High Bridge Productions What makes a great episode of television? Watching TV is one of America’s favorite pastimes, and the best episodes feature some of the most memorable moments ever seen on the small screen–from epic battle sequences to heart-wrenching emotional scenes. Stacker compiled data on all English-language TV episodes with over 2,500 votes on IMDb and ranked them according to IMDb user ratings. Data includes anime shows dubbed in English. Ties were broken by the number of votes. In the interest of maintaining a diverse list and reducing the dominance some shows might’ve had over the list (“Game of Thrones,” “Breaking Bad,” and “Person of Interest” in particular), shows have been capped at five episodes. The episodes on this list, beloved by both fans and critics, feature epic love stories, nail-biting cliffhangers, moments that became memes, and send-offs to your favorite heroes and villains. You’ll find a wide range of genres, including animation and anime, sitcoms, fantasies, dramas, and thrillers. The data, as of November 2022, includes 100 episodes from 56 different shows. Sit back, grab a snack, and get your remote ready. After reading Stacker’s list, you’ll want to go into full-fledged binge mode. You may also like: 50 best Netflix original series #100. Invincible – ‘Where I Really Come From’ Amazon Studios – IMDb user rating: 9.6 – Season 1, episode 8 – Director(s): William Ruzicka – Air date: April 30, 2021 In the season finale, superhero Invincible, aka high schooler Mark (voiced by Steven Yeun) learns the truth about his powers and their origins. In this acclaimed adult animated series based on the comic series, Nolan, Invincible’s dad, reveals his true identity and the real plans he has for his hero son. #99. Friends – ‘The Last One’ Bright/Kauffman/Crane Productions – IMDb user rating: 9.6 – Season 10, episode 17 – Director(s): Kevin Bright – Air date: May 6, 2004 One of the most-watched television episodes of all time, the sitcom “Friends” series finale was an hour long and culminated with the six pals moving out of their New York apartment and heading to Central Perk together one final time. Audiences were kept on the edge of their seats, wondering whether Rachel and Ross (Jennifer Aniston and David Schwimmer) would finally declare their love for each other or be separated by a job relocation to Paris. #98. Arcane – ‘The Monster You Created’ Riot Games – IMDb user rating: 9.6 – Season 1, episode 9 – Director(s): Pascal Charrue, Arnaud Delord – Air date: Nov. 20, 2021 In the first season finale of this adult animated action show based on the League of Legends game universe, the drama between sisters Vi and Jinx comes to a head. The pair spend the season on different sides of a violent rebellion in this series acclaimed for its stunning visual design and emotionally compelling characters. #97. Arcane – ‘The Base Violence Necessary for Change’ Riot Games – IMDb user rating: 9.6 – Season 1, episode 3 – Director(s): Pascal Charrue, Arnaud Delord – Air date: Nov. 6, 2021 This Netflix series has won acclaim for its elaborate fantasy world-building that merges sci-fi steampunk with esoteric lore. By the third episode, the main characters, sisters Vi and Jinx, are separated again, caught up in factions warring over arcane magic and crystals. #96. Rick and Morty – ‘The Rickshank Rickdemption’ Green Portal Productions – IMDb user rating: 9.6 – Season 3, episode 1 – Director(s): Juan Jose Meza-Leon – Air date: April 1, 2017 The season three opener finds Rick planning his escape from the Galactic Federation, a high-security prison, while Morty and Summer remain back on Earth. The episode title is a play on the 1994 movie “The Shawshank Redemption,” which focuses on a character trying to escape prison. You may also like: 50 famous firsts from TV history #95. Dark – ‘Das Paradies’ W&B Television – IMDb user rating: 9.6 – Season 3, episode 8 – Director(s): Baran bo Odar – Air date: June 27, 2020 Netflix’s grim time-travel series grips audiences through its complex timelines as families are caught up in the mysteries of missing children and the local wormhole beneath a nuclear plant. In the series finale “Das Paradies,” the intertwined timelines reveal more about the origins of time travel, the various worlds it creates, and which survive or perish. #94. The Walking Dead – ‘Too Far Gone’ American Movie Classics (AMC) – IMDb user rating: 9.6 – Season 4, episode 8 – Director(s): Ernest R. Dickerson – Air date: Dec. 1, 2013 In this midseason finale, one of the series’ most complex villains, The Governor, attempts to take the prison from Rick. Chaos, death, and destruction ensue, leaving viewers reeling and waiting for the second half of an epic season. #93. The Walking Dead – ‘No Sanctuary’ American Movie Classics (AMC) – IMDb user rating: 9.6 – Season 5, episode 1 – Director(s): Greg Nicotero – Air date: Oct. 12, 2014 This ratings record-breaker season opener finds Rick and friends still stuck in a box, attempting to get away from the demented inhabitants of Terminus. Carol, not only a survivor of the zombie apocalypse but of domestic abuse as well, continues to prove just what a boss she is by saving the whole crew. #92. True Detective – ‘Who Goes There’ Parliament of Owls – IMDb user rating: 9.6 – Season 1, episode 4 – Director(s): Cary Joji Fukunaga – Air date: Feb. 9, 2014 This Emmy-winning episode features Detective Cohle returning to a dark, drug-addled world when the search for Reggie Ledoux leads him to a motorcycle gang, the Iron Crusaders. The episode ends with a dramatic and critically lauded six-minute tracking shot. #91. The Boys – ‘Herogasm’ Amazon Studios – IMDb user rating: 9.6 – Season 3, episode 6 – Director(s): Nelson Cragg – Air date: June 24, 2022 “The Boys” follows superheroes, known as Supes, who were created by Vought International, an evil corporation. They use the Supes as exploited employees in this critique of late-stage capitalism. In this episode, viewers follow the Supes to the 70th anniversary of “Herogasm,” an annual mass orgy event. “Herogasm” features one of the series’ most controversial scenes: an octopus performing oral sex with The Deep, an Aquaman-like character on the show. You may also like: 50 of the best ‘SNL’ skits #90. The Walking Dead – ‘No Way Out’ American Movie Classics (AMC) – IMDb user rating: 9.6 – Season 6, episode 9 – Director(s): Greg Nicotero – Air date: Feb. 14, 2016 In this midseason premiere, Daryl takes on the Saviors, Rick leads the crew through a pack of walkers, and Glenn attempts to rescue Maggie. Tragedy gets the Alexandrians to finally fight back. #89. Stranger Things – ‘Chapter Seven: The Massacre at Hawkins Lab’ 21 Laps Entertainment – IMDb user rating: 9.6 – Season 4, episode 7 – Director(s): Matt Duffer, Ross Duffer – Air date: May 27, 2022 “Stranger Things” delves into 1980s nostalgia that’s both whimsical and scary. Tweens become enmeshed in supernatural situations and shadowy government bureaucracies. In this epic episode, the gulag prisoners face off against a monstrous Demogorgon in a grisly and frightening sequence. #88. Sherlock – ‘The Reichenbach Fall’ Hartswood Films – IMDb user rating: 9.6 – Season 2, episode 3 – Director(s): Toby Haynes – Air date: May 20, 2012 The final episode of season two opens with a shocking declaration from Watson and a flashback. Sherlock’s archenemy, Moriarty, attempts to set him up and make him look bad at an already precarious time for the investigator. #87. Chernobyl – ‘Please Remain Calm’ Sister Pictures – IMDb user rating: 9.6 – Season 1, episode 2 – Director(s): Johan Renck – Air date: May 13, 2019 In the aftermath of the explosion, scientist Ulana Khomyuk (Emily Watson) begins to investigate. This marks the first appearance of Watson in the series. Khomyuk was not based on a real person