Some shows just stand the tests of time, gaining new audiences all the time, because the lessons and themes are still relevant and so good. Buffy The Vampire Slayer is one of those beloved shows. It centers around a teenaged girl, Buffy Summers, who is the Chosen One, picked to be the slayer of demons and, of course, vampires. Through seven seasons, Buffy and the Scooby Gang worked to keep the Hellmouth closed, creating great TV while they did it.
Based on thousands of reviews on IMDb, here are the best-rated episodes from each season. There are spoilers below, so beware if you haven’t watched the show yet and want to be surprised.
Season 1: “Prophecy Girl”
8.9 rating. It’s no surprise that the finale is the highest-rated episode in its first season. These 12 episodes were the first attempt at this show for Joss Whedon and the cast, after a flopped movie with the same concept. It delivers on showcasing how all the monsters represent typical teenaged problems.
“Prophecy Girl” is definitely the episode with the most emotion, and the most at stake in Season 1 considering Buffy was preparing to die. But she’s a slayer; it takes more than one try to kill her off. An exciting end to the premiere season.
Season 2: “Becoming: Part 2”
9.6 rating. Buffy’s sophomore season was much more dramatic and grew up quite a bit, even though she’s still in high school. Her relationship with Angel becomes more intense, but so does he. After they sleep together for the first time, he loses his soul thanks to the curse on him. He becomes the Big Bad, and in this finale, Buffy is forced to kill him. This final battle wins the season, hands down.
Season 3: Tie!
“Doppelgangland”
9.3 rating. This episode confirms that alternate universes and characters exist in Buffy’s world, and Willow and Anya accidentally summon one to their Sunnydale. It’s no wonder this episode has a high rating because of Alyson Hannigan’s acting. She portrays an evil Willow so well, and “Bored Now” is anything but. Plus the foreshadowing of Willow’s queerness is also a funny moment to notice when looking back. Luckily it’s not the last we see Evil Willow.
“Graduation Day: Part 2”
9.3 rating. It’s a tie for this season, with the final coming in close to “Doppelgangland.” There’s a huge battle at graduation, the Mayor is defeated, and Faith is out for the count. Well, for now, but she’s not gone for good.
Season 4: “Hush”
9.7 rating. “Hush” is probably one of the best Buffy episodes in all seven seasons, and is also one of Sarah Michelle Gellar’s favorites too. There is virtually no dialogue, except for a little bit at the begging and at the end. This is purely all on the actors’ faces and acting abilities that make this an epic episode. And they deliver! On both the hilarious bits, like in the classroom, and in the terrifying moments too. Plus, The Gentlemen could give anyone bad dreams even as an adult.
Season 5: “The Body”
9.7 rating. This is probably the most gut-wrenching episode in the whole series, and Gellar’s acting is award-worthy. Joyce Summers, Buffy’s mom, dies in this episode and while death happens a lot on the Hellmouth, it’s a lot different here. She has such a close relationship with Buffy, of course, so instead of seeing the fearless, confident warrior, audiences watch on as Buffy fumbles through CPR and dealing with the EMTs. She’s vulnerable and helpless, which is almost as horrifying as Joyce’s death.
Season 6: “Once More, with Feeling”
9.8 rating. Season 6 saw a lot of changes for the gang. Buffy died but then was brought back which leads to depression and lack of life for her. Her friends and Dawn are a little on edge with her, and are growing in different directions. And Spike’s strong feelings for Buffy are no longer hidden. This all comes colliding together in the musical episode, which is made even better with the original songs. No wonder over 7,000 people scored this episode so high.
Season 7: “Chosen”
9.3 rating. The last season is a mixed bag for some fans, but it did deliver a really good final and conclusion. Even though Buffy’s friends and potential slayers disrespected her and tossed her out of the house (which got a lot of them killed in the end), she rallied for them and became the leader they needed to close the Hellmouth. It’s bittersweet, but it leaves fans off on a good note with Buffy The Vampire Slayer.
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