supernatural all time travel episodes

Screen Rant

Supernatural: 9 time travel episodes, ranked worst to best.

Your changes have been saved

Email Is sent

Please verify your email address.

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

Jensen Ackles' New TV Show Is A Great Supernatural Replacement While Waiting For A Revival

1 fallout easter egg may explain the reason for the show's new vegas twist, grey's anatomy told you why schmitt's season 20 specialty choice is wrong 19 years ago.

As Supernatural is coming to a close, fans will look back at the 15-year journey taken by Sam and Dean Winchesters. While fighting monsters and demons, Sam and Dean also embarked on some time-traveling in these past 15 seasons.

RELATED:  Supernatural: 10 Best Seasons According To Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score

While both Sam and Dean have experiences with time-traveling, records show that Dean has the most experience with it. Regardless, both brothers came across new information and periodical wisdom through their time-traveling adventures. While some of the time-traveling episodes were comic-relief for the brothers' stories, several of the time-traveling episodes have some sentimental value to the brothers, especially when seeing their family.

My Heart Will Go On (2011)

In season 6, episode 17, "My Heart Will Go On," Balthazar goes back in time to stop the tragic sinking of the Titanic. He does this simply because he hated the song from the 1997 movie  Titanic . However, the change in timeline leads to a ripple effect and leads to the unfortunate deaths of the Titanic passenger's descendants. However, when Sam and Dean's lives are at risk, they take matters into their hands.

This episode may have the least amount of time-travel shown on-screen and may be considered as more of an alternate timeline than time-traveling. Nevertheless, this time-related episode does have its sentimental and funny moments. "My Heart Will Go On" even had a brief appearance of the Harvelles that allowed fans to see their favorite female characters in  Supernatural .

The Vessel (2016)

Lucifer, who possessed Castiel's body, helps the Winchesters to find a weapon that is needed to defeat Amara. They realize that the Hand of God may be the best option, but it has not been seen since 1944. Both Lucifer and Dean go back to 1944 to find the weapon and stop Amara once and for all.

Though this time-traveling episode is not as humorous or as sentimental as some of the other time-traveling episodes, it does have its emotional moments due to the already tragic ending set to happen on the USS Bluefin. The accepted fate by Delphine and her crew left viewers saddened regarding the consequences of war.

Time After Time (2012)

In season 7, episode 12, "Time After Time," the brothers come across the God of Time. Unfortunately, Dean travels back to 1944 but not without meeting America's most notorious agent, Eliot Ness. In the present world, Sam gets Jody's help to bring his brother back.

RELATED:  Supernatural: 5 Best Battles (& 5 Worst)

Though this episode was a filler episode, most fans will find that this episode was fun and hilarious, particularly with the pop culture references to mobster movies. However, it was Dean's love for the crime film,  The Untouchables , that left him fanboying through the episode. However, he soon realizes that the movies do not always mimic real-life events.

Frontierland (2011)

When they need answers to stop Eve and the Leviathans, the Winchesters realized that they need to meet the colt maker, Samuel Colt. This meant that the brothers were going back to the Old West in 1861.

Between the brothers, it was Dean who had the time of his life due to his fascination for Western movies and his opportunity to see the Old West. While season 6, episode 18, "Frontierland," had its fun moments, the episode also provided more answers about the colt that was used in previous seasons and even had paradoxical moments that would impact the brother's eventual future.

As Time Goes By (2013)

Given that Sam and Dean have at least met their mother's side of the family, they knew little about their father's side. All they knew was that Henry Winchester had left his family when John was a kid and never saw his father again. However, the full story comes into play with season 8, episode 12, "As Time Goes By."

Contrary to their father's story, Henry Winchester actually time-traveled to the year 2013 in hopes of seeing his son. Instead, he meets his grandsons and learns about everything that happened to John since Henry's disappearance. The Men of Letters story was first introduced in this episode, which became the current precedence to the final seasons of Supernatural . Though the brothers do not time-travel and Henry never goes back to his time, it still gave a great overlook of the relationship between Henry and his grandsons.

The Song Remains the Same (2010)

When an angel named Anna goes back in time to kill newly-wedded Mary and John Winchester to prevent the apocalypse, Sam and Dean travel to 1978 to stop Anna from killing their parents. However, due to Dean's encounter with Mary in an earlier meetup, their chance to save them becomes even more complicated and awkward.

RELATED:  Supernatural: Sam & Dean's 5 Best Sibling Moments (& 5 Worst)

In one of the more emotional episodes of Supernatural , season 5, episode 13, "The Song Remains the Same" marked the first time that Mary, John, Sam, and Dean were in the same room together. This was perhaps the closest moment for the brothers to have a memory of their family together, particularly for Sam, who never really got to know his mother.

The End (2009)

As the apocalypse is near, Dean gets a glimpse of what the future will look like when Sam eventually becomes possessed by Lucifer. However, not only does he worry about the outcome presented about his brother, but the actions and lack of humility by his future self frighten present-day Dean Winchester.

While several of these time-traveling episodes go back to the past, season 5, episode 4, "The End," is the only Supernatural episode that depicts events from the future. While it is considered more of an alternate universe, the episode shows  scary events that occurred in the future . This episode is also considered one of the darkest episodes in the series. While Padalecki gives a poised performance of Lucifer-Sam, Ackles gives a heartbreaking performance as Dean Winchester witnesses his failure as a big brother.

Mystery Spot (2008)

While investigating a disappearance case, Sam is living through his worst nightmare of watching his big brother die over and over again. Despite his attempts to protect Dean, it seems impossible that he could even save him. However, Sam does everything he can to go back to normal, where Dean turns out alive and well.

Though "Mystery Spot" is not necessarily an all-out time-traveling episode, it still integrates elements of time with a time loop. Regardless, this 11th episode in season 3 is considered a fan favorite due to the funny story concept and great performances by Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles. Fans will also not forget one of the best songs played in the show with Asia's "Heat of the Moment." 

In the Beginning (2008)

Before Mary Winchester became an integral character in the show's later seasons , the appearance of Mary Winchester seemed rare in the show's earlier seasons. In season 4, episode 3, "In The Beginning," fans were introduced to a young Mary Winchester and learned about her family's past as hunters.

Most importantly, most fans will know that Dean is a mommy's boy. Unlike Sam, Dean had memories of his mother before her unfortunate murder by the yellow-eyed demon, Azazel. It was a sentimental episode for Dean Winchester to learn more about his mother and to spend time with her. Unfortunately, his moments with his mother are short-lived when he becomes partially responsible for the deal between Azazel and Mary, along with the inability to prevent the deaths of his maternal grandparents.

NEXT:  Supernatural: 10 Biggest Plot Twists (That No One Saw Coming)

• Supernatural (2005)

Griffins and Ginger Snaps

-i write, and i have a blog because of course i do-, supernatural lists: time travel episodes.

Time travel.

Love it or hate it, it will give you a headache.

I think the most apt description I’ve ever found for time are a combination of Quantum Leap which relies on the string theory that time is like a ball of yarn and you can jump from one to the other, and Doctor Who where time is a wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey ball of stuff, which really sums it up nicely and succinctly.

I thought there were many more time travel episodes in the Supernatural universe, and I could only remember about five. The rest that were in my head were more of flashbacks, which aren’t time travel per se, but in doing my research in the Supernatural wiki , I saw that they counted twelve, which I will list here even though there are a couple that I didn’t particularly consider them for my personal list. For example, in As Time Goes By, Henry Winchester travels forward from 1958 to 2013 and in Lebanon John Winchester travels to current day Kansas despite his being dead canonically. I was looking for the episodes where the brothers traveled through time.

At any rate, these all have something to love, and yes, they will still give you a headache.

1. In the Beginning [4.03] 2. The End [5.04] 3. The Song Remains the Same [5.13] 4. My Heart Will Go On [6.17] 5. Frontierland [6.18] 6. The Man Who Would Be King [6.20] 7. Time After Time [7.12] 8. As Time Goes By [8.12] 9. King of the Damned [9.21] 10. The Vessel [11.14] 11. Family Feud [12.13] 12. Lebanon [14.13]

Share this:

Leave a comment cancel reply.

• Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
• Subscribe Subscribed
• Copy shortlink
• Report this content
• View post in Reader
• Manage subscriptions
• Collapse this bar

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

Supernatural binge guide: 75 essential episodes to watch

Samantha is a writer based in Los Angeles. Television is her one true love, and she tweets about it. A lot.

"Pilot" (Season 1, Episode 1)

Whether you've never seen Supernatural before or you're about to start your millionth re-watch, no binge would be complete without the episode that started it all. Written by Eric Kripke and directed by pilot-whisperer David Nutter, the first hour of the series sets up everything you need to know (or remember) about who Sam and Dean are, why they do what they do, and why we care about them so much.

"Bloody Mary" (Season 1, Episode 5)

Back in the early seasons (and especially the first one), Supernatural used to be a lot scarier in the procedural stories it told. This hour is the perfect example of the kind of classic horror that used to dominate the show, as it explored the urban legend Bloody Mary to terrifying results.

"Faith" (Season 1, Episode 12)

The first appearance of a Reaper in this episode is absolutely essential to the boys' history, as they'll come into contact with these harbingers of Death (with a capital D) time and time again—usually with heartbreaking consequences.

"The Benders" (Season 1, Episode 15)

Supernatural is a story about two brothers saving people and hunting things—the family business. But what happens when the things killing people are just … people? This chilling twist brilliantly subverts everything the boys previously thought they knew about the world and what goes bump in the night.

"Devil's Trap" (Season 1, Episode 22)

You can always rely on Supernatural to deliver one hell of a finale. The introduction of fan-favorite Bobby, John's return, heartbreaking twists, and that pulse-stopping cliffhanger make this not only one of the best episodes of this season but also one of the best Supernatural episodes of all time.

"In My Time of Dying" (Season 2, Episode 1)

Supernatural giveth and Supernatural taketh away. A beloved character's return is made all the more heartbreaking as he's ripped away from the boys—and us—so soon. We'll never forgive Azazel for a lot of things, but this one hurts the most, especially since it's the first time (but hardly the last) that we almost lose one of the boys as Dean comes this close to dying.

"Croatoan" (Season 2, Episode 9)

One of the most important arcs in Supernatural history begins in this ominous hour that tells the story of the lost colony of Roanoke through a supernatural lens. It will be a long time before answers come but this episode is essential in the story of Sam's complicated DNA.

"Tall Tales" (Season 2, Episode 15)

When the Trickster was first introduced, his powers of reality manipulation were already impressive. But fans had no idea just how powerful he truly is. That would come three seasons later.

"Hollywood Babylon" (Season 2, Episode 18)

By this point, Supernatural has proven its horror expertise. But what about comedy? The show kicks off its beloved tradition of meta episodes as Sam and Dean take a case on a haunted film set where every note given by the producer is a critique that had been leveled at Supernatural by the network/studio for the past season and a half.

"What Is and What Should Never Be" (Season 2, Episode 20)

Out of both Winchester brothers, it's common knowledge at this point that Sam has a different vision for his life, one that doesn't involve living on the road and hunting. But what does Dean's dream for a life without hunting look like? This peek into his mind offers a deeper look at his fantasy—and how much he's willing to sacrifice.