but rather a composite of many Soviet scientists who worked on the Chernobyl disaster. #86. This Is Us – ‘The Train’ Zaftig Films – IMDb user rating: 9.7 – Season 6, episode 17 – Director(s): Ken Olin – Air date: May 17, 2022 “This Is Us” is known for its emotionally ruthless melodrama as it tells the story of the Pearson siblings as both adults and kids. “The Train” returns to the events of the night of dad Jack’s death, first revealed in season two, giving more context. This episode features a tear-jerking passing of a main character. Tissues recommended. You may also like: When 20 popular shows jumped the shark #85. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air – ‘Papa’s Got a Brand New Excuse’ NBC Productions – IMDb user rating: 9.7 – Season 4, episode 24 – Director(s): Shelley Jensen – Air date: May 9, 1994 Will Smith plays the Fresh Prince in this iconic ’90s sitcom that catapulted the young rapper to stardom and includes a famous emotional scene that later became a meme. In this famous episode, Ben Vereen plays Will’s long last dad, Lou, who shows up to try and reconcile with the son he abandoned. Will’s wealthy aunt and uncle are not amused when Will wants to leave with the man. #84. The West Wing – ‘Two Cathedrals’ John Wells Productions – IMDb user rating: 9.7 – Season 2, episode 22 – Director(s): Thomas Schlamme – Air date: May 16, 2001 The Emmy award-winning second season of “The West Wing” ends on a cliffhanger about whether President Jed Bartlet (Martin Sheen) will run for a second term after revealing he has MS to the American people. It’s an emotional episode that includes the funeral of a beloved character, multiple flashbacks, a looming storm, an international crisis, and the rousing, inspired speeches that made the series famous. #83. Castlevania – ‘The Endings’ Powerhouse Animation Studios – IMDb user rating: 9.7 – Season 4, episode 9 – Director(s): Sam Deats – Air date: May 13, 2021 Stunning animation and biting revenge make up this adult-oriented series based on a video game of the same name. In “Castlevania,” Dracula is bent on avenging the murder of his wife by annihilating an entire community with an army of demons. The series’ penultimate episode has Trevor, a monster hunter trying to stop Dracula, fighting an epic battle with Death itself. #82. Grey’s Anatomy – ‘Sanctuary’ Shondaland – IMDb user rating: 9.7 – Season 6, episode 23 – Director(s): Stephen Cragg – Air date: May 20, 2010 Seattle Grace Mercy West Hospital (the fictional location of Shonda Rhimes’ hit medical drama) erupts into pandemonium during part one of the sixth season finale. An active shooter, the disgruntled husband of a lost patient, terrorizes convalescents and staff. Amid the chaos of several vital characters becoming victims, Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) reveals she’s pregnant. #81. Young Justice – ‘Summit’ DC Comics – IMDb user rating: 9.7 – Season 2, episode 19 – Director(s): Tim Divar – Air date: March 9, 2013 Set in the DC Comics universe, this adult animated series is packed with newly reimagined teen superheroes, including Nightwing, Bumblebee, Blue Beetle, Batgirl, and others. In “Summit,” the characters come together in a cavern to negotiate the fate of Earth in an episode filled with reversals and surprises after Black Manta’s dying son releases a hologram with a jarring message for the group. You may also like: 50 best Western TV shows of all time #80. Adventure Time – ‘Come Along With Me’ Frederator Studios – IMDb user rating: 9.7 – Season 10, episode 13 – Director(s): Diana Lafyatis, Cole Sanchez – Air date: Sept. 3, 2018 In the aftermath of the Great Gum War, Finn and his dog Jake, a talking shape-shifter, go on magical adventures in the land Ooo in the extremely distant future. The series finale was the length of four regular episodes and featured extreme showdowns in a nightmare realm in its hand-drawn visual