The 30 Absolute Best TV Episodes of All Time, Ranked by IMDb Score

An IMDb score is a rating given to a movie or TV show by viewers on the Internet Movie Database (IMDb) website. Users can rate a title on a scale of one to ten. The total rating for a show or episode is a weighted average of all the user ratings. A high IMDb score usually means that many viewers liked the show or episode. This list shows the TV episodes that have received the highest ratings from viewers.

This ranking is based on the scores given by millions of users on IMDb. It includes episodes from a variety of different shows, from long-running animated series to critically acclaimed dramas. These episodes are considered the best of the best by the audience that watched them. They are known for their great stories, memorable characters, and emotional impact. This list celebrates the moments in television that have stayed with viewers long after they aired.

30. Asi – Episode #1.24 (2008) IMDb: 9.8

Asi is a popular Turkish drama series that centers on the relationship between Asi, the daughter of a prominent farmer, and Demir, a wealthy businessman. Their families share a dark and difficult history, which creates many obstacles for their love. The show explores themes of pride, family loyalty, and secrets that span generations.

The series is known for its strong character development and the intense chemistry between its two leads. The high rating for this later episode reflects the audience’s deep investment in the long-running story. Viewers were drawn to the dramatic twists and emotional confrontations that define the impossible love story between Asi and Demir as they navigate the betrayals and tragedies that surround them.

29. Asi – Episode #1.22 (2008) IMDb: 9.8

This episode is another highly-rated installment from the first season of the Turkish romance drama Asi. The central conflict revolves around Asi and Demir, who fall in love despite a bitter feud between their families. Demir returns to his hometown of Antakya holding the Kozcuoğlu family responsible for his mother’s death years ago, only to fall for Asi, a daughter of that very family.

The high score for this episode demonstrates the series’ power to keep audiences engaged through its complex and emotional storyline. The plot is filled with dramatic revelations and forbidden romance, which are hallmarks of the Turkish drama genre. The success of episodes like this cemented Asi as a major hit, celebrated for its compelling story of two proud individuals fighting for their love against a backdrop of family conflict.

28. Better Call Saul – Point and Shoot (2022) IMDb: 9.8

“Point and Shoot” picks up immediately after the shocking death of Howard Hamlin at the hands of Lalo Salamanca. The episode follows Jimmy and Kim as they are forced to participate in Lalo’s dangerous plan to expose his rival, Gus Fring. Lalo sends Kim on a mission to kill Gus, intending for it to be a diversion so he can attack Gus’s secret meth lab.

The episode is a masterclass in tension, showcasing the terrifying consequences of Jimmy and Kim’s actions. The story climaxes with a final, deadly confrontation between Lalo and Gus in the unfinished underground lab. The episode is highly praised for its suspenseful direction and for marking the final, violent end for the charismatic antagonist Lalo Salamanca, a pivotal moment for the series.

27. Avatar: The Last Airbender – Sozin’s Comet, Part 3: Into the Inferno (2008) IMDb: 9.8

This episode is the third part of the four-part series finale of Avatar: The Last Airbender. As Fire Lord Ozai’s fleet begins to burn down the Earth Kingdom, the final battles begin. The episode features two major duels: Zuko confronts his sister, the dangerously unstable Azula, in an Agni Kai for the throne, while Aang begins his long-awaited battle against Ozai.

“Into the Inferno” is celebrated for its spectacular animation and intense action sequences. The firebending duel between Zuko and Azula is a visual masterpiece, showcasing Zuko’s newfound calm against Azula’s chaotic rage. The episode raises the stakes for the finale, as Aang struggles with his reluctance to kill the Fire Lord, and Zuko makes a heroic sacrifice to protect Katara, leaving both battles on a cliffhanger.

26. Under the Trees – Episode #1.8 (2005) IMDb: 9.8

Under the Trees, originally titled Ihlamurlar Altında, is a Turkish television drama about love, revenge, and class differences. The story follows Yılmaz, a poor young man whose fiancée, Elif, leaves him to marry a wealthy heir named Ömer. Seeking revenge, Yılmaz begins a relationship with Ömer’s sister, Filiz.

This episode’s high rating speaks to the powerful central drama that captivated audiences. The series is known for its compelling love triangle and the emotional turmoil of its characters. Viewers were drawn to the story of Yılmaz, who finds himself caught between his plan for revenge and his growing, genuine feelings for Filiz.