"All Hell Breaks Loose (Part 1)" (Season 2, Episode 21)

You thought Supernatural killed it with its first season finale? Season 2 is all, "Hold my beer." Both hours of this rare two-part finale are necessary viewing for any binge-watch. Azazel's half-demon champions' brutal fight to the death in the first episode ends in complete disaster. And it's only half of the finale!

"All Hell Breaks Loose (Part 2)" (Season 2, Episode 22)

How can Supernatural go on after death rocks the boys? Easy: fans see the first (of many) rash deals to trade one life for another, thanks to a crossroads demon. The clock starts ticking: one year until hell becomes home for one of the Winchesters. Plus, the conclusion of both Yellow Eyes and John Winchester's stories make this finale crucial to the overall history of Supernatural .

"The Magnificent Seven" (Season 3, Episode 1)

Hell literally broke loose at the end of season 2, and Supernatural 's third season kicks off with a clever case spinning out of that finale: the seven deadly sins are now roaming the Earth once more. In the premiere, the brothers have to track down the sins, which have taken the form of demons and are causing all kinds of chaos. Hanging over all of this, though, is the knowledge that Dean only has a year to live because of the deal he made. This episode also marks the introduction of the demon Ruby, here played by a pre- Arrow Katie Cassidy Rodgers.

"Bad Day at Black Rock" (Season 3, Episode 3)

Sam and Dean chase after a thief named Bella ( The Walking Dead 's Lauren Cohan), who hired some men to steal a rabbit's foot from their father's storage. Unfortunately, the occult object is pretty dangerous. If you have it, you're blessed with good luck; however, if (and when) you lose it, you'll suffer a string of bad luck that takes the form of hilarious Rube Goldbergian-like set pieces that ultimately lead to your death. This is one of the rare instances where Supernatural fully embraces slapstick humor, which makes it stand out from the rest.

"Mystery Spot" (Season 3, Episode 11)

When Sam finds himself stuck in a time loop, he's forced to watch his brother die over and over again. To this day, "Mystery Spot" remains one of Supernatural 's best and most inventive episodes because it uses a simple and gimmicky premise to dig into the brothers' relationship and breaks away from Supernatural 's usual formula.

"Ghostfacers" (Season 3, Episode 13)

"Ghostfacers" is like every other "Sam and Dean investigate a haunted house" episode, except in one major way: It's shot almost entirely like a ghost-hunting reality show. See, when Sam and Dean travel to Wisconsin to check out the home of a leap-year-loving ghost, they cross paths with amateur hunters Harry Spangler (Travis Wester) and Ed Zeddmore (A. J. Buckley), who are also there filming the pilot for their new show. Thus, we get a hilarious spin on a typical case.

"No Rest for the Wicked" (Season 3, Episode 16)

The clock is starting to run out on Dean's time on Earth. In a last-ditch effort to prevent him from going to hell, Sam and Dean go into their final confrontation with Lillith. You can probably guess what happens after that…

"Lazarus Rising" (Season 4, Episode 1)

One word: Angels. The introduction of Castiel not only changes the makeup of the series as a whole (what used to be a two-hander with just the Winchester boys is now a trio) but also alters the mythology forever. Angels are real, God exists, and He's got work for Dean to do. This episode is an absolute game-changer.

"In the Beginning" (Season 4, Episode 3)

Time travel allows Dean to meet a young Mary and John and get crucial details on their family history with Yellow Eyes, a.k.a. the demon Azazel. It's also the first time we realize that there's a reason why Supernatural's version of biblical creatures don't wear halos.

"Yellow Fever" (Season 4, Episode 6)

One of the most GIF-ed moments of Supernatural (and there are many, so that's saying something) comes from this episode when Dean, infected with a ghostly sickness that escalates his fear to fatal levels, lets out an instantly iconic scream … all because of a kitten.

"I Know What You Did Last Summer" (Season 4, Episode 9)

After eight episodes of mystery surrounding what happened to Sam all those months that Dean was in Hell, we finally get the real story told via flashbacks. It helps explain why Sam trusts Ruby so much and also shows why Dean ultimately decides to trust her as well. Plus, the ominous easter egg reveal that Dean knows major demon Alistair from his time in Hell will prove important in later episodes (and Anna's introduction will also be important, although it's not clear why just yet).

"Heaven and Hell" (Season 4, Episode 10)

Angels and demons fighting it out make this hour epic. But it's really the emotional brother moment at the very end when Dean confides in Sam about his time in Hell that makes this episode truly essential viewing. It's one of the best "Sam and Dean having a conversation on the side of the road after working a case" scenes of the entire series.

"The Monster at the End of This Book" (Season 4, Episode 18)

The introductory hour of Chuck Shurley and the Supernatural books is not only a hilarious meta episode worth watching just for the laughs, but it also holds more importance to the larger mythology of Supernatural than anyone realized (for years!). Honorable mention: While it didn't make this essential episodes list, a good follow-up to this episode is season 5's "The Real Ghostbusters," as both Chuck and the Supernatural books make a glorious return in the form of a Supernatural convention—a brilliant love letter to the real-world Supernatural convention circuit that helped catapult this show to international levels of fame.

"When the Levee Breaks" (Season 4, Episode 21)

Sam's consumption of demon blood has been a slow-burn story that finally comes to a head in the season's penultimate hour. The impending apocalypse actually pales in comparison to the knock-down, drag-out fight between Sam and Dean that ends in absolute disaster.

"Lucifer Rising" (Season 4, Episode 22)

You'd think the apocalypse coming to fruition would be the headline here, but actually, it's who is behind it that's truly the shocker. Turns out that Sam and Dean have been manipulated from the start, and they've got a much bigger part to play in the end of the world than they ever realized. It all leads up to season 5, a.k.a. creator Eric Kripke's original idea for how the show should end.

"Sympathy for the Devil" (Season 5, Episode 1)

If the season 4 finale was all about Lucifer rising, this is the true beginning of his story on the show—as well as the introduction of Mark Pellegrino —and it's not something you want to miss as both Lucifer and Pellegrino will be integral parts of the series moving forward.

"Good God, Y'all" (Season 5, Episode 2)

You can't have the apocalypse without the Four Horsemen, and this episode serves as a wonderfully constructed hour that introduces one of those key players. (Hint: He loves chaos.)

"The End" (Season 5, Episode 4)

One of the series' strongest hours gives Dean a glimpse into a potential future reality. Aside from it being a highly creative episode of the series, it also features notable performances from both Jensen Ackles —who plays opposite himself—and Jared Padalecki (in a white suit).

"Changing Channels" (Season 5, Episode 8)

Leave it to the Trickster to help create one of the show's most memorable meta episodes in which he sends the boys to various alternate realities, all of which mirror well-known television shows. ( Grey's Anatomy , anyone?) But all fun aside, this episode also includes a crucial twist that we won't spoil here.

"Abandon All Hope" (Season 5, Episode 10)

Welcome to an incredibly intense and highly emotional hour as Sam and Dean team up with their closest allies to try and take down Lucifer. Spoiler: Things don't go to plan and not everyone makes it out alive.

"The Song Remains the Same" (Season 5, Episode 13)

Sam and Dean take a trip back to 1978 and come face-to-face with a young John and Mary Winchester. But more importantly, the archangel Michael makes his debut and asks to have a chat with Dean.

"Point of No Return" (Season 5, Episode 18)

The show's 100th hour includes quite a few major plot points for the series' overall arc, including Dean's confrontation with Zachariah and a big decision on the part of Adam, the Winchester half-brother.

"Hammer of the Gods" (Season 5, Episode 19)

An all-around great episode introduces a number of different gods and ends with a brother-on-brother showdown between Lucifer and Gabriel.

"Two Minutes to Midnight" (Season 5, Episode 21)

There's a lot to love in this episode, but nothing tops one of the greatest entrances in the show's history: Everyone, meet Death.

"Swan Song" (Season 5, Episode 22)

Eric Kripke's final episode as showrunner—and the end of his supposed five-year plan—sees Michael and Lucifer go toe-to-toe in the series' finest hour … thus far.

"Weekend at Bobby's" (Season 6, Episode 4)

Ackles makes his directorial debut on Supernatural with this episode , which answers a question you probably had at the back of your mind: What does Bobby do when he's not aiding the boys? Well, it turns out he conducts research for his own problems, works with other hunters around the country, and handles whatever goes bump in the night in his neck of the woods. Jim Beaver has long been an asset to the show as Bobby and he makes the most of his spotlight hour.

"The French Mistake" (Season 6, Episode 15)

Odds are if someone has tried to convince you to watch this show, they've mentioned this bold and delightfully meta episode. In order to protect the boys from a band of angels trying to kill them, the angel Balthazar shatters the fourth wall and sends them to an alternate reality where they're actually actors named Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles who play Sam and Dean Winchester on a show called Supernatural . Confused? Very few live-action shows would ever attempt something as daring and experimental as this, and that's why fans love this episode oh so much.

"The Man Who Would Be King" (Season 6, Episode 20)

Told entirely from Castiel's perspective, the sad antepenultimate episode of the season reveals exactly what our favorite angel has been up to all season—from his role in Sam's resurrection to the genesis of Heaven's civil war, and his uneasy partnership with Crowley—and puts a strain on his relationship with Dean.

"The Man Who Knew Too Much" (Season 6, Episode 22)

Heaven's civil war comes to a dramatic conclusion in the season 6 finale, which also sees the Winchester brothers face off with Castiel, and Sam confront everything he did while soulless. You hate to see it, but you love it—especially because the episode opens a door to the hitherto unseen Purgatory, which has drastic consequences going forward.

"Death's Door" (Season 7, Episode 10)

There aren't many season 7 episodes that we consider a "must," but for Bobby fans, this most certainly fits the mold. And that's all we can say about that.

"The Girl With the Dungeons and Dragons Tattoo" (Season 7, Episode 20)

All you need to know about this episode is that it's important because it introduces Charlie , and Charlie is VERY important.

"Survival of the Fittest" (Season 7, Episode 23)

The season 7 finale puts an end to the Leviathan story and launches the show—as well as Dean and Castiel—in an entirely new direction.

"We Need to Talk About Kevin" (Season 8, Episode 1)

Dean's shocking friendship with a new character after his time in Purgatory adds a complex layer to his philosophy on trusting "monsters" (something that he'd always been strictly black-and-white on before). This premiere is also incredibly important in establishing one of the few unforgivable acts in Sam and Dean's relationship and delivering one of the most heartbreaking moments of the series.

"Trial and Error" (Season 8, Episode 14)

A lot of season 8 is filler, but what's most important boils down to the mission to close the gates of Hell, locking in all demons before they can do the same to Heaven and angels. Thanks to prophet Kevin translating the instructions for the three trials to close the gates, Sam and Dean must complete the first trial: killing a Hellhound. Get ready to see the most amazing pair of glasses on the Winchesters along with one of the coolest action scenes yet on the show.

"Sacrifice" (Season 8, Episode 23)

It's an understatement to say that Supernatural knows how to craft a brilliant finale. But nothing tops the final image of season 8 . It's both figuratively and literally beautiful as the brothers again choose each other over the greater good, again with disastrous consequences. Bonus: Crowley's impassioned speech when Sam almost cures him of being a demon is one of the character's best moments.