style. The finale follows a future timeline and resolves storylines throughout the charming and often emotional series. #79. Grey’s Anatomy – ‘Death and All His Friends’ Shondaland – IMDb user rating: 9.7 – Season 6, episode 24 – Director(s): Rob Corn – Air date: May 20, 2010 Part two of the sixth season finale resumes with the continuation of a cliffhanger with Derek (Patrick Dempsey) suffering from a gunshot wound as an active shooter continues terrorizing hospital staff and patients. Meredith (Ellen Pompeo), pregnant with her and Derek’s child, undergoes extraordinary loss as the characters reel from the violence. #78. SpongeBob SquarePants – ‘The Secret Box/Band Geeks’ Nickelodeon Animation Studios – IMDb user rating: 9.7 – Season 2, episode 15 – Director(s): Walt Dohrn and Paul Tibbitt (“The Secret Box”), Aaron Springer (“Band Geeks”) – Air date: Sept. 7, 2001 Nickelodeon’s popular animated series set in the undersea world of Bikini Bottom premiered in 1999 and is still going strong. The series’ characters, including SpongeBob, the titular sea sponge, and his pal Patrick, a starfish, have spawned innumerable memes that capture the hilarious absurdity of life. In the first segment, SpongeBob wants to know what’s in Patrick’s secret box. In the second, Squidward aims to start a marching band. #77. Steven Universe – ‘Change Your Mind’ Cartoon Network Studios – IMDb user rating: 9.7 – Season 5, episode 28 – Director(s): Joseph D. Johnston, Kat Morris – Air date: Jan. 21, 2019 This award-winning animated series won a GLAAD Media award for Outstanding Kids and Family Programming and is acclaimed for its rich and complex portrayal of queer themes and issues. Created by Rebecca Sugar, the fantasy series follows a young boy, Steven, who helps save the world as he develops his superpowers. In the epic season five finale, Steven rises to the challenge. #76. The Americans – ‘START’ Amblin Television – IMDb user rating: 9.7 – Season 6, episode 10 – Director(s): Chris Long – Air date: May 30, 2018 Set during the 1980s Cold War, Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys play Elizabeth and Philip Jennings, Russian spies who pose as average, suburban Americans in this show that merges domestic drama with espionage thrills. In the series finale, Elizabeth and Philip’s double life is discovered by an FBI agent who is the couple’s neighbor and friend as the series comes to its somber conclusion. You may also like: 100 best TV dramas of all time #75. Scrubs – ‘My Finale: Part 2’ Doozer – IMDb user rating: 9.7 – Season 8, episode 19 – Director(s): Bill Lawrence – Air date: May 6, 2009 In the second part of the eighth season finale, the series narrator J.D. (Zach Braff) completes his final day at the hospital. It’s a sentimental episode filled with J.D.’s remembrances and hopes for the future. It was intended as the series finale, but the show continued for one more season without many of its original characters. #74. The Last Kingdom – ‘Episode #5.10’ Carnival Film & Television – IMDb user rating: 9.7 – Season 5, episode 10 – Director(s): Jon East – Air date: March 9, 2022 This Viking history show adapts Bernard Cornwell’s The Saxon Stories novels that take place in early medieval England as warring sects duke it out for control. The series finale features more epic battles and a temporary truce, setting up the upcoming Netflix movie, “Seven Kings Must Die.” #73. Scrubs – ‘My Screwup’ Doozer – IMDb user rating: 9.7 – Season 3, episode 14 – Director(s): Chris Koch – Air date: Feb. 24, 2004 Donald Faison plays Turk, a surgeon, and Zach Braff plays J.D., his doctor bestie, in this hospital-set sitcom filled with slapstick antics and sound effect gags as their attending doctor (John C. McGinley) torments them. In “My Screwup,” Turk shaves his mustache to find a talking, animated mole. Brendan Fraser guest stars as Ben, a cancer patient, providing the show with an