The Walking Dead, an American post-apocalyptic horror television series created by Frank Darabont, first aired on AMC in 2010. The show follows Sheriff's Deputy Rick Grimes as he wakes up from a coma to find a post-apocalyptic world dominated by flesh-eating zombies. He sets out to find his family and encounters many other survivors along the way. With 12 seasons and countless episodes, it can be difficult to determine the best episodes of The Walking Dead. Therefore, we have ranked the best episodes of The Walking Dead.
From Rick's initial awakening to the epic battle of Alexandria, The Walking Dead has had no shortage of thrilling episodes. Season 3's "Clear" and Season 5's "Conquer" are some of the most memorable episodes of the series. Season 9's "What Comes After" was an emotional finale that left fans in tears, while Season 4's "The Grove" is a fan favorite for its heartbreaking conclusion.
With so many amazing episodes, it can be difficult to choose the best episodes of The Walking Dead. Hopefully, this ranking of the best episodes of The Walking Dead will help you decide which episodes to watch first.
Written by Sophie and last updated on apr 26, 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!
Daryl and Carol investigate the whereabouts of their friends after Pamela disappeared them from the Commonwealth. Unfortunately, their only lead is Hornsby. Meanwhile, Pamela asks Yumiko to prosecute Eugene on behalf of the Commonwealth.
The episode was rated 7.32 from 1065 votes.
Daryl and Negan rush to the Commonwealth to stop Hornsby from going after their families. Pamela deals with protestors demanding justice for Sebastian's crimes. Mercer needs Rosita's help to fight a swarm.
The episode was rated 7.32 from 1222 votes.
Separated from their children, Maggie, Gabriel, and Rosita track a military convoy to a mysterious destination. Ezekiel, Kelly, Negan, and Annie find themselves at a work site. Daryl and Carol follow a train that has taken Connie aboard.
The episode was rated 7.37 from 986 votes.
Hornsby inspects the human carnage piled up at the Riverbend Apartment Complex. He knows it doesn't add up and he's determined to prove it one way or another. Taking things into their own hands, Daryl, Gabriel, Aaron, and Maggie try to stay one step ahead of him. As secrets are revealed, boundaries are pushed and an unexpected new job is offered. Ezekiel, too, has a secret of his own; one he hopes to share with Carol. Hornsby marches Daryl and troops to confront Maggie at Hilltop. Rosita investigates the Miltons.
The episode was rated 7.37 from 1491 votes.
Maggie learns a survival tactic from Negan; Eugene's group clears walkers; Daryl hunts with Leah.
The episode was rated 7.41 from 1743 votes.
Connie and Virgil hide in a house; Pope tests Daryl's loyalty; Kelly searches for Connie.
The episode was rated 7.48 from 1826 votes.
Maggie, Lydia and Elijah help a stranger from another community.
The episode was rated 7.48 from 1531 votes.
Our heroes are trapped in situations beyond their control. Everyone they’ve worked so hard to protect is at risk as danger baits them at every turn. All is at stake. Now, they must decide who and what are worth saving. Each decision comes with its own deadly ramifications. Meanwhile, Eugene and Max’s relationship deepens, but so does the trouble that is brewing inside the Commonwealth.
The episode was rated 7.51 from 1617 votes.
Daryl leads a mission team to scavenge the military base he discovered. Maggie tells her story, prompting a new mission for survival that only Negan can lead. Eugene and his group go through assessment by the Commonwealth's paramilitary police.
The episode was rated 7.54 from 1931 votes.
Ezekiel and Negan team up to lead a clandestine labor revolt against the warden. Aaron, Jerry, Lydia, and Elijah catch up with Luke and Jules fleeing Oceanside. Eugene stands trial with Yumiko as his defense attorney.
The episode was rated 7.54 from 933 votes.
Maggie's mission takes the team through a subway tunnel, challenged by lurking walkers and a recalcitrant Negan. With Eugene's group, Yumiko seeks answers about her brother and demands expedited processing into the Commonwealth.
The episode was rated 7.57 from 1849 votes.
Maggie, Lydia, and Elijah help Aaron and Gabriel on a rescue mission. In the chaos, Negan finds himself watching over Hershel. Sebastian coerces Daryl and Rosita into pulling a heist.
The episode was rated 7.58 from 1512 votes.
The Reapers defend Meridian from a herd; Alexandrians protect themselves from walkers in a storm.
The episode was rated 7.60 from 1783 votes.
Hellfire rains down on those at Meridian as every fight with the Reapers proves to be a brutal battle. At home in Alexandria, the violent rainstorm rages on as walkers continue to pour in, threatening everyone’s safety, including Judith and Gracie.
The episode was rated 7.64 from 1694 votes.
The Alexandrians and the prisoners head back to the Commonwealth to confront Pamela Milton. Meanwhile, a swarm approaches the city.
The episode was rated 7.72 from 836 votes.