"I Think I'm Going to Like It Here" (Season 9, Episode 1)

With Sam literally on Death's door, Dean makes a risky deal to save his brother's life yet again, because there's nothing these boys won't do for each other. Meanwhile, Castiel adjusts to life as a human, which isn't as easy as it seems.

"Holy Terror" (Season 9, Episode 9)

One of Sam and Dean's allies perishes at the hands of Ezekiel, who turns out not to be who he says he is.

"First Born" (Season 9, Episode 11)

Meet Cain ( Timothy Omundson ), you know, of Cain and Abel. Dean crosses paths with history's first murderer when he and Crowley go searching for the one weapon to kill Abaddon, a Knight of Hell. Unfortunately, the weapon they need, the First Blade, can only be used if Dean agrees to take the Mark of Cain, which comes with dire consequences that affect the show for multiple seasons to come.

"Do You Believe in Miracles" (Season 9, Episode 23)

Sam and Dean Winchester hunt demons. That's their thing. Unfortunately, in their climactic fight against Metatron, who's trying become the new God, one of them becomes the very thing they hate, pushing the show into uncharted territory.

"Soul Survivor" (Season 10, Episode 3)

Demon Dean doesn't last long, and it's the final hour that deserves attention as he comes face-to-face with Sam for the brutal, chill-inducing confrontation in the Men of Letters bunker. And keep your eye on that red-haired woman in the final scene as she will ultimately become an important character in the Supernatural universe.

"Fan Fiction" (Season 10, Episode 5)

The monumental 200th episode is another whimsical foray into meta storytelling as the boys encounter a high school production based on Chuck Shurley's books (which are based on their lives). There are so many incredible easter eggs in this hour along with hilarious and touching musical tributes to the show. It's a standalone episode but still delivers a game-changing shock in the final moment, as Supernatural seems to confirm a long-believed rumor with a cameo that no one saw coming.

"The Executioner's Song" (Season 10, Episode 14)

A season and a half has led to this moment: Dean and Cain's final battle. It's also a major turning point for Crowley, who has become "the Winchesters' lap dog," according to his mother Rowena and is no longer fit to be the King of Hell after Dean successfully manipulates him.

"Dark Dynasty" (Season 10, Episode 21)

It may not be enjoyable, but this episode contains one of the biggest (and most hated among fans) deaths in Supernatural history.

"The Prisoner" (Season 10, Episode 22)

There are so many reasons why this is essential viewing: it's the aftermath of an important character's death. It features the culmination of Crowley and Rowena's toxic mother/son relationship. And it sees Dean nearly kill someone close to him as he gives in to the darkness of the Mark of Cain.

"Brother's Keeper" (Season 10, Episode 23)

This finale has everything . Another epic season-ending image, another heart-wrenching brother-bonding moment as they choose each other over the fate of the world, and another shocking piece of mythology subverted. The shocks just keep on coming.

"Out of the Darkness, Into the Fire" (Season 11, Episode 1)

The season 11 premiere introduces a new, very powerful face into the mix: Amara, who will come to play a major role in the season (and potentially more).

"Baby" (Season 11, Episode 4)

Eleven seasons in and the show delivers one of its best hours with this episode , which is told entirely from the perspective of the boys' 1967 Chevrolet Impala.

"Don't Call Me Shirley" (Season 11, Episode 20)

Chuck is back and he's … writing an autobiography? After years of speculation, this episode provides multiple answers surrounding Chuck's identity and what he's been up to.

"All in the Family" (Season 11, Episode 21)

Amara goes head-to-head with Lucifer in this episode, but here's the twist: Lucifer is now in Castiel's vessel. In other words, meet Cassifer.

"We Happy Few" (Season 11, Episode 22)

It's the brother-sister showdown we've been waiting for as Chuck finally tells Amara why he locked her away all those years ago.

"Alpha and Omega" (Season 11, Episode 23)

The conclusion of the Chuck-Amara storyline isn't the show's strongest finale, but it does include crucial information for future seasons. Plus, there's a very surprising return that will change everything for Sam and Dean.

"Keep Calm and Carry On" (Season 12, Episode 1)

The season 12 premiere is all about a major character return and the introduction of this season's villains, the British Men of Letters.

"Stuck in the Middle (With You)" (Season 12, Episode 12)

Another creative hour, this episode tells a monster-of-the-week story Reservoir Dogs -style.

"All Along the Watchtower" (Season 12, Episode 23)

In terms of the show's mythology, this episode cannot be missed as it involves the introduction of the Apocalypse World—where Sam and Dean were never born—a major character death (or two), and the birth of a Nephilim.

"Lost and Found" (Season 13, Episode 1)

Lucifer's son Jack was born in the season 12 finale but instantly became a teenager. It's not until the season 13 premiere , however, that fans get to see him for the first time with the reveal that while his body aged, his mind did not. That makes his limitless power even more dangerous, as he's basically a baby with no knowledge of the world or his place in it. Thankfully he's got Sam, Dean, and Castiel as his surrogate fathers—talk about an upgrade from Lucifer.

"The Big Empty" (Season 13, Episode 4)

After 13 years, there's not much supernatural real estate that this series hasn't tackled. But it's not until this episode that the show attempts to explain what happens to angels and demons after they're killed through the lens of deceased killed Castiel—after Jack unknowingly uses his powers to wake him up. Meet: The Big Empty.

"Advanced Thanatology" (Season 13, Episode 5)

Castiel's return in this episode is big, but it's actually Billie's level-up from Reaper to Death that makes this hour essential viewing. Plus, Dean's willingness to literally kill himself shows just how dire things have gotten for him after many, many years of losing.

"Scoobynatural" (Season 13, Episode 16)

This epic animated crossover with Scooby-Doo deserves to be watched over and over … and over … and over …

"Unfinished Business" (Season 13, Episode 20)

Never trust a Trickster. If there's one lesson that Supernatural 's Gabriel has taught over the years, it's that one. But Sam and Dean constantly have to relearn it every time Gabriel comes back into play, and this time, they learn the true story about his history, his "death," and his identity. This episode is the perfect companion to season 5's "Hammer of the Gods."

"Beat the Devil" (Season 13, Episode 21)

Years and countless death scenes still don't make watching a Winchester die any easier. And this episode's bloody, violent, and sudden death scene ranks as one of the most brutal ways a Winchester has died yet. Supernatural went full gore for this one, earning its legacy as an essential episode.

"Let the Good Times Roll" (Season 13, Episode 23)

It took seven seasons but this finale finally delivers a payoff for an idea first introduced back in season 4 … with horrible consequences. This episode proves that Supernatural isn't above playing the long game with Chekhov's gun.

"Nihilism" (Season 14, Episode 10)

Come for the very metal episode name, stay to watch Ackles' best performance as Michael-possessing-Dean.

"Lebanon" (Season 14, Episode 13)

It's the reunion you've been waiting for: Jeffrey Dean Morgan returns as John Winchester in Supernatural 's 300th episode . Watching Sam, Dean, John, and Mary share a meal together after all these years will definitely leave you in need of some tissues.

"Absence" (Season 14, Episode 18)

Supernatural pays tribute to another one of its fallen hunters as Jack spins further out of control and becomes even more estranged from the Winchesters.

"Moriah" (Season 14, Episode 20)

God is back in the house! The question of "how much God actually cares about his creations" has hung over the show since angels and the apocalypse were first introduced in season 4. Now, the show has finally decided to answer that question and deliver one hell of a twist as Sam and Dean race to stop Jack.

• Supernatural creator Eric Kripke reveals Baby was almost very different
• Everything we know about Supernatural season 15 so far
• Supernatural stars earn standing ovation after emotional final Comic-Con panel

Sydney Bucksbaum is a writer at Entertainment Weekly covering all things pop culture – but TV is her one true love. She currently lives in Los Angeles but grew up in Chicago so please don't make fun of her accent when it slips out.

Related Articles

• Action/Adventure
• Children's/Family
• Documentary/Reality
• Amazon Prime Video

More From Decider

Anne Hathaway's 'Tonight Show' Interview Hits An Awkward Snag After The...

11 Best New Movies on Netflix: May 2024's Freshest Films to Watch

John Green’s ‘Turtles All the Way Down’ Cameo Is a Treat for His...

Spider-Man Swings onto 'X-Men '97' — But This Isn't Just Any Spider-Man

'GMA' Weatherman Rob Marciano's Firing Sparked By "Heated Screaming Match"...

Huey Lewis Tells Drew Barrymore What He Learned About Bruce Springsteen...

Sydney Sweeney Sings “Unwritten” Into Glen Powell’s Butt in Iconic...

Holly Madison Calls Bob Guccione A "Horrible Person" For Publishing...

Share this:.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
• Click to copy URL

‘Supernatural’: All 300 Episodes, Ranked From Worst To Best

Where to Stream:

• Supernatural

'Supernatural' Star Mark Sheppard Suffered Six Heart Attacks: "My Chances Of Survival Were Virtually Nil" 

Rip, the cw: too good for this world, too pure, ali skovbye isn't ready to say goodbye to 'firefly lane', 'supernatural' actor nicki aycox dead at 47 following leukemia battle.

What better way to celebrate the longest running American sci-fi/fantasy show of all time as it hits it’s 300th episode than by ranking ALL THREE HUNDRED of those episodes. It was a daunting task, but nothing a Supernatural super fan like me couldn’t handle. There’s enough episodes about the Sam Winchester (Jared Padalecki), Dean Winchester (Jensen Ackles) and their Angel bestie, Castiel (Misha Collins) to go into syndication three times over, and that means there are enough great episodes to create full seasons…and enough bad ones to do the same.

Before we get into it, let’s talk about the methods to this madness. In creating this list I didn’t just use my own favorites and critical thoughts, I also took into account IMDb ratings, popular fan sentiment and how groundbreaking or innovative episodes were. But this is also my own personal rankings, so you’ll see favor for various things that matter to me: good brother moments, kick ass guest stars, exciting monsters or that trademark Supernatural blend of humor and homoeroticism. I’m sure no one will agree with this entire list, but I hope your favorites ranked high. And if they didn’t…maybe they’ll have adjusted by the time we get to episode 400.

So, from the worst to the best of the best…here we go.

• Bloodlines (Season 9, Episode 20)

It’s so funny that Season 9 just skips from Episode 19 to 21. Seriously though: this failed backdoor pilot reeks of studio meddling and wasted potential. It’s another show entirely and not a very good one, sadly.

• Dark Dynasty (Season 10, Episode 21)

This episode has some good funny and scary moments and the guys face descendant of Frankenstein, but the climax in the most pointless, badly written and deeply hurtful death of the whole show. Killing Charlie Bradbury (Felicia Day) lands this one at the bottom of the pile.

• Red Sky at Morning (Season 3, Episode 6)

Bela (Lauren Cohan), an unentertaining character, is at her mean-spirited worst here, and the ghost ship -water monster monster is also very silly. Add that to a tired subplot about a cougar hitting on Sam and you’ve got a stinker that even series creator Eric Kripke hated.

• The Curious Case of Dean Winchester (Season 5, Episode 7)

Dean turning into an old man thanks to a warlock should be fun, but this episode fails spectacularly due to the abysmal casting of Old Dean. Magic poker and emotional beats for Bobby (Jim Beaver) only go so far where Dean’s not really there.