emotional sequence that reveals that character’s fate. #72. Mad Men – ‘The Suitcase’ Lionsgate Television – IMDb user rating: 9.7 – Season 4, episode 7 – Director(s): Jennifer Getzinger – Air date: Sept. 5, 2010 Peggy (Elisabeth Moss) breaks up with her boyfriend over the phone in a spectacularly awkward sequence as he sits in a restaurant with her angry mom and family. Peggy and ad exec Don Draper ( John Hamm), carry this dramatic episode that takes place on Peggy’s birthday and features both characters breaking down in rage and grief, showing their fraught bond. #71. Sons of Anarchy – ‘NS’ SutterInk – IMDb user rating: 9.7 – Season 3, episode 13 – Director(s): Kurt Sutter – Air date: Nov. 30, 2010 Charlie Hunnam plays Jax in the motorcycle gang melodrama with Shakespearean plotlines of double-crossing and betrayal set in Charming, a fictional California town. Season three’s epic finale features surprise reversals and suspense as it builds to a jaw-dropping conclusion. You may also like: 100 best TV episodes of all time #70. This Is Us – ‘Super Bowl Sunday’ Rhode Island Ave. Productions – IMDb user rating: 9.7 – Season 2, episode 14 – Director(s): Glenn Ficarra, John Requa – Air date: Feb. 4, 2018 The drama “This is Us” follows two timelines, one where the Pearson siblings are children and another as adults. The series reveals early on that dad Jack (Milo Ventimiglia) has passed, but doesn’t reveal how until the “Super Bowl Sunday” episode. The gut-wrenching episode features a house fire and Jack’s heroics seem to keep him safe except for a devastating surprise. #69. Person of Interest – ‘The Devil’s Share’ Bad Robot – IMDb user rating: 9.7 – Season 3, episode 10 – Director(s): Chris Fisher – Air date: Nov. 26, 2013 The opening montage features Johnny Cash’s rendition of the Nine Inch Nails song “Hurt.” In the 10th episode of the third season, the team seeks justice for the murder of one of their own. The episode also features several flashbacks, each featuring a major character. #68. Person of Interest – ‘The Day the World Went Away’ Bad Robot – IMDb user rating: 9.7 – Season 5, episode 10 – Director(s): Frederick E.O. Toye – Air date: May 31, 2016 In this episode, Finch’s cover is blown, which sets a series of deadly events in motion. The Nine Inch Nails song this episode is named after plays at the episode’s end. #67. Buffy the Vampire Slayer – ‘The Body’ Mutant Enemy – IMDb user rating: 9.7 – Season 5, episode 16 – Director(s): Joss Whedon – Air date: Feb. 27, 2001 In one of the saddest episodes of the series, Buffy and her crew struggle with an unexpected and very personal tragedy. Show creator Joss Whedon believes the episode is the best thing he’s done–and maybe the best thing he will ever do. #66. Person of Interest – ‘YHWH’ Bad Robot – IMDb user rating: 9.7 – Season 4, episode 22 – Director(s): Chris Fisher – Air date: May 5, 2015 The title of the season finale refers to God’s name as it was revealed to Moses, as four Hebrew consonants. The episode features Root and Finch as they attempt to save the Machine. You may also like: Best single-season TV shows #65. Buffy the Vampire Slayer – ‘Hush’ Mutant Enemy – IMDb user rating: 9.7 – Season 4, episode 10 – Director(s): Joss Whedon – Air date: Dec. 14, 1999 Buffy and the Scoobies, her loyal band of ragtag sidekicks, battle bobblehead floating ghouls called The Gentlemen in this fan-favorite episode. Wearing suits and demented smiles, the demons steal voices and fans’ (and Sunnydale residents’) hearts without making a peep, as the 44-minute episode is carried out in near silence. The cast admitted it was one of the hardest episodes to make because show creator Joss Whedon’s direction was so precise. #64. Atlanta – ‘Teddy Perkins’ FX Productions – IMDb user rating: 9.7 – Season 2, episode 6 – Director(s): Hiro Murai – Air date: April 5, 2018 “Atlanta” is known for its original style and creative