It’s hard to believe it’s been 15 years since Rick Grimes and his crew first stumbled out of the apocalypse and into our living rooms. Over the years, “The Walking Dead” has given us shocking deaths, unforgettable villains, and moments of sheer terror—and some episodes rise above the rest. From gut-wrenching drama to heart-pounding action, here are the 10 best episodes of “The Walking Dead,” ranked.
10 – “The Grove” (Season 4, Episode 14)
Few episodes of “The Walking Dead” hit as hard as “The Grove,” a gut-wrenching exploration of innocence lost. Carol, Tyreese, and sisters Lizzie and Mika find temporary refuge in an abandoned home, but the fragile balance of childhood and morality shatters when Lizzie’s unstable fascination with walkers leads to a shocking tragedy.
The episode climaxes in a heart-wrenching moral reckoning as Carol makes a devastating choice to protect the living, solidifying her evolution from survivor to hardened protector. Dark, emotional, and unforgettable, “The Grove” is often cited as one of the series’ finest hours.
9 – “Days Gone Bye” (Season 1, Episode 1)
The episode that started it all, “Days Gone Bye,” introduced viewers to Rick Grimes and the terrifying new reality of a world overrun by the undead. From the haunting hospital corridors to Rick’s first encounter with the infamous “Don’t Open, Dead Inside” doors, the pilot set the tone for the series’ blend of horror, human drama, and moral dilemmas.
Frank Darabont’s masterful direction and Andrew Lincoln’s compelling performance made this a cinematic debut for television, instantly immersing audiences in the stakes, fear, and hope of the apocalypse. As the episode that launched a cultural phenomenon, it remains essential viewing for any fan.
8 – “The Day Will Come When You Won’t Be” (Season 7, Episode 1)
This harrowing premiere announced the reign of terror under Negan and the heartbreaking loss of two beloved characters, Abraham and Glenn. From the shocking, merciless use of Lucille to the emotional torment inflicted on Rick and his group, the episode cemented the Saviors as one of the series’ most terrifying forces.
Balancing horror with raw emotional stakes, it showcased the cost of survival in a world where strength, cunning, and courage are tested to the absolute limit. This unforgettable opener is a defining moment in “The Walking Dead,” leaving fans reeling and shaping the series’ tone for seasons to come.
7 – “The Calm Before” (Season 9, Episode 15)
In one of the most shocking and unforgettable episodes of “The Walking Dead,” “The Calm Before” delivers a devastating blow as Alpha and the Whisperers assert their horrifying dominance. The fair at the Kingdom sets the stage for a tense and uneasy truce, only for the night to end in terror with the brutal deaths of Tara, Henry, Enid, and others—displayed on pikes as a grim warning.
The episode masterfully blends suspense, emotional stakes, and the horror of the Whisperers’ cruelty, leaving the communities—and viewers—in shock. Its shocking climax cements “The Calm Before” as a chilling, gut-wrenching exploration of loss, leadership, and the high cost of survival in a ruthless world.
6 – “What Comes After” (Season 9, Episode 5)
In this heart-stopping episode, Rick Grimes faces his most heroic and selfless act yet, leading a massive walker horde away from the communities while confronting the limits of his own endurance. Through a series of intense, near-fatal struggles and lucid visions of past friends, Rick wrestles with his legacy and the cost of protecting the people he loves.
The episode serves as Andrew Lincoln’s poignant send-off, culminating in a daring bridge explosion that seemingly claims his life. Michonne and the community rally to his aid, ensuring his survival. A perfect blend of suspense, emotion, and closure, “What Comes After” stands as a central moment in the series and a testament to Rick’s enduring heroism.
5 – “Killer Within” (Season 3, Episode 4)
“Killer Within” is one of the series’ most devastating episodes, showcasing the high stakes and brutal reality of life in the apocalypse. Inside the prison, the group faces a walker breach that leads to shocking deaths, including T-Dog’s heroic sacrifice and Lori’s tragic death during childbirth.
The episode captures the tension, fear, and moral dilemmas that define “The Walking Dead,” while also highlighting the courage and selflessness of its characters. With unforgettable moments of heroism and heartbreak, “Killer Within” remains a standout chapter in the series’ early years.
4 – “Pretty Much Dead Already” (Season 2, Episode 7)
“Pretty Much Dead Already” delivers one of the most shocking and emotional moments in the series with the death of Sophia Peletier. Tensions come to a head when the group discovers walkers hidden in the Greene family’s barn, forcing a confrontation that tests loyalties, morality, and leadership.
Shane’s unraveling and Rick’s measured approach highlight the series’ recurring struggle between survival instincts and human ethics. The episode’s heartbreaking conclusion, as Carol faces her zombified daughter, cements it as a defining turning point for both the characters and the show itself.
3 – “Too Far Gone” (Season 4, Episode 8)
“Too Far Gone” presents one of the most intense and climactic confrontations in “The Walking Dead” with the long-awaited clash between Rick’s group and The Governor. The episode is marked by devastating deaths, including Hershel and several key prison residents, as the Governor’s relentless assault destroys the sanctuary the survivors had built.
With the prison overrun by both walkers and militia, Rick and Carl are forced to flee, witnessing the ruins of their home and the high cost of survival. Tense, emotional, and unflinching, “Too Far Gone” represents a turning point in the show, blending action, tragedy, and moral conflict in a way that leaves a lasting impact.
2 – “No Sanctuary” (Season 5, Episode 1)
“No Sanctuary” begins the fifth season with intense action and high stakes as Rick’s group struggles to escape Terminus, a community that has resorted to cannibalism. Trapped and outnumbered, they rely on ingenuity and teamwork to overpower their captors, while Carol and Tyreese race to rescue Judith and the others.
The episode balances relentless tension with moments of strategy and bravery, culminating in the group reclaiming their freedom and leaving a stark message behind: no sanctuary remains. Praised for its pace, dark themes, and performances, “No Sanctuary” stands out as a powerful reintroduction to the dangers and moral complexities of the world of “The Walking Dead.”
1 – “No Way Out” (Season 6, Episode 9)
Alexandria faces its deadliest threat yet in “No Way Out,” as a massive walker herd descends on the community. Rick leads his group in desperate attempts to save both residents and his family, while catastrophic losses strike in the form of Jessie Anderson and her children.
Carl suffers a critical injury, testing the courage and resolve of everyone involved. Praised for its tension, character moments, and epic scale, “No Way Out” is widely considered the series’ best episode.