• Rock and A Hard Place (Season 9, Episode 8)

Reborn virgins? Okay? It’s always great to see Jody Mills (Kim Rhodes) but neither Jody nor a bitchy goddess obsessed can balance out Dean’s weirdly racist and sex with a porn star and a rather boring monster.

• Season Seven, Time for a Wedding! (Season 7, Episode 8)

Though there are some great bright points here – the intro of Garth (DJ Quaills) and an appearance by future Tony-Winner Leslie Odom Junior the rape-y, embarrassing main plot of Becky (Emily Perkins) magically forcing Sam to marry her is just creepy and a totally offensive to the fangirls Becky is based on.

• Unforgiven (Season 6, Episode 13)

I cannot stress enough how gross and horrible the spider monster is, and not in a fun way. Add in a very unsympathetic Sam in flashbacks and a bleak ending and it’s loser.

• Criss Angel is a Douche Bag (Season 4, Episode 12)

This snore fest about stage magicians is just a bit too sad, too unfocused on the boys and generally underwhelming. But hey – Barry Bostwick is in it, and the title is very accurate!

• Long Distance Call (Season 3, Episode 14)

John Winchester (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) is back! Well, his voice is…but that’s all that’s memorable here aside from the gross bug monster and wasted time at the end of a season.

• The Things They Carried (Season 10, Episode 15)

Though it has some great scary images, the main plot is a waste of film on a character (Cole) that no one needed to see again. The fact that Cole doesn’t even have the decency to die at the end is extra irritating.

• Bugs (Season 1, Episode 8)

The cursed Indian burial ground plot is silly, clichéd and fully of holes to match the bad bugs VFX. Another one that even God (Rob Benedict) had to apologize for – but at least Dean’s cute in that shower.

• Love Hurts (Season 11, Episode 13)

Witch and loves spell and unnecessary cleavage shot – oh my.

• Mannequin 3: The Reckoning (Season 6, Episode 14)

The ghost possessing mannequins and dolls story is sad and creepy in the wrong ways and the resolution is extra depressing in an already depressed season. And the car gets possessed – we can’t stand for Baby getting violated like that!

• The Memory Remains (Season 12, Episode 18)

Well. There was a goat monster that was sorta spooky but that’s the only memory that remains on this one.

• LOTUS (Season 12, Episode 8)

This episode about, yes, Lucifer possessing the president might have been fun, but it was an unfocused mess with so many logical gaps it made fans heads spin…and made us weirdly want the actual devil as the president over what he have in reality.

• Man’s Best Friend With Benefits (Season 8, Episode 15)

Someone really should have told someone how racist it was to show a black woman being owned by a white guy witch and turning into a dog.

• Halt and Catch Fire (Season 10, Episode 13)

A mainly mediocre episode, wasting what could have been a very cool monster – a ghost in the internet. But hey, Dean makes some good speeches.

• Plush (Season 11, Episode 7)

Though I love Donna (Briana Buckmaster), and this episode had some creepy moments, this weird story about haunted costumes (?) wasn’t weird enough to be cool and had some icky implications.

• Oh Brother, Where art Thou? (Season 11, Episode 09)

Amara (Emily Swallow) blows things up and the guys make a plan to talk to Lucifer (Mark Pellegrino) in his cage, but it’s all confusing. Also, you’d think that the Winchesters would call their friend the angel when heading of to talk to, you know, Satan, but oh well…

• Dog Dean Afternoon (Season 9, Episode 5)

Dean turns into a dog…but not really. He just acts like one and talks to them. It’s silly and has some really bad voice acting. Jensen’s goofiness saves it to some extent but this episode is seriously a dog.

• The Girl Next Door (Season 7, Episode 3)

Immediately in the aftermath of Cas dying and a world threatening monster getting out, we turn focus to a monster Sam let go when he was a teenager. Then Dean kills her and it takes up his focus and angst for like, five episodes? It’s a very weird choice is a weird season.

• All Dogs Go to Heaven (Season 6, Episode 8)

What’s with crappy episodes and dogs? This forgettable episode has a weirdly icky premise (the family dog is a…person?) and is a big waste of the boys working for Crowley storyline from season six.

• Hello, Cruel World (Season 7, Episode 2)

This episode is frankly jarring. After a whole season of build up to Godstiel, then a sudden shift to Leviathans in the season opener, we get this weird mishmash where Cas DIES in the first few minutes then we have a rather boring story about the Leviathans.

• There’s Something About Mary (Season 12, Episode 21)

I think I can sum up a lot of fan reactions to this episode: Stop! Killing! Awesome! Women! FOR NO REASON! What’s an otherwise fine episode about Mary (Samantha Smith) being controlled by the British Men of Letter is totally ruined by the gross murder of deaf hunter Eileen Leahy (Shoshanna Stern). We’re all STILL mad about it.

• Caged Heat (Season 6, Episode 10)

So much of this sorta heist episode seems to be added for shock and titillation. Cas Watching porn? Meg getting tortured naked? Meg kissing Cas? It’s all very thrown together and it resolved that interesting season six plot of the boys working for Crowley far too quickly.

• The Magnificent Seven (Season 3, Episode 1)

The Seven Deadly Sins are in town and they’re…kinda scary I guess? A hunter we just met gets killed and Roby (Katie Cassidy) saves the day and we…maybe care? The weakest season premiere by far.

• Family Matters (Season 6, Episode 7)

Dean and Sam argue about Sam’s missing soul, and the Campbells do things. Cas at least looks very pretty? I think?

• Time is on My Side (Season 3, Episode 15)

Best part of this episode: Billy Drago as a very creepy monster that survives replacing his own body parts with other people’s. But that’s not the way Dean wants to stay alive and out of hell.

• And Then There Were None (Season 6, Episode 16)

Much like “Dark Dynasty,” this episode relies on pointless character death for drama, only this time it’s times three. With a body jumping monster, the episode brings what could have been a great arc for Grandpa Campbell (Mitch Pillegi) to an abrupt, pointless end and we lose Rufus (Steven Williams) to boot!

• Heartache (Season 8, Episode 3)

Though the episode is beautifully shot (thanks to Jensen’s direction) the story of a Mayan god (who looks like a white football player?) whose organs end up in other people takes a few too many turns for the weird.

• Rock Never Dies (Season 12, Episode 7)

The thing I really liked about this episode was the humor as it skewered the LA scene, as well as the team work and determination we see from the boys at the end. But Rick Springfield was just bad stunt casting as Lucifer and the episode suffers because of this.

• #thinman (Season 9, Episode 15)

The show had to take on internet memes as monsters eventually, but this bummer return of the Ghostfacers was just a bit too heavy-handed as a Winchester brother parallel. Still, funny moments, and we’re all glad the Ghostfacers lived.

• Party On, Garth (Season 7, Episode 18)

A ghost that can only be seen by drunk folks? Kind of a cool idea. I also really do like Garth and DJ Quails, but this was an odd time in the season to shift the focus to him after Cas had just returned from the dead.

• Live Free or Twihard (Season 6, Episode 5)

There were weird overtones to this episode, but the worst was seeing Sam let Dean get turned. Sure, it was great drama, and a good clue for the soulless Sam story, but no one likes it when the boys are at odds.

• The Slice Girls (Season 7, Episode 13)

Dean takes his shirt of in this episode while getting frisky with an amazon and that’s…maybe the best thing that can be said of Supernatural ‘s first (but not last) shot at the magical baby trope.

• Bedtime Stories (Season 3, Episode 5)

A girl in a coma brings fairy tales to gruesome life, but it’s not very whimsical at all. Sam is an awesome sketch artist though.

• A Most Holy Man (Season 13, Episode 15)

This mini film noir is a cool concept but just played tonally wrong with Supernatural . But hey, that gun fight was pretty darn cool, right? Also Dominic Burgess is always great.

• Good God, Y’all (Season 5, Episode 2)

While Cas goes looking for God, the guys take on a horseman of the Apocalypse – War. There’s lots of conflict and mistakes and it all ends with Sam and Dean actually breaking up. Don’t worry, they’re not apart for long.

• There’s No Place Like Home (Season 10, Episode 11)

Charlie come back from OZ as a good Charlie and a very bad Charlie. Felicia Day does her best in dual roles but bad Charlie isn’t terribly believable and certainly not likeable, nor is Dean, when he beat evil Charlie to a pulp. And the Oz stuff was always weird and couldn’t quite land.

• There Will Be Blood (Season 7, Episode 22)

The guys need the Alpha Vampire’s blood to defeat the Leviathans. It’s an okay side quest and Rick Worthy is always great and the first blood sucker.

• Family Feud (Season 12, Episode 13)

I’ll give this shipwrecked ghost episode some credit for undoing some of the timeline messiness that resulted from Crowley keeping Gavin (Theo Devaney) alive, but the best moments were between Crowley and Rowena (Ruth Connell) in the last time we’d see them together on screen.

• I Believe the Children are Our Future (Season 5, Episode 6)

This is another one of those episodes that made so little impact I forget it exists, and it only left us with a large plothole (what happened to Jesse? You know THE ANTICHRIST?) and some fun jokes.

• King of the Damned (Season 9, Episode 21)

Angels are blowing themselves up, Dean’s getting meaner and Crowley’s son time travels to the future. Too much! And Abaddon’s (Alaina Huffman) final stand is anti-climactic but at least it was better than Bloodlines.

• Blood Brother (Season 8, Episode 5)

I loved Benny when he was first introduced in Season eight, but the episode that gave us his back story was disappointing. His “father” was a snooze of a villain and the love story was a bit cliché. And seriously making Benny all about…a girl? Sigh.

• Mommy Dearest (Season 6, Episode 19)

The guys track down Eve, mother of all monsters to Oregon where he’s making new ones (Jefferson Starships!). It should be a big show down, but Eve – played very well by Samantha Smith for a scene – just dies after being built up all season.

• Hook Man (Season 1, Episode 7)

At this point some of the urban myths and monsters of the first season started getting repetitive and this episode just fades into the mix.

• Book of the Damned (Season 10, Episode 18)

This episode also introduced Charlie to the season ten myth arc, which ended badly for her and for us, and brought us the Stynes, the worst villains the show has ever had. However, I loved Castiel and Metatron (Curtis Armstrong) on the run together and Cas getting his grace back..

• Devil’s Bargain (Season 13, Episode 13)

The highlight of this episode is the beautiful Danneel Ackles finally gracing our screens with her beauty and awesomeness as an angel that’s in it for herself, even if that means helping out Lucifer.

• Sharp Teeth (Season 9, Episode 12)

Such a waste of Garth, though it’s a fine enough werewolf story. You’d think Dean showing up with the Mark of Cain would have been more worrying but…oh well.

• The British Invasion (Season 12, Episode 17)

The British men of letters get trained at…evil Hogwarts? Okay.

• Like a Virgin (Season 6, Episode 12)

An episode with Dragons where we see no dragon (oh, TV budgets…). But there’s great physical comedy of Dean versus the sword and Sam and Cas trying to hug.

• Taxi Driver (Season 8, Episode 19)

The boys need to save Bobby’s soul from hell, with a detour through purgatory. Benny dies heroically, sadly and maybe pointlessly. There is great drama with Benny and Bobby, but the retcon of “rogue reapers” and hell having a backdoor to purgatory after all of season six was spent trying to find it feels like a double cheat.

