Best Sandman Season 1 Episodes, Ranked From Okay to The Dreamiest

Being a rare case of a great Netflix adaptation, The Sandman brings one of Neil Gaiman ’s most famous and celebrated comic books to screens. Season 1 of the show was released in August 2022 and has since attracted a huge following of those who already knew and loved Gaiman's work, as well as many newcomers.

The casting, acting, and atmosphere of the series come together to tell the amazing story from the comics in a revitalized way. There are 11 episodes in the season that are equally compelling; in fact, they were all compelling enough for the series to get a rare physical release.

Whether you just heard of The Sandman or are a longtime fan, here are five of the show’s best episodes that we think deserve your undivided attention.

5. Sleep of the Just

The first episode of the show definitely deserves to be mentioned here in the top list. A lot of things depend on the series’ opener, and the showrunners did their best to provide the fans with a captivating beginning.

In this episode we got introduced to Lord Morpheus and his realms, as well as to the disgusting Burgess family. Throughout the hour-long episode, we see how Dream is held captive for a hundred years, unable to escape. The episode’s narrative helps us develop our first feelings towards Dream and the rest of the cast.

4. Collectors

Episode 9 is one of the most disturbing of the season, as the whole story revolves around people with questionable lifestyles. Viewers become unwilling participants in the "Cereal Convention," and no, it's not the gathering of morning cereal lovers.

All the dangerous people in the world gather in one place to worship their hero, the runaway nightmare Corinthian, and share their creepy desires.

Though it's the main plot of the episode, Collectors is also the one that finally brings Jed and Rose together, only to put them through some more dangerous obstacles.

3. 24/7

The fifth episode of the series is considered by both fans and critics to be one of Gaiman's best stories. But at the same time, its overall plot and atmosphere make it arguably the most difficult to watch.

The story revolves around John using the ruby to manipulate the lives of people he just met at the diner. He made them release their deepest desires and dreams, claiming that this would change the world for the better. But of course, he couldn't be more wrong. The episode is full of violence, sordid sex scenes, and the devastating, brutal reveals that will break your heart.

While the episode focuses mostly on John, Dream plays an important role in the episode and the audience finally learns how much he cares about people.

2. A Hope In Hell

Episode 4 takes place mostly in Hell, as the title suggests, and is truly one of the deepest and most emotionally powerful episodes. The story begins with Dream going there to finally find his Helmet. Instead, he ends up in a deadly battle with Lucifer Morningstar herself.

The battle is indeed hard to watch, as it shows how simultaneously powerful and powerless these two immortals are. But in the end, Dream finds something that can destroy everything that comes from darkness, and that's hope.

1. The Sound of Her Wings

Episode 6 introduced viewers to one of the most tender, caring, and emotional characters in the series. At the beginning we learned that she was Dream's sister, but only after some time do we find out that she's actually Death. And the episode is a beautiful look at death and its role in life.

In fact, this is the episode that handled several equally perfect storylines at once, showing fans the true stories of love for life, friendship, and teaching us that there is no way to escape destiny.

The Sandman was renewed for a second season, even though the production is currently halted due to the ongoing writers and actors strikes. If you are already feeling nostalgic, the first season is available for streaming on Netflix.