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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!

Binge this in 21h 18m•Peaking at 8.2/10

Lyra is an orphan who lives in a parallel universe in which science, theology and magic are entwined. Her search for a kidnapped friend uncovers a sinister plot involving stolen children and turns into a

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    His Dark Materials Season 1 Episode 6 - The Daemon-Cages
    8.2/10(56 votes)

    #1 - The Daemon-Cages

    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

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  2. His Dark Materials Season 1 Episode 8 - Betrayal
    7.9/10(57 votes)

    #2 - Betrayal

    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

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  3. His Dark Materials Season 1 Episode 5 - The Lost Boy
    7.8/10(59 votes)

    #3 - The Lost Boy

    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

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  4. His Dark Materials Season 1 Episode 7 - The Fight to the Death
    7.8/10(51 votes)

    #4 - The Fight to the Death

    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

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  5. His Dark Materials Season 2 Episode 4 - Tower of the Angels
    7.8/10(40 votes)

    #5 - Tower of the Angels

    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

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  6. His Dark Materials Season 1 Episode 4 - Armour
    7.7/10(61 votes)

    #6 - Armour

    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

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    The 20 WORST Episodes of His Dark Materials

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  7. His Dark Materials Season 2 Episode 7 - Æsahættr
    7.7/10(43 votes)

    #7 - Æsahættr

    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

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  8. His Dark Materials Season 1 Episode 1 - Lyra's Jordan
    7.6/10(84 votes)

    #8 - Lyra's Jordan

    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

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  9. His Dark Materials Season 1 Episode 2 - The Idea of North
    7.6/10(68 votes)

    #9 - The Idea of North

    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

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  10. His Dark Materials Season 2 Episode 5 - The Scholar
    7.6/10(44 votes)

    #10 - The Scholar

    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

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  11. His Dark Materials Season 1 Episode 3 - The Spies
    7.5/10(64 votes)

    #11 - The Spies

    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

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  12. His Dark Materials Season 2 Episode 6 - Malice
    7.5/10(43 votes)

    #12 - Malice

    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

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  13. His Dark Materials Season 3 Episode 8 - The Botanic Garden
    7.5/10(28 votes)

    #13 - The Botanic Garden

    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

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  14. His Dark Materials Season 3 Episode 6 - The Abyss
    7.4/10(30 votes)

    #14 - The Abyss

    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

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  15. His Dark Materials Season 3 Episode 7 - The Clouded Mountain
    7.4/10(33 votes)

    #15 - The Clouded Mountain

    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

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  16. His Dark Materials Season 2 Episode 1 - The City of Magpies
    7.3/10(45 votes)

    #16 - The City of Magpies

    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

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  17. His Dark Materials Season 2 Episode 2 - The Cave
    7.3/10(44 votes)

    #17 - The Cave

    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

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  18. His Dark Materials Season 2 Episode 3 - Theft
    7.2/10(42 votes)

    #18 - Theft

    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

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  19. His Dark Materials Season 3 Episode 3 - The Intention Craft
    7.2/10(31 votes)

    #19 - The Intention Craft

    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

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  20. His Dark Materials Season 3 Episode 4 - Lyra and Her Death
    7.2/10(33 votes)

    #20 - Lyra and Her Death

    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

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  21. His Dark Materials Season 3 Episode 5 - No Way Out
    7.2/10(32 votes)

    #21 - No Way Out

    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

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  22. His Dark Materials Season 3 Episode 2 - The Break
    7.1/10(32 votes)

    #22 - The Break

    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

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  23. His Dark Materials Season 3 Episode 1 - The Enchanted Sleeper
    7.0/10(33 votes)

    #23 - The Enchanted Sleeper

    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

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Best Episodes Summary

"The Daemon-Cages" is the best rated episode of "His Dark Materials". It scored 8.2/10 based on 56 votes. Directed by Euros Lyn, William McGregor and written by Jack Thorne, it aired on 12/8/2019. This episode scored 0.3 points higher than the second highest rated, "Betrayal".