Top 10 Best The Walking Dead Episodes

The Walking Dead isn't just another zombie show. Sure, it has plenty of undead face-munchers and creatively gruesome takedowns, but what really keeps you coming back are the moments that hit you square in the gut. You've watched favorite characters rise, fall, sometimes return from the brink, and occasionally get their heads smashed in with a barbed-wire baseball bat. You've felt your heart race during chaotic standoffs and then break into a million pieces when someone you loved didn't make it out alive.

This list is where fans come to sort through the chaos, the heartbreak, and the pure adrenaline to decide which episodes stand above the rest. These are the ones that left you staring at the credits in silence, questioning everything. The ones that made you cheer, scream, cry, or maybe all three within a single scene. Everyone has that one episode they'll argue about until the walkers come home, and here is your chance to back it up.

The Top Ten

Too Far Gone

The Governor launches an assault on the prison, leading to a deadly confrontation with Rick's group. The prison is destroyed and survivors are scattered.

Out of the whole Walking Dead series, this episode was the best. The amount of emotion and action in this episode was intense. It forever changed The Walking Dead story.
However, Season 4 as a whole was not the best. Seasons 1, 2, and 5 were excellent, while Seasons 3 and 4 were bad overall. Season 5 was good, Season 6 was a bit better than 3 and 4, and Season 7 was bad, slightly better than 6, 4, and 3.
I still say that Showrunner Scott Gimple did a good job in some episodes from Seasons 4-7 that were really engaging, such as Too Far Gone, A, No Sanctuary, Always Accountable, JSS, No Way Out, No Tomorrow, Same Boat, Twice as Far, The Day Will Come When You Won't Be (good but in a way that hurt the show), Go Getters, Sing Me a Song, Heart Still Beating, S7 Ep 9, S7 Ep 11, and S7 Ep 13-16.
My point is that the show has a couple of excellent episodes, but others drop in quality. Seasons should have excellent quality all the way through and make every episode count, so they do not waste too much of the fans' time and patience. So far, as of Season 3 Episode 5 for FTWD, Fear the Walking Dead is a little better than The Walking Dead to me.
Beside the Dying Fire

Walkers breach the farm, forcing Rick's group to flee and regroup on the road. The episode ends with the group deciding to stick together and revealing a nearby prison.

To me, this is the 9th best episode. The farm incident was cool, and it really had the quality of a season finale in many ways.
As a general statement for Season 2, I think they killed off too many characters. I don't necessarily think that always killing main characters makes the season better, especially this early in the series. Two characters I would have kept alive this season are Shane and Jimmy, Beth's lover. They did not deserve to die this early.
Sophia's death scene was great. It teaches you the lesson that you don't leave people behind. Dale's death was powerful, teaching Carl a lesson about being smarter and the group a lesson about their humanity. Patricia was alright because I saw no use in her. Those are enough fatalities in Rick's group.
For the penultimate episode, they should not have had the woods scene. Instead, they could have had the walkers come to the farm by seeing the lights on, so Randall would live longer and actually say to Rick, I will help you, and earn his trust.
No Way Out

Alexandria is overrun by walkers as Rick's group attempts to lead residents through the horde. A chaotic battle ensues, resulting in major losses and the community coming together to fight back.

This episode is pretty much perfectly done, with a great beginning (Daryl and his rocket launcher), a gruesome and solid middle (the deaths and Carl's eye), and an insightful ending. This episode is, to me, the second-best one yet because of all the action.
One thing I would've changed was Jessie's demise. She died far too early. I would've liked her love story better than Richonne. I wouldn't have minded if she had stayed around to get a more powerful death, like from Negan's Lucille. Of course, if that had happened, there would've needed to be a second major death, since she wouldn't work well on her own. Maybe Glenn or Michonne would have joined her.
I don't know. She had so much potential, and a death like that would've really traumatized Rick, especially with more time for their relationship. I wouldn't have even minded if she had lived past that point.
Killer Within

A saboteur lets walkers into the prison, causing chaos and the deaths of key characters. Rick struggles with grief as the group reels from the losses.

The one where walkers invade the prison, and Lori dies giving birth to her baby.

The one where walkers attack and kill T-Dog, and Lori dies giving birth.

Only good because Lori died. I kinda liked T-Dog.
Days Gone Bye

Rick Grimes wakes from a coma in an abandoned hospital and discovers a world overrun by the undead. He travels to Atlanta in search of his family.

