Best “The Vampire Diaries” Episodes Ranked By Fan Favourites

The Vampire Diaries has enchanted audiences since it premiered in 2009, continuing to attract new fans even after its conclusion in 2017. Adapted from L. J. Smith’s book series, this supernatural drama captivated viewers over eight seasons with its mix of love triangles, epic battles, and jaw-dropping plot twists. Starring Nina Dobrev as Elena Gilbert, who falls for vampire Stefan Salvatore (Paul Wesley), the show delves into a world of the supernatural, pulling in her friends and family along the way.

With plenty of highs and lows throughout its run, The Vampire Diaries boasts episodes that keep viewers hooked with beloved characters and dynamic duos. While the series deviated from the books, it still earned iconic status. Fans flocked to IMDb to rate the episodes, especially the season finales. Let’s explore the top-rated episodes of The Vampire Diaries, adored by fans the most.

The Vampire Diaries

Release Date: September 10, 2009
Creators: Julie Plec, Kevin Williamson
Seasons: 8

15. “I’m Thinking of You All the While” (Season 6, Episode 22)

Season 6 finale left viewers questioning the future. When Kai (Chris Wood) crashes Jo (Jodi Lyn O’Keefe) and Alaric’s (Matthew Davis) wedding, he wreaks havoc, putting Elena’s life in danger. Kai casts a sleeping spell on Elena, linking her life to Bonnie’s (Kat Graham), meaning Elena will stay in a coma-like state as long as Bonnie lives. This episode sets up Dobrev’s exit from the series.

Bonnie often sacrifices her peace for others, and this time, Elena sacrifices being with her loved ones until Bonnie’s natural death. “I’m Thinking of You All the While” is a tear-jerking episode filled with goodbyes, marking a poignant farewell to Dobrev and Elena.

14. “Rose” (Season 2, Episode 8)

Episode 7 of Season 2 was a crucial setup for the rest of the season. It ends on a cliffhanger with Elena kidnapped and Katherine (Nina Dobrev) trapped in a tomb. In “Rose,” Elena’s value as a human doppelgänger is highlighted as two vampires, Rose (Lauren Cohan) and Trevor (Trent Ford), use her to settle a debt with the original vampire, Elijah (Daniel Gillies). Damon and Stefan race to save her, revealing Damon’s true feelings for Elena before compelling her to forget.

This episode introduces key characters and sets the stage for future conflicts, making it a pivotal moment in the series.

13. “Klaus” (Season 2, Episode 19)

“Klaus” finally puts a face to the name of the most feared vampire, Klaus (Joseph Morgan). Previously seen only through Alaric’s body, Klaus’s backstory with Katherine is explored in this episode. Elena negotiates with Elijah to protect her loved ones, while Damon and Stefan try to keep Klaus away from Jenna (Sara Canning).

Klaus’s introduction adds a new layer of danger, expanding his origin story in later episodes and seasons. Despite his ruthless nature, Morgan’s portrayal of Klaus makes him a fan favorite.

12. “You Made a Choice to Be Good” (Season 8, Episode 11)

The title recalls Season 1, but Stefan’s humanity is absent in this episode. Cade (Wolé Parks) returns to Mystic Falls, demanding 100 evil strangers’ deaths from Damon or Caroline’s death. Meanwhile, Bonnie and Enzo (Michael Malarkey) seek a cure for vampirism, leading to Enzo’s tragic death.

Season 8 may not be the best, but it honors the series’ tradition of unexpected deaths, with Enzo’s demise marking a turning point for Stefan, who is hard to forgive this time.

11. “Home” (Season 5, Episode 22)

In the Season 5 finale, supernatural creatures of Mystic Falls unite against the Travelers, who seek to exterminate them. The Other Side’s instability peaks as deaths are undone by Liv (Penelope Mitchell) and Luke’s (Chris Brochu) resurrection spell.

“Home” features heartbreaking moments and masterful performances, particularly Damon’s farewell to Elena, making it a memorable and emotional episode.

