Do you have a favorite episode that you rewatch, even if you’re not watching the entire series? For me, that go-to comfort episode is “Mystery Spot” from Supernatural. If you’re a fan of the show, I’m sure you understand.
Supernatural; Image credit: Warner Bros. Television
Television is a unique medium; each series acts like its own museum. As you go through it, you might come across exhibits you really enjoy, compelling you to go further. While this journey can be exciting, there may also be some lackluster sights that make you want to skip ahead.
Then there are the masterpieces. Sometimes these serve as a satisfying end to the museum visit, while other times they catch you by surprise along the way. Of course, this depends on personal taste, which is why reviews are a helpful way to get a sense of what truly stands out.
Based on IMDb ratings, we’ve rounded up ten television episodes that consistently rank among the best of all time. From emotional gut-punches to flawlessly executed finales, these episodes left a lasting impression—and earned their place at the top.
1. Breaking Bad, Season 5, Episode 14, “Ozymandias” (10/10)
Breaking Bad; Image credit: Sony Pictures Television
This episode has an intriguing review breakdown. About 86% of users rated it a 10, while the second largest group (9.7%) rated it a 1. Most of the 1-star reviews describe it as overhyped and overrated, which is par for the course when something is spectacular and universally adored. In fact, even though “Ozymandias” was released 11 years ago, it remains the only TV episode with a perfect 10/10 rating on IMDb.
Compelling review from untaekn: “The only episode of TV—the only piece of entertainment—that even comes close to a 10.0 out of 10 rating. Universally loved and an indescribable experience. I don’t cry often to TV, but this was easily one of the most emotional experiences of my entire life. If I had the chance, I’d love nothing more than to watch it all again for the first time, because it’s an absolute masterpiece. Do NOT spoil it for yourself. The entire show is building towards this episode, and it’s one of the best and most fulfilling pieces of media ever to be created—there’s a reason it’s been memed into oblivion in the years since.”
2. Six Feet Under, Season 5, Episode 12, “Everyone’s Waiting” (9.9)
Six Feet Under; Image credit: Home Box Office (HBO)
I have not seen Six Feet Under yet, but the awestruck, enamored reviews of the series finale compel me to change that ASAP. Many describe it as the best ending to a show they have ever seen, and some go on to say it is quite possibly the best piece of cinema they have ever experienced. I’m sold!
This take from sect-sin speaks volumes: “I’m awestruck. Breathless. Unbelieving. The conclusion of the whole nine yards of this masterpiece of a series just leaves you sitting there, looking around you, having absolutely no clue what to do, how to go on with your life. You want to grab hold of one of your loved ones, squeeze them hard against you, never wanting to let go.”
3. BoJack Horseman, Season 6, Episode 15, “The View From Halfway Down” (9.9)
BoJack Horseman; Image credit: Tornante Television
The IMDb reviews for this penultimate episode exalt it as “an episode that will go down in history,” probably the most phenomenal episode of any show I have ever seen,” and the “build-up of a lifetime.” Many reviews are calling for it to win an Emmy. While it was nominated and critically acclaimed, that recognition went to Rick and Morty’s “The Vat of Acid Episode” for the 2020 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program. This was a controversial decision, but many believed it was made because the Rick and Morty episode served better as a standalone experience while “The View From Halfway Down” cannot truly be appreciated without watching the entire series.
This top review from adarascarlet references the first episode on this list: “I don’t know what was more emotionally exhausting to watch, this or ‘Ozymandias’ from Breaking Bad. Both kept me on the edge of my seat, breathless, and wrecked me afterwards. But when it comes down to it, I think ‘The View From Halfway Down’ destroyed me more. It hit on a deeper, existential level. This episode is like an 11th episode squared. Prepare yourself to be destroyed, but in the best way. This is what art should be. If this episode doesn’t get all the Emmys, I’m going to riot.”
4. Vinland Saga, Season 1, Episode 24, “End of the Prologue” (9.9)
Vinland Saga; Image credit: Kodansha
The review breakdown for this episode is similar to that of “Ozymandias”: 84.1% of the reviews are 10-star ratings (all 24,000+), while the second largest group consists of 1-star reviews (nearly 2,000). Fans describe it as a masterpiece, one of the best season endings in television history, and one of the best anime episodes they have ever seen. The show’s premise calls for an epic ending; the series follows young Viking warrior Thorfinn, who sets out on an all-consuming quest for revenge that evolves into something more.
From hi_sham2009: “Epic!!! Everything was an absolute art, perfect ending for a masterpiece series, can’t say more!!!”
5. Avatar: The Last Airbender, Season 3, Episode 21, “Sozin’s Comet, Part 4: Avatar Aang” (9.9)
Avatar: The Last Airbender; Image credit: Nickelodeon Animation Studio
This is the third series finale to make this list. Avatar: The Last Airbender is such a profoundly beloved show for countless reasons, the thrilling, heartfelt triumph of its ending being just one of them.