• Devil May Care (Season 9, Episode 2)

There are only two things that fans remember about this episode: Dean is at peak freckled perfection and the shot of Gadreel’s wings is badass.

• Wishful Thinking (Season 4, Episode 8)

There’s a suicidal giant teddy bear.

• Something Wicked (Season 1, Episode 18)

Though it’s creepy, this episode about the bous facing a monster that got away when they were kids hammers home the “John was a terrible father” point a bit TOO forcefully.

• Defending Your Life (Season 7, Episode 4)

This starts season seven’s weird fixation on Dean’s guilt over killing Amy Pond, which was just weird considering all the other things he’d just gone through at that point. Seeing Jo back is nice, and Lawyer Sam, but it’s not a greatest hit.

• Time After Time (Season 7, Episode 12)

Dean wears a Fedora. Sam is brilliant and Jody is awesome. Eliot Ness was boring, but hey, Dean checked out a dude in 1942 and fought Logan Echolls so that was neat.

• 99 Problems (Season 5, Episode 17)

“I found a liquor store…and I drank it.” Cas this episode is a whole ass MOOD.

• Meet the new Boss (Season 7, Episode 1)

Cas is God! Cas is bad! Cas is cool! Cas is sad! Cas is…full of Leviathans? Cas is melting????

• The Scar (Season 14, Episode 3)

The first episode of the current season where we have Dean all the way back…but it doesn’t really feel like it. But at least we have Kaia and Jack being pretty darn awesome.

• Paper Moon (Season 10, Episode 4)

A sidling store where one is a monster and the other is harmed as collateral…no super obvious metaphors here after Dean just came back from being a demon.

• Stranger in a Strange Land (Season 14, Episode 1)

It turns out that an episode without Dean (since he’s possessed by Michael for all of it) just doesn’t feel like a real episode of Supernatural , and when Cas just sits there through a boring bar fight, it’s also super confusing.

• You Can’t Handle the Truth (Season 6, Episode 6)

Everyone has to tell the truth, and it leads to some relations about soulless Sam. It’s all surprisingly painful, but kudos for great stuff with Bobby.

• The Rising Son (Season 13, Episode 2)

Wherein we meet Evil Colonel Sanders…I mean, Asmodeus (Jeffrey Vincent Parise) and really get to know Jack (Alexander Calvert). One of those folks turned out to be a really great character, can you guess who?

• The Benders (Season 1, Episode 15)

This early “humans are the worst monster” episode about killer hillbillies is more X-Files than Supernatural , which is understandable considering how much of the X-Files crew worked on this show.

• All In the Family (Season 11, Episode 21)

Nothing could follow “Don’t Call Me Shurley” and not suffer by comparison, but this one stumbles pretty badly with plot holes, a pointless new character (who dies pointlessly in the next episode) and focus on all the wrong things.

• All Along the Watchtower (Season 12, Episode 23)

There was some great drama in this season finale, but the back-to-back-to-back-to-back deaths of, well, everyone was a harrowing experience. It would have been a great send off for Crowley, but having Cas shockingly killed minutes later undercut such a major exit.

• Black (Season 10, Episode 1)

After a whole hiatus wondering what Demon Dean would get up to, he was just…singing karaoke, drinking and having fivesomes with Crowley. Though it signaled season ten’s intimate tone, it wasn’t what we were hoping for. Also: Cole. Ugh.

• Exodus (Season 13, Episode 22)

I’m always down for some good Gabriel (Richard Speight Jr.) stuff, and Lucifer can be interesting when he’s good…But killing Gabriel again when we just got him back, and for no great reason was such a bummer. Also, let us never speak of evil Castiel’s accent again.

• Let It Bleed (Season 6, Episode 21)

I, well, love the Lovecraft mythology here but it hurt real bad to see Cas as a bad guy, and all the other suffering this episode brought with it.

• Two and A Half Men (Season 6, Episode 2)

Sam and Dean versus an infant. It’s very funny but the schtick ends too quickly and we’re sent back to the rather boring plot with the Campbells and an alpha shapeshifter.

• War of the Worlds (Season 13, Episode 7)

There was a fake evil twin plot in this episode and for a little bit, we believed they were actually doing that.

• Paint it Black (Season 10, Episode 16)

Dean’s moment in the confessional is great but it’s the high point of an otherwise fun, but not great episode about a haunted painting and nuns.

• Reichenbach (Season 10, Episode 2)

Another episode where we got hints of what Demon Dean could have been, with some nice big fights and some angst from Sam…but not much else.

• Citizen Fang (Season 8, Episode 9)

Benny has a great grand daughter and a hunter is after him – that’s cool. Sam has relationship drama with Amelia (Leann Balaban) and we do not care.

• Captives (Season 9, Episode 14)

Seeing Kevin (Osric Chau) and Mrs. Tran (Lauren Tom) back is great, but he’s a ghost and she’s been imprisoned for a year so…kind of a bummer. Plus Sam and Dean are at odds and Cas has a sorta cool meeting with another angel that doesn’t lead much of anywhere.

• Mamma Mia (Season 12, Episode 2)

This episode proved that Mary Winchester is an absolute badass, and that Sam can be sex even when an evil British lady is psychically seducing and torturing him.

• Children Shouldn’t Play With Dead Things (Season 2, Episode 4)

There’s not being able to get a date, and then there’s resorting to necromancy to keep a girl around. This episode touched on a big theme of season two – that the dead should stay dead, but it’s a lesson the Winchesters never actually learn.

• The One You’ve Been Waiting For (Season 12, Episode 5)

Bringing back Hitler was kind of strange but seeing Dean kill his was also super cathartic.

• Girls, Girls, Girls (Season 10, Episode 7)

The episode that first really gave us the wonderful Rowena and great stuff with Cas and Hannah. If Only Cole hadn’t been there to bog it down and there had been slightly fewer hookers…

• Out with the Old (Season 7, Episode 16)

People are killed by an evil tea pot and evil ballet slippers, so that’s at something.

• Adventures in Babysitting (Season 7, Episode 11)

I like Kevin McNally as paranoid crackpot Frank, and I like Krissy (Madison Mclaughlin), a young henter’s daughter who Sam, then Dean, help to save her father, but this does feel like two episodes shoved into one.

• The Song Remains the Same (Season 5, Episode 13)

The guys travel back in time (again) and Sam finally really meets his mom. But I just get mad about this how Anna is used here, turning evil for no reason then dying out of no where. Kudos for Matt Cohen and Amy Gumenick as young John and Mary must be given though.

• Exile on Main Street (Season 6, Episode 1)

It’s weird and a little heartbreaking to see Dean trying to live a normal life with Lisa (Cindy Sampson) and Ben, while he thinks Sam is dead and Cas is AWOL. We don’t get the big brother reunion we hoped for (for a good reason we find out later), but there’s some good action too.

• The Devil You Know (Season 5, Episode 20)

The re-introduction of Crowley is very fast-paced but Mark Sheppard steals the show, hopping back and forth as he helps the boys find Pestilence. Plus, there’s a great moment as Dean and Sam take out demon Brady where we’re reminded that the Winchesters are the things that scare the scary things.

• Dead in the Water (Season 1, Episode 3)

A lake monster and the show’s very first creepy kid. It’s the start of a long proud tradition of the guys saving the day and not getting the girl (which is honestly lucky for Amy Acker here).

• The Man Who Knew Too Much (Season 6, Episode 22)

Jared does some awesome acting as several different Sam’s as we take a tour through his broken mind, but all the work is for naught as Cas goes full villain and full God – to disappointing results.

• Blade Runners (Season 9, Episode 16)

The guys and Crowley (Mark Sheppard) go looking for the first blade and take several weird detours along the way until Dean ends up chained to a column and growling when he gets that old jawbone in his hands. It’s less sexy than it sounds.

• Remember the Titans (Season 8, Episode 16)

An episode about Prometheus is super cool, but I always get annoyed at shows killing off gods. But at least we have a gif of Dean saying “Dragon Penis.”

• Asylum (Season 1, Episode 10)

A good, creepy little episode that does well setting up the place where season 1, and the series, really took off.

• Freaks and Geeks (Season 8, Episode 18)

Krissy is back in this Hunters: The Next Generation episode. I like all the kids and I wish we’d seem more of them after they got away from their evil mentor.

• Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell (Season 12, Episode 15)

Dean loves koalas and hellhounds continue to be the worst.

• Salvation (Season 1, Episode 21)

Sam and Dean finally join forced with this father to take out the yellow-eyed demon. It goes terribly, of course, but it’s great to see the boys and John all together for once and also Jeffrey Dean Morgan at peak badass dad level.

• Ask Jeeves (Season 10, Episode 6)

A mysterious murder at a mansion, a shapeshifter and more older ladies hitting on Sam. This fun take of “Clue” is entertaining and has a wonderful guest cast. I also love the dark twist.

• Route 666 (Season 1, Episode 13)

I stand by this episode being not as bad as everyone says. I think the truck is cool, the love scene is sexy, the chase is exciting and Cassie is a great character.

• Dead Man’s Blood (Season 1, Episode 20)

The show’s first intro to vampires is mainly devoted to Winchester family bickering once the guys find out John is on the case too. But that first shot from the Colt – the gun that can kill anything – is a classic.

• Everybody Loves a Clown (Season 2, Episode 2)

Let’s see, this episode has a whole crew of new hunters operating out of the Roadhouse, killer clowns and then Dean taking out his anger on the trunk of the Impala. It’s good but disjointed.

• Our Little World (Season 11, Episode 6)

Crowley trying to control Amara was a smart idea, but it was also a bit of a wasted story, and her crush on Dean while she was in a very young body was…weird. But Cas getting out and dealing with his trauma – and also dealing with Metatron (Curtis Armstrong) was great.

• Family Remains (Season 4, Episode 11)

This episode occurs solely in one location, which is rare, over one night of horror, and the monster turns out to be an abused human. It’s all very creepy and unique, and not a bad metaphor for humans becoming monsters after we learned what Dean did in hell.

• Devil’s Trap (Season 1, Episode 22)

The episode that first brought us Bobby and first touched on the moral implications of what the boys do when the human possessed by the demon Meg dies in Dean’s arm. Though it suffers in comparison to some later, more epic finales it’s great fun. Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Azazel is a particular highlight.

• Gods and Monsters (Season 14, Episode 2)

Jensen Ackles in a Tuxedo.

• Brother’s Keeper (Season 10, Episode 23)

An intimate and emotional finale that had twists people wither loved or hated, including killing Death himself. Rowena was excellent as usual, but Cas was underused. However, unleashing the Darkness turned out great. It was a wrenching end to a rough season.

• Swap Meat (Season 5, Episode 12)

A teen steals Sam’s body. This episode is fun, but I’ll forever be disappointed with how it was shot – I’d have much preferred to see Jared play a Gary-Possessed Sam rather than being shown Gary in Sam’s scenes. I also hope season fifteen will finally bring us the Sam-Dean body swap we deserve.

• Metamorphosis (Season 4, Episode 4)

A regular man becomes a monster and Sam thinks he can be saved, right when Dean learns Sam is working with Ruby. The metaphor is very on the nose and the rugaru transformation and meat eating is super gross.