25. Under the Trees – Episode #1.16 (2006) IMDb: 9.8

This episode continues the story of the popular Turkish drama Under the Trees (Ihlamurlar Altında). The central plot revolves around Yılmaz, who is torn between his original love, Elif, and his new love, Filiz. His relationship with Filiz began as a way to get revenge on her family, but it evolved into a genuine and complicated romance.

The high scores for these episodes show how invested the audience was in the fates of the characters. The series effectively mixes romance with themes of social class and vengeance. The complicated relationships and moral dilemmas faced by Yılmaz, Filiz, and Elif created a compelling narrative that resonated strongly with viewers.

24. Under the Trees – Episode #1.15 (2005) IMDb: 9.8

Another highly-rated episode from the Turkish series Under the Trees (Ihlamurlar Altında), this installment continues the dramatic love story of Yılmaz and Filiz. Their relationship is constantly tested by their pasts and the feud between their families. Yılmaz’s initial plan to use Filiz for revenge becomes complicated as he develops real feelings for her.

The series was a major success, and the high IMDb scores for its episodes reflect its popularity. The show’s appeal lies in its classic drama elements, including a difficult love triangle, family conflict, and the theme of revenge turning into true love. These emotional storylines kept viewers returning each week.

23. Better Call Saul – Saul Gone (2022) IMDb: 9.8

“Saul Gone” is the series finale of Better Call Saul. After being caught by the police in Omaha, Gene Takavic reverts to his Saul Goodman persona, brilliantly negotiating a surprisingly light prison sentence. However, after learning that his ex-wife Kim Wexler has confessed to her role in Howard Hamlin’s death, he has a change of heart.

In a stunning courtroom scene, Jimmy McGill finally resurfaces, confessing to all of his crimes and exonerating Kim. He trades a light sentence for life in prison, but in doing so, he reclaims his identity and soul. The episode was praised as a deeply satisfying and emotionally fitting conclusion to the series, ending with a final, quiet moment of connection between Jimmy and Kim.

22. The Rose and the Thorn – Episode #1.15 (2004) IMDb: 9.8

This Turkish drama, titled Çemberimde Gül Oya in the original, is set against the backdrop of the political turmoil of 1970s Turkey. The story centers on the forbidden love between Yurdanur and Mehmet, two young people from opposite ends of the political spectrum. Their lives and romance are deeply affected by the social and political events of the era.

The episode is part of a series praised for its historical setting and powerful storytelling. It captures the charged atmosphere of a period marked by student protests and political division. The central love story, which unfolds amid these conflicts, provides a deeply personal look at how history shapes individual lives, a theme that strongly resonated with its audience.

21. Mr. Robot – Hello, Elliot (2019) IMDb: 9.8

“Hello, Elliot” is the second part of the two-part series finale of Mr. Robot. The episode reveals the show’s biggest secret: the Elliot Alderson the audience has been following is not the real Elliot. He is another personality, “The Mastermind,” created by the real Elliot to cope with his childhood trauma and to change the world.

The finale takes place inside a fantasy world created in Elliot’s mind, a perfect loop designed to keep the real Elliot safe while The Mastermind tried to save the world. After a journey of acceptance, The Mastermind relinquishes control. The series ends with the real Elliot waking up in a hospital bed and being greeted by his sister, Darlene. It was praised as a shocking, emotional, and brilliant conclusion.

20. Attack on Titan – Midnight Sun (2019) IMDb: 9.8

“Midnight Sun” takes place in the immediate aftermath of the battle for Shiganshina, with both Armin Arlert and Commander Erwin Smith on the brink of death. Captain Levi is left with a single dose of Titan serum and must make an impossible choice: save his commander, who represents humanity’s best hope for victory, or save his subordinate, who represents humanity’s hope for a peaceful future.

The episode is a masterclass in emotional drama and moral conflict. The surviving soldiers fight over who should be saved, leading to a raw and desperate confrontation. Levi ultimately chooses to save Armin, allowing Erwin to finally rest after a life of sacrifice. The episode is praised for its powerful character moments and the weight of its central, heartbreaking decision.

19. Doctor Who – Blink (2007) IMDb: 9.8

“Blink” is one of the most famous episodes of the modern Doctor Who era. It is a “Doctor-lite” episode, meaning the Doctor himself appears only briefly. The story follows a young woman named Sally Sparrow, who uncovers a series of cryptic clues from the Doctor, sent from the year 1969, to warn her about the Weeping Angels.

