[PHOTOS] Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Best Episodes Ranked

‘The Wish’ (Season 3, Episode 9)

What would occur if Buffy Summers by no means got here to Sunnydale? Cordelia acquired to see how that want performed out, and like most happenings on the town, it wasn’t a reasonably sight. It certain was entertaining although, watching all hell(mouth) break unfastened. “Bizarro Land” not solely gave us our first glimpse of a vamped and villainous Willow (extra on her later), but additionally launched us to Emma Caulfield’s future fan favourite Anya, a vengeance demon who additionally glided by the title Anyanka. And if all of that wasn’t sufficient for this darker, scarier Sunnydale to make the lower, the freakin’ Master himself was nonetheless alive and able to battle Buffy in one more struggle to the demise, solely this time, Buffy wouldn’t win. Luckily, Wishverse Giles was in a position to save the day and restore the Scoobies’ common timeline, however the many “what ifs” offered right here stayed with us lengthy after Anyanka misplaced her powers.

‘Storyteller’ (Season 7, Episode 16)

Season 7 was rife with prolonged monologues, grating personalities and terrifying ubervamps, so we have been relieved and fascinated by reforming villain Andrew’s completely timed slayer documentary. Andrew chronicled his life inside the Summers family as an try to depart behind a report of the apocalypse for many who really survived it. Handing the mic (err, digicam) to the final remaining trio member broke format in a giant manner. The movie-within-the-show additionally allotted for some massive comedic swings (see the above picture), and gave us additional perception into Andrew’s (and the present’s) distinctive voice. Watching Buffy and a shirtless Spike serve appears in entrance of a roaring wind machine? That actually didn’t suck both.

‘Prophecy Girl’ (Season 1, Episode 12)

The present didn’t totally blossom till Season 2, however we’d be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge Buffy’s first brush with demise when she lastly confronted the collection’ first Big Bad: The Master. We felt her wrestle as a 16-year-old carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders… her concern, her sacrifice, her craving to simply be a child. We couldn’t blame her for being overwhelmed, however watching her discover the power and confidence to beat her best foe to date was riveting and provoking, even when she did kinda die in the course of. But at the very least she did all of it in a killer ‘match!

‘Checkpoint’ (Season 5, Episode 12)

In order to achieve entry to the watchers council’s intel on Glory, Buffy needed to play good and cross a take a look at displaying off her talents. Unsurprisingly, the former was far more troublesome for her to drag off. In this pivotal Season 5 present, not solely did Buff’ have a run-in with the Knights of Byzantium, a army operation searching for to destroy the key, however she harnessed her energy, each bodily and political, and flipped the script on the council who, let’s be severe, was a thorn in her facet for years. The consequence was wowing to look at and a key step towards our slayer calling the pictures and releasing herself from their management. Hooray for Giles being reinstated as Buffy’s official watcher, and a giant “huh?!” to studying that Glory’s really a god. Talk a couple of mic drop!

‘I Only Have Eyes for You’ (Season 2, Episode 19)

Every time we hear that Flamingos traditional, we consider the halls of Sunnydale High. When a tortured spirit haunted the college, Buffy and Angel(us) grew to become pawns in the afterlife of two star-crossed lovers (a male pupil and feminine trainer from the ’50s) whose love affair resulted in a murder-suicide. And the timing couldn’t be worse! Angel (having just lately misplaced his soul) and Buffy replayed the ghosts’ closing moments, which included a passionate argument, a disturbing act of violence and a heartbreaking sluggish dance to cap all of it off. Not solely was it a gut-punch for Buffy who had simply misplaced the love of her life, however seeing BAngel reunited below such false pretenses drove a stake proper via our hearts.