• Playthings (Season 2, Episode 11)

There’s a twist here you can see coming from a mile away, but I do like surly drunk Sam and the show’s take on the haunted hotel full of dolls and creepy children trope.

• Mother’s Little Helper (Season 9, Episode 17)

Great direction by Misha Collins obscures that not a lot happens here. While the flashbacks to Henry Winchester (Gil McKiney) and Josie is well done and interesting, it doesn’t add a lot overall to the season and the Abaddon soul-mining story was dropped and never seen again.

• The Hunter Games (Season 10, Episode 10)

I love seeing Metatron mess with the boys, but Claire’s (Kathryn Newton) story of falling in with yet another bad crowd and then trying to kill Dean is all over the place. It’s a fine episode but not great.

• Bloodlust (Season 2, Episode 3)

This vampire-focused hour Introduces a really interesting foil for the boys in Gordon (Sterling K. Brown) and introduces the idea that not all monsters are fully evil. Plus it’s gorgeously shot.

• Ladies Drink Free (Season 12, Episode 16)

You either love Claire or you don’t, but seeing her almost become a werewolf is pretty interesting and good for her growth. Also nice of Mick Davies (Adam Fergus) to become likable just before dying.

• Slumber Party (Season 9, Episode 4)

Coming off of giant drama of Cas getting kicked out of the bunker, we get this hour where Charlie shows up to fight….the wicked witch of the west. Good bottle episode with a really weird basis.

• Fallen Idols (Season 5, Episode 5)

No one is going to argue this episode isn’t silly, but Paris Hilton does a pretty good job playing the evil version of herself (A god pain people’s obsession) and the underlying tension between the boys is enough to ground it.

• Nightmare (Season 1, Episode 14)

A good first hint about the special children, but child abuse is never really fun TV. I still have nightmares about the knife in the eye thing.

• Out of the Darkness, Into the Fire (Season 11, Episode 1)

The introduction of the Darkness isn’t quite as apocalyptic as we would have hoped, but then again, the CW doesn’t have the budget for a worldwide epidemic.

• Nightmare Logic (Season 14, Episode 5)

This one is a really fun twist on the Djinn story, and a great episode for Mary and Alternate Bobby.

• Hell’s Angel (Season 11, Episode 18)

It’s all about the Casifer – that is, Lucifer in Castiel’s body. The was never better than when wearing that meat suit, let’s be real here. Whether he’s trying to be the new god or mocking Dean from inside a circle of holly fire, it’s devilish fun.

• No Rest for the Wicked (Season 3, Episode 16)

After stumbling at the end of season three, we get a pretty good finale and a shocking ending as Dean’s deal comes due. There are some wonderful moments – Bobby’s “Family Don’t End in Blood” speech, the brother’s Bon Jovi sing-along, and Lilith as that super creepy evil child. Again with the evil children!

• Of Grave Importance (Season 7, Episode 19)

I like the focus back on Bobby and a look into the world of ghosts, but others really hate this one. I thought it was an entertaining transition to bring Bobby back and that Annie was a great one-off character.

• Holy Terror (Season 9, Episode 9)

The best episode we got for the war between angels that ended up fizzling. There’s some great shocks and drama but it was sad to lose human Cas so fast and, of course, to lose Kevin. As with many season nine episodes, Jared’s fantastic dual work as Sam and Gadreel was amazing.

• Into the Mystic (Season 11, Episode 11)

The guys face a banshee, work with a charming older woman played by Dee Wallace (of course she likes Sam) and meet Eileen, the deaf hunter that fan immediately loved.

• The Third Man (Season 6, Episode 3)

This feels like the real start of season six. Miniature biblical plagues (how gross were the Locust in that guy’s head?!), Castiel’s return and the introduction of Balthazar (Sebastian Roche), one of our favorite angels of all time. May he rest in fabulousness.

• Optimism (Season 14, Episode 6)

Just a lonely monster fly, looking to fit in.

• Fresh Blood (Season 3, Episode 7)

Godon goes full evil then goes full vampire, hunting down Sam and Dean. Sam’s brutal decapitation of the Gordon hints at a darker Sam story that we won’t full get into for a long time.

• Provenance (Season 1, Episode 19)

Sam’s first crush after losing Jessica comes along in this spooky haunted painting episode.

• Sam Interrupted (Season 5, Episode 11)

The guys check into a mental hospital for a case, and honestly they really do need the therapy. A creepy monster, the boys dealing with some of their massive trauma, “Pudding!” and “Boop,” make for a very fun episode.

• I Think I’m Gonna Like It Here (Season 9, Episode 1)

Cas is human, Sam is dying and Dean just can’t get a break. It’s kind of understandable then that he allows “Ezekiel” (Tamoh Penikett) to possess Sam, but it’s still a massive betrayal that led to all kinds of bad.

• Jump the Shark (Season 4, Episode 19)

A fun take on the “discovered” relative trope that lends a lot of insight into the boys and John Winchester. Jake Abel is great as Adam, the lost half-brother, but the fact he was dead all along is a brutal twist. The ghouls are super creepy as well.

• Torn and Frayed (Season 8, Episode 10)

Sam and Amelia are in this episode, I think. I just ignore them and focus on Cas and Dean working a case together to save Samandriel (Tyler Johnson) from Crowley torture shack. Amanda Tapping is chilling as Naomi as we learn how extensive her control of Cas is at this point.

• Wendigo (Season 1, Episode 2)

The second episode of the series is the first of many miniature horror films, this time taking on a legendary monster in the woods. The VFX have aged badly but it’s still a pretty fun hour where we get to know Sam and Dean better.

• I’m No Angel (Season 9, Episode)

Poor Cas has a rough go of it as a human, what with the homelessness, getting tricked into sex with a reaper that kills him and then getting kicked out of the bunker, but I do like the examination of his character and faith.

• Home (Season 1, Episode 9)

A great take on poltergeist and a legendary one off character in Missouri Moseley (Loretta Divine) elevate this episode a lot. The stuff with Mary’s ghost finally got resolved eleven years later, so that’s nice.

• The Bad Seed (Season 11, Episode 03)

Rowena starting a mega-coven? Where can I join. Cas in a blanket. So much face touching. Makes up for the Amara and Crowley weirdness. Did I mention the face touching?

• Pac Man Fever (Season 8, Episode 20)

Dean ends up in Charlie’s brain to dave her from a Djinn, and it’s a video game. Jensen and Felicia have a lot of fun with the costumes and actions and I honestly wish there was more of that action.

• Dream A Little Dream of Me (Season 3, Episode 10)

After three seasons, we finally learn more about Bobby, as the boys go into his dreams to save him from a nightmare-walking bad guy. On top of that we get some surprising insights into Dean’s hopes and fears – he just wants a normal life! He’s terrified of becoming a demon! Too bad Bela is there to meddle.

• The Scorpion and the Frog (Season 13, Episode 8)

I love this mini quest, the new characters and the fun surprises from everyone. Sam really should have put out that fire with his jacket though.

• Appointment in Samarra (Season 6, Episode 11)

To save Sam, Dean gets to be death of a day. I love Death (Julian Richings) as a character, and Dean has a very interesting time doing his job. Sam trying to kill Bobby is a bit off-putting but balanced out by seeing Balthazar back again.

• Bloody Mary (Season 1, Episode 5)

A scary little episode that showcases the fun of the first season.

• First Blood (Season 12, Episode 9)

Let’s just pretend the whole president Satan thing didn’t happen and this is just a cool episode where we see how smart and deadly the Winchesters are. And also how much Cas and Mary care about them – given they’re willing to die and kill a reaper for the boys.

• Malleus Mallificarum (Season 3, Episode 9)

We learn more about witches (yay!) And Ruby (boo!) and there’s lots of gross fluids!

• The Mentalists (Season 7, Episode 7)

I really enjoy this episode about a town full of psychics real and fake, though it resolves the Sam and Dean season seven rift a bit too fast.

• The Purge (Season 9, Episode 13)

I’ll admit, I wouldn’t mind weight-loss via Peruvian fat-sucker monster. It looks pretty relaxing. This episode also introduces us to sheriff Donna Hanscum, and we get Dean in a hair net, but the actual highlight is the devastating conversation at the end where Sam tells Dean he wouldn’t save him.

• 160 . How to Win Friends and Influence Monsters (Season 7, Episode 9)

“I think you pissed off my Sandwich.” Iconic.

• Shut Up, Dr. Phil (Season 7, Episode 5)

A silly witch episode but it’s up here because of the guest cast, buffy alum James Marsters and Charisma Carpenter. Plus Dean versus bees – the rematch!

• The Things We Left Behind (Season 10, Episode 9)

A surprisingly intimate and small mid-season finale, I love in reintroduction of Claire, the daughter of Castiel’s vessel, Jimmy, and the character work we see with Cas and Dean.

• Bring ‘Em back alive (Season 13, Episode 18)

Dean’s over in apocalypse world while Sam and Cas deal with a broken archangel. We finally get some good stuff for Ketch (David Haydn-Jones), and great stuff with Gabriel. Of course it’s compassionate Sammy that gets through to him Also: Charlie is back! Yay!

• Heaven and Hell (Season 4, Episode 10)

This one is a pretty great battle for the angels and demons and has a pretty sexy love scene…too bad about the icky torture. Jensen’s speech at the end of course is legendary.

• We Need to Talk About Kevin (Season 8, Episode 1)

A really solid season opener that reset the pac. There’s good (purgatory) and some bad (Sam hit a dog? He didn’t look for Dean?) and great (Crowley and Kevin).

• Hunted (Season 2, Episode 10)

A exciting episode that brings back Gordon in a great way and introduces us to Ava (Katherine Isabelle), another special child like Sam. It’s like a mini action movie that ends on a great cliffhanger.

• It’s the Great Pumpkin, Sam Winchester (Season 4, Episode 7)

One of very few actual Halloween episodes, this one has some super scary deaths (boiled in apple bobbing water!). It ends with an awesome moment for Castiel’s character development as he confesses to Dean that he does have doubt about god.

• Sin City (Season 3, Episode 4)

There’s a weird premise about demons turning a quiet town into a den of gambling and prostitution, but the real highlight is the excellent long scenes between Dean and the demon Casey (Sasha Barrese) as they learn to respect and understand each other.

• No Exit (Season 2, Episode 6)

A cool combo of serial killers and ghosts, this take on the real story of H. H. Holmes was American Horror Story before that show existed. The focus on Jo (Alona Tal) is great as well.

• The Thing (Season 13, Episode 17)

I think they know about all the tentacle porn, guys…

• The Kids Are Alright (Season 3, Episode 2)

We meet Lisa and Ben, Dean’s ex and his possible son, and they’re surprisingly likable, compared to other women of season three. Dean saves them both from changelings – some of the creepiest monsters the show has ever produced.

• Phantom Traveler (Season 1, Episode 4)

Our first intro to demons seems a little tame now, but it’s a fun episode. Dean hates flying and Sam has some serious dead girlfriend angst as they take on Speckles the Plane Crash Demon.

• Sympathy for the Devil (Season 5, Episode 1)

After the huge cliffhanger of season four releasing Lucifer, the season five plotline is actually a bit…small scale and the focus on vessels has always struck me as a little odd as the lynchpin. Still this episode has some great moments including Chuck (Rob Bendict) hitting Sam on the head with a plunger.

