Snowpiercer: Every Episode, Ranked According To IMDb

Years after Bong Joon-ho directed the big-screen adaptation of the graphic novel, Snowpiercer has become its own sci-fi series. The show is set in the future in which the last of humanity escape the freezing planet by boarding a train which circles the Earth, keeping the remaining survivors alive.

The film explores its big sci-fi ideas as well as the idea of the class divide as the train is separated into the haves and have-nots. With Season 2 expected sometimes next year, now is a great time to look back on the complex and thrilling first season of Snowpiercer and its best episodes.

10 Access Is Power (6.9)

With such a complex science-fiction concept, the show had a lot of work to do in those early episodes in establishing this world. The third installment of the show continues Layton’s murder investigation which includes looking into the train’s drug trade. Meanwhile, those in power attempt to distract from the current troubles with a fight night.

The somewhat muted reception to this episode could have something to do with the world-building still at work. With so much information being thrown at the audience, it can be hard to get invested in the emotional side of the story.

9 Prepare To Brace (7.0)

Just as the story inside the train is getting moving, fans are introduced to the dangerous world outside that threatens to derail literally the entire world. As Melanie prepares the train for a dangerous stretch of track, Layton uses his position as train detective to gather more intel.

One of the biggest problems with the early episodes of the series was the murder investigation. To use such an interesting sci-fi concept for a crime procedural seemed like a waste, even if the train action was suspenseful.

8 First, The Weather Changes (7.2)

Any first episode of a series has the burden of establishing its world for the viewers. In the case of Snowpiercer, there was not only a whole world to establish put also a huge ensemble of characters. As far as pilot episodes go, it was effective despite some flaws.

Audiences who had not seen Bong Joon-ho’s film would have needed some time to get a handle on this world. Those who had seen the film might have been missing Joon-ho’s willingness to embrace the bizarre of the story. Still, it set the series off on a good track.

7 Justice Never Boarded (7.3)

The fifth episode of the series confirmed that the murder subplot would not be the main focus of the series as the trial for the killer already began. The episode also ratcheted up the tensions within the train’s class system which threatened to boil over.

While the storyline with Layton in the drawers was not as thrilling as it could have been, the real tension came from watching Melanie’s power over the train gradually begin to slip through her fingers. Viewers began to see how the rest of the season would be an action-packed ride.

6 Trouble Comes Sideways (7.4)

Part of the thrill of this story is how clearly it establishes that humanity is hanging on by a thread. Even the first-class people face extinction when one tiny problem goes wrong on the train. The sixth episode of the season really gives the story an apocalyptic feel.

With Layton on the loose within the train, he seeks revenge as Melanie tries desperately to save the train. Seeing how one issue threatens every life aboard reiterates how meaningless the class system is in this world and yet it is what the people hold on to.

5 The Universe Is Indifferent (7.5)

Though the show has several standout performances, Jennifer Connelly is really the most engrossing performance. She brings so much nuance and layers to Melanie, making her the most interesting character of them all. And she really shines in this episode which can be seen as Melanie’s downfall.

With Layton still on the loose and carrying a big secret, Melanie interrogates Josie as third-class organizes a revolt of their own. The episode really racks up the tension as the walls close in and the interrogation scene is particularly memorable.

4 Without Their Maker (7.6)

While the later episodes of the series seem to be most highly regarded by fans, the fourth episode promises what kind of excitement is to come in the rest of the season. This is the episode that brings a close to the murder investigation in a memorable twist while also putting Melanie and Layton on a dangerous collision course.

Viewers likely appreciated that the murder subplot was not to be dragged out any longer and all the answers were delivered. The episode really hit on the class divide aspect while showing that even in first-class, this train is in trouble.

3 These Are His Revolutions (7.7)

Since the very first episode of the series, fans were promised a revolution led by those in the tail. By episode 8, the show was ready to deliver on that promise in a big way. With alliances formed, both strong and shaky, Layton leads the push up the train.

Watching how all the pieces fall into place with the drama in first-class, Melanie’s secret, and Layton’s plan is a real thrill. The action is bloody, graphic, and exciting as the war begins to break out with some real consequences.

2 The Train Demanded Blood (8.2)

As the first season of the show neared its end, the penultimate episode continued to deliver the fast-paced and thrilling storyline of the train revolution. Layton and the others pull together one last plan to avoid being wiped out with the help of an unexpected ally.

The episode feels climactic itself while also setting up a gripping final hour. It is filled with victories, defeats, and sacrifices as the show builds to an impressive ending.

1 994 Cars Long (8.3)

After getting better and better as the season went on, it should come as no surprise the season finale was the strongest episode yet. The episode wasted no time getting into the mayhem of the train’s new world order, bringing the season-long story to a close.

Like all good season finales, the episode also left audiences wanting more and counting down until the next season. There are plenty of exciting twists, the most significant being that Mr. Wilford is alive and boarding the train. And Season 2 has already confirmed Sean Bean will take the role.

About The Author

Colin McCormick
(2045 Articles Published)

Colin McCormick is a Senior Writer with Screen Rant and has been a proud member of the team since 2019. In addition to his work as Screen Rant, Colin is also a writer of News, Feature and Review pieces at Game Rant. Colin has had a long passion and obsession with movies going back to the first time he saw The Lion King in theaters. Along with movies, Colin stays up-to-date on the latest must-see TV shows. While he loves to find interesting projects in any kind of genre, he has a special movie of crime stories that are infused with a little dark humor much like the work of his favorite author, Elmore Leonard.

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