‘Earshot’ (Season 3, Episode 18)

An episode a couple of risk to the Sunnydale pupil physique nonetheless terrifies to at the present time simply because it did again in ’99. When a creepy, mouthless demon bled on Buffy, the slayer acquired telepathic powers. But a highschool filled with hormones isn’t a great place for somebody who can’t shut off her newly gained energy, and in the midst of going mad, she heard somebody make a ghastly risk: “This time tomorrow, I’ll kill you all.” The episode introduced again recurring geek and rifle-holding Jonathan, however in a twist, took a comedic 180: It was really the lunch woman! Even nonetheless, “Earshot” was (and nonetheless is) unsettling. The risk feels actual, the motion’s intense and Buffy being crippled by her affliction made for one gripping watch.

‘Family’ (Season 5, Episode 6)

What is the Scooby gang if not a discovered household of lovable misfits? The present’s solely Tara-centric episode foregrounds this theme, as her evil organic kinfolk — together with visitor star Amy Adams (!) as Cousin Beth —  exhibits up in Sunnydale to pull her again house. It’s a public service, you see, as a result of girls in the Maclay household “have demon in them.” (LIES!) As Spike deduces, that’s simply “a bit of spin to keep the ladies in line.” Tara have to be protected in any respect prices, so in a stirring scene, the Scoobies shut ranks round Willow’s girlfriend and ship the intruders packing. “We are her blood kin,” sputters Evil Maclay Dad. “Who the hell are you?” Buffy responds merely and completely: “We’re family.” That’s what the collection is about in any case… and Tara isn’t the just one with tears in her eyes.

‘Normal Again’ (Season 6, Episode 17)

Another alternate actuality pops up in our Top 20 listing, solely this time, Joyce is alive! Buffy’s tango with the demon-of-the-week uncovered her to a chemical that prompted her to hallucinate that she was really in a psychological hospital. Doctors (and her mother) attempt to persuade her that Sunnydale is only a figment of her creativeness, however issues acquired additional dicey when our hero tied up her buddies proper subsequent to the demon that they had stashed in the basement. The slayer finally determined that her vampire-strewn actuality was the actual deal, however we’ll always remember Buffy’s tearful goodbye to her mother as she sat crumpled on that hospital flooring, or the physician telling a heartbroken Joyce that they misplaced her. Was all the pieces we’ve seen in the final six seasons simply the product of a mentally in poor health younger girl? Was Sunnydale actual? That Twilight Zone-style ending nonetheless chills us to the bone.

‘Who Are You?’ (Season 4, Episode 16)

Buffy the Vampire Slayer at all times delivered unimaginable two-parters, and this Season 4 Faith-centric story was no exception. When Faith lastly awoke from her coma, she stumbled upon a present left to her by her late mentor, the Mayor. The magical doodad known as the Draconian Katra allowed her to modify our bodies with Buffy. Not so good for our slayer, however nice for Sarah Michelle Gellar, who completely shined whereas working amok, totally encapsulating the deranged lunacy of Buffy’s counterpart. Gellar’s performing alone is sufficient to make this one notable, however the episode’s finish struggle between Faith and Buffy was additionally one for the report books.

‘Tabula Rasa’ (Season 6, Episode 8)

Willow, Willow, Willow. She knew girlfriend Tara had misgivings about her magical dabbling, however in an effort to make Buffy neglect about the superb afterlife she skilled after she died (the second time), she by accident erased everybody’s recollections. The episode brings the humorous, with Spike considering Giles is perhaps his dad and Buffy naming herself “Joan.” Watching Anya freak out over her concern of bunnies is at all times a plus, too. “Tabula Rasa” is a riotous affair, that’s, till its unhappy conclusion that noticed Tara lastly leaving Willow. Can’t say Will didn’t have it coming!

