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 16, 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!
Shane makes a deadly sacrifice which leads to unusual behavior and self-distancing. The rest of the group tries to hang on somewhere between living to die and dying to live.
The episode was rated 7.73 from 2728 votes.
Secrets are told and secrets are revealed. Hershel refuses to acknowledge the world’s new reality. Andrea comes out of her shell. Everyone is becoming more and more aware that “everything is food for something.”
The episode was rated 7.80 from 2745 votes.
Concerned for their safety, the group makes a plan – one that Hershel disagrees with adamantly. He makes it clear the group is fine to stay for now, but not indefinitely.
The episode was rated 7.97 from 2791 votes.
Rick, Hershel and Glen are trapped and fight to survive; Shane finds Lori in danger.
The episode was rated 7.98 from 2740 votes.
The group desperately awaits Shane's return. Shane finds himself trapped in a school, surrounded by the undead. Daryl and Andrea search for someone in the woods.
The episode was rated 7.99 from 2805 votes.
Rick discovers a possible safe haven. Shane must go on a dangerous mission to get needed medical supplies.
The episode was rated 8.00 from 2894 votes.
Rick and the others try to restore order in the aftermath of a terrible discovery. Hershel takes up an old habit and disappears, Rick and Glenn must follow him into town.
The episode was rated 8.05 from 2817 votes.
Rick and Shane are in conflict over the fate of an outsider; Andrea helps Hershel's daughter face a crucial decision.
The episode was rated 8.07 from 2761 votes.
Rick and the group leave Atlanta and encounter a threat on the highway the likes of which they've never seen. Elsewhere, the group search for a missing person.
The episode was rated 8.08 from 3101 votes.
In the episode "Judge, Jury, Executioner" of The Walking Dead, Rick sides with Shane, causing Dale to worry that the group is losing its humanity. Carl's actions have unintended consequences, and Daryl reveals to Dale that he knows what Shane did to Otis. Dale expresses his opinion that the group is broken, and his ideal will live on through Rick. At the end of the episode, Dale meets a tragic end, leaving fans heartbroken.
The episode was filled with moral dilemmas and heartbreaking moments as viewers watched Dale struggle to keep the group's humanity. Rick was able to stop himself when he saw how it was affecting his son, providing a moment of hope, but ultimately Dale was unable to succeed in his mission. While some fans were heartbroken by the sudden and tragic death, others were not so forgiving and viewed it as a satisfying yet bittersweet ending.
The episode was rated 8.17 from 2783 votes.
In the episode “Better Angels” of The Walking Dead, Rick, Shane, Daryl, and Glenn are determined to keep the group safe when they discover that someone dangerous may be loose near the farm. This episode notably includes the scene in the barn between Rick and Carl, which is even more heartbreaking and moving after having seen the flashback of a certain character’s death. This scene is one of the most satisfying scenes of the show, and it is no wonder why it is so popular among fans.
The episode was rated 8.36 from 2823 votes.
The Walking Dead episode "Pretty Much Dead Already" was one of the show's best. It was filled with intense tension and shocking revelations. Hershel sets a deadline for the group, forcing all secrets to be revealed, and Glenn stands up for himself. Shane takes charge and makes some tough decisions that will shape the rest of the season.
The climax of this episode is truly breathtaking. It's a scene that fans of the show still remember and talk about to this day. Sophia, the daughter of Hershel, has been missing and the group finally finds her. Unfortunately, it's too late and she has turned into a walker. Everyone is devastated and the realization that the zombie apocalypse has become real hits them hard. Even though the scene is heartbreaking, it also serves as a reminder of what the group is up against.
The episode was rated 8.47 from 2884 votes.
In the episode "Beside the Dying Fire", Rick and Carl stumble upon a farm that is in danger. The group quickly becomes split apart in the chaos and Rick's leadership is questioned. Lori and Carol's reactions are brought into question as well, as it appears that they are keeping a secret from them that isn't as big of a deal as it seems.
Rick's leadership is put to the test as he addresses the group and makes clear that it is no longer a democracy, but a Ricktatorship. This is the first time we see Rick take control and become a leader, which is one of the most important aspects of the show. Also, we get to see the introduction of Michone, who will become an integral part of the show.
The episode was rated 8.51 from 2829 votes.
