10 Best Supernatural Episodes, Ranked

Supernatural had 327 episodes and 15 seasons by the end of its run, and during that time, there were some lows, and some incredible highs, with a few episodes that outshone the rest of the series. The Winchester brothers traveled and hunted together from 2005 until 2020 as they battled the forces of evil. The stars of the show, Jensen Ackles, and Jared Padalecki started and ended the series together with a wide array of other characters joining them along the way.

When considering the best episodes of Supernatural, there are key moments throughout the series that completely altered the course of the show, or that became definitively great episodes because of a meta approach or a unique directorial style. In a show where the brothers hunt down a new threat every week and have risen from the dead multiple times each, it’s hard to pick just 10 episodes that are the best. However, the following episodes are all spectacular with great stories, unique storytelling, and everything that made Supernatural so great.

All Along The Watchtower
Supernatural Season 12, Episode 23

supernatural all along the watchtower
“All Along The Watchtower” is an incredible episode full of twists and one of the best cliffhangers of the entire series. Sam, Dean, and Mary Winchester work together to try and find Castiel and Kelly who is about to give birth to Lucifer’s son. Crowley shows up and the main crew sets off to find Castiel and Kelly. There’s a rift to an alternate reality where Mary traps herself and Lucifer.

Castiel is stabbed with an angel blade and potentially gone forever. Crowley sacrifices himself to trap Lucifer and when Lucifer’s son is born, Kelly is dead and the newborn son is sitting in the corner of the room as a fully grown man. A whole lot happens in the episode, but it doesn’t feel cramped, with every detail revealing and adding important elements to the larger story.

Lucifer Rising
Supernatural Season 4, Episode 22

Supernatural_Lucifer Rising
Another action-packed episode revolving around the approach of Lucifer, “Lucifer Rising” sees the brothers split as they are divided on how they should stop the impending apocalypse. Sam succumbs to his demon side, and the persuasions of the crossroad demon, Ruby, to hatch a plan to kill Lilith, while Dean works with the angels. Ultimately, both brothers learn about the betrayal of their supposed accomplices, and they come together, but not soon enough. Sam kills Lilith, unwittingly breaking the final seal and freeing Lucifer himself. The episode sees touching moments for the brothers and both hitting extreme lows before revealing the season 4 finale cliffhanger.

Changing Channels
Supernatural Season 5, Episode 8

Changing Channels” sees Sam and Dean face off against their old enemy, the Trickster. The Trickster sends the Winchesters into a world of television game shows, reality TV, and soap dramas which the boys need to play along with in order to break free. This Supernatural episode is hilarious and reveals some important plot developments, with the Trickster revealed to be the angel Gabriel and the brother’s role as vessels for Michael and Lucifer to use in their final battle.

The French Mistake
Supernatural Season 6, Episode 15

Following a similar concept to the previous entry, “The French Mistake” shows Sam and Dean teleported to another reality on the set of a TV show. However, this time, it is a lot more meta as they turn up on the set of Supernatural, a TV show about the brothers and their adventures. In this new reality, everyone refers to them as Jensen and Jared, the actor’s real names, and the episode largely takes place in settings that are normally never in the show. From trailers, to mansions, and studio lots, this episode is a departure from the format, but it’s pulled off in a way that makes it fit the story anyway.

Baby
Supernatural Season 11, Episode 4

Baby” takes a unique approach to telling a Supernatural story, with the entire episode framed from the perspective of the iconic Chevy Impala car belonging to Dean Winchester. The boys go out on a hunt and make some regular stops along the way. Some action takes place with things happening in and around the car, but sometimes, the car is away from the major events playing out off-screen. The unique approach and how well the story ties together and lends itself to capturing the most uncensored and natural moments shared between Sam and Dean make this a very special episode.

The Monster At The End Of This Book
Supernatural Season 4, Episode 18

Image of the book cover for Supernatural
Chuck is introduced to the Supernatural series in “The Monster at The End of This Book,” where Sam and Dean discover a comic series that mirrors their life and adventures. Chuck is later revealed to be God, but at this point in the series, he is revealed only as a prophet. The episode also features an encounter between Sam and Lillith, and the Winchester’s doing what they do best and changing fate. This episode has all the classic elements of a great Supernatural episode and seeing Chuck join the fray is very memorable.

Two Minutes To Midnight
Supernatural Season 5, Episode 21

supernatural two minutes to midnight
Supernatural season 5 really changed the course of the series for its remaining airtime. The show introduced a larger part for Castiel, a massive war between Heaven and Hell on the horizon, and many of the best episodes of the entire series’ run. “Two Minutes to Midnight” manages to follow that pattern by changing the course of the show and setting up some of the most ominous figures yet with the introduction of the four horsemen of the apocalypse, and Death who would continue to appear in Supernatural. The episode sets up a near-perfect season finale and includes several familiar faces.

All Hell Breaks Loose
Supernatural Season 2, Episode 21 & 22

The two-part Supernatural season 2 finale had huge moments, including character deaths, resurrection, and sacrifice. These episodes also serve to put some closure on the antagonist of the Yellow-Eyed Demon who the boys have been chasing since the first season. This is simply a great story, told in two halves. Sam is doubtful of his new demonic abilities but uses them in an all-out brawl set up by Yellow Eyes. However, things go wrong and Sam dies. Dean then makes a deal with a crossroads demon and Sam recovers. The whole finale is incredible and one of the best in the series.

Lazarus Rising
Supernatural Season 4, Episode 1

“Lazarus Rising” opens with a harrowing scene of Dean trying desperately to escape his lengthy punishment in Hell. Realizing how important Dean is to the future and the ensuing battles between angels and demons, Castiel pulls him up out of hell and grants Dean a new shot at life. This is also the first appearance of Castiel in Supernatural, an angel whom the boys eventually grew very close with. The episode does a great job introducing a new set of characters with angels added to the list of supernatural beings and setting up the rest of the season.

Swan Song
Supernatural Season 5, Episode 22

Sam as Lucifer and Dean in Swan Song Supernatural
In the final episode of Supernatural season 5, “Swan Song,” the story reaches another epic conclusion. Sam and Dean are joined by their recently discovered brother, Adam. Sam allows Lucifer to possess his body and battles against Michael, who is occupying Adam’s body. The episode wraps up with Sam jumping into the cage to trap Lucifer, along with himself, and when Michael tries to stop him, Sam drags them both in. Castiel returns, and Chuck’s true identity as potentially being God himself is hinted at. Action-packed and extremely satisfying as it wraps up storylines that had been the primary focus of Supernatural for the previous two seasons.