storytelling. Donald Glover writes, directs, produces, and stars in the series set amid four friends and the music scene in Atlanta. In the acclaimed episode “Teddy Perkins,” Darius (LaKeith Stanfield) picks up an antique piano from an eerie mansion and meets the macabre Teddy as situations veer into surreal, chilling horror. #63. Spartacus – ‘Victory’ Starz Originals – IMDb user rating: 9.7 – Season 3, episode 10 – Director(s): Rick Jacobson – Air date: April 12, 2013 In the series finale, Spartacus and his rebel crew battle the Romans for their freedom. Known for its unique credits, the show didn’t disappoint. The episode’s final credits listed the names of virtually every character and actor who ever appeared in the series. #62. House – ‘Broken’ Bad Hat Harry Productions – IMDb user rating: 9.7 – Season 6, episode 1 – Director(s): Katie Jacobs – Air date: Sept. 21, 2009 The sixth season opens with House as a patient in a psychiatric hospital. His roommate at the hospital is played by Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of the megahit Broadway musical “Hamilton.” #61. House – ‘Wilson’s Heart’ Bad Hat Harry Productions – IMDb user rating: 9.7 – Season 4, episode 16 – Director(s): Katie Jacobs – Air date: May 19, 2008 In the final episode of the two-part season finale, House figures out what happened to Amber on the bus and why she is not responding to treatment. Playing on a popular television death trope, everyone is torn up when a character dies, including the audience and House, even though no one was really crazy about said character. It is proof that an amazing and heart-wrenching death scene is worth its weight in television gold. You may also like: 50 famous firsts from TV history #60. Suits – ‘Faith’ Universal Cable Productions – IMDb user rating: 9.7 – Season 5, episode 10 – Director(s): Anton Cropper – Air date: August 26, 2015 Louis and Jessica get into a power struggle with Daniel Hardman and Jack Soloff, while Harvey and Mike are faced with important decisions and seek guidance from others. This season five summer finale is filled with flashbacks. #59. Buffy the Vampire Slayer – ‘Once More, with Feeling’ Mutant Enemy – IMDb user rating: 9.7 – Season 6, episode 7 – Director(s): Joss Whedon – Air date: Nov. 6, 2001 Before “Riverdale” gave us its musical television episodes, there was “Buffy.” “Once More, With Feeling” has the longest runtime of any episode in the series and finds the residents of Sunnydale bursting into song and dance–and sometimes into flames. Under the influence of a diabolical dancing and singing demon, Sunnydale residents reveal their darkest secrets through song. #58. Star Wars: The Clone Wars – ‘Old Friends Not Forgotten’ The Walt Disney Company – IMDb user rating: 9.7 – Season 7, episode 9 – Director(s): Saul Ruiz – Air date: April 17, 2020 When Ahsoka reaches out to Obi-Wan and Anakin, they are faced with an important decision: Should they defend Coruscant or help Ahsoka pursue Maul on Mandalore? The opening title sequence is different for this episode because it features an arrangement of the “Star Wars” theme by John Williams instead of the standard arrangement by Kevin Kiner. #57. Supernatural – ‘Swan Song’ Wonderland Sound and Vision – IMDb user rating: 9.7 – Season 5, episode 22 – Director(s): Steve Boyum – Air date: May 13, 2010 When the apocalypse looms, the Winchester brothers realize they need to make some important and difficult decisions. This season finale was originally intended to be the series finale (the show’s creator only imagined five seasons). Much to the delight of fans, its showrunner Sera Gamble took over to continue the series. #56. Friends – ‘The One Where Everybody Finds Out’ Warner Bros. Television – IMDb user rating: 9.7 – Season 5, episode 14 – Director(s): Michael Lembeck – Air date: Feb. 11, 1999 “They don’t know that we know they know we know.” This befuddling tongue-twister of a line