Next year it will be 60 years since Rod Serling first graced America ' s television screens with his ominous monologues accompanied by an unforgettable score. These 6 decades have been a wonderful opportunity for the mystery-hungry audience to satiate their hunger for the unknown and terrifying just by sitting in front of their television screens. The series could seemingly never get boring, with new and original story freshening it up every week and so, it has eventually found its way into the zeitgeist of the the sixties.





The Twilight Zone had remained entertaining for five long years before it aired its last episode. During this time, it has brought us gems such as Eye of the Beholder or To Serve Man, which were considered peak storytelling at the time and judging by their current ratings, still are. Despite the three attempts at reviving the show by adapting it to the style of its contemporaries, it has never quite reached the greatness of its original run between 1959 and 1964.



However, as time tends to take its toll, even these tales have managed to fall out of relevance. After all, 60 years is a long time and the television goes ever forward and turns ever so slightly different than the years before.





The Twilight Zone obsolete, not entertaining or simply too clichéd to be worth their time (see also "Seinfeld is Unfunny"). And while these prejudices may apply to some of the stories presented in the series, there is still a huge amount of well-rounded episodes that can, even after all these years, surprise or terrify their audience. Therefore, many people these days may considerobsolete, not entertaining or simply too clichéd to be worth their time (see also). And while these prejudices may apply to some of the stories presented in the series, there is still a huge amount of well-rounded episodes that can, even after all these years, surprise or terrify their audience.





In this short list we will be looking at ten episodes that I personally believe are worth watching even today. Whether it is for their entertainment or emotional value, these stories have managed to stand the test of time and will still bring joy to the fans of horror and mystery.



The Twilight Zone to new audiences and to convince young readers that the quality of television from the black-and-white era is based in more than just nostalgia. I will try to make this spoiler-free, as the intention with this list is to bringto new audiences and to convince young readers that the quality of television from the black-and-white era is based in more than just nostalgia.





But first, an honourable mention.





Five Characters in Search of an Exit (1961)

IMDb rating: 8,7/10





This is an example of an episode that will successfully manage to hold you at the edge of your seat for its entire run-time of 25 minutes. The peculiarity of the characters plays along nicely with the pretty much non-existent setting and the strangeness of the situations puts it above most other mystery stories while still being unrivaled by any of them. If I had to wait overnight for the resolve, that night would be sleepless.





So, why only an honourable mention?





Truth is, the resolution is not really as satisfactory as the story promises in its buildup and at the first glance seems random and childish. This takes from the overall impression and leaves the viewer with a bitter taste in their mouth as their expectations have not really been met.





However, there is one huge hint as to what is happening and after the initial disappointment, there may come an epiphany from the obliviousness. If you are still not sure whether to watch this episode, go for it and watch closely whom these characters really represent





10. Nothing In the Dark (1962) IMDb rating: 8,5/10



We are kicking off the list with one of the eeriest and the most suspenseful episodes the show has to offer.



A story of a lady who is so afraid of death, she doesn ' t even go outside or let anyone inside her house, is certainly one that will hold you in suspense for its entire run. Even more so as her delusions trade places with reality and you are not sure whom to really believe. Up until the final five minutes it is impossible to determine what is the truth and what is just a lie fabricated from an immense fear of the imminent.



We can see some stellar acting coming form the side of Gladys Cooper as her character runs through an entire spectrum of emotions in the 25 minutes it takes for this episode to reach its final conclusion.



The ending can be placed among the more unique ones the show has offer, as well as one we don 't really see in media these days.



source: twilightzonevortex.blogspot.com

9. Night Call (1964)



The only season 5 entry on our list is a gripping tale of mystery that is guaranteed to make you scared just through words. Despite its cheesiness towards the end, it still deserves a place on a list of well-aged episodes and definitely a place among the scariest ones.



The story follows a wheelchair-bound woman who begins to receive mysterious telephone calls at 2AM. This setting alone can make for an interesting horror story and you better bet, that the creators of The Twilight Zone know, how to turn their ideas into such a thing.



Perturbed at first, Elva Keen begins to inquire an answer from the mysterious caller. She even goes such lengths as to nag the call center lady every day, demanding they find out the identity of the culprit who won ' t let her sleep at night. But once the caller begins to answer, Ms. Keen will wish she has never picked up the phone in the first place.



