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 22, 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!
Tony plays both ends against the middle in a construction dispute, while Pussy has a revealing meeting with an FBI agent. Livia becomes suspicious of Janice as she starts to get cozy. Junior is released from jail, but finds himself working on a tight leash under Tony's thumb.
The episode was rated 7.62 from 1245 votes.
Tony begins to establish himself as the acting Don of the Jersey crew, but his world is turned upside down by the return of Big Pussy and his sister Janice. Melfi consults her own therapist, feeling guilty over her refusal to treat Tony. Christopher expands into the world of white-collar crime, but his associates cause trouble when they bring violence into the workplace.
The episode was rated 7.66 from 1308 votes.
Tony, Christopher and Paulie travel to Italy on a business trip. Meanwhile, Carmela ponders her own situation when Pussy's wife starts talking divorce. Pussy takes action against an old friend when he spots him having a conversation with the FBI.
The episode was rated 7.75 from 1201 votes.
Tony's lawyer advises him to act like a civilian for a while, but Tony grows bored by the lifestyle. Melfi uses alcohol to numb herself to Tony's visits. Junior seeks female companionship during his confinement, while Richie disobeys yet another order from Tony.
The episode was rated 7.76 from 1070 votes.
Christopher and Pussy are resentful when Tony sets up a new pecking order in the crew. Christopher tries to relieve stress by taking an acting class for writers, while Pussy gets more talkative with the FBI. Tony shows his new man Furio the ropes by sending him on a collection job. Melfi finally breaks down and tells Tony she'll take him back as a patient.
The episode was rated 7.76 from 1202 votes.
Tony faces a new threat when Jackie's brother Richie Aprile gets out of jail and tries to muscle in on Tony's action. Carmela and Tony try desperately to punish Meadow when she trashes Livia's home during a party. Melfi's guilt over not treating Tony begins to invade her dreams.
The episode was rated 7.78 from 1216 votes.
Tony organizes and runs the executive poker game, but must put the strong-arm on his old high school buddy when he loses big. Richie puts himself at odds with Tony when he causes a disturbance at the game. Meanwhile, Janice starts putting ideas in Richie's head about a power play.
The episode was rated 7.80 from 1166 votes.
Tony begins gathering cash for a possible getaway when he learns of an eyewitness to the Bevilaqua hit. The Feds turn up the pressure on Pussy when they learn of his involvement in the murder. Richie tries to enlist Junior in a move against Tony. Carmela has a romantic encounter with her paperhanger.
The episode was rated 7.83 from 1132 votes.
Tony starts the hunt for Matt and calls on Pussy for a favor. Paulie gets nervous when Christopher brings him a message from beyond. Carmela asks Tony to get a vasectomy, and Melfi starts to regret allowing Tony back on her couch.
The episode was rated 7.84 from 1140 votes.
Christopher dabbles in the Hollywood movie world, while A.J. dabbles in existentialism after he wrecks his mother's car. Pussy wrestles with his conscience as he gets in deeper with the Feds.
The episode was rated 7.86 from 1120 votes.
In the episode "Full Leather Jacket" of the Sopranos, Carmela pressures a friend to write a letter of recommendation for Meadow, while a good will gesture from Richie to Tony falls flat. Matt and Sean, bored with their positions in the organization, decide to ambush Christopher as a favor to Richie. It is interesting to see how Carmela wants to bribe someone for her daughter and how something unexpected happens to Christopher. This episode further develops the story and themes of the show, such as the idea of people trying to do things straight not getting as far as they wanted to, and having to get their hands dirty to get what they want. It also shows the contrast between people who think they are assertive or imposing, only to be shut down by someone else. Finally, Richie's leather jacket is symbolic of the old way of doing things, and Tony's act of giving it to the housecleaner's husband is seen as disrespectful to Richie.
The characters of Richie and Tony's mother are both seen as quite annoying and uninteresting by some viewers. Both are written in a way that makes the audience love to hate them, but this can make the episodes worse. Richie's leather jacket is symbolic of his toughness and the old way of doing things, while Tony is trying to make amends to Beansie and take care of his family. It is clear that everytime Tony thinks he has things under control, there is another complication.
The episode was rated 7.97 from 1158 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.
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