uttered by a smiling Phoebe Buffay signals the beginning of the end for Monica and Chandler’s months-long hidden love affair. It isn’t all laughs, though. By episode’s end, Ross gives his blessing to his best friend and baby sister. You may also like: 100 best TV shows of all time #55. The Sopranos – ‘Pine Barrens’ Chase Films – IMDb user rating: 9.7 – Season 3, episode 11 – Director(s): Steve Buscemi – Air date: May 6, 2001 In an episode directed by Steve Buscemi, trouble comes for the Jersey mob crew when Chris and Paulie take over collections for a sick Silvio and–bada bing, bada boom–things get a bit out of hand. The dynamic duo tries to dump a body, gets lost in the woods, and nearly freezes to death. Meanwhile, Tony confesses to Dr. Melfi that he’s been seeing one of her patients and admits things aren’t going well. #54. Lost – ‘Through the Looking Glass’ Bad Robot – IMDb user rating: 9.7 – Season 3, episode 22 – Director(s): Jack Bender – Air date: May 23, 2007 With so much happening on the mysterious island in this episode, fans look for plot holes to this day. The image of Charlie raising a hand with the words “Not Penny’s Boat” written in black marker as the water rises around him–and the revelation that the future Jack and Kate have somehow made it off the island–make this not only one of the best episodes of the series but one of the greatest finales. #53. Mr. Robot – ‘eps3.4_runtime-err0r.r00’ Home Box Office (HBO) – IMDb user rating: 9.9 – Season 5, episode 12 – Director(s): Alan Ball – Air date: August 21, 2005 This series finale made several best television series finale lists, including USA Today and Entertainment Weekly. The Fisher clan’s story is tied up not only in the present but in the future, using a flash-forward technique in an extended, seven-minute montage that reveals the death of all the show’s main characters. Given that every show opened with death, it seemed a fitting end that it should close with it. #13. Avatar: The Last Airbender – ‘Sozin’s Comet, Part 4: Avatar Aang’ Nickelodeon Animation Studios – IMDb user rating: 9.9 – Season 3, episode 21 – Director(s): Joaquim Dos Santos – Air date: July 19, 2008 The series finale finds Aang facing some of the greatest challenges of his life. This episode provides a satisfying ending to the animated series and segues nicely to the sequel series, “The Legend of Korra.” #12. Star Wars: The Clone Wars – ‘Shattered’ The Walt Disney Company – IMDb user rating: 9.9 – Season 7, episode 11 – Director(s): Saul Ruiz – Air date: May 1, 2020 An Order 66 is declared, interrupting Ahsoka’s trip to see the Jedi Council in the next-to-last episode of the series. For fans, it’s all been leading up to this. A pivotal scene in the episode features audio from the 2005 movie “Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith.” #11. Star Wars: The Clone Wars – ‘The Phantom Apprentice’ The Walt Disney Company – IMDb user rating: 9.9 – Season 7, episode 10 – Director(s): Nathaniel Villanueva – Air date: April 24, 2020 On Mandalore, Ahsoka, backed by Republic clones, confronts Maul. This episode marks a first in the show’s history with the episode’s events unfolding in real-time to a “Star Wars” film. You may also like: Can you answer these real ‘Jeopardy!’ clues about TV shows? #10. Star Wars: The Clone Wars – ‘Victory and Death’ The Walt Disney Company – IMDb user rating: 9.9 – Season 7, episode 12 – Director(s): Nathaniel Villanueva – Air date: May 4, 2020 Rex and Ahsoka struggle to survive in the series finale. For Slate, Marissa Martinelli wrote: “It’s the ending that ‘The Clone Wars’ always deserved, and a dignified close to an era of ‘Star Wars’ that wasn’t always so dignified.” #9. BoJack Horseman – ‘The View from Halfway Down’ ShadowMachine – IMDb user rating: 9.9 – Season 6, episode 15 – Director(s): Amy Winfrey – Air date: Jan. 31, 2020 The penultimate episode of the series features the