The Sopranos is one of the most beloved and critically acclaimed shows in television history. It follows the story of New Jersey-based Italian-American mobster Tony Soprano as he juggles the conflicting demands of his home life and the criminal organization he leads. With seven seasons and an abundance of memorable and captivating episodes, it can be hard to decide which ones are the best. Here we rank the best episodes of The Sopranos, available on HBO since it first aired in 1999, and discuss what makes them so great.
From the episode that kicks off the show’s iconic journey to its climactic finale, these are the episodes that have kept viewers coming back for more. Each episode is carefully crafted, combining suspenseful storylines with engaging characters and clever dialogue. From Tony's relationships with his family, friends, and associates, to his ongoing professional relationship with psychiatrist Jennifer Melfi, these are the episodes that stand out from the rest.
So, if you’re looking for the best of The Sopranos, here is our ranked list of the top episodes. Tune in and get ready for an unforgettable journey into Tony’s world.
Written by Sophie and last updated on dec 20, 2024.
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!
In the episode "Isabella" of The Sopranos, Tony's depression deepens as he grapples with the disappearance of his friend Pussy. To cope, he turns to medication, which leads to unexpected hallucinations. He starts seeing a beautiful Italian girl living next door, blurring the lines between reality and his own mind's creation. This twist adds a fascinating layer to Tony's struggle and showcases the brilliance of the episode.
Meanwhile, Junior and Mikey conspire against Tony, sending two hit men after him. However, their plans don't go as smoothly as they anticipated. The tension builds as the execution looms, and the episode keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The combination of compelling storytelling and James Gandolfini's raw portrayal of depression make "Isabella" one of the series' standout episodes so far.
Fans of The Sopranos have praised "Isabella" as a genius and mind-blowing episode. The emotional impact hits hard, especially when Tony's family visits him in the hospital and Meadow's genuine concern is showcased. The empathy for Tony's zombified state and his daydreaming fantasy resonates deeply with viewers. Additionally, the complex dynamics between Tony, his mother, and Junior add another layer of intrigue to the episode. Overall, "Isabella" is a must-watch installment that leaves a lasting impression on fans of the show.
The episode was rated 7.98 from 1258 votes.
The Sopranos episode, "Members Only," is an intense and thrilling installment of the long-running series. Gene Pontecorvo makes a final break from the mob life, while Junior's paranoid delusions could be the end of Tony. Going into the episode, viewers knew there was "a shocking surprise ending." Nobody expected that Eugene Pontecorvo would be revealed to be working with the FBI and then take his own life. Even more unexpected was the moment when Uncle Junior shot Tony. It was a hell of a moment, as the show had been suggesting Tony's days might be numbered.
The episode draws a number of contrasts between Tony and Eugene, and in a larger sense, between the Sopranos and the rest of the world. Tony and Carmela are enjoying sushi every night and buying expensive cars as apologies, while other folks are feeling the pinch. Eugene, even with money, doesn't have power, and that means that everyone from Tony to the FBI can toss him around without his having any say in the matter. It's also about that difference between money and freedom, and death as the great leveler. The audience sees Eugene kick frantically, gasp for air, until he finally collapses after a few final twitches. The same is true for Tony as he agonizingly pulls himself across the room, struggles and strains to dial 9-1-1, before passing out from blood loss.
The episode was rated 7.99 from 958 votes.
Ralphie is a character on The Sopranos that is seen as a one-dimensional villain. However, this episode introduces layers to the character that make him more sympathetic. We see his bedroom quirks, his mommy issues, and his love for his son. It's possible that he killed Tony's horse, but it's not clear whether it was intentional or not. Regardless, Tony's anger over the death of his beloved horse leads to a bloody and deadly climax.
In the second half of the episode, the focus shifts to Tony and Chris as they take care of Ralphie's body. The mundane nature of this task shows how life must go on, even after a brutal murder. This episode also highlights how "whoever did this" is ambiguous, and how true justice is hard to come by. At the end of the episode, Tony is alone before he steps into a blinding light. This episode leaves us with a lot of questions about Tony's future, and it shows how complex and damaged Tony is, whoever did that to him.
The episode was rated 8.02 from 967 votes.