"Days Gone Bye" is still the best episode of the entire series. The way it was filmed and directed, the pacing, and the scale make me feel like I'm watching a movie instead of a TV drama. I guess it has to do with Frank Darabont directing it.
Other episodes I like are those with scenes of Rick going crazy, like biting the man's throat, hacking Gareth in a church with a machete, hacking the inmate in the prison, breaking down after learning of Lori's death and hacking walkers in a rage, talking to dead Lori over the phone, hitting the cop with a car after he refused to stop running, and scenes where Rick got to say the most epic lines of the series like "We are the walking dead," "They are screwing with the wrong people," and his promise to Gareth to kill him with the machete even when his team was captured.
No Sanctuary

Rick and his group are held captive at Terminus but manage to escape through a violent revolt. Carol reunites with the group after launching an attack on the compound.

Although this episode is relatively new, and thus more people will remember and have seen it, you can't deny that it's incredibly intense.
The scene where Rick, Bob, Glenn, and Daryl are at the trough awaiting their deaths, and the over-the-shoulder view of Glenn watching the blood trickle toward the plug hole... Damn. I'm not usually one to feel queasy, but holy hell, that made me pause for a moment to recover.
This episode also reinforces that while most of the human population has become walkers/biters/ahem zombies, the main threat remains other humans - those evil creatures we call humans. This was something I never quite understood about the Governor.
This Sorrowful Life

Merle acts alone in an attempt to kill the Governor, leading to his own death. Daryl discovers Merle's fate and kills his reanimated brother.

To me, this is the 7th best episode. I love the suicidal, reckless Merle in this episode. It's so sad he died. He was killed off way too early, in my opinion. He deserved to live for a very long time. If that zombie had not revealed his position, he could have escaped after killing the rest of the Governor's men. I believe he would be alive up to the present, Season 7 or beyond.
He would probably be a huge fan favorite right now, as he is so badass and would be a valuable soldier in the All-Out War storyline. I wonder if Kirkman looked back at the show and thought one of his greatest regrets was killing Merle off so soon. Still, a very excellent episode.
The Grove

Carol and Tyreese stay at a secluded house with Lizzie and Mika, where Lizzie's instability becomes dangerous. Carol is forced to make a devastating decision to protect others.

I feel like this episode showed the absolute limit Carol would have to go to keep Tyreese, Judith, and herself alive. She still has her humanity intact, as shown when she lifted that gun and knew there was no going back, tears running down her cheeks.
I don't understand how Rick would find her a danger since all she ever does is what Rick cannot, which is killing humans in order to save others. A gripping episode that kept you interested, with a devastating end to the characters of Lizzie and Mika. Easily one of my top episodes!

Redemption through atonement. It was suitable penance for the indiscretions that landed her on the outs with Rick and the others. Carol learned she couldn't fix things and couldn't protect herself from the harsh world she was living in.
She goes on to experience turmoil and triumph, but I believe this episode is when she realized she could neither control nor avoid the world around her.
Pretty Much Dead Already

The group discovers that Hershel has been keeping walkers in his barn, including Sophia. Shane opens the barn, leading to the walkers being gunned down.

This was so heart-wrenching, finding Sophia. It is so weird because how was she bitten, and when? It seems to me she was bitten, ran off, hid somewhere, and died. Otis then somehow found her and put her in the barn.
I also wonder, and this would be horrible, if Otis placed her in the barn alive since she was wandering alone. That would be horrible.

12th best episode to me. It shows how brutal the Walking Dead world truly is. No one is safe, not even children protected by their parents. Mind-blowing to see that Sophia was in the barn, but yet somewhat predictable that she died, looking at Shane's view about her.
The Day Will Come When You Won't Be

Negan chooses his victims after capturing Rick's group, resulting in the deaths of Abraham and Glenn. Rick is pushed to the brink as Negan asserts control.

While it is definitely the most gut-wrenching episode in TWD and TV history in general, it is still a visual and suspenseful masterpiece that might never be topped, EVER. It was perhaps the end of TWD in many ways for the majority of viewers, but for die-hard fans, it is an emotional rollercoaster and keeps viewers disturbed and on the edge of their seats.
The episode delivers from season 6's huge cliffhanger and much more. Despite the overwhelming sadness, it is still the best episode ever.

Brilliantly done, and showed the very lowest our gang can possibly get. Andrew Lincoln was fabulous in it, and the piece of music at the end, with Maggie standing there while you heard Negan's voice talking about the Sunday lunch thing... in floods.

