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 24, 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 aftermath of an overwhelming loss, the communities must brave a ferocious blizzard; as one group deals with an enemy from within, another is forced to make a life or death decision.
The episode was rated 7.31 from 3413 votes.
Carol seeks out an old friend living alone in a wilderness teeming with walkers; survivors make the perilous trek to a new home.
The episode was rated 7.38 from 3538 votes.
An outsider's arrival forces Alexandria to rehash devastating old wounds; eye-opening secrets from the past are revealed.
The episode was rated 7.41 from 3298 votes.
The communities join forces to restore a bridge that will facilitate communication and trade; someone is gravely injured at the construction site.
The episode was rated 7.42 from 3904 votes.
Rick's vision of a civilized future is threatened by a sudden reckoning with past sins that remain unavenged and unforgiven.
The episode was rated 7.46 from 3716 votes.
The savage group led by Alpha confronts the Hilltop in a harrowing attempt to retrieve her daughter; a supply run for the Kingdom turns into a dangerous quest.
The episode was rated 7.46 from 3323 votes.
A new arrival at the Hilltop opens up about the leader of a group of mask-wearing savages. A search party sets out on a daring mission to find two missing friends.
The episode was rated 7.47 from 3343 votes.
While one community struggles to ease tensions that threaten to divide from within, the true nature of another group comes into focus; a mission to rescue a friend has deadly consequences.
The episode was rated 7.48 from 3282 votes.
Rick's vision for the future is threatened by a mysterious disappearance that divides the work camp where the communities are building a bridge.
The episode was rated 7.50 from 3816 votes.
The group unmasks a disturbing and dangerous new threat. An escaped captive revisits his past.
The episode was rated 7.55 from 3437 votes.
Daryl's daring rescue mission forces Alpha to unleash a group of her own to retrieve what belongs to her, even if the price is paid in blood; the Kingdom's plans to reunite the communities are put in jeopardy.
The episode was rated 7.55 from 3301 votes.
The Survivors encounter unfamiliar faces outside the safety of their community's walls and must decide whether or not this new group can be trusted.
The episode was rated 7.59 from 3749 votes.
Rick is forced to face the past as he struggles to maintain the safety of the communities and protect the future he and Carl envisioned.
The episode was rated 7.95 from 3908 votes.
A small rescue mission braves a dangerous herd in their hunt for a missing comrade, only to discover a surprising threat that could doom them all.
The episode was rated 7.97 from 3710 votes.
The fair at the Kingdom is underway, with all four communities coming together in celebration for the first time in years, while some pacts are renewed, other deals will come at a much steeper price.
The episode was rated 8.07 from 3570 votes.