In "Irregular Around the Margins," Tony Soprano finds himself caught in a web of intense emotions for Adriana. These feelings drive him back to the familiar office of Dr. Melfi, seeking guidance and understanding. But that's not all Tony has on his plate - there's a possibility he may have skin cancer, adding another layer of anxiety to his already complicated life. While Tony grapples with these personal struggles, his crew discusses a troubling rumor involving Adriana, further complicating the situation.
This episode of The Sopranos is a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing the incredible acting skills of the cast. As viewers, we can't help but feel for Adriana as she navigates a world of naivety and abuse. The show doesn't shy away from portraying its characters as flawed individuals, yet it also reminds us that they are human beings with their own share of sympathetic failings and emotional moments. The end scene of this episode is particularly impactful, saying so much with so few words. It's truly a masterclass in storytelling.
Overall, "Irregular Around the Margins" is a powerful episode that delves deep into the complex relationships and struggles of the characters in The Sopranos. It's a testament to the show's ability to captivate and make us empathize with even the most flawed individuals. Prepare yourself for a gripping and emotionally charged viewing experience.
The episode was rated 8.03 from 903 votes.
In the episode "Employee of the Month" of The Sopranos, the focus is on Dr. Melfi who is brutally raped in the parking garage of her building. Despite having every motivation to sic Tony Soprano on her rapist, she holds firm and decides not to do it, a powerful choice that showcases Lorraine Bracco's acting. On the other side of the episode, Ralphie introduces Jackie Jr. to the muscle end of his business, which doesn't go over well with Tony. Janice also gets in over her head with the Russians when she won't back down in her feud with Svetlana. Johnny Sack's move to New Jersey is also a key plot point.
This episode is powerful for its depiction of rape and the aftermath. It puts the focus on Melfi and her choices and the contrast between her and the men who center themselves in their angry reactions. In the end, she takes what catharsis she can and finds some sort of pride in being able to say no to Tony, to the implicit notion that she could have him destroy her attacker. Janice is also turning more and more into her mother as she gets in over her head with the Russians in her feud with Svetlana.
The episode was rated 8.05 from 1136 votes.
In "The Second Coming" of the hit show The Sopranos, Tony attempts to mend the relationship between New Jersey and New York and his son A.J.'s struggle with depression continues. While a New York associate crosses the line with Meadow, Phil turns into a house, which is an incredible moment for James Gandolfini who gives one of the greatest acting moments in television. Tony and Carmella's finger pointing reflects a real-life situation and Tony's lack of self-awareness is further explored as he is able to see AJ a little clearer.
The scene between Tony and AJ is the most powerful one as it reflects how Tony feels about his own situation and how similar he and his son are. Tony's fear, concern, and love for his son are a reflection of his own emotions, and Gandolfini's performance is masterful. The argument between Tony and Carmella is also a reminder of the baggage they carry. Good acting is also seen from AJ as this is one of his first episodes.
The episode was rated 8.05 from 804 votes.
The series finale of The Sopranos, "Made in America," brings the long-running saga of mob boss Tony Soprano to a fitting conclusion. As Tony seeks to find a peace with the Leotardo crew while dealing with rumors a member of his own crew may have flipped, A.J. makes a decision regarding his future and Junior's slide into dementia continues. Bobby Baccala's line, "You probably don't even hear it when it happens, right?" captures a sentiment that resonates throughout the episode.
The episode is filled with the trademark wit and humor of The Sopranos. Tony mumbles "Bye bye pop pop," Paulie freaks out at the cat, and Agent Harris even cheers on the Jersey family. Viewers of the show have come to expect such moments, and "Made in America" does not disappoint.
The episode was rated 8.05 from 964 votes.
The episode "I Dream of Jeannie Cusamano" of The Sopranos is full of dramatic twists and turns that lead to a thrilling conclusion. Tony is stunned to learn that his mother and uncle were behind the attempt on his life, and he begins to retaliate. As Junior tries to escape, the Feds intervene before he can get away. Livia takes a last-ditch effort to save herself by pitting Artie against Tony. Carmela lays down the law with Father Phil.
