Sci-Fi & FantasyDramaAction & Adventure2019–2023BBC One

The Best Episodes of His Dark Materials

Every episode of His Dark Materials ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of His Dark Materials!

Best episode
S1E6 The Daemon-Cages
8.64,217 votes
Worst episode
S3E1 The Enchanted Sleeper
7.31,960 votes
Top season
Season 1
8.1avg
Binge time
21h 18m
23 episodes
BestEpisodes
WorstEpisodes
BestSeasons
AllEpisodes

Seasons3

All123

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    Click to reveal
    His Dark Materials Season 1 Episode 6 - The Daemon-Cages
    8.6/10(4217 votes)

    S1:E6

    Lyra discovers the horrific truth behind the Gobbler’s activities in the North. She must use all her wits to help free those around her and avoid suffering a terrible fate.

    Directors:Euros Lyn, William McGregor
    Writer:Jack Thorne

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  2. His Dark Materials Season 2 Episode 4 - Tower of the Angels
    8.5/10(2618 votes)

    S2:E4

    In search of the knife, Will and Lyra try to gain entry into the Torre Degli Angeli. Lee finds Grumman - or Jopari, as he is now known - and they take to the sky in search of the knife bearer.

    Director:Leanne Welham
    Writers:Jack Thorne, Namsi Khan

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  3. His Dark Materials Season 3 Episode 7 - The Clouded Mountain
    8.5/10(2096 votes)

    S3:E7

    As the Clouded Mountain approaches, Mrs Coulter, Asriel and his council discuss their battle strategy. In the Land of the Dead, Lyra and Will deliberate their next move.

    Director:Amit Gupta
    Writer:Francesca Gardiner

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  4. His Dark Materials Season 1 Episode 8 - Betrayal
    8.4/10(3611 votes)

    S1:E8

    As the Magisterium closes in, Lyra learns more about Asriel’s rebellion. But her assistance to him comes at great personal cost.

    Directors:Jamie Childs, William McGregor
    Writer:Jack Thorne

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  5. His Dark Materials Season 2 Episode 5 - The Scholar
    8.4/10(2442 votes)

    S2:E5

    Will and Lyra plan to steal the alethiometer from Boreal but are set back by an unforeseen guest. MacPhail takes decisive action, and Mary takes a leap of faith.

    Director:Leanne Welham
    Writer:Francesca Gardiner

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  6. His Dark Materials Season 1 Episode 4 - Armour
    8.3/10(4233 votes)

    S1:E4

    Lyra and the Gyptians arrive in the North and seek the help of the Witches’ Consul, Texan aeronaut Lee Scoresby and an armoured bear in service to the town.

    Director:Otto Bathurst
    Writer:Jack Thorne

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 WORST Episodes of His Dark Materials

    READ
  7. His Dark Materials Season 2 Episode 6 - Malice
    8.2/10(2285 votes)

    S2:E6

    Lyra and Will find allies who can help them in their search for Will’s father. The Magisterium learn something shocking, and Mrs Coulter meets a formidable foe.

    Director:Jamie Childs
    Writers:Jack Thorne, Lydia Adetunji

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  8. His Dark Materials Season 3 Episode 6 - The Abyss
    8.1/10(1733 votes)

    S3:E6

    As Metatron's abyss rips through the worlds, sucking Dust into its depths, Lyra and Will attempt to lead the ghosts out of the Land of the Dead.

    Director:Amit Gupta
    Writer:Francesca Gardiner

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  9. His Dark Materials Season 1 Episode 2 - The Idea of North
    8.0/10(4866 votes)

    S1:E2

    Lyra starts her new life in London, determined to find Roger with Mrs Coulter’s help. The Gyptians continue their search for the missing children and the elusive Gobblers.

    Directors:Tom Hooper, William McGregor
    Writer:Jack Thorne

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  10. His Dark Materials Season 1 Episode 5 - The Lost Boy
    8.0/10(3853 votes)

    S1:E5

    The alethiometer sends Lyra and Iorek on a new path, leading to a shocking but vital clue in her search to find her friend Roger and the other missing children.

    Directors:Otto Bathurst, William McGregor
    Writer:Jack Thorne

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  11. His Dark Materials Season 1 Episode 7 - The Fight to the Death
    8.0/10(3428 votes)

    S1:E7

    Separated from her friends, Lyra must use all of her methods of deception to thwart a formidable foe. Meanwhile, Mrs Coulter plots her next move.

    Directors:Jamie Childs, William McGregor
    Writer:Jack Thorne

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  12. His Dark Materials Season 2 Episode 2 - The Cave
    8.0/10(2562 votes)

    S2:E2

    Lyra crosses into Will's world, and they set off to find answers about Dust. Will is shocked to discover he has grandparents, but quickly realises he can’t trust them.