return of actor Zach Braff, who shows up as a butler. BoJack has a recurring dream where he is attending a dinner party. The episode was arguably one of the darkest and saddest of the series. #8. Mr. Robot – ‘407 Proxy Authentication Required’ Anonymous Content – IMDb user rating: 9.9 – Season 4, episode 7 – Director(s): Sam Esmail – Air date: Nov. 17, 2019 Though not done under the best circumstances, Krista helps Elliot make a startling realization about his past. This episode had a slightly longer runtime of 56 minutes and ran commercial-free. #7. Better Call Saul – ‘Plan and Execution’ American Movie Classics (AMC) – IMDb user rating: 9.9 – Season 6, episode 7 – Director(s): Thomas Schnauz – Air date: May 23, 2022 The midseason finale of the acclaimed “Breaking Bad” prequel focuses on Howard Hamlin (Patrick Fabian). Kim (Rhea Seehorn) and Saul (Bob Odenkirk) spend the season in elaborate schemes to ruin the respected lawyer’s reputation. Howard finally reaches his breaking point and confronts the couple at their apartment with deadly consequences. #6. Breaking Bad – ‘Face Off’ High Bridge Productions – IMDb user rating: 9.9 – Season 4, episode 13 – Director(s): Vince Gilligan – Air date: Oct. 9, 2011 Voted by TV Guide as one of the best shows of 2011, it isn’t difficult to understand the high praise for “Breaking Bad” watching this season four finale. Featuring a final face-off between Walter White and one of his enemies and questions for Jesse Pinkman on how he knew about the poisoning of Brock, this episode offers a final twist that proves Walter has hit the point of no return. Fans of the show will never look at a simple backyard lily of the valley in the same way. You may also like: 50 best sci-fi shows of all time #5. Game of Thrones – ‘The Rains of Castamere’ Home Box Office (HBO) – IMDb user rating: 9.9 – Season 3, episode 9 – Director(s): David Nutter – Air date: June 2, 2013 A wedding becomes the setting for one of the most shocking episodes of the series. Coldplay drummer Will Champion makes a cameo as one of the wedding musicians. The episode received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series. #4. Breaking Bad – ‘Felina’ High Bridge Productions – IMDb user rating: 9.9 – Season 5, episode 16 – Director(s): Vince Gilligan – Air date: Sept. 29, 2013 The series finale saw record-breaking viewership and was the most-watched episode of the entire series with 10.3 million viewers. In it, Walter White returns to Albuquerque to tie things up with old enemies and his family. The title “Felina” is an anagram for “finale.” #3. Game of Thrones – ‘The Winds of Winter’ Home Box Office (HBO) – IMDb user rating: 9.9 – Season 6, episode 10 – Director(s): Miguel Sapochnik – Air date: June 26, 2016 This season six finale features an unbelievable, extended vengeance sequence and a major revelation about an important character. Online fan reactions proved just how shocked fans were by the bloody episode. #2. Game of Thrones – ‘Battle of the Bastards’ Home Box Office (HBO) – IMDb user rating: 9.9 – Season 6, episode 9 – Director(s): Miguel Sapochnik – Air date: June 19, 2016 This episode has not only been called the best in the “Game of Thrones” series but also in television history, which explains its near-perfect rating on IMDb. Two major action sequences take place in the next-to-last episode of season six, one of them featuring Daenerys going after her enemies. #1. Breaking Bad – ‘Ozymandias’ High Bridge Productions – IMDb user rating: 10.0 – Season 5, episode 14 – Director(s): Rian Johnson – Air date: Sept. 15, 2013 One character goes on the run, while another is taken hostage. This critically acclaimed episode has been called one of television’s best episodes. Show creator Vince Gilligan said the episode was “the best episode we ever had or ever will have.” You may also like: Best TV shows with the worst endings
100 best TV episodes of all time