The episode features some incredible performances, such as Galdofoni's bouts of rage, which are portrayed with such intensity. Livia's mental state is also a highlight, as she is a great antagonist who keeps the viewers questioning her motives. The episode also contains humorous moments, such as when Carmela described Father Phil eloquently and precisely. Despite some scenes being overly dramatic, the episode ends with a sweet conclusion that wraps up the season perfectly.
The episode was rated 8.14 from 1267 votes.
The fourth season of "The Sopranos" comes to a dramatic climax with the episode "Whitecaps", as Tony and Johnny Sack prepare to move against Carmine. To add to the tension, Tony decides to buy a beach house as a gift for Carmela. Meanwhile, Junior's legal woes are over when the judge makes a ruling in his case, and Christopher returns clean and sober from rehab.
The episode reaches its climax when Tony's ex-girlfriend taunts Carmela over the phone and Carmela finally reaches her breaking point, throwing Tony out of the house. Despite Tony's initial resistance, he eventually decides that it is best for his family if he leaves. The scene in the home theater house is considered to be the peak of the series and all the Soprano family business is breathtaking. The story with the lawyer is not as strong, but the raw, brutal episode is wonderful in how it dives into the rot between husband and wife.
The episode was rated 8.15 from 923 votes.
In the episode "All Due Respect" of The Sopranos, Tony faces pressure from his own crew to give up his cousin to Johnny Sack. Tony does some soul-searching on Melfi's couch and eventually takes a course of action. In the meantime, A.J. is proving to be a schemer, while Christopher tells Carmela that he and Adriana have ended their relationship. Tony meets with Johnny Sack to restore peace between Jersey and New York, but the Feds surprise them and Tony flees to safety.
The episode explores themes of love and loyalty, as Tony's crew pressures him to choose between Johnny Sack and his cousin Tony B. Tony S. also questions the extent to which Tony loves him, and Tony B. is forced to confront how much of his affection for Tony is love and how much of it is guilt. Tony and Carmela also address their marriage and its complicated dynamics, as Tony blocks any of Carmela's attempts to escape and Carmela extracts her price in exchange for giving into Tony's wishes. Ultimately, the episode ends with Tony swallowing his feelings and doing what had to be done, but it felt somewhat inevitable and lacked a sense of new territory. Additionally, there was some lighthearted comedy provided by Carmela and Tony's reaction to AJ's potential career in event planning.
The episode was rated 8.18 from 881 votes.
In the episode "Funhouse" of the hit show "The Sopranos," Tony Soprano finds himself battling food poisoning and experiencing a bizarre dream conversation with his late friend, Pussy. When Tony wakes up, his suspicions are heightened, and he starts to question everything around him. Meanwhile, the FBI makes a startling discovery when they catch Tony's mother, Livia, at the airport with incriminating evidence against her son. With Meadow's graduation approaching, the Feds decide to make their move against Tony, leading to a thrilling and unexpected finale.
Fans of the show were left shocked by the death of Pussy, a beloved character whose betrayal had a profound impact on Tony. The dream sequences in this episode were particularly well-executed, giving viewers a glimpse into Tony's subconscious and the inner struggles he faces. Deep down, Tony yearns for a different life, one free from the shadows of his criminal activities. As he grapples with the consequences of his actions and the potential consequences for his family, Tony is forced to confront his own mortality and question the worth of the life he leads.
The emotional depth of "Funhouse" resonated with audiences, making it a favorite among fans. From the poignant moments of self-reflection to the intense action and suspense, this episode showcases the complexity and brilliance of "The Sopranos." As the story unfolds, viewers can't help but be drawn into the intricate web of Tony Soprano's life, eagerly awaiting the next twist and turn.
The episode was rated 8.18 from 1087 votes.
The Knight in White Satin Armor is one of the finest episodes of The Sopranos. Tony is trying to be a good guy by breaking up with his Russian girlfriend and looking after her, even when he's getting frustrated. Carmella is envious of Janice and laments the life she's trapped in with a man who doesn't look at her the way Richie looks at Janice. Janice has transformed from the free spirit she was into a woman adept at manipulating the people in her life. When she shoots Richie, a man who is otherwise fearless, he is genuinely taken aback. Junior sees that Tony can command respect that Richie never will. Tony's scene with his mother is amazing, as the actress and writers have done masterful work in creating Lyvia, who is worse than her pitbull of a son. Pussy's attempt to become a G-man leaves him like Carmella, grasping at something greater and lamenting the position he's stuck in. This episode is full of powerful moments and so much good work on all fronts.
