Alright, let's talk Supernatural. Fifteen seasons. Over 300 episodes. Trying to pin down the absolute best of Supernatural episodes? Man, that's like picking your favorite child – impossibly hard and guaranteed to start an argument at any fan convention. But hey, that's what forums and late-night Discord chats are for, right? After countless rewatches (seriously, lost count after season 5), heated debates with fellow hunters... I mean, fans, and maybe shedding a tear or twelve, I've wrestled this list into existence. Forget generic rankings. This is about the episodes that truly *landed*, that defined the show, broke our hearts, made us laugh unexpectedly, or just delivered pure, unadulterated monster-hitting fun. Think of this as your roadmap to the essential viewing – the cream of the Winchester crop. Whether you're a newbie wondering where to dive in after hearing the hype, or a seasoned hunter looking to relive the glory days, this breakdown’s for you. We're covering *why* these episodes matter, what makes them tick, and yeah, where to find them now. Let's hit the road.
What Makes a Supernatural Episode Truly "The Best"? It's Not Just Monsters
You can't just throw darts at a board of lore-heavy episodes and call it a day. Finding the real best of Supernatural episodes means looking deeper than just a scary monster-of-the-week (though some classics are exactly that!). It’s about impact. Did it change the game? "Swan Song" (S5E22) did that, wrapping up the epic biblical arc Kripke envisioned. Did it make you feel something *intense*? "Heart" (S2E17) or "Abandon All Hope..." (S5E10) probably broke you. Pure, chaotic fun? "Mystery Spot" (S3E11) or "Changing Channels" (S5E8) have that locked down. Character growth? Look at "What Is and What Should Never Be" (S2E20). And sometimes, it’s just flawless execution of a killer concept, like "Baby" (S11E04), shot almost entirely from the Impala's perspective. It’s this mix – emotion, mythology, character, innovation, and sheer entertainment value – that separates the greats from the merely good. Oh, and fan love counts for a lot too. Some episodes just resonate in a way ratings can't measure.
My Rewatch Confession: I skipped "Bugs" (S1E08) on my last run-through. Yeah, I said it. Even the best shows have stinkers. That one... oof. Let's move on.
The Undisputed Heavyweights: Top 5 Best Supernatural Episodes (According to Fans & Critics)
Let's cut to the chase. These are the episodes that consistently top polls, get quoted endlessly, and are generally considered the pinnacle. If you only watch five, make it these. No arguments. (Okay, maybe *some* arguments, but strong consensus exists!).
| Episode Title & Season/Episode | IMDb Rating | Core Concept / Why It's Iconic | Key Moment / Best Quote | Where to Stream (US) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swan Song (Season 5, Episode 22) | 9.7 | The intended series finale. The culmination of the Apocalypse arc. Sam's ultimate sacrifice. | Dean eating pie in silence. Sam jumping into the cage. "The End." | Netflix, Prime Video |
| Changing Channels (Season 5, Episode 8) | 9.5 | Trickster (Gabriel) traps Sam & Dean in TV parodies (Medical drama, CSI, Japanese game show!). | "The Power of love! AHHH!" (Japanese game show). "Sam... you're a lawyer!" | Netflix, Prime Video |
| The French Mistake (Season 6, Episode 15) | 9.4 | Sam & Dean get thrown into an alternate universe where they are actors "Jared Padalecki" & "Jensen Ackles". | Sneaking onto the "Supernatural" set. "Misha" as Misha. "We're not like them!... Are we?" | Netflix, Prime Video |
| Mystery Spot (Season 3, Episode 11) | 9.4 | Dean dies... over and over. Sam is trapped in a Tuesday time loop courtesy of the Trickster. | Dean's increasingly absurd deaths. "Rise and shine, Sammy!"... Again. | Netflix, Prime Video |
| Baby (Season 11, Episode 4) | 9.3 | An entire episode shot primarily from the perspective *inside* the Impala. | The brothers just talking while driving. The car chase POV. Pure Winchester essence. | Netflix, Prime Video |
Swan Song is just... perfection. It felt like an ending, a real payoff after five seasons of build-up. The weight of it, you know? That final shot of Dean alone still gets me. Changing Channels? Pure genius comedy gold. It shouldn't have worked, bouncing through genres like that, but it absolutely nailed every single parody. Jared and Jensen's comedic timing is seriously underrated. The French Mistake is the ultimate meta episode. It’s hilarious seeing them parody themselves and the whole Hollywood machine. You gotta appreciate the balls it took to do that. Mystery Spot is heartbreaking *and* hilarious. Dean dying on repeat? Dark. Sam slowly losing his mind? Brilliantly acted. And Baby... oh, Baby. It feels like *being* on a hunt with them. Such a unique, intimate look at their world and their bond. It’s a love letter to the car, really.
