Grey's Anatomy has been a fan favorite since its debut in 2005. The show follows the personal and professional lives of a group of doctors at Seattle’s Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital, delivering drama, romance, and heartbreak in equal measure. With 22 seasons under its belt, the show has had its fair share of standout moments and fan-favorite episodes.
To celebrate the show's success, we've compiled a list of the best episodes ranked by viewers. From shocking twists to heartwarming moments, these episodes are sure to leave you on the edge of your seat. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to the series, these episodes are a must-watch for any Grey's Anatomy enthusiast.
So sit back, grab some popcorn, and get ready to relive some of the most iconic moments from Grey's Anatomy. With its gripping storylines, talented cast, and unforgettable characters, it's no wonder the show has remained a staple of primetime TV for over 15 years.
Written by Sophie and last updated on jan 14, 2025.
PS: The following content contains spoilers!
PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!
Arizona tries to reconcile with Callie, who has big news to share; Teddy faces an important decision; the residents receive new interns; the Chief makes an announcement.
The episode was rated 7.75 from 678 votes.
Everyone pulls together to help Callie and baby Sofia on their painstaking journeys to recovery in hopes of allowing mother and baby to finally meet; the sudden death of a clinical trial patient has Derek proceeding with more caution while Meredith makes a calculated and risky move; Alex treats a cranky old rich woman dying of cancer and gets an idea for a grandiose endeavor that is sure to get him the Chief Resident spot; and Teddy is pleasantly surprised by the return of a familiar face.
The episode was rated 7.75 from 656 votes.
In the wake of the shooting at Seattle Grace-Mercy West, the doctors find themselves in a frenzy: Christina and Owen will be getting married, and others are trying to deal with the recent blood bath. Derek is arrested for speeding!
The episode was rated 7.76 from 703 votes.
Issues surface when Derek's estranged sister, Amelia (Caterina Scorsone), visits unexpectedly; Meredith and Derek continue to try to ease Cristina back into surgery.
The episode was rated 7.77 from 652 votes.
Meredith finally tells Derek about her pregnancy and miscarriage; during a surgery, Cristina experiences PTSD; Bailey won't let Alex operate until he has the bullet in his chest removed.
The episode was rated 7.77 from 663 votes.
A team of doctors tries to save the life of a political figure from the Middle East; Cristina decides to decorate her new place and throw a housewarming party; Alex shows up late to his first day of rounds with the new pediatrics attending.
The episode was rated 7.79 from 649 votes.
As part of their training, Seattle Grace's residents are put in charge; the attending surgeons compete for a million-dollar grant.
The episode was rated 7.85 from 641 votes.
Personal and work pressures are adding up and have Meredith visibly on edge, Owen conducts formal interviews for the Chief Resident position, Cristina grows increasingly defiant, Alex and Lucy's undefined relationship gets tested, and Jackson suddenly backs out of the Webber's diabetes trial.
The episode was rated 7.86 from 632 votes.
Derek takes Cristina out on a fishing trip; Teddy tries to help a patient who lacks the proper insurance to seek medical treatment.
The episode was rated 7.86 from 662 votes.
Richard is desperate for Derek and Meredith to accept Adele into their Alzheimer's trial, but will Adele stand in her own way? Meanwhile Mark and Arizona have conflicting ideas of the kind of baby shower Callie wants, Teddy is freaked out when Henry has another health complication -- leaving them both a little exposed -- and the competitiveness amongst the residents for the Chief Resident position is amplified when Richard receives the green light for his diabetes clinical trial.
The episode was rated 7.88 from 657 votes.
As Callie and Arizona's wedding approaches, the couple quickly realize that the day they've been looking forward to is not turning out the way they'd envisioned. Meanwhile Alex continues to make the other residents jealous as he appears to be the top contender for Chief Resident, Meredith and Derek make a decision that will change their lives forever, and Dr. Perkins presents Teddy with a very tempting proposition.
The episode was rated 7.90 from 673 votes.
A documentary crew visits the hospital six months after the shooting to document the road to recovery for doctors and patients; Meredith helps Cristina put on a brave face for the cameras.
The episode was rated 7.91 from 643 votes.
Meredith, looking to prove she is Chief Resident material, learns that anything and everything can happen in an hour's time when she steps up to run the ER for a night; meanwhile, Bailey sneaks off with Eli and gets into a little mischief, and everyone is surprised when the Chief's wife, Adele, shows up as one of the ER patients.
The episode was rated 7.91 from 667 votes.
News of Meredith's dishonesty in the clinical trial comes to light, leading to unanticipated consequences for her and others; Cristina finds herself in a compromising situation, which forces her to decide between her career and her relationship; Owen posts his decision for Chief Resident, and Teddy makes a surprising choice regarding her love life -- and her future.
The episode was rated 7.92 from 636 votes.
A gunman opens fire at a local college, sending mass casualties to the hospital; Arizona's return is not warmly received.
The episode was rated 7.97 from 678 votes.