The Weeping Angels, terrifying statues that can only move when you are not looking at them, became instantly iconic monsters. The episode is celebrated for its clever, time-bending plot and its genuinely frightening suspense. It is a standalone masterpiece of writing and is often considered one of the best and scariest episodes of the entire series.

18. Star Wars: The Clone Wars – Victory and Death (2020) IMDb: 9.9

“Victory and Death” is the final episode of the Star Wars: The Clone Wars series. The story follows Ahsoka Tano and Captain Rex as they try to escape a Republic Star Destroyer after Order 66 has been activated. They are hunted by their former comrades, the clone troopers they once led, who are now programmed to kill them.

The episode is a dark and tragic conclusion to the series. Ahsoka refuses to kill the clones, recognizing that they are not in control of their actions. The finale is packed with thrilling action as the ship crashes, but it is the quiet, final moments that are most powerful. Ahsoka and Rex bury the fallen clones, and Ahsoka leaves her lightsaber behind as a memorial, a heartbreaking end to the war.

17. Mr. Robot – 407 Proxy Authentication Required (2019) IMDb: 9.9

This episode of Mr. Robot is structured like a five-act play and takes place almost entirely in a single room. The main character, Elliot, is held captive by the villain Vera, who forces him to attend a therapy session with his actual therapist, Krista. Vera’s goal is to break Elliot down to understand his alternate personality, Mr. Robot, and control him.

The episode is famous for its incredible acting and intense, dialogue-heavy script. Under immense pressure, Elliot is forced to confront a repressed memory and a terrible truth about his childhood that he has hidden from himself for his entire life. This shocking and powerful revelation completely redefines his character and is considered one of the series’ most brilliant and devastating moments.

16. Legend of the Galactic Heroes – Dream: To See It to the End (1997) IMDb: 9.9

“Dream: To See It to the End” is the final episode of the epic space opera Legend of the Galactic Heroes. The episode centers on the final days of the brilliant military and political leader, Kaiser Reinhard von Lohengramm. As he lies on his deathbed from a rare disease, the last of his enemies are defeated, and he reflects on his life and legacy.

The finale provides a poignant and fitting end to the sprawling saga. Reinhard, having achieved his dream of unifying the galaxy, dies peacefully surrounded by his family and most loyal followers. The episode is a quiet and philosophical conclusion, focusing on the themes of power, legacy, and the end of an era. It is celebrated as a perfect and emotional ending to one of anime’s most acclaimed series.

15. Legend of the Galactic Heroes – The Magician Doesn’t Come Back (1995) IMDb: 9.9

This episode of Legend of the Galactic Heroes contains one of the most shocking and pivotal moments of the entire series. As the brilliant strategist Yang Wen-li travels to a peace conference with his rival, Kaiser Reinhard von Lohengramm, his ship is attacked. The attackers are not soldiers, but assassins from a fanatical cult.

The episode is defined by its tragic and sudden climax. In the ensuing battle, Yang Wen-li, a main character and military genius known as “The Magician,” is fatally wounded and dies from blood loss. His unexpected death is a huge turning point in the story, devastating fans and completely changing the political and military landscape of the galaxy.

14. Game of Thrones – The Winds of Winter (2016) IMDb: 9.9

The finale of the sixth season of Game of Thrones, this episode is packed with major events that change the course of the series. In King’s Landing, Cersei Lannister enacts a fiery revenge, using wildfire to destroy the Great Sept of Baelor, killing all of her enemies, including the High Sparrow and Margaery Tyrell, in one devastating blow. Her son, King Tommen, then takes his own life.

The episode is famous for its masterful opening sequence, set to a haunting musical score, which builds tension until the explosive climax. It also features several other key moments: Jon Snow is declared the King in the North, Arya Stark gets her revenge on Walder Frey, and Daenerys Targaryen finally sets sail for Westeros with her massive army and dragons. It is considered one of the show’s best episodes for its powerful storytelling and satisfying payoffs.

13. Game of Thrones – Battle of the Bastards (2016) IMDb: 9.9

This episode is almost entirely dedicated to the massive and brutal battle between Jon Snow’s army and Ramsay Bolton’s forces for control of Winterfell. The episode is one of the largest-scale productions in television history, featuring a visceral and realistic depiction of medieval warfare.