10. “Homecoming” (Season 3, Episode 9)

“Homecoming” keeps viewers on edge with a plan to kill Klaus at a homecoming dance. Katherine impersonates Elena, leading to unexpected twists. Stefan saves Damon, and Klaus faces threats from all sides.

This episode is classic Vampire Diaries with secret alliances and intense drama, although its similarity to “Masquerade” prevents it from ranking higher.

9. “As I Lay Dying” (Season 2, Episode 22)

Season 2 ends with Damon suffering from a werewolf bite, hallucinating and losing his mind. Stefan strikes a deal with Klaus to save Damon, who shares a kiss with Elena. Jeremy’s resurrection teases further consequences as he sees ghosts of his ex-girlfriends.

“As I Lay Dying” is a character-driven episode that sets up an exciting Season 3 with Stefan forced back into his dark ways.

8. “The Return” (Season 2, Episode 1)

Season 2 kicks off with Katherine Pierce causing chaos upon her return. Caroline’s transformation into a vampire and Tyler’s storyline are set in motion. Katherine declares war on the Salvatore brothers, starting the season with intense drama and unexpected twists.

“The Return” raises the stakes and showcases Dobrev’s incredible performance as Katherine, making it one of the best premieres.

7. “The Reckoning” (Season 3, Episode 5)

Klaus returns for revenge, attempting to turn Tyler into a hybrid and threatening Elena’s life. Stefan’s dark turn under Klaus’s influence adds unpredictability. The episode reveals that Elena’s blood is needed for hybrids, altering the supernatural dynamics.

“The Reckoning” changes the game, with Stefan becoming a wild card and Klaus expanding his power, promising an exciting season.

6. “Masquerade” (Season 2, Episode 7)

At a Lockwood mansion masquerade ball, the group plots to kill Katherine. Tyler triggers his werewolf curse, and Katherine is trapped in a tomb. Elena’s kidnapping and Katherine’s teasing add to the suspense.

“Masquerade” is iconic for its twists and developments, particularly Tyler’s werewolf arc and doppelgänger lore, making it a fan favorite.

5. “Graduation” (Season 4, Episode 23)

In this emotional episode, the veil between the living and dead drops on graduation day, bringing back ghosts seeking revenge or closure. The cure for vampirism is used in a face-off between Katherine and Elena. Bonnie’s spell saves Jeremy, but she crosses over to the other side.

“Graduation” is packed with drama, love confessions, and historical lore, setting the stage for an intense Season 5.

4. “The Sun Also Rises” (Season 2, Episode 21)

Klaus completes his ritual, using Jenna as the vampire. Bonnie’s spell saves Elena, but her father dies. Damon reveals his werewolf bite, adding to the tension.

“The Sun Also Rises” delivers an epic and emotional climax to the season, with major character deaths and dramatic twists.

3. “Founder’s Day” (Season 1, Episode 22)

Founder’s Day sets the precedent for future finales. Katherine’s return in a shocking twist, Jeremy’s potential transformation, and the high-pitched device targeting vampires make this episode memorable.

“Founder’s Day” is iconic for its twist ending and cliffhangers, setting a high bar for future finales.

2. “I Was Feeling Epic” (Season 8, Episode 16)

The series finale ties up loose ends and bids farewell to beloved characters. Bonnie faces her final mission, Stefan sacrifices himself, and Damon and Elena find peace together.

“I Was Feeling Epic” successfully concludes the series, offering nostalgia and closure, leaving fans satisfied with the ending.

1. “The Departed” (Season 3, Episode 22)

“The Departed” sees Elena transitioning into a vampire after a car accident. Bonnie’s spell saves the others, and Damon’s first meeting with Elena is revealed in a flashback.

“The Departed” is the highest-rated episode, delivering a powerful and emotional finale that leaves fans eager for the next chapter.

The Vampire Diaries remains one of the most compelling shows of the 2010s, with episodes that keep fans invested through dramatic twists, emotional farewells, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, these episodes highlight the best of what The Vampire Diaries has to offer.