The Newcomers

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The Calm Before

The fair at the Kingdom is interrupted when Alpha captures and executes several members of the communities. Their heads are displayed on pikes as a territorial boundary.

Best episode. If I can sum it up, I would say it's like the Red Wedding but not much worse than that. It made me shed tears seeing the deaths of Tara, Enid, Henry, and all those other civilians on the pikes. The episode was paced brilliantly and shows what things Alpha and the Whisperers are capable of.

Left me speechless. The best scene in the entirety of the show's lifetime. Even without THAT scene, the rest of the episode had a brilliant pace, atmosphere, dialogue, etc. Just fantastic.

This would easily be top 10 for sure.
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What Comes After

Rick is gravely injured and sacrifices himself to blow up a bridge, diverting walkers. He survives and is taken away by helicopter while the story jumps ahead in time.

This episode is so well-written it should be higher on this list.

This is the most well-done episode, along with "The Day Will Come When You Won't Be," "No Way Out," and "Too Far Gone."
What Comes After is maybe the best of them all.

The Contenders

Better Angels

Rick confronts Shane about his actions, resulting in Rick killing him. Shane reanimates, forcing Carl to shoot him.

No, I disagree. Shane was out of control. He wanted Rick's wife. Just like Rick said, Shane acted as if Rick was in the way. I get they were best friends, which was so obvious and funny when Shane tried to carry Rick from the hospital bed, but Shane was very insensitive from the start. He wanted to kill Randall, leave the crew in Atlanta, and forgo the search for Sophia. Heartless.

Shane's death was well done. Most built-up moment in the entire show.

Rick killed Shane. Surprised the crap out of me.
Conquer

Rick faces judgment in Alexandria while Daryl and Aaron encounter the Wolves. The episode ends with Rick executing a resident, earning tentative approval from Deanna.

What is this doing down at 16? This has to be in the top 3! Best 3 episodes: Too Far Gone, Conquer, The Day Will Come When You Won't Be.

Amazing season finale. Should be top 10 at least.

How is this not higher? This is top 15 at LEAST.
A

Rick, Carl, and Michonne are captured by the residents of Terminus after a brutal fight in the woods. The group is reunited in a train car, realizing they have walked into a trap.

10th best episode to me. Excellent on Rick and the group traveling, finding Daryl, and Rick biting Joe's neck. The brutality is a strong component in this and near the end where Rick and the gang open fire on the Terminus gang.

In my opinion, Season 4 was the worst season. With the exception of a few episodes, it was pretty boring. But I think this episode was among the best of Season 4 and gave it a good rating.

I think this, Clear, and Days Gone Bye are three of my favorite television episodes of all time. But "A" is The Walking Dead at its best. Better than all of season 2 combined.
TS-19

The group visits the CDC and learns more about the outbreak from Dr. Jenner. As the facility self-destructs, they escape and continue their search for safety.

I loved learning about the dead, how France is our last hope, and most importantly, Dr. Jenner. What pisses me off most about the series is how everyone seems to ignore what happened in this episode, which is definitely the most important secret the group learned. In my opinion, the only way The Walking Dead can be saved is if they learn about a possible cure instead of facing off against another human bad guy.

Nothing beats the sad, conflicted character, Dr. Edwin Jenner (Noah Emmerich).

This is the 13th best episode to me. It was great to learn about the status of the CDCs around the world and that France may very well be the last hope. Also, the scene about Shane at the hospital was excellent.
I do admit, though, that Doctor Jenner should have lived longer. Additionally, it is worth noting that Jenner had an automatic assault rifle in this episode. It would have been cool to see Rick grab those weapons before they left. However, given the time they had to leave the lab before it exploded, they would not have made it in time. But I am pretty sure that there was an assault rifle close to the computers when you look closely at Jenner in the episode.
Internment

Hershel struggles to treat a deadly illness spreading in the prison as infected individuals turn. Rick returns with supplies while walkers breach the fence.

To me, this is in the top three along with when Lori dies giving birth and when Shane is killed by Rick and Carl. Not only did this episode show huge character development, with Hershel killing the walkers and then giving up his hope with God closer to the end, but it also brought back one of the biggest TV villains (the Governor).
Most importantly, it reincarnated the fear of walkers. Before, they were just a distraction to the people.

