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's relationship with Gloria heats up when they pay a visit to the Bronx Zoo. A.J. is busted for vandalizing his school, while Christopher gives Adriana the gift of a new nightclub. Jackie Jr. tries to break into his late father's business despite Tony's strong discouragement.
The episode was rated 7.66 from 1019 votes.
Racial tensions flair and Tony suffers another panic attack when he meets Meadow's new boyfriend from college. The FBI finds a new member of the Soprano crew to use as a rat, while another Soprano soldier resorts to violence over garbage routes. Livia's sudden death puts an end to Tony's worries about her testimony against him. Janice returns to participate in her funeral, but all does not go smoothly when the guests start airing their true feelings about Tony's departed mother.
The episode was rated 7.67 from 1110 votes.
Junior undergoes surgery for his cancer, but Tony must step in when Junior's doctor ignores his phone calls. Tension mounts between Paulie and Christopher as Christopher's initiation into made manhood continues. Carmela consults her own therapist, who gives her some hard things to think about.
The episode was rated 7.75 from 1042 votes.
Tony finds himself singing the Christmas blues as the holidays approach. He and Furio retaliate against the Russian who beat Janice. Memories of Big Pussy haunt Tony, Sylvio and Paulie as they try to find a new Santa Claus for the neighborhood children. Tony smacks Jackie around after he catches him cheating on Meadow and carrying a gun.
The episode was rated 7.76 from 1006 votes.
Tony's feud with Ralphie escalates when Ralphie is passed over for promotion. Meadow and Jackie grow closer, while the Soprano crew loses a member in an unexpected fashion. Tony strikes up a relationship with one of Melfi's other patients.
The episode was rated 7.76 from 1057 votes.
While the Soprano family goes about their day-to-day activities, the FBI begins an elaborate operation to bug their home. Tony ponders his options when Patsy starts asking too many questions about his brother's death.
The episode was rated 7.78 from 1157 votes.
Bobby's cancer-ridden father comes out of retirement to do a hit. Meanwhile, Junior is given some unpleasant news about his medical condition. Tony's racism again boils to the surface when he has a run-in with a black cop. Artie explores his feelings for Adriana, while Carmela participates more actively in Tony's therapy.
The episode was rated 7.79 from 1066 votes.
Ralphie gets violent with a Bing dancer when his temper gets the better of him. He and Tony come to blows over it in the parking lot. Meadow and Noah take their relationship to a new level, but things don't stay romantic for long as Meadow's roommate causes problems.
The episode was rated 7.79 from 1060 votes.
Melfi starts to push Tony in his therapy and Tony uncovers some disturbing memories from his childhood that may help explain his panic attacks. Paulie and Christopher clash when Christopher comes up short in his collection envelope. Tony is proud of A.J. when he makes captain of his football team, but Tony soon learns that his panic attacks run in the family.
The episode was rated 7.82 from 1080 votes.
Tony and Carmela quarrel over the prospect of sending A.J. to military school after he is expelled. Ralphie is forced to make a decision about Jackie, while Meadow reflects upon her life as a Soprano.
The episode was rated 7.90 from 1013 votes.
In the episode "Amour Fou" of The Sopranos, Tony finds himself in a difficult situation when Gloria threatens to expose their affair to his family. Despite feeling a certain attraction to her, Tony realizes that her unstable behavior mirrors that of his own mother. While the storyline may have been a bit predictable, the intense scene where Tony confronts Gloria provides a gripping moment that leaves viewers on the edge of their seats.
Meanwhile, Jackie Jr. seeks advice from Ralphie and decides to prove himself by pulling off a daring heist. However, his plans take a tragic turn when blood is spilled. This storyline adds a compelling twist to Jackie Jr.'s character, creating interesting dynamics between him, Tony, and Ralphie. Tony cleverly manipulates the situation to weaken Ralphie, forcing him to make a difficult decision that will have consequences either way.
In addition to the intense moments, Carmela takes an unexpected emotional dive and develops an interest in real estate. This storyline offers some of the best material in the episode, as it explores Carmela's struggle to come to terms with her lifestyle and the source of her wealth. Her conversation with the new priest serves as a turning point, presenting an intriguing contrast between Father Phil and the psychiatrist who advised her against accepting blood money. It will be fascinating to see how Carmela puts her desire to "live on the good side" into action.
Overall, "Amour Fou" delivers tense and gripping moments, with the storyline involving Gloria potentially being the weakest aspect. However, the episode compensates with Jackie Jr.'s ill-fated heist and Carmela's introspection, providing a well-rounded viewing experience. Additionally, the significance of the last scene remains open to interpretation, leaving viewers curious about its deeper meaning.
The episode was rated 7.94 from 1054 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.
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.
Welcome to our community!
We are a community of women who are passionate about our favorite series and want to share that passion with others.
Our mission is to create a space where women can discover new content, connect with like-minded individuals, and engage in meaningful discussions about the series we love.
We believe that everyone should have access to reliable and trustworthy information about their favorite shows, and we strive to be the premier destination for women seeking that information. Whether you're looking for recaps, fan theories, or just want to connect with other fans, we've got you covered.
So join us and be a part of our growing community of series enthusiasts!