It doesn ' t matter, what you think the sixties can or cannot throw at you through a telephone receiver, chills will be running down your spine from the first ring of the phone until the very end, that alone could inspire half of the Black Mirror episodes.



source: IMDb.com



IMDb rating: 8,3/10The only season 5 entry on our list is a gripping tale of mystery that is guaranteed to make you scared just through words. Despite its cheesiness towards the end, it still deserves a place on a list of well-aged episodes and definitely a place among the scariest ones.The story follows a wheelchair-bound woman who begins to receive mysterious telephone calls at 2AM. This setting alone can make for an interesting horror story and you better bet, that the creators ofknow, how to turn their ideas into such a thing.Perturbed at first, Elva Keen begins to inquire an answer from the mysterious caller. She even goes such lengths as to nag the call center lady every day, demanding they find out the identity of the culprit who wont let her sleep at night. But once the caller begins to answer, Ms. Keen will wish she has never picked up the phone in the first place.It doesnt matter, what you think the sixties can or cannot throw at you through a telephone receiver, chills will be running down your spine from the first ring of the phone until the very end, that alone could inspire half of theepisodes. 8. It ' s a Good Life (1961) We are kicking off the list with one of the eeriest and the most suspenseful episodes the show has to offer.A story of a lady who is so afraid of death, she doesnt even go outside or let anyone inside her house, is certainly one that will hold you in suspense for its entire run. Even more so as her delusions trade places with reality and you are not sure whom to really believe. Up until the final five minutes it is impossible to determine what is the truth and what is just a lie fabricated from an immense fear of the imminent.We can see some stellar acting coming form the side of Gladys Cooper as her character runs through an entire spectrum of emotions in the 25 minutes it takes for this episode to reach its final conclusion.The ending can be placed among the more unique ones the show has offer, as well as one we donreally see in media these days.

IMDb rating: 8,9/10



This episode will achieve something no other story ever will. It will make you want to murder a child. Don´t worry, not just any child, but the main protagonist of this terrifying tale about omnipotence and irresponsibility.



It ' s a Good Life revolves around a small town, which also happens to be the only small town in the entire world. This is because of a particular farm and on that farm, lives a particular boy, who happens to have supernatural powers that alter our reality.



Thought Children of the Corn was bad? This kid would put those brats to their place without moving a finger. His childishly twisted ideas of world manifest into situations that will make you turn your head in disbelief. The hopelessness in the entire run is haunting, as there is no character to root for, since the writers made it obvious that there is no escape from this situation.



This episode serves as a wonderful demonstration of what happens, when people in power begin to act recklessly and how those around them have to behave in order to save their own necks. The oppressive atmosphere, ominous main character and great acting from side of all actors make for a horror story even Stephen King would be proud to write.





source: pinterest.com

7. And When the Sky Was Opened (1964)

IMDb rating: 8,6/10



Madness comes in many forms, but the worst are those that don ' t really exist.



Crew of spacecraft X-20 is going to learn this lesson in the worst way possible. When their ship disappears off the radar for 24 hours, their return is soon to be followed by a series of unexplainable events.



Based on a story by Richard Matheson, the whole episode teems with enormous emotional and existential pressure, put onto the characters by the events of their voyage. The emotions they have to go through, border on an idea of hell itself, as the entire world decides to conspire against them.



The reason this episode has aged so well, is that the fear portrayed in it does not age at all. Even in monochrome, the sheer terror pictured in this story is still as hard-hitting as it was back then. The pure existential fear emanating from every scene will find its way into the minds of the audience, as they begin to ponder on what they would do in the situation the main character finds himself in.



source: IMDb.com Madness comes in many forms, but the worst are those that dont really exist.Crew of spacecraft X-20 is going to learn this lesson in the worst way possible. When their ship disappears off the radar for 24 hours, their return is soon to be followed by a series of unexplainable events.Based on a story by Richard Matheson, the whole episode teems with enormous emotional and existential pressure, put onto the characters by the events of their voyage. The emotions they have to go through, border on an idea of hell itself, as the entire world decides to conspire against them.The reason this episode has aged so well, is that the fear portrayed in it does not age at all. Even in monochrome, the sheer terror pictured in this story is still as hard-hitting as it was back then. The pure existential fear emanating from every scene will find its way into the minds of the audience, as they begin to ponder on what they would do in the situation the main character finds himself in.



6. Nick of Time (1960)

IMDb rating: 8,5/10



At number six we have a huge deviation from the usual formula that most episodes seem to follow. Despite the first half making this one seem like another story falling under the typical The Twilight Zone cliché, the opposite is true.



Two lovers find themselves stranded in a small town and in need of repair services for their car. This seems like a perfect setting for a tale, as we could see similar fates of characters in different stories of the series. However, a bsence of supernatural factors and surprisingly uplifting ending make this one an outstanding gem to come out of The Twilight Zone.



This means that the entirety of the episode is unpredictable and fresh to the average fan of the series. Nick of Time plays with the audience´s experiences and expectations and has completely subverted them by the time the credits roll out.