"Honestly? I think 'Changing Channels' might be my desert island pick. It’s the one I put on when I need a guaranteed laugh, but it still has that emotional gut punch moment with Gabriel revealing himself. Just masterful storytelling wrapped in absurdity."
Genre Masters: Best Episodes by Category
Supernatural was so good because it could switch gears effortlessly. One week horror, next week comedy, then a soul-crushing drama. Here's where the best of Supernatural episodes really shine across different flavors.
Soul-Crushing Drama & Feels
When they wanted to make you cry, they REALLY made you cry.
- What Is and What Should Never Be (S2E20) (IMDb: 9.1): Dean gets a glimpse of a normal life. Haunting and beautiful. That ending... "I'd give anything for that... but I can't."
- Heart (S2E17) (IMDb: 8.9): Sam falls for a werewolf. Brutal ending. "Don't make me do this." Dean's face says it all.
- Abandon All Hope... (S5E10) (IMDb: 9.2): The hunt for the Colt. Ellen and Jo's sacrifice. "We got work to do." Dean barely holding it together.
- Death's Door (S7E10) (IMDb: 9.2): Bobby's final moments, navigating his mind palace. "Idjits." The moment he lets go.
- Do You Believe in Miracles? (S9E23) (IMDb: 9.0): Dean becomes a demon. The Mark of Cain payoff. That final smirk? Chilling.
Heart is the one I sometimes skip on rewatches because it just HURTS. That level of tragic romance, Sam's desperation, Dean having to put down someone Sam loves... it's almost too real. Death's Door is a masterclass in character send-off. Bobby Singer deserved nothing less.
Laugh-Till-You-Cry Comedy & Meta Madness
Nobody did meta and funny quite like early-to-mid seasons Supernatural.
- Tall Tales (S2E15) (IMDb: 8.9): Dean vs Sam's differing accounts. Trickster origin! "Ass Butt!"
- Ghostfacers (S3E13) (IMDb: 8.4): Found footage episode with the annoying (but lovable?) Ghostfacers crew. "We're not gonna die! We're not gonna die!"
- Monster Movie (S4E05) (IMDb: 8.1): Shot in black and white like classic Universal monster films. Pure homage. "Wolfman's got nards?!"
- The Real Ghostbusters (S5E09) (IMDb: 8.5): Sam & Dean attend a Supernatural convention. Meta as hell. Fangirl Becky!
- Scoobynatural (S13E16) (IMDb: 9.1): Animated crossover with SCOOBY-DOO. Need I say more? "Zoinks!"
Tall Tales is where the Trickster truly arrived. The escalating absurdity of their stories is comedy gold. Scoobynatural? I was skeptical. Like, really skeptical. But dang it, it worked! It was pure, joyful fan service done right. Ghostfacers... you either love 'em or hate 'em. I kinda love how annoying they are? It’s a weird charm.
Pure Terror & Monster-of-the-Week Excellence
Before the apocalypses, it was about the scare. Some early eps nailed this.
- Faith (S1E12) (IMDb: 8.5): Dean's life saved by a faith healer? Or something darker? Great early character depth.
- Bloody Mary (S1E05) (IMDb: 8.2): Urban legend brought to chilling life. That mirror scene!
- Nightmare (S1E14) (IMDb: 8.4): Telekinetic kid with a dark secret. Creepy vibes and family drama.
- Croatoan (S2E09) (IMDb: 8.6): Virus turning people into killers. Claustrophobic and tense. Dean's "maybe we should let it happen" moment.
- Family Remains (S4E11) (IMDb: 8.0): Human monsters. Very disturbing. "Where's Mama?"
Bloody Mary genuinely freaked me out when it first aired. Simple premise, classic urban legend, executed perfectly for network TV. Family Remains is divisive because it's not supernatural at all, just pure human horror. It definitely sticks with you, though maybe not for the *best* reasons. Croatoan is fantastic for the moral dilemma it throws at Dean.