This episode was just filled with constant action and badass moments.
Guts

Rick teams up with a group of survivors trapped in a department store surrounded by walkers. They escape by covering themselves in walker guts to reach a construction truck and drive out of the city. This episode marks the first appearance of several major characters, including Glenn Rhee, Andrea, and Merle Dixon.

The one where we first see Glenn and they handcuff Merle to the roof of the building.
Last Day on Earth

Rick's group escorts Maggie to the Hilltop for medical help but is intercepted by the Saviors. Negan makes his first appearance and selects a victim for execution.

Why does everyone hate the cliffhanger? I thought it was really smart. It makes a great discussion topic over the summer and keeps people guessing, so people get even more pumped for the Season 7 premiere.
I mean, the episode could've been a little more well done because most of it was just them driving around, but the final scene with Negan was probably one of my favorite scenes in TV history. If there was a list of TV scenes that kept me on the edge of my seat most, this would definitely be number one.

The epitome of TWD. Be kind to each other. Remember Maggie reminding Hershel that he taught her from the Bible to love one another. In the end, love is what matters most. Love of family, being together through the best and worst that the (apocalyptic) world has left. Make every little gesture matter, and sacrifice for the same reasons.
Whether it's appreciated later on, all groups with the same "code" will flourish. The bond can't be broken, and this episode shows all of those qualities in various characters.
What Lies Ahead

The group leaves Atlanta but is separated after a highway walker swarm and Sophia goes missing. Rick and Shane clash over leadership while searching for the girl.

The one where Sophia goes missing and Carl gets shot.
Clear

Rick, Carl, and Michonne return to Rick's hometown and find Morgan in a mentally unstable state. They gather supplies and leave Morgan behind to continue his own path.

Morgan's return was scripted perfectly. He said some very sad stuff, and his story is heartbreaking. He gave us some memories of the first episode. It was nice to finally see Morgan and Rick's reaction to finding him. I was hoping he would join Rick's group. This is also the episode where we see just how much Carl has changed. He is becoming more independent and dark. He wanted to go in the cafe by himself and shot Morgan when he was attacking Rick. This episode deserves to be number one!

There's an insane amount of emotion in this one. You finally get to see Morgan again, and his stories just kill you inside. You also get to see some feelings from Michonne finally. This should at least be in the top five.
Welcome to the Tombs

The Governor attacks the prison but retreats after most of his men are killed or flee. Andrea dies after being bitten, and survivors from Woodbury join the prison group.

The humanity in all of its sadness made this an episode to remember.
Thank You

During a mission to redirect walkers, Glenn and Nicholas are trapped and overrun. The group suffers casualties while trying to regroup and return to Alexandria.

Amazing episode full of death, danger around every corner, walkers everywhere, and even a touching mini-story of an Alexandrian that was shared with Glenn. Not to mention the show's closest call to a death ever with Glenn and the dumpster!
Home

Rick has hallucinations of Lori as the Governor plans a retaliatory strike. Daryl and Merle reunite with the group during an attack on the prison.

The one where the Governor attacks the prison.

The best feeling - when they all arrive to defend against the Governor.
Four Walls and a Roof

The episode was written beautifully, and it left a lot of people asking questions by the end. We see a large demonstration of Rick's darker side, and we also see the Terminus Massacre.

Rick and Sasha acted as King and Queen of cannibal slaying in this one!
JSS

Enid's backstory is revealed while the Wolves launch a surprise attack on Alexandria. Carol leads a defense against the attackers in the community's absence.

To me, this is the 6th best episode. I love the brutal massacre of the Wolves. Carol, Carl, and Enid's character development is amazing, showing how Carl truly cares for and loves Enid deep in his heart. There's nothing I'd change about this episode.
And might I add, if Chandler Riggs and Katelyn Nacon are reading this, I think you two are amazing and brilliant actors.

This is not only an action-packed, badass episode, it's also the well-handled introduction of the lovely Dr. Denise. Her struggles are relatable, and Merritt Wever's acting is superb!
Seed

The group takes control of a prison to use as a safe haven and begins clearing it of walkers. Hershel is bitten and his leg is amputated in an effort to save him.

Taking that prison, chopping off Hershel's leg, the best zombie kill when Rick pulls off the security guard walker's mask, peeling off its face...AND we get Emily Kinney singing "The Parting Glass"... Now if this ain't the best episode, I don't know anything.
It sure as hell deserves a better position than it's currently in (17). Upvote, please!

This episode has everything, that's why it totally has my vote!

The best episode ever on this show, period!