All of that and a moral to come with it are offered by this wonderful 25-minute long piece of television, that every fan of the series should definitely see at least once.



source: IMDb.com



5. Shadow Play (1961) bsence of supernatural factors and surprisingly uplifting ending make this one an outstanding gem to come out ofThis means that the entirety of the episode is unpredictable and fresh to the average fan of the series.plays with the audience´s experiences and expectations and has completely subverted them by the time the credits roll out.All of that and a moral to come with it are offered by this wonderful 25-minute long piece of television, that every fan of the series should definitely see at least once. IMDb rating: 8,5/10



Haunting tension followed by an unbelievable madness. T his seems to be the most apt way to describe this story of a man sentenced to death, who relives his last day over and over. Every day he fails in convincing everyone, that they will die along with him, as they are but mere figments of his own imagination.



There have been numerous attempts at creating a tale centered around a looping timeline, but it has always been up to the protagonist to change and create the right situation that would resolve in the most appropriate outcome. To put the fate of the world into hands of those who are not aware of its nature and to make the main protagonist completely powerless, has created a perfect story that cannot be bested that easily.



Throughout the episode we can also see how the alteration of time affects the only person who is aware of it, taking the audience on a journey of madness and hopelessness.



The only negative to this episode is its short run-time, as the idea behind this tale deserves much more screen-time to be expanded upon. That way it would leave its mark in the television industry for long years to come.



source: twilightzone.wikia.com

4. A Stop at Willoughby (1960) IMDb rating: 8,7/10



A haunting tale of an overworked man who finds salvation in a small town he has never noticed before.



Every day, Gart Williams commutes by train to his workplace, where he has to undergo a daily routine filled with stress and chaos. One evening, on his way home, he notices that the train stops in a small town named Willoughby. This comes off as a huge surprise to him, as he has never heard of it before, despite taking the same train from work for years.



Once he decides to leave the train and explore the mysterious city, he finds it to be a complete opposite of the busy corporate world he has been living in for the past years. Almost as a dream, the little town of Willoughby begins to seem like Heaven on Earth.



The source of terror is completely rational, as it comes from the daily routine one has to undergo to make money and survive. The relatability of the main character calls for empathy from the audience, as they are able to find themselves in his daily endeavors. The tone then dramatically changes towards then end and viewers are left with a feeling of uneasiness from the masterful conclusion.



A stop at Willoughby is a psychological tale interesting from its beginning all the way down to the ending that hits harder than most episodes.





source: IMDb.com



his seems to be the most apt way to describe this story of a man sentenced to death, who relives his last day over and over. Every day he fails in convincing everyone, that they will die along with him, as they are but mere figments of his own imagination.There have been numerous attempts at creating a tale centered around a looping timeline, but it has always been up to the protagonist to change and create the right situation that would resolve in the most appropriate outcome. To put the fate of the world into hands of those who are not aware of its nature and to make the main protagonist completely powerless, has created a perfect story that cannot be bested that easily.Throughout the episode we can also see how the alteration of time affects the only person who is aware of it, taking the audience on a journey of madness and hopelessness.The only negative to this episode is its short run-time, as the idea behind this tale deserves much more screen-time to be expanded upon. That way it would leave its mark in the television industry for long years to come.

3. The Obsolete Man (1961)

IMDb rating: 8,8/10



The sixties were a difficult time for the american society. It wasn ' t even two decades ago, that the World War II has ended and the twisted ideologies involved within began to manifest themselves once again. It only makes sense to address them as problem at some point and The Twilight Zone does so flawlessly in this episode.



Here we can see a man sentenced to death, because the system find him to be "obsolete," a verdict worse to be heard than "guilty." He is able to pick his poison and to choose the way in which he desires to be taken off the back of the distopic society he lives in.



Reminiscent of many stories with the same message, The Obsolete Man portrays a society that is merely a caricature of what may come. As caricatures tend to do, important points are addressed throughout the story in form of exaggerated traits, such as sentencing a man to death because he is "obsolete."



The tale takes on certain political and philosophical points, while being one of the most dialogue-heavy episodes. As always, tension is present throughout the better part of the story that ends up with iconic and satisfying conclusion.



source: IMDb.com

The sixties were a difficult time for the american society. It wasnt even two decades ago, that the World War II has ended and the twisted ideologies involved within began to manifest themselves once again. It only makes sense to address them as problem at some point anddoes so flawlessly in this episode.Here we can see a man sentenced to death, because the system find him to bea verdict worse to be heard thanHe is able to pick his poison and to choose the way in which he desires to be taken off the back of the distopic society he lives in.Reminiscent of many stories with the same message,portrays a society that is merely a caricature of what may come. As caricatures tend to do, important points are addressed throughout the story in form of exaggerated traits, such as sentencing a man to death because he isThe tale takes on certain political and philosophical points, while being one of the most dialogue-heavy episodes. As always, tension is present throughout the better part of the story that ends up with iconic and satisfying conclusion.

2. The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street (1960)