• After School Special (Season 4, Episode 13)

This high school-set episode almost ranked higher thanks just to Dean in gym shorts, but the flashbacks to the guys as teens manage to make them less likable, which brings the episode down.

• What’s Up Tiger Mommy? (Season 8, Episode 2)

Kevin insists on checking in on his mom, Linda and some how she ends up at an auction of magical artefacts with the boys and Crowley. Linda Trans is a legend and shines here. Plus, there’s ulta-angsty, shipper catnip flashbacks to Dean, Cas and benny in purgatory.

• Simon Said (Season 2, Episode 5)

We learn more about the special children and there are some funny and very shocking moments – including Dean giving up Baby! Andy (Gabriel Tigerman) is a great character and the resolution is suitably dark and dismaying.

• Patience (Season 13, Episode 3)

It’s sort of sad looking back on this episode, which introduced psychic Wayward Sister Patience Turner (Clark Backo), now that the Wayward Sisters spin off isn’t a thing…but it’s still a good hour of the show with some great surprises and emotional stuff as Dean mourns Castiel’s latest death.

• Plucky Pennywhistle’s Magical Menagerie (Season 7, Episode 14)

There’s a Unicorn Pooping rainbows in this episode. Also evil clowns, and I love it more than I should.

• Let The Good Times Roll (Season 13, Episode 23)

It was all going so well until we hit the worst wire fight ever…

• Sex and Violence (Season 4, Episode 14)

The big twist that siren the guys are hunting is male makes up for all the strippers we have to endure. I mean, I like strippers but…it’s a bit much. Sam also gets to be hella sexy as well, which is a treat.

• About A Boy (Season 10, Episode 12)

Dylan Everett gives a fantastic turn as a de-aged Dean which completely makes up for the very silly monster of the week (Hansel and Gretel’s witch? Really?).

• Twigs and Twine and Tasha Banes (Season 12, Episode 20)

Where is the spin off for Max Banes (Kendrick Sampson) and his living doll magic sister?

• Hell House (Season 1, Episode 17)

We meet amateur ghost hunters, and internet famous dweebs Harry (Travis Wester) and Ed (A.J. Buckley), then men who would be Ghostfacers. Silly, smart and self-aware, one of the early slightly meta episodes that hinted at what the show would become.

• Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid (Season 5, Episode 15)

The dead are rising in Sioux falls, including the wife Bobby had to kill. This is a heartbreaking episode in a lot of ways that give us great moments with the boys and characters like Jody Mills, who we meet here as she has to kill her zombie son.

• Form and Void (Season 11, Episode 2)

Sam Winchester continues to be the most badass, determined, brave little toaster out there as he cures himself of The Darkness’s poison. We also meet Billie (Lisa Berry) the awesome reaper, and Crowley dresses up like a priest.

• Prophet and Loss (Season 14, Episode 12)

The rest of this episode about prophets and Nick and such is fine, but Sam’s final speech to Dean, pleading with him not to throw himself into the ocean because he believes in them? Epic. Also: Cas in a doctor’s outfit.

• The Prisoner (Season 10, Episode 22)

This episode deals with the fallout of Charlie’s death in an brutal fashion but in this case the drama is satisfying, not upsetting. Jensen’s performance is terrifying and heartbreaking and the final fight with Cas had me screaming at the TV in the best way.

• Stairway to Heaven (Season 9, Episode 22)

The angel bombers are a pretty interesting plot point and the drama of Cas giving up his army for Dean sets my heart aflutter. Again, anything with Metatron is catnip for me and Gadreel is also a fascinating character).

• Are you There God, It’s me, Dean Winchester (Season 4, Episode 2)

Their past mistakes come back to haunt the Winchesters and Bobby – literally. After the reveal that angels exist the show goes in a different direction than would be expected, but the episode is still exciting and scary. And the final scene with Cas is a wonderful second intro to his character.

• The Raid (Season 12, Episode 14)

Vampires attack inside a locked Men of Letters base, reminiscent of The Thing or other horror classic. This taught little action thriller packed into a single hour is a real treat, and it was so cool to see the Colt and the Alpha Vamp back after years.

• Thin Lizzie (Season 11, Episode 5)

A fun take on a classic murder tale, this episode goes a different way than you’d expect and brings in the season’s big bad in a great way as we learn people are going nuts because Amara is eating their souls.

• Roadkill (Season 2, Episode 16)

I love this story of a ghost that doesn’t know she’s dead, played so well by the great Tricia Helfer.

• Trial and Error (Season 8, Episode 14)

The boys in glasses. Plus some cool hellhound killing. Good fun.

• The Usual Suspects (Season 2, Episode 7)

A detective played by the wonderful Linda Blair gives the boys their first brush with the law in a real way. It’s more of a murder mystery than a ghost story, but it’s still very spooky and tightly written.

• Bitten (Season 8, Episode 4)

Some people hate this werewolves in college story, mainly because Sam and Dean aren’t in it, but I love the found footage trope and I think it was a creative risk that paid off.

• The Spear (Season 14, Episode 9)

Supernatural does Die Hard ; it’s frankly amazing it took them fourteen years.

• Skin (Season 1, Episode 6)

The first time we see one of the boys shirtless…and it turns disgusting real fast as it turns out this Dean is a shapeshifter and the transformation involves bones breaking and teeth falling out.

• Keep Calm and Carry On (Season 12, Episode 1)

Mary Winchester is back from the grave, and she and her boys don’t get a moment to rest. Sounds about right.

• Folsom Prison Blues (Season 2, Episode 19)

The boys go to prison to solve a case. New environment and new outfits means a lot of fun.

• Slash Fiction (Season 7, Episode 6)

Some Leviathans are on a murder spree wearing Sam and Dean’s faces. It’s a good excuse for some throw backs to early seasons and dissecting the Winchesters as people. Of course it’s really Jody that saves the day.

• Southern Comfort (Season 8, Episode 6)

A penny haunted by a vengeful confederate soldier is scarier than it sounds. It’s Garth’s strongest episode by far and includes one hell of a musical sequence and confrontation between the brothers.

• As Time Goes By (Season 8, Episode 12)

Turns out the Winchesters’ grandfather didn’t ditch their dad, he just time traveled to 2014 and met his grandsons. I love Henry and Abaddon, and the intro of the Men of Letter reinvigorates the whole season, and possibly the whole series.

• Breakdown (Season 13, Episode 11)

The darker side of Donna is awesome to see.

• Do You Believe in Miracles? (Season 9, Episode 23)

Dean fully succumbs to the mark of Cain in a final showdown with Metatron. It’s a strong finish to a shaky season that includes one of Dean’s best deaths, great hero moments for Cas and the bone-chillingly good final monologue by Crowley and reveal on Demon Dean.

• Good intentions (Season 13, Episode 14)

On our earth we have the guys dealing with a soulless prophet and on the other there’s Mary, Jack and Bobby fighting the good fight. The AU is well done, and Cas’s hard choice is indeed hard to watch. Poor Donatello…

• Shadow (Season 1, Episode 16)

Literal shadows are killing folks but it’s just a trap for the Winchesters. One of the most action-packed episodes of the first season and a spot where the mythology really takes off, plus great stuff with Papa Winchester and Meg.

• Born Under a Bad Sign (Season 2, Episode 14)

Though the first two acts drag, once Sam-possessed-by-Meg lets loose the episode is dynamite.

• The Chitters (Season 11, Episode 19)

A creepy, creative monster and a pair of Hunter Husbands make this one a winner.

• A Little Slice of Kevin (Season 8, Episode 7)

Though Kevin is in the title, this episode is all about Castiel. Our favorite angel returns in the angstiest of ways, much to Dean’s confusion and relief and the audience’s elation.

• Various and Sundry Villains (Season 13, Episode 12)

Rowena is back from the dead again, just in time to save Dean from a love spell and be generally so fabulous. Seeing her bond with Sam over their trauma is icing on the cake.

• Inside Man (Season 10, Episode 17)

Bobby returns again, this time helping the boys from inside heaven to save Dean from the Mark of Cain. Add in Dean and Crowley having a heart to heart about family and we have a winner.

• Houses of the Holy (Season 2, Episode 13)

The first mention of angels on the show turns out to be a great examination of purpose and faith…and also turns super ironic given later seasons. The twist is easy but satisfying and the first hints at a higher power are great too.

• The Bad Place (Season 13, Episode 9)

That “wait, is that a dinosaur???” end is worth the price of admission alone.

• Clip Show (Season 8, Episode 22)

As he kills his way through people the Winchesters saved ages ago, Crowley is at his most evil. Abaddon is at her most scary and poor Cas is at peak good intentions and bad results.

• Beyond the Mat (Season 11, Episode 15)

Wrestlers making demon deals, and the boys are big fans. Dean the fanboy learning the humanity in his idol is so great. We also see Lucifer-in-Cas being truly devilish, getting Crowley to lick the floor.

• Soul Survivor (Season 10, Episode 3)

Sam tries to cure demon Dean and there are some bumps in the road. One of Jensen’s best directed episodes and certainly the highlight of the too-short Demon Dean story line. The chase through the bunker is extra tense and scary.

• In The Beginning (Season 4, Episode 3)

The first time travel episode: Castiel sends Dean back to the past to meet his parents. This episode redefined and expanded the history of the show almost as much as the season four premiere, with a fantastic guest cast and twists.

• Just My Imagination (Season 11, Episode)

One for the Sam girls. I loved this look at Sam’s past and feelings. A wonderful guest cast, a cool new creature in the Zannas/Imaginary Friends and it was wonderfully directed by Gabriel himself, Richard Speight Jr.

• I Know What You Did Last Summer (Season 4, Episode 9)

We meet Anna Milton, a gal who hears voices. Turns out she’s an angel! Also turns out that Ruby and Sam banged a lot while Dean was dead which Dean super did not need to know the details of.

• Lebanon (Season 14, Episode 13)

We’ve hit the top one hundred, and I think it’s a good spot to save room for episode THREE hundred, which I’m pretty certain will rank much higher, just knowing that we’ll see John Winchester (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) back with his wife and boys for a brief time. We’re ready for the tears and ready for more.

• Don’t You Forget About Me (Season 11, Episode 12)

The first hint that we had something special with the Wayward girls, and a welcome relief from all the testosterone as we focused on Jody, Alex (Katherine Ramdeen) and Claire for once – and got to see them save the day.

• Damaged Goods (Season 14, Episode 11)

Dean deals with Michael being trapped in his head, and Billie giving him only one way to stop him, in the usual Winchester way: by making a rash decision about his own welfare and not telling anyone, all the while saving the say and sharing emotional moments with everyone. Along with powerful acting from Samantha Smith and Mark Pellegrino, we get awesome beats from Ackles for an emotional ep.

• We Happy Few (Season 11, Episode 22)

A great sort of Ocean’s 11 vibe permeates this lead-up to the season eleven finale, plus we get Lucifer the petulant teen, Rowena being fabulous and an action- packed final act.

• Angel Heart (Season 10, Episode 20)

I really enjoyed that we came back to Claire and what we got to see of her relationships with Sam, Dean and Cas and how she grew as a character. It was heart breaking to see another hunter lose a mom, but having Jimmy Novak’s fate finally resolved was worth it.