A heartfelt review from oliverriordan: “The perfect ending. I don’t know what to say. This ending perfectly ends the show on such a high note. There is almost nothing wrong with it and it just works on so many levels. I remember tearing up at the end because I knew this was the end of the show. It’s not only one of the best episodes of the show but one of the best episodes in any form of television. Simply amazing.”
6. Better Call Saul, Season 6, Episode 7, “Plan and Execution” (9.9)
Better Call Saul; Image credit: Sony Pictures Television
“Intense payoff,” “masterpiece in storytelling,” and “fine achievement in television history” are just a few of the compliments reviewers have heaped upon this mid-season finale. In full disclosure, I have not seen Breaking Bad or Better Call Saul and writing this is convincing me to change that.
This review from marveller-66 has me quite intrigued: “It’s like the poem ‘Ozymandias’. This didn’t feel like a TV episode. This was art. This was terrifying. This is perfect. This show is perfect. I don’t know how to properly review this. I’m still processing.”
7. Breaking Bad, Season 4, Episode 13, “Face Off” (9.9)
Breaking Bad; Image credit: Sony Pictures Television
Here’s a fun bit of trivia: this episode was originally written as the series finale due to uncertainty about the show’s renewal for another season. Additionally, it marks the fourth and final episode where the plot unfolds over a single day.
This review from and_mikkelsen conveys its impact: “One hour of TV PERFECTION! This was just out of this world! I am almost shaking right now trying to process what just happened! I am struggling to find words that can describe it! Much like ‘Crawl Space’, this episode remains iconic! Some of the best scenes you can find in any TV show! Unforgettable moments of tension and emotions!”
8. Game of Thrones, Season 3, Episode 9, “The Rains of Castamere” (9.9)
Game of Thrones: Home Box Office (HBO)
Legend has it that many fans who read the books set up cameras to film their friends and family reacting to the infamous “Red Wedding” that befalls this episode. The wildfire reception of these reactions sparked the popularity of first-time reaction videos for television shows, movies, and music on social media. Pair this with the fact that this is the only Game of Thrones episode where the end credits roll in total silence, and you know you are in for a jaw-dropping experience.
IamInge’s take: “Just. Wait. For. It. With so many great episodes to choose from, which is the best Game of Thrones episode? I don’t know, but for sure, this one is a very obvious candidate. Actually, I’d say it is an obvious candidate for best episode in any TV show ever. This is TV history.”
9. Breaking Bad, Season 5, Episode 16, “Felina” (9.9)
Breaking Bad; Image credit: Sony Pictures Television
This episode, the series finale of Breaking Bad, was watched by 10.28 million people on its premiere night. Another fun fact: the title is an anagram for “finale,” and as another genius touch, it breaks down into the chemical symbols for iron (Fe), lithium (Li), and sodium (Na). Why were those elements chosen? You’ll have to discover for yourself!
This review from saxon64 earned 1,700 thumbs up, proving just how much it resonates: “I cannot remember when was the last time I cried. Probably 20 years ago when my grandmother was put to rest. But I had a hard time yesterday trying to hold off my tears. Was it for Walt? Or because the best story ever told to me was over? I don’t know. Probably both. My wife could not get it. My son went to play his stupid video games. My daughter tweeted: ‘Father is crying, he saw something on TV’. I called my brother immediately after the show and asked him: ‘What do you think?’ He said: ‘About what?!’ Sometimes I feel like I’m all alone in the world. But yesterday I did not care. For the first time in my life I saw perfection. And it’s called Breaking Bad.”
10. Gravity Falls, Season 2, Episode 21, “Somewhere in the Woods” (9.9)
Gravity Falls; Image credit: Disney Television Animation
It is fitting that another series finale is the closing curtain for our list! Like Avatar: The Last Airbender, Gravity Falls is an animated adventure that has delighted audiences of all ages since its 2012 debut. Fans describe this episode as “unforgettable” and “the perfect end to a perfect show,” with one review claiming Avatar, BoJack Horseman, and Gravity Falls are their Mount Rushmore of cartoons. If you want a short, sweet experience the whole family can enjoy, give it a whirl!
From starwars-03427: “After 2 great seasons of Gravity Falls I feel like I can comfortably say it’s one of the best shows ever that didn’t get dragged out for too many seasons. It’s fun for the entire family both kids & grownups since Dipper & Mabel are more kid friendly & Stan their uncle makes a lot of adult jokes which makes it so easy to watch no matter who you are.”
Three episodes of Breaking Bad have made the top ten TV episodes of all time list, so I feel more compelled than ever to finally watch it! Reading the reviews of these legendary shows makes me truly appreciate the creativity and commitment of the teams that brought them to life. What is your favorite television episode of all time?
See more:
- The Most-Watched Episodes of the Biggest TV Shows
- The Longest-Running TV Shows Still Airing Today, By Type
- The 10 Best Netflix Movies of All Time, According to Audiences
Source: IMDb
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