‘Doppelgangland’ (Season 3, Episode 16)

As promised, the totally fanged Willow is again to safe one other spot in our Top 20. This time, a magic spell gone incorrect [pretends to be shocked] causes the evil doppelganger from the Wishverse to be transported into Sunnydale correct. Hilarity ensues, particularly when Willow modifications garments together with her villainous self in an try to regulate the vampire’s minion brigade that had taken over the Bronze. Willow additionally notes that she thinks her twin is “kind of gay,” foreshadowing the story to return for the redheaded Scoob. The juxtaposition from Alyson Hannigan’s villainous type to our beloved, cutesy Willow is a deal with to behold. Not solely are each performances memorable, however they bolster one in every of the finest episodes from maybe the collection’ finest season.

‘Passion’ (Season 2, Episode 17)

What a game-changer. After “Passion,” anybody and everybody was expendable. Watching Angelus stalk Jenny Calendar was like watching a cat toy with its prey. As if snapping her neck wasn’t horrendous sufficient, stashing her lifeless physique in Giles’ mattress (and lighting candles all the manner up the stairs, as if he was in for a dalliance) was downright sadistic. We misplaced our minds questioning if anybody would ever discover Jenny’s spell-filled floppy disk (keep in mind these?) that by accident fell in between her desk and submitting cupboard. Edge of your seat motion, relentless horror and story for days. Yes, sure and sure!

‘Fool for Love’ (Season 5, Episode 7)

How did Spike, aka William the Bloody, bag two slayers all by himself? That’s precisely what Buffy wished to know after a sloppy night time of fight practically will get her killed. After bribing him with money, Spike crammed her (and us) in on some essential backstory, together with bits of his life from China’s Boxer Rebellion and Nineteen Seventies New York City. The knowledge he handed on to her: Each slayer has a demise want. A chunk of them needs to expertise demise after inflicting a lot of it. Not solely are the flashbacks glorious on this episode (chock-full of scenes that includes Drusilla, Darla and Angelus), nevertheless it additionally served as the precursor to the polarizing coupling of Spuffy. She went on to humiliate and degrade him, just for him to show round and console her minutes later — a poisonous relationship in the making! In one fell swoop, “Fool for Love” coloured in some canon from the previous, whereas cracking the present’s future huge open.

‘The Prom’ (Season 3, Episode 20)

Proms are such an necessary time in a youngster’s life, however sadly for our hero, it additionally signified her best heartbreak. Knowing that being with him would stunt Buffy’s life ceaselessly (he had a by-product to get to anyway!), Angel broke up with Buffy simply days earlier than the particular dance. So a lot of this episode simply works. The break-up, Xander paying for Cordelia’s gown, the monster of the week — hell-dogs skilled to assault individuals in formal garments (oh, hey Andrew’s brother, Tucker!). Then Buffy’s classmates present her with a Class Protector award? And Angel involves the promenade wearing his best for one final sluggish dance to the most good cowl of “Wild Horses”? It’s an almost good installment of Buffy that we’ll watch many times from now till the (subsequent) apocalypse.

‘Becoming, Part 2’ (Season 2, Episode 22)

Cue the Sarah McLachlan tune! If we have been rating the Big Bads of Buffy, Angelus — and this specific season-ending struggle — would certainly prime the listing. Once Evil Angel put his plan to awaken the demon Acathla into motion, Buffy was left with no alternative: She needed to kill her former lover in an effort to stop the demon from destroying the earth. Never earlier than has a second on this collection been so earned. From Xander not telling Buffy about Willow’s plan to revive Angel’s soul (“Kick his ass”? That bastard!), to Drusilla reworking into Jenny to trick Giles, the writing was so tragic and so fantastically executed. But we by no means fathomed even for a second what was to return. The proven fact that Willow restored Angel’s soul simply seconds earlier than Buffy needed to off him rubbed a lot salt in the emotional wound, it had us counting down the summer season days till Buffy was again on our screens.