Essential Viewing By Season: Finding the Gems
Okay, so maybe you want to watch a whole season, but skip the filler? Or you loved a particular vibe? Let's break down the standout contenders for best of Supernatural episodes season by season. Seasons 1-5 (the Kripke Era) are packed, but gems exist throughout.
| Season | Highlights (Must-Watch Episodes) | Season Peak? (A Fan Opinion) |
|---|---|---|
| Season 1 (Finding Their Feet) | Pilot (E01), Wendigo (E02), Phantom Traveler (E04), Bloody Mary (E05), Faith (E12), Nightmare (E14), Devil's Trap (E22) | Faith (E12). Shows the show's potential beyond the monster formula. |
| Season 2 (Raising the Stakes) | In My Time of Dying (E01), Everybody Loves a Clown (E02), Bloodlust (E03), Tall Tales (E15), Heart (E17), What Is and What Should Never Be (E20), All Hell Breaks Loose Part 1 & 2 (E21-22) | What Is and What Should Never Be (E20). Heartbreaking character study. |
| Season 3 (The Deal & The Trickster) | The Magnificent Seven (E01), Bad Day at Black Rock (E03), Dream a Little Dream of Me (E10), Mystery Spot (E11), Jus in Bello (E12), No Rest for the Wicked (E16) | Mystery Spot (E11). Comedy, tragedy, time loops. Perfection. |
| Season 4 (Angel Warfare) | Lazarus Rising (E01), In the Beginning (E03), Monster Movie (E05), Yellow Fever (E06), Wishful Thinking (E09), After School Special (E13), On the Head of a Pin (E16), The Monster at the End of This Book (E18), Lucifer Rising (E22) | On the Head of a Pin (E16). Alastair breaks Dean. Gut-wrenching. |
| Season 5 (Apocalypse Now) | Sympathy for the Devil (E01), Free to Be You and Me (E03), The End (E04), Changing Channels (E8), Abandon All Hope... (E10), Sam, Interrupted (E11), The Song Remains the Same (E13), Dark Side of the Moon (E16), Hammer of the Gods (E19), Swan Song (E22) | Swan Song (E22). The perfect (intended) ending. |
| Season 6 (Post-Apocalypse) | Exile on Main St. (E01), Live Free or Twihard (E05), Weekend at Bobby's (E08), Appointment in Samarra (E11), The French Mistake (E15), Frontierland (E18), The Man Who Knew Too Much (E22) | The French Mistake (E15). Peak meta humor. |
| Season 7 (Leviathan Blues) | Meet the New Boss (E01), How to Win Friends and Influence Monsters (E07), Death's Door (E10), The Born-Again Identity (E17), Party On, Garth (E18), Reading is Fundamental (E21), Survival of the Fittest (E23) | Death's Door (E10). Bobby's farewell. |
| Season 11 (Amara Rising) | Baby (E04), Thin Lizzie (E06), Just My Imagination (E08), Into the Mystic (E16), Don't Call Me Shurley (E20), Alpha and Omega (E23) | Baby (E04). Unique perspective, brilliant execution. |
| Season 13 (Scooby & Apocalypse World) | Scoobynatural (E16), Funeralia (E10), The Scorpion and the Frog (E15), Beat the Devil (E16), Lebanon (E17), Moriah (E20) | Scoobynatural (E16). Surprising, joyful triumph. |
| Season 15 (The End) | Last Call (E03), Golden Time (E10), Destiny's Child (E12), Gimme Shelter (E16), Inherit the Earth (E20) | Last Call (E03). Great Dean-focused lore episode. |
See that jump from S7 to S11? Yeah, seasons 8, 9, 10, 12, and 14 have moments, absolutely (like "Fan Fiction" in S10), but they also had more uneven stretches or plotlines that dragged for me (the Men of Letters bunker became a bit too comfy, Leviathans felt like a slog). But even in weaker seasons, gems pop up. That’s the thing about this show. But if you’re pressed for time, Seasons 2 through 5? That’s the absolute sweet spot, packed with contenders for best of Supernatural episodes every season.
Hot Take Time: While I appreciate the ambition, I found the British Men of Letters arc (late S12/S13) mostly tedious. Too much telling, not enough showing, and characters I just couldn't bring myself to care much about. It felt like a gear shift that didn't quite mesh. Some cool moments, yeah, but overall a low point for me.
Your Best of Supernatural Episodes FAQ: Answers You're Hunting For
You've got questions, I've probably heard them (and argued about them online). Let's tackle the big ones about finding the best Supernatural episodes.
Q: Where should I start if I'm new to Supernatural?
A: The Pilot (S1E01). Seriously. It establishes Sam, Dean, the Impala, the family business, the loss of John Winchester, and the core mystery of Jessica's death. Starting anywhere else robs you of that foundational character development. Yes, the effects are a bit dated, but the heart is there. Stick with it through the first half of S1 – it finds its groove.
Q: Do I *have* to watch every episode?
