Top 10 Best Thomas & Friends Episodes

Thomas & Friends is a 1984 television series based on The Railway Series books. The series follows a group of anthropomorphic steam locomotives who run a railway on the Island of Sodor.

This list features a mixture of the classic series, the new series, and the CGI series episodes.

The Top Ten

Escape

So, I guess I'll be sharing my opinions on all forty-six episodes on this list, starting with my favorite episode of the whole show. This episode knew just the right characters to use at just the right spots. Oliver and Toad are some really lovable characters, especially in seasons 18 and 19. The music was fantastic, and while they did remove Isabelle, it still worked perfectly.
But by far, the greatest aspect of this episode was the atmosphere. Its dark and epic feeling, which you would most certainly not expect in a show about talking trains, is really what makes this episode so memorable. 98/100

This episode has been known to be my favorite from Season 3!
I like Oliver. He is a great character, and I love how he had many major roles in the classic series!
Edward's Exploit

Aesthetically the best Thomas and Friends episode. The sets combined with the remixed version of Edward's theme create the perfect mood for the episode. From a critical view, with a film background, it is easily one of the best episodes of Thomas and Friends.

I actually read the story version of this before watching the actual episode. Either way, this episode shows that determination is a good answer, and you gotta love the ending where Edward is like, "Really want to insult me NOW?"

I see people call this "the best episode," but honestly, it is fantastic, but it's not really the best, with them toning down how busted Edward is. Anyways, still a fantastic watch. Seventh best.
All At Sea

How was this not on the list? The music and visuals provided the perfect atmosphere for this episode. The final shot at the sunset was the best way to end a VHS.

The best message in the series. Fight me. Eighth best.

Best of season 3 and Duck's best episode. I love how Duck loves the sea.
Granpuff

A beautifully painted tragedy.

I don't know why, but the music playing over the viaduct scenes was so memorable.
Gallant Old Engine

Easily the most awesome moment in the narrow gauge arc. The music goes perfectly with Rheneas's determination and perseverance.

This episode is okay in my opinion. Kinda sad that this marks Duke's last appearance to date.
Thomas and Bertie

This episode is the best episode in all of Thomas's history! The race was brilliant, I loved that windmill shot, and Thomas and Bertie star in an episode together! I just love it whenever they do that!

Ah, the race episode. With that aside, it's still a fantastic episode with my favorite non-rail character (not including humans). Ninth best.

My number for Bertie is 2. My number for Thomas is 1.
Old Iron

Favorite episode ever. The moment where Edward and James are side by side while Edward's inspector hangs, trying to put the rope on James's buffer, combined with Ringo Starr's perfect narration, is the best moment in TTTE history.

It's a classic. James also breaks the fourth wall in this episode. When he says "Late again!" he says it to the camera rather than Edward's face.

Edward's second most awesome moment after Edward's Exploit. Just goes to show old isn't the same as broken.
Toad Stands By

Oliver teaching those trucks a lesson is his most awesome moment!
Thomas and the Special Letter

This episode is very entertaining to watch. It will probably stay my favorite from Season 4 for a very long time!

Funny crash, interesting story, surprising, and it goes from doubtful to hopeful. The whole plot is terrific.

One of my top 5 favorites of the show for feeling like the biggest thing to ever happen in Thomas.
The Flying Kipper

Beautiful tale, similar to a nursery rhyme. The music and visual imagery are more than fantastical. And it's a Thomas episode in which Henry is used to his full potential - something that didn't happen often in the newer seasons.

The best episode featuring Henry ever. It shows that he was never a scared engine, just a tough one - stronger than the others and braver than Thomas. It also shows that he doesn't need any special coal, even though the new series still has this idea.

My second favorite episode with my second favorite character. First on-screen crash (no, the one where Thomas crashes into the snow doesn't count). Amazing.

The Newcomers

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Edward the Very Useful Engine

In this episode, Edward asks Sir Topham Hatt, "But, sir, who will look after the freight cars!". Sir Topham Hatt then says to and tells him and replies, "Duck will do your work!". Then later on, the narrator scripted and said, "But Duck was not happy. The trucks were playing their silly games." You never can tell with freight cars or troublesome trucks/twerps for how they have like a mind of their own in life, like you just can't be certain and never know about them all in life if they are up to no good with like such mischief of like such tomfoolish shenanigans.
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Better Late Than Never

Despite being the worst episode from Seasons 1-4, I would still watch this over any New Era or CGI Era episode any day.

The Contenders

Troublesome Trucks

James' most awesome moment in the classic series. The triumphant theme will be stuck in your head.

James's silliest episode of all time!
Disappearing Diesels
Rusty and the Boulder

"We should have left this part of the island... alone."
Wise move, Mr. Topham, but I have to ask, why did you think it was a good idea to move the boulder back atop a cliff? You didn't even move it that far from the edge!

People hate this because of Disney. Are you guys high? Disney has NOTHING to do with Thomas. This was epic, chilling, and gave me goosebumps!

I love this episode because it is the closest thing Thomas has to referencing a movie.
The Fastest Red Engine on Sodor
A Close Shave

I love this episode so much. My favorite part is when Duck said, "It's too late!" One time, I did a pumpkin project based on the book. I used green paint for the sides, gray paint for the face, black paint for the eyes and mouth, and the number 8. I also used cotton balls for the shaving cream. I came in second place.

Has my favorite character and an amazing crash. It was a childhood favorite of mine, but it isn't as strong as I remember. Still, fourth best.
Thomas Comes to Breakfast

Now just look at what you have done.
Now I need to put this in third place.
Wayward Winston
Bulldog

When I was a kid, the cliff scene was the most suspenseful moment ever. It's amazing how Duke manages to rescue Sir Handel with only a few saucepans.

My god, the models and sets are SLICK! It's good at suspense too (for a kid's show). Fifth best.
Who's Geoffrey
A Scarf for Percy

This episode is amazing! My favorite 3rd season and classic series episode!

"My best trousers too!"
"Yes, sir, please, sir!"

WHOA! There is no way that I should say a word mentioned a few times in this episode. It's just too funny! This needs to be top 5.
Edward the Hero

This was a Sharon Miller episode? Well!
The Sad Story of Henry

Come Out, Henry is also known as The Sad Story Of Henry because it gets even sadder in part 2 than in part 1.

My favorite episode, hands down.
Make Someone Happy
School of Duck
Steam Roller

We need more steam vehicles in this show other than George and Trevor. Steam cars, buses, and wagons maybe.