directed by Joe Wright. In a world where people rate each other from one to five stars for every interaction, an insecure woman sees an opportunity for social advancement when an old friend invites her to be maid of honour at her wedding. Another dark comedy in pastel colors, that is well made from beginning to end. One of the best from Black Mirror.
Black Mirror
The very first Black Mirror episode. Prime Minister Michael Callow faces a shocking dilemma when Princess Susannah is kidnapped, and the ransom demands he have sex with a pig on live television. A disturbing and controversial exploration of media, politics, and how far society will go for entertainment.
Black Mirror
Directed by David Slade. In a desolate post-apocalyptic landscape, three scavengers encounter a ruthless robotic creature and flee for their lives. Shot entirely in black and white, this is a relentless horror-thriller about a killer robot dog. A plausible future if they could solve the power problem - right now most robot dogs have a lifespan of forty minutes.
Room 104
Jim (Rainn Wilson) tracks down his old third-grade teacher, Mr. Mulvahill, and forces him to confront what happened between them years ago. The truth is ugly.
Love, Death & Robots
Based on a story by Alastair Reynolds. A journalist profiles Zima Blue, a brilliant reclusive artist known for painting huge murals featuring a distinctive shade of blue. The story explores his origins as a transformed cyborg who once explored the cosmos. The episode has a fantastic somber tone. There is something about it - maybe something that can only be captured in animation. I don't know, but since it aired, I always think about it.
Love, Death & Robots
The body of a colossal two hundred-foot man washes ashore and becomes an object of fascination for locals. A scientist documents the giant's decline as initial wonder gives way to apathy, vandalism, and肢解. A haunting meditation on death, memory, and the inevitable decay of all things.
Tales of the Unexpected / Alfred Hitchcock Presents
Based on the Roald Dahl story. A wife murders her husband with a frozen leg of lamb, then serves it to the police investigating the crime. One of the most famous twist endings in story history. In fact, back in writing class, decades ago, we read this story in class. For good reason. Dahl is a master of the craft of storytelling. The TV adaptation is not on the same scale, but it's very memorable and well made.