A: Absolutely not. Especially once you hit the monster-of-the-week pattern early on. Use lists like this best of Supernatural episodes guide! Focus on the mythology-heavy episodes (season finales/premieres usually) and the standout character/meta/highly-rated ones. Skip "Bugs" (S1E08). Just trust me. Later seasons have more filler too.
Q: What are the most important episodes for the overall story?
A: You need the key mythology builders:
Pilot (S1E01),
Devil's Trap (S1E22),
In My Time of Dying (S2E01),
All Hell Breaks Loose Part 1 & 2 (S2E21-22),
Lazarus Rising (S4E01) - Angels!,
On the Head of a Pin (S4E16),
Lucifer Rising (S4E22),
Sympathy for the Devil (S5E01),
Swan Song (S5E22),
The Man Who Knew Too Much (S6E22),
Meet the New Boss (S7E01),
Survival of the Fittest (S7E23),
We Need To Talk About Kevin (S8E01),
Do You Believe in Miracles? (S9E23),
Brother's Keeper (S10E23),
Alpha and Omega (S11E23),
All Along the Watchtower (S12E23),
Lost & Found (S13E01) / Moriah (S13E23) - Jack's intro/impact,
Lebanon (S14E13) - Major lore return,
Carry On (S15E20) - Series finale.
That covers the major Apocalypse, Leviathan, Demon Dean, Darkness, Jack, Chuck arcs.
Q: Are the later seasons worth watching?
A: It's mixed. S6 & S7 struggle post-Kripke but have gems. S8 & S9 try to reset but are messy. S10 (Demon Dean) starts strong but falters. S11 (The Darkness) is a solid return to form with epic stakes and great moments like "Baby". S12-15 are very hit-or-miss. You get fantastic meta/fun episodes ("Scoobynatural", "Lebanon") but also convoluted plots and character choices that frustrate fans. The series finale is... controversial. Watch the best episodes from later seasons (see tables above), but manage expectations. The magic of S1-5 is hard to recapture consistently.
Q: Where can I stream these best Supernatural episodes?
A: In the US:
- Netflix: Has the ENTIRE series (All 15 seasons). Your best bet.
- Prime Video: Also has all seasons, but often requires purchase or a Paramount+ add-on subscription now.
UK/Canada: Often on Prime Video or local platforms, but check availability.
DVD/Blu-ray: Complete box sets are available.
Q: Which season has the highest concentration of best episodes?
A: Season 5. Hands down. It was designed as the ending, and it shows. Packed with classics: "Sympathy for the Devil," "The End," "Changing Channels," "Abandon All Hope...," "The Song Remains the Same," "Dark Side of the Moon," "Hammer of the Gods," and the masterpiece "Swan Song." It’s a near-perfect run. Season 4 is a close second with its introduction of angels and descent into darkness.
Q: What are the most underrated best Supernatural episodes?
A: Some personal favorites that don't always top lists:
- Dead in the Water (S1E03): Early, atmospheric horror gem.
- Croatoan (S2E09): Tense virus outbreak episode with a moral dilemma.
- A Very Supernatural Christmas (S3E08): Perfect holiday horror with great brother moments.
- The Monster at the End of This Book (S4E18): Introduces Chuck, hilarious and meta.
- Clap Your Hands If You Believe (S6E09): Fairies! Absurd and fun.
- The Girl with the Dungeons and Dragons Tattoo (S7E20): Charlie's intro! Fast-paced and witty.
- Just My Imagination (S11E08): Sully the Zanna is delightful.
Final Thoughts: The Road So Far... and Where to Drive Next
So, there you have it. My take on the best of Supernatural episodes, forged in countless hours of watching, rewatching, and arguing with other fans online. Is this list definitive? Of course not! That's the beauty (and chaos) of fandom. Your personal favorites might differ based on which brother you relate to more, which genre you prefer, or which emotional gut punch landed hardest. Maybe you’re a "Yellow Fever" lover (S4E06 - Dean afraid of everything!) or adore the bleakness of "The End" (S5E04). Perhaps "Fan Fiction" (S10E05) hits you perfectly. That’s cool.
The point is, Supernatural offered an incredible range over its long run. From terrifying early monster hunts to cosmic battles, laugh-out-loud meta romps to tear-jerking sacrifices. Finding the best Supernatural episodes is ultimately a personal journey. Use guides like this as a map, but don’t be afraid to explore the backroads and side alleys of the show's massive catalog. Skip the episodes that drag for you, savor those iconic moments, and maybe shed a tear when Bobby calls the boys "Idjits" one last time.
Carry on, Wayward Son. And happy hunting (for those perfect episodes).