The battle begins with Ramsay tricking Jon into a foolish charge by murdering his younger brother, Rickon. Jon’s army is nearly defeated and completely surrounded, leading to a terrifying and claustrophobic sequence where Jon is almost crushed to death under a pile of bodies. At the last moment, Sansa Stark arrives with the Knights of the Vale, saving the day and leading to Ramsay’s ultimate defeat.

12. Invincible – I Thought You’d Never Shut Up (2025) IMDb: 9.9

This episode is the Season 3 finale of Invincible and features one of the most anticipated and brutal fights from the comic books. Just after Earth has been ravaged by the “Invincible War,” an even greater threat arrives: Conquest, an ancient and incredibly powerful Viltrumite warrior sent to force Mark Grayson to conquer the planet.

What follows is an almost non-stop, 30-minute battle that is more violent and devastating than Mark’s fight with his father, Omni-Man. Conquest is relentless, and the fight spans the globe, causing immense collateral damage. The episode is praised for its shocking brutality and for pushing Mark to his absolute physical and moral limits, culminating in a stunning and hard-won victory.

11. Gravity Falls – Weirdmageddon 3: Take Back The Falls (2016) IMDb: 9.9

“Weirdmageddon 3: Take Back The Falls” is the one-hour series finale of Gravity Falls. In this episode, Dipper, Mabel, and the surviving residents of the town mount a final assault against the demonic Bill Cipher to reclaim their home. The townsfolk band together to build the “Shack-Tron,” a giant fighting robot made from the Mystery Shack itself.

The finale is a perfect blend of action, humor, and heart. It culminates in a final confrontation inside Bill Cipher’s mind, where Grunkle Stan makes a great personal sacrifice, allowing his mind to be erased to destroy Bill once and for all. The episode was praised for being a deeply satisfying and emotional conclusion to the beloved series, ending with the twins’ tearful goodbye to the town of Gravity Falls.

10. Breaking Bad – Felina (2013) IMDb: 9.9

“Felina” is the series finale of Breaking Bad. In this episode, a fugitive Walter White returns to Albuquerque for one last mission: to secure his family’s financial future and to get revenge on the neo-Nazi gang that killed his brother-in-law Hank and stole his money. He also seeks to save his former partner, Jesse Pinkman, who is being held captive by the gang.

Walt devises a brilliant plan to intimidate his old business partners into giving his money to his son. He then builds a remote-controlled machine gun in the trunk of his car, which he uses to massacre the entire gang, saving Jesse in the process. Mortally wounded in the chaos, Walt dies peacefully in the meth lab, the place that defined his criminal empire. It is widely considered a powerful and fitting conclusion to the series.

9. Game of Thrones – The Rains of Castamere (2013) IMDb: 9.9

This episode is known to fans as “The Red Wedding,” one of the most shocking and infamous events in television history. The episode centers on the wedding of Edmure Tully to one of Walder Frey’s daughters, an event meant to repair the relationship between House Stark and House Frey. However, the wedding is a trap.

After the bride and groom are taken away for the bedding ceremony, the doors are locked and the musicians begin playing “The Rains of Castamere,” a Lannister song of victory. Walder Frey, in alliance with Roose Bolton and Tywin Lannister, betrays the Starks, and his men brutally murder Robb Stark, his pregnant wife Talisa, his mother Catelyn, and their entire army. The massacre was a stunning and devastating turning point in the series.

8. Succession – Connor’s Wedding (2023) IMDb: 9.8

Despite its title, this episode is not about Connor Roy’s wedding. Instead, it focuses on the sudden and unexpected death of the family patriarch, Logan Roy. The episode’s power comes from its unique approach: Logan’s death happens off-screen, on a private jet, and the story is told entirely from the perspective of his children, who learn the news over a shaky phone call.

The episode unfolds in what feels like real-time, capturing the raw, confusing, and painful process of grief and shock. The incredible performances from the cast and the long, uninterrupted takes create a feeling of intense realism. “Connor’s Wedding” was hailed by critics as a masterpiece of television and one of the most powerful and devastating episodes of the modern era.

7. Breaking Bad – Face Off (2011) IMDb: 9.9

“Face Off” is the finale of the fourth season of Breaking Bad and features the epic conclusion to the season-long battle of wits between Walter White and his nemesis, the drug kingpin Gustavo Fring. Knowing Gus is on to him, Walt devises a desperate and ingenious plan to kill him. He forms an unlikely alliance with his old enemy, Hector Salamanca.

