Netflix is once again fueling excitement for its boldest animated anthology — Love, Death & Robots returns with a fourth season. Ten new stories, ten new worlds where no subject is off-limits and endings aren’t always comforting. As we await the premiere, it’s the perfect time to look back at the episodes that left the strongest impression — the ones that earned a rating above 8.1 on IMDb. There are only seven of them, but each one hits like a punch to the gut.
'Bad Travelling' — the crab took over the menu
This episode from season three — David Fincher’s directorial debut in animation — tops the viewer favorites with a rating of 8.7. A dark maritime odyssey in which a crew must bargain with a giant man-eating crab, it plays like a blend of Moby Dick and Alien, but with an unexpectedly philosophical aftertaste. Yes, it’s animated. But what other animated story confronts you with a moral dilemma that leaves you cold?
'Beyond the Aquila Rift' — space, deception, and loneliness
Sci-fi fans especially treasure this episode from season one. On the surface, it’s a classic tale of a ship that’s gone off course. In truth, it’s a deep reflection on the nature of reality and the comfort of illusion. The ending doesn’t just surprise — it forces you to rethink everything you thought you knew. IMDb? 8.5. And honestly, well deserved.
'Zima Blue' — art that reached the truth
The fourteenth episode of season one is a true philosophical masterpiece. The story of an artist who journeys through space, fame, and transformation, only to return to simplicity and his origin. The visual style is minimalist and otherworldly, the message — nearly Buddhist. Just 10 minutes long, but endlessly discussable. IMDb: 8.3.
'Sonnie’s Edge' — what if Pokémon was directed by Tarantino
The show’s opening episode set the tone for the whole anthology. Underground monster fights, a strong heroine with a tragic past, and revenge — it’s a fierce mix of cyberpunk and raw emotion. The visuals are punchy, the story even more so. Rating: 8.2.
'The Secret War' — Russian horror
The first season’s finale takes us to the forests of Siberia, where a Red Army squad faces off against an ancient evil. Grotesque monsters, unflinching heroism, and visuals that could rival AAA video games. If Viy were made with The Witcher’s budget — it might look something like this. IMDb: 8.1.
'Jibaro' — a dance you can’t forget
A knight, deaf to the world, is still drawn into a deadly dance with a golden siren. The show’s most experimental, tropical, and unsettling episode. Directed by Alberto Mielgo — the same one behind 'The Witness'. No dialogue, just movement and gaze. And yes, still an 8.1.
'In Vaulted Halls Entombed' — the war erased from textbooks
Another episode rated 8.1 — about a squad of soldiers facing an otherworldly threat. Viewers praised its realistic animation, desperate mission atmosphere, and left wanting more. No sequel yet — so we rewatch.
Season four is just around the corner. And if it gives us even one episode on the level of 'Zima Blue' or 'Bad Travelling', it’ll be worth the wait. Until then — time to revisit the best and remember why we fell in love with this wild, brilliant animated series in the first place.