    Director:Jamie Childs
    Writers:Jack Thorne, Francesca Gardiner

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  13. His Dark Materials Season 2 Episode 7 - Æsahættr
    7.9/10(2550 votes)

    S2:E7

    As all paths converge on Cittàgazze, Lee is determined to fulfil his quest, whatever the cost. Mrs Coulter’s question is answered, and Will takes on his father’s mantle.

    Director:Jamie Childs
    Writer:Jack Thorne

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  14. His Dark Materials Season 1 Episode 3 - The Spies
    7.9/10(4295 votes)

    S1:E3

    From the clutches of the Gobblers, Lyra finds help from an unlikely place. It helps her put together more about her past and keep safe from Mrs Coulter and the Magisterium.

    Directors:Dawn Shadforth, William McGregor
    Writer:Jack Thorne

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  15. His Dark Materials Season 3 Episode 5 - No Way Out
    7.8/10(1674 votes)

    S3:E5

    In the world of the mulefa, Mary makes a heartbreaking discovery. Lyra and Will journey through the Land of the Dead in search of Roger.

    Directors:Weronika Tofilska, Russell Dodgson
    Writer:Amelia Spencer

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  16. His Dark Materials Season 2 Episode 3 - Theft
    7.8/10(2391 votes)

    S2:E3

    Lyra ignores the alethiometer, with dangerous consequences for her and Will. Lee Scoresby’s search for Grumman brings an unlikely ally, and the witches seek answers.

    Director:Leanne Welham
    Writers:Jack Thorne, Sarah Quintrell

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  17. His Dark Materials Season 2 Episode 1 - The City of Magpies
    7.8/10(2771 votes)

    S2:E1

    Lyra and Will find themselves in a strange new place. The Magisterium take action as Mrs Coulter interrogates a suspected heretic witch, and Lee Scoresby embarks on a mission.

    Director:Jamie Childs
    Writer:Jack Thorne

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  18. His Dark Materials Season 1 Episode 1 - Lyra's Jordan
    7.8/10(6101 votes)

    S1:E1

    Orphan Lyra Belacqua's world is turned upside-down by her long-absent uncle's return from the north, while the glamorous Mrs Coulter visits Jordan College with a proposition.

    Director:Tom Hooper
    Writer:Jack Thorne

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  19. His Dark Materials Season 3 Episode 8 - The Botanic Garden
    7.6/10(2316 votes)

    S3:E8

    Lyra and Will reunite with Mary and hear a story that changes everything. Now they must decide what they are willing to sacrifice if they are to save the worlds.

    Director:Harry Wootliff
    Writer:Francesca Gardiner

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  20. His Dark Materials Season 3 Episode 3 - The Intention Craft
    7.5/10(1702 votes)

    S3:E3

    Lyra and Will seek help from Iorek to fix the Subtle Knife before reaching an agreement to go to the Land of the Dead together. Mrs Coulter goes on trial in Asriel’s republic.

    Director:Charles Martin
    Writer:Jack Thorne

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  21. His Dark Materials Season 3 Episode 2 - The Break
    7.5/10(1778 votes)

    S3:E2

    Will tries to save Lyra from her mother and the Magisterium, but it comes at a great personal cost. Asriel’s plans change when unexpected angelic visitors crash into his republic.

    Director:Amit Gupta
    Writers:Jack Thorne, Amelia Spencer

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  22. His Dark Materials Season 3 Episode 4 - Lyra and Her Death
    7.5/10(1811 votes)

    S3:E4

    As Lyra and Will head to the Land of the Dead, Mrs Coulter tries to thwart MacPhail. Mary is buoyed by the unexpected appearance of a very unusual creature.

    Director:Charles Martin
    Writer:Jack Thorne

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  23. His Dark Materials Season 3 Episode 1 - The Enchanted Sleeper
    7.3/10(1960 votes)

    S3:E1

    Held captive by Mrs Coulter, a dreaming Lyra finds herself in a mysterious place with someone familiar - Roger. Will continues his quest to find Lyra, meeting unexpected allies along the way.

    Director:Amit Gupta
    Writers:Jack Thorne, Amelia Spencer

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

Best Episodes Summary

"The Daemon-Cages" is the best rated episode of His Dark Materials. It scored 8.6/10 from 4,217 votes. Directed by Euros Lyn, William McGregor and written by Jack Thorne, it aired on December 8, 2019. This episode scored 0.1 points higher than the second highest rated, "Tower of the Angels".

Keep going

Browse His Dark Materials by season

If you like His Dark Materials