Ranking Every TV Episode That's Almost Perfect on IMDb

There is no such thing as perfection, but many claim there are near-flawless movies and TV shows, such as Breaking Bad. However, after years atop the IMDb rankings, the episode "Ozymandias" is no longer the highest-rated. Now, 14 episodes are tied for the best on the website, all ranking in at 9.9/10.

IMDb isn't a perfect system, but it is entirely decided by the fans, meaning it is the people's collective opinion on what the greatest episodes are. This list will rank those episodes based on writing, directing, acting, legacy, influence, how deserving they are of the spot, overall show quality, and general quality.

14 'Regular Show' (2010–2017)

Season 8, Episode 27 "A Regular Epic Final Battle"

IMDb ratings are in the hands of the fans, and it seems like viewers love cartoons, with a handful of animated entries on this list, starting with Regular Show. The evil clone, Anti-Pops (Robert Englund), threatens to destroy the universe, but the only hope for survival is with Mordecai (J. G. Quintel) and Rigby (William Salyers).

A final episode needs to encapsulate everything good about the show, and that is exactly what "A Regular Epic Final Battle" does. It retains its signature humor while adding a thrilling and satisfying conclusion that wraps up storylines and delivers a grilling fight scene. With plenty of references, it rewards the fans perfectly, making it an iconic and beloved cartoon series.

13 'Game of Thrones' (2011–2019)

Season 6, Episode 10 "The Winds of Winter"

As one of the greatest and most iconic TV shows of all time, fans can expect a few episodes of Game of Thrones on this list, starting with "The Winds of Winter." There are a lot of things going on in this episode, from a major trial in the South to the end of a massive war in the North to the long-awaited journey across the sea.

As opposed to a cooldown episode, "The Winds of Water" ramps the drama up, setting up the epic conclusion for the most ambitious TV show. From rewarding payoffs to clearing the board, this episode was a turning point for Game of Thrones. Who knew the buildup could be so compelling, but this episode was a masterclass of visual storytelling that got everyone excited about the finale.

12 'Legend of the Galactic Heroes' (1988–1997)

Season 3, Episode 28 "The Magician Doesn't Return"

There are a couple of anime series featured, but many probably haven't heard of Legend of the Galactic Heroes. After two new leaders break a longstanding ceasefire, a new galactic war begins. This specific episode takes place after a devastating battle, with one tactician leading the movement for a ceasefire, marking a pivotal moment in the war.

Without spoiling one of the anime's most climactic moments, this episode subverts popular tropes, making it a daring, tragic, and shocking episode. The tension instantly shifts, altering the anime's tone as it takes a different path. Legend of the Galactic Heroes is a masterpiece, and episodes like this prove it.

11 'Gravity Falls' (2012–2016)

Season 2, Episode 21 "Weirdmageddon 4: Somewhere in the Woods"

It's rare for some shows to live out their natural lifespan, but cartoons like Gravity Falls came and went on their own terms. "Weirdmageddon 4" is the final part in the ending arc where Bill Cipher (Alex Hirsch) has everyone in town under his control, meaning the Pine siblings are the only ones to take him down and save the world.

A lot of finales try to create a hype-inducing conclusion that can often feel out of place, but Gravity Falls focuses on the heart of the series. Its meta themes are a timeless message about childhood, and while it was heartbreaking to move on, that is what the show wanted. Gravity Falls is a masterclass of animation and visual creativity, and this episode backs up those claims.

10 'Legend of the Galactic Heroes' (1988–1997)

Season 4, Episode 24 "Dream: To See It to the End"

Out of all the shows on this list, fans probably the least expected Legend of the Galactic Heroes to get multiple entries, but that is just because they likely haven't heard of this masterpiece. It takes place after the events of the final war, with peace finally on the horizon, but it is fragile, ready to shatter at a moment's notice.

While the previous episode serves as the emotional climax of the series, "Dream: To See It to the End" is the ultimate conclusion. After 110 episodes, this conclusion is among the best, wrapping up a masterful series that ranks among the greatest anime of all time. It is emotional, heartfelt, and dramatic, resolves major themes, and plays into the story's motifs, making it a worthy episode for this list.

9 'Six Feet Under' (2001–2005)

Season 5, Episode 12 "Everyone's Waiting"

There are plenty of series finales featured on this list, and one of the most iconic is "Everyone's Waiting" in Six Feet Under. After tragedy strikes, the Fisher family is uncertain about its future, and this episode follows each character's crossroads, choices that will determine that future.

"Everyone's Waiting" is the emotional catharsis fans have been waiting for, giving them a rare feeling of warmth compared to the usual. While the entire episode is a masterpiece, the final six minutes are especially special, featuring a montage of the future that wraps everything up in a neat conclusion.

8 'Game of Thrones' (2011–2019)

Season 6, Episode 9 "Battle of the Bastards"

Later seasons of Game of Thrones aren't the most beloved, but one of the newer masterpieces is "Battle of the Bastards." Pitting two bastard children against each other, Jon Snow (Kit Harington) clashes with House Bolton to save his kid brothers. Meanwhile, Daenerys (Emilia Clarke) deals with a siege on her city.

"Battle of the Bastards" delivers one of the most impressive large-scale battles on screen, creating a gritty, realistic, and claustrophobic spectacle with epic proportions and sheer tenacity. This is a technically impressive episode, with so many moving parts that work together flawlessly. Plus, fans get a satisfying conclusion after it kills one of the most hated characters in Game of Thrones.

7 'BoJack Horseman' (2014–2020)

Season 6, Episode 15 "The View from Halfway Down"

Animation isn't just for kids; there are plenty of mature shows that are popular, including BoJack Horseman. Set in a dreamlike mansion, the titular character runs into people from his past, turning from a nostalgic catch-up into existential dread and creeping despair.

There are a lot of series finales on this list, but "The View from Halfway Down" is the penultimate one for BoJack Horseman. This episode is one of the greatest portrayals of morality on television, as it explores haunting themes of suicide, regret and death. This episode has the emotional resolution, while the finale is the day after conclusion, but this one offers a more raw and compelling experience.

6 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' (2005–2008)

Season 3, Episode 21 "Sozin's Comet, Part 4: Avatar Aang"

One of Nickelodeon's greatest cartoons of all time is Avatar: The Last Airbender, an animated masterpiece that earns a spot on this list with its final episode. The battle between Aang (Zach Tyler Eisen) and the Fire Lord (Mark Hamill) ramps up to a dramatic conclusion, with the fate of the world being decided in this final part.

While Aang vs. the Fire Lord was set up for the entire show, the battle between Zuko (Dante Basco) and Azula (Grey DeLisle) was just as good. This episode is the perfect resolution, remaining thematically sound while offering memorable moments and tying up character arcs. The philosophical consistency also makes this ending one of the reasons why Avatar: The Last Airbender is the greatest cartoon ever.

5 'Mr. Robot' (2015–2019)

Season 4, Episode 7 "407 Proxy Authentication Required"

Now entering the top five, these are some of the greatest episodes ever, and Mr. Robot is in strong contention for first. Fernando (Elliot Villar) takes Elliot (Rami Malek) and his therapist hostage, forcing an impromptu therapy session for Elliot, hoping the two can take over the city together once he realizes their combined power.

Everyone loves a good bottle episode, but none are as good as Mr. Robot's "407 Proxy Authentication Required." This episode completely recontextualizes the series with its shocking twists, transforming this thriller into a study in trauma. It is a psychological masterpiece that is carried by its magnificent reveals and phenomenal performances.