What an episode! So many moments had the viewer at the edge of their seat or gasping at the television. Every arc is balanced perfectly and given its due. The episode soars. This is also the end of Richie Aprile, which speaks to the crazy family Tony has. The Knight in White Satin Armor is an episode that is full of emotion, powerful moments, and fantastic writing.
The episode was rated 8.21 from 1142 votes.
The Sopranos episode "Pine Barrens" follows Tony Soprano as he balances business and family obligations, while Paulie and Christopher find themselves in a deadly pursuit with a Russian in the South Jersey wilderness. Meanwhile, Meadow's relationship with Jackie takes a turn for the worse when she discovers him with another girl.
This episode has been widely praised by viewers and is widely considered one of the best episodes of the series. It perfectly blends comedy and action, and is full of suspense and unexpected twists. It also features a memorable ending, with Paulie's fate at the hands of the Russian left uncertain.
The episode further highlights the conflicting relationships between Tony and his family, and Tony and his business, as he is forced to navigate between the two. It also shows the consequences of Meadow's naivety when her relationship with Jackie takes a wrong turn. Overall, this episode is a gripping, must-watch experience that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll.
The episode was rated 8.21 from 1123 votes.
In the episode Long Term Parking of The Sopranos, the FBI finds new evidence that they use as leverage against Adriana, forcing her to try to persuade Christopher to go into witness protection with her. Tony and Carmela's relationship is further strained as he is hesitant to give up his cousin to Johnny Sack's ultimatum.
With Adriana's death, viewers are left with a heavy heart and an emotion of loss. This episode highlighted the tragic naivety of Adriana, and her inability to see the truth of Christopher's character. Her hope for a better life for them both was ultimately dashed, as she had to face the reality of Christopher and their situation.
The episode was rated 8.31 from 911 votes.
In the latest episode of "The Sopranos," titled "The Blue Comet," Tony Soprano finds himself grappling with the ever-present threat of disloyalty within his crew. Meanwhile, Phil Leotardo, the head of the rival crime family, must make a decision on how to handle the recent issues with the Soprano family. As tensions rise, a hit gone wrong ends up costing more than anyone could have anticipated. On a different front, A.J., Tony's son, faces a new challenge in his battle with depression.
One of the standout moments in this episode is the reappearance of Chris's old sponsor, who seems to be lingering around the Bing and inserting himself into the action. It's a small detail, but it adds an intriguing layer to the storyline. Overall, "The Blue Comet" is an episode packed with plot movement, condensing a lot of action and character development into a single hour. Some viewers may find themselves unsure of what to make of it all.
The episode delves into the dynamics of Tony's therapy sessions with Melfi. While some argue that therapy only enables Tony's behavior, others believe it has prompted him to make small improvements in his life. The sudden shift in Tony's demeanor after a confrontation with Melfi suggests that her influence has had an effect on him, but without consistent reinforcement, he easily reverts to his old ways. This theme of personal growth and the struggle to break free from destructive habits is a recurring motif throughout the series.
On the other hand, "The Blue Comet" also highlights the callousness of these mobsters and their disregard for others. From the random guy who suffers a beating for delivering news to the New York mobsters to the careless actions of those involved in Silvio's assassination, it becomes clear that these characters lack empathy and prioritize their own interests above all else. The episode raises questions about the consequences of their actions and the toll it takes on those around them.
While there are undoubtedly interesting aspects to "The Blue Comet," some viewers may feel that it falls short of expectations. The build-up to the New Jersey/New York war has been a long time coming, but the execution of certain scenes may leave viewers wanting more. The murder of Bobby, for instance, is visually stunning but may come across as gratuitous to some. Additionally, the AJ storyline may feel like it's dragging on for too long. It's possible that the episode's impact is diminished by viewer fatigue, as watching the entire series in a short span of time can lead to exhaustion and less emotional investment in the characters and their world.
Overall, "The Blue Comet" is an episode that offers plenty of tension and thought-provoking moments. It may not fully satisfy everyone's expectations, but it's still worth savoring and discussing.
The episode was rated 8.32 from 841 votes.
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