Walt rigs Hector’s wheelchair bell to a bomb. When Gus visits Hector in the nursing home to finally kill him, Hector looks him in the eye for the first time in years and rings his bell repeatedly, detonating the bomb. The explosion kills Hector, his bodyguard, and Gus, who famously walks out of the room with half of his face blown off before collapsing. It is one of the show’s most shocking and memorable moments.

6. Better Call Saul – Plan and Execution (2022) IMDb: 9.9

This episode is the mid-season finale of the final season of Better Call Saul. It shows the climax of Jimmy and Kim’s elaborate plan to publicly humiliate their rival, Howard Hamlin, during the Sandpiper case mediation. Their scheme works perfectly, leading to a career-defining disaster for Howard and a huge payday for them.

After their victory, Jimmy and Kim are celebrating at home when Howard confronts them. But their argument is interrupted by the sudden and terrifying arrival of Lalo Salamanca. In a single, shocking moment that changes the course of the series, Lalo shoots and kills Howard. The episode’s stunning cliffhanger was praised for its masterful build-up of tension and its horrifying conclusion.

5. Avatar: The Last Airbender – Sozin’s Comet, Part 4: Avatar Aang (2008) IMDb: 9.9

This is the final episode of Avatar: The Last Airbender. The episode resolves all the major conflicts, including the final battle between Aang and Fire Lord Ozai. After being pushed to his limit, Aang enters the powerful Avatar State and easily overpowers Ozai, but he still refuses to kill him, staying true to his pacifist values.

Instead of killing him, Aang uses a new ability, energybending, to take away Ozai’s firebending powers permanently, ending his reign of terror. The finale also sees Zuko crowned as the new Fire Lord, the war officially ended, and a final, triumphant scene where Aang and Katara share a kiss. It is celebrated as a perfect and emotionally satisfying conclusion to the epic series.

4. Vinland Saga – End of the Prologue (2019) IMDb: 9.9

This episode marks the end of the first major arc of the anime series Vinland Saga. The story follows Thorfinn, a young warrior whose only purpose in life is to get revenge on Askeladd, the man who killed his father. When the King of Denmark threatens to invade Wales, Askeladd’s homeland, Askeladd is forced into an impossible position.

To save both his people and his new king, Canute, Askeladd makes a stunning choice. He pretends to go insane and kills the King of Denmark himself, forcing Canute to kill him in return. Askeladd dies, sacrificing himself and robbing Thorfinn of his life’s purpose. The episode is praised for its powerful and tragic climax, which completely changes the direction of the series.

3. BoJack Horseman – The View from Halfway Down (2020) IMDb: 9.9

This is the second-to-last episode of BoJack Horseman. The episode takes place inside BoJack’s mind as he is drowning in his old swimming pool. He experiences a surreal dinner party and talent show attended by all the major figures from his life who have died, including his mother, his friend Herb Kazzaz, and his idol Secretariat.

The episode is a profound and haunting exploration of life, death, and regret. Each character performs an act before being consumed by a mysterious black void, representing death. The episode’s title comes from a powerful poem recited by Secretariat, describing the moment of regret a person feels after jumping from a bridge. It is widely considered the show’s masterpiece.

2. Six Feet Under – Everyone’s Waiting (2005) IMDb: 9.9

“Everyone’s Waiting” is the series finale of Six Feet Under, a show that deals with life and death through the eyes of a family that runs a funeral home. The episode is famous for providing a powerful and definitive sense of closure for every one of its main characters.

The final six minutes of the episode are what make it one of the most acclaimed finales in television history. As the character Claire drives away to start a new life, the show flashes forward through the decades, showing the future lives and eventual deaths of every major character. Set to the song “Breathe Me” by Sia, this beautiful and emotional montage is a perfect and unforgettable ending to the series.

1. Breaking Bad – Ozymandias (2013) IMDb: 10.0

Widely regarded as one of the greatest television episodes ever made, “Ozymandias” marks the complete and utter collapse of Walter White’s criminal empire. The episode begins with a desert shootout that ends with the death of his brother-in-law, DEA agent Hank Schrader. The neo-Nazi gang then steals most of Walt’s money, leaving him with nothing.

When Walt returns home, his family turns on him. His wife, Skyler, attacks him with a knife, and his son, Walt Jr., calls the police on his own father. After briefly kidnapping his infant daughter, Walt flees, his life and family destroyed. The episode’s title refers to a famous poem about the inevitable decay of all great empires, a perfect metaphor for the episode’s theme of irreversible ruin.