‘The Gift’ (Season 5, Episode 22)

Buffy’s second demise was one to behold. After Glory used Dawn’s blood to tear down the partitions between dimensions, Buffy knew what she needed to do. It was her final sacrifice. (After all, demise was her present.) In order to save lots of her sister and the world, Buffy needed to give her life… once more. And discuss a tense finale! Hell actually broke unfastened, as Buffy rushed to save lots of her sister, cementing the proven fact that Dawn wasn’t only a key or a tangible object. She was Buffy’s blood. Bonus factors for the return of the Buffy Bot and Giles being an absolute savage and suffocating Ben! Even regardless of the first slayer’s ominous warnings, the consequence nonetheless caught us totally off-guard.

‘Restless’ (Season 4, Episode 22)

No, we don’t know WTF was up with that cheese man both, however all hail the cheese, we are saying! After taking good care of Big Bad Adam in the penultimate episode, the Scooby gang was haunted by the spirit of the first slayer of their desires. This darkish and twisted episode (which is simply how we like our Buffy) led to some excellent, outlandish and dare we are saying Lynchian turns of occasions. “Restless” was not like something we’d seen on the present. It was daring, mysterious and flew utterly off the rails. Plus, the first slayer’s closing warning — “You think you know, what’s to come, what you are. You haven’t even begun.” — was the good tease for what would transpire in Season 5. Brazen throughout the board.

‘Once More, With Feeling’ (Season 6, Episode 7)

Musical episodes on TV can generally get a bit wonky, however when the solid of Buffy took the stage, we have been cheering for an encore. Nearly each tune on this hour-long masterpiece is an earworm and carried out flawlessly — or at the very least with a lot of enthusiasm — by the solid. The demon Sweet (a bravo efficiency from guest-star Hinton Battle) made all of it make sense, whereas a great deal of Whedon-esque traces made us grin ear to ear (See: “I think this line’s mostly filler,” and “They got the mustard ouuuuuuut!”) Not solely have been all of us up in our emotions every time Amber Benson or Anthony Head sang a single word, however the present saved some enormous reveals for it’s largest episode but: That Buffy was really ripped out of heaven by her buddies. And how about that jaw-dropping closing second that noticed Buffy and Spike lastly lock lips? It’s secure to say that this soundtrack is one we’ve nonetheless acquired on repeat greater than 20 years later.

‘Hush’ (Season 4, Episode 10)

The practically silent “Hush” delivered a combo platter of horror and enjoyable that proved the present is way over simply its snappy dialogue. (Only 17 minutes of speaking might be heard all through its complete 44-minute run!) If this was a listing rating the present’s many creepy-crawlies, the Gentlemen would come out on prime as a few of the present’s coolest and scariest monsters of all time. (They float!) If that wasn’t sufficient to chew on, Willow meets Tara, and Buffy and Riley lastly study one another’s massive secret. It’s progressive, it’s gross (they lower individuals’s hearts out!) and it’s a nightmarish fairy story that solely Buffy may ship.

‘The Body’ (Season 5, Episode 16)

Buffy‘s monsters were always a metaphor for growing pains, but in “The Body,” life’s truest and most inescapable horror is demise itself. And what a devastating blow it was when Buffy got here house to seek out her poor mom Joyce lifeless on the sofa. Joyce’s pure passing rendered Buffy utterly powerless, which is one factor our hero was not accustomed to. With its lengthy silences and even longer takes, the episode totally captured the shock and numbness {that a} beloved one’s demise brings, establishing Sarah Michelle Gellar for her collection’ finest efficiency. (Her being shunned by the Emmys for this episode was a gross oversight.)

But all of the actors had their time to shine right here, as every scene added new layers to the group’s collective grief. Alyson Hannigan’s Willow struggled to seek out the good hospital outfit, worrying excessively about the best way to act round her buddy, whereas Emma Caulfield tore our hearts proper open as Anya was traumatized by the very which means of mortality. The complete hour was a gut-punch that felt so actual and relatable. We’ve all misplaced individuals we love and we’ll proceed to expertise loss as life passes us by. “The Body” was a reminder that nobody, not even an omnipotent slayer or witch, can ever keep away from it or the empty, hole emotions that observe.