• Frontierland (Season 6, Episode 18)

Letting the Winchesters cosplay as cowboys, was a great idea, from the humor of Dean’s fanboying and failing, to the badass conclusion where Dean actually gets to be the sheriff. Pure fun.

• America Nightmare (Season 12, Episode 4)

This episode harked back to the small monsters and monstrous humans of past seasons in a great way. We actually saw the brothers disagree on how to solve a case, which is pretty rare. Also: Winchesters in sweaters!

• Survival of the Fittest (Season 7, Episode 23)

A seriously strong season finale after an unsteady season as the guys work with Castiel and Meg to take down the Leviathans.

• The Devil in the Details (Season 11, Episode 10)

Not only does Lucifer dress up as Santa, he has a long-need confrontation with Sam. The multiple shocks – Rowena’s first death and Castiel saying yes to the devil are great too.

• Funeralia (Season 13, Episode 19)

How great is Rowena here, as she calls out Death herself over the loss of Crowley? Ruth Connell is at her best, we get my favorite reaper, Jessica (Kayla Stanton), and Billie in all hear deathly glory.

• The Foundry (Season 12, Episode 3)

It’s fantastic to see Mary Winchester back as a hunter and coping with life in the 21st century. I wish there had been more serious stuff for Crowley and Cas, but the comedy for them is great too as they looks for Lucifer.

• Advanced Thanatology (Season 13, Episode 5)

We have humor with Dean powering down bacon, and then suddenly he’s willingly killing himself to save a ghost kid. Dean is in such a dark, tortured place and we get to meet Billie as death, it’s a winner.

• Death Takes a Holiday (Season 4, Episode 15)

A great balance of a new look at ghosts, as the boys astral project themselves into spirit form, plus we added on new myth and mega drama with Pamela’s death. Alastair and Tessa are aces and there’s even some fun humor.

• Alex Annie Alexis Ann (Season 9, Episode 19)

A huge highlight of season nine for me, I loved seeing so much of Jody and such a powerful, female driven story done so creatively. Alex is such an interesting character. Having been raised by monsters, and the vulnerability she brings out in Jody, who adopts her, is fantastic.

• The Vessel (Season 11, Episode 14)

Time travel done right and tragically, as Dean goes back to a doomed submarine in the 40s to save a holy relic. We get more great acting from Misha as Lucifer, and it’s always great when the guys end an episode just super sad

• Nightshifter (Season 2, Episode 12)

An episode where the show takes a tried formula – the bank heist and hostage situation – and really turns it on his head. We get a great guest star and a scary monster…plus an awesome music cue at the end with “Renegade.”

• The Great Escapist (Season 8, Episode 21)

Cas is on the run from heaven and Sam and Dean are looking for the scribe of God. We get a very badass Cas, sick Sam and caretaker Dean, as well as great stuff from Kevin and Crowley! A win all around and that doesn’t even take into account meeting one of our favorite angels – Metatron.

• Reading is Fundamental (Season 7, Episode 21)

Crazy Cas is fun and heartbreaking, we meet our favorite AP prophet of the Lord, Kevin Tran, and get angels, demons and lots of excitement.

• Mint Condition (Season 14, Episode 4)

It’s great seeing glimpses at the nerdiness and nostalgia that Dean keeps hidden, and the show thrives on both nostalgia and innovatin: so I loved this horror movie homage where Dean fights a monster straight from VHS.

• Celebrating the Life of Asa Fox (Season 12, Episode 6)

A great take on a locked door murder mystery and a showcase for Mary, Billie, Jody and the boys, as well as a great cast of hunters.

• The Real Ghostbusters (Season 5, Episode 9)

I love when the show goes meta, and while their first take on fans isn’t quite accurate, it sure is fun. Dean and Sam meeting people LARPing as them is hysterical, and we get some of Chuck’s best stuff when he’d forced to improv for an audience of fans. Does everything he says count as the word of God?

• My Heart Will Go On (Season 6, Episode 17)

The world is changed drastically when Balthazar unsinks the Titanic. I love Bobby and Ellen as a couple and the moments of humor and sadness we get here. There’s some truly creative deaths, a hysterical sequence when Sam and Dean “tempt fate” and heartbreak when Bobby has to lose Ellen.

• Roadtrip (Season 9, Episode 10)

Dealing with the aftermath of Kevin’s death was never going to be easy, but we get through it in an entertaining episode with great moments for everyone, especially Sam as he finally kicks Gadreel out.

• The Werther Project (Season 10, Episode 19)

A locked box that makes people kill themselves. No, it’s not Bird Box , it’s a great episode that gets deep in people’s heads. Extremely creepy and disturbing in the best way because it makes us think about who Sam and Dean are as people. Even though we don’t get a lot of the real Rowena, she’s wonderful too.

• Wayward Sisters (Season 13, Episode 10)

It’s bitter-sweet looking back at this episode, back door pilot focusing on a family of fierce women hunting monsters. The show wasn’t picked up, but the episode we got – where we see Jody, Donna, Claire, Alex and Patience join Kaia to save the boys and show that anyone can be a hero – is still excellent.

• Heart (Season 2, Episode 17)

Our first werewolf on the show, and Sam’s first huge heartbreak when he loses yet another girlfriend. I loved seeing Sam and Madison connect and it broke me to see the end of her story. And that love scene! Rawr!

• Clap Your Hands if you Believe (Season 6, Episode 9)

It turns out UFO abductions are the fault of fairies! Dean has a close encounter and gets beat up by tinker bell, and we get the very best use of Soulless Sam. One of the most fun takes on two different myths in one very funny and entertaining episode.

• Safe House (Season 11, Episode 16)

This Bobby and Rufus Flashback is so great in so many ways, especially how it intersects with the present.

• Point of No Return (Season 5, Episode 18)

The shows one hundred episode is pretty standard, considering the meta celebrations of later years. But it’s still great to see Cas, Sam and Bobby struggle to keep Dean from sacrificing himself. The lowest emotional point for Dean in season five is also some of the best drama, as we see him try to give himself up until his family saves him again.

• Croatoan (Season 2, Episode 9)

A demonic virus taking over a small town leads to some huge revelations about Sam, and hugely emotional scenes between the brothers. One the most tense and dramatic episodes of the early series it’s still a fan favorite and why not? Sam telling Dean to kill him, Dean refusing? Also, murder virus? Great stuff.

• Alpha and Omega (Season 11, Episode 23)

Most Supernatural finales have a pretty high body count, or at least an intense fight or two. But in this one, with God himself dying and Dean ready to blow himself to stop the Darkness…the day is saved but just talking. It’s a shocker in the best way to see God and his sister actually work stuff out, thanks to Dean’s emotional intelligence. And the final twist with Mary’s return continues to be rewarding.

• Hollywood Babylon (Season 2, Episode 18)

Sam and Dean fight a ghost on a movie set and McG and Gilmore Girls get name dropped. The first episode where the show really broke the fourth wall, the way Supernatural could make fun of itself, even in season two was a harbinger for the greatness that we would see in the future.

• Two Minutes to Midnight (Season 5, Episode 21)

This lead up to the guy’s first apocalypse is excellent, but the absolute highlight is Julian Riching’s entrance as Death, set to Jen Titus’s “Oh, Death.” One of the best scenes in the entire series.

• Beat the Devil (Season 13, Episode 21)

That shocker of Sam getting KILLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE EPISODE plus so much drama over and over made this a harrowing experience to watch, but there was also so much great humor with Gabriel and Rowena.

• My Bloody Valentine (Season 5, Episode 14)

I always forget how gory and disgusting this episode is when I watch it because I get distracted by the funny (Cupid!) the shippy (they stand so close!) and the dramatic (Dean is so empty!).

• Hunteri Heroici (Season 8, Episode 8)

I almost ranked this one higher, because the Cas stuff and cartoon fun is great…but there’s also the Sam and Amelia nonsense that I always forget until I watch the episode, that’s a total snooze.

• Repo Man (Season 7, Episode 15)

A cool take on demon possession that gets into both Sam and Dean’s heads and hearts, as we see Jeffrey become a murdered to get back the demon who possessed him who he loved. And we get great twists and great Hallucifer story too.

• Everybody Hates Hitler (Season 8, Episode 13)

Everybody loves bacon….and Dean getting flustered when a dude flirts with him.

• Weekend at Bobby’s (Season 6, Episode 4)

Such a great shift in perspective as we see what Bobby’s day-to-day is while the boys are off being idjits. There’s wonderful work by Jim Beaver and other guests as well as a stellar job by Jensen in his first try as a director

• Hibbing 911 (Season 10, Episode 8)

Jody and Donna are a match made in heaven, and a story built around these two great ladies was bound to be amazing – and it turns out it is.

• The Big Empty (Season 13, Episode 4)

We’ve been saying for years these guys need therapy, and as Dean and Sam take on a shapeshifter, they finally get some, as does poor Jack when he gets to see his mother’s face at last. It’s not just the living that work on their issues, Castiel finds the will to live and fight and annoys a cosmic entity so much he gets himself resurrected.

• Bad Boys (Season 9, Episode 7)

Turns out Dean spent some time in a boys home when he was a kid. Another great turn by Dylan Everett as young Dean in an episode that gave us some great insight into the characters, as well as some great scares and a heart -tugging end.

• Crossroad Blues (Season 2, Episode 8)

The cold open of this episode and the use of music is one of my favorites. It sets up the episode with a diabolical tension that persists throughout and sets up stories for years to come.

• Lilly Sunder has some Regrets (Season 12, Episode 10)

In the past, Castiel had a female vessel and helped other angels kill a woman’s child they thought was a Nephilim. Turns out they were wrong and that lady is back, down one eye, and out for revenge. This is a great episode about regret, love, mistakes and family.

• Unhuman Nature (Season 14, Episode 7)

I think the whole fandom was surprised by how much we loved Lucifer’s son, Jack when he was introduced in season thirteen, and thus the episode where he contemplates his own imminent death was particularly heartbreaking. The stuff with Nick is fine, and it’s great to see Sam and Cas rally, but it’s those driving lessons with Dean and the father-son fishing scene that elevates this episode to greatness.

• Bad Day At Black Rock (Season 3, Episode 3)

Dean and Sam come across a rabbit’s foot with hilarious consequences, including Sam’s lost shoe and the time he just random caught on fire. It’s the amazing physical comedy and weirdness that high ranking, even though it has Bela. I can watch it on a loop and never stop laughing.

• The Executioner’s Song (Season 10, Episode 14)

As the boys, Cas and Crowley work together to take out Cain, we get so many treats: Cain’s awesome entrance, the thrill of seeing everyone actually on screen together and an epic final fight with the Father of Murder. The angst. Oh the angst.

• Ghostfacers (Season 3, Episode 13)

The first episode after the show returned from the 2008 writer’s strike poked hilarious fun at reality TV and still managed to be creepy as hell. And we finally go to see how Sam and Dean really talk (so much swearing).

• Free to be You and Me (Season 5, Episode 3)

Personal space. Snark. Raphael. Not only do we get our first real glimpse of the fallen, funny Cas we all now love, but we also get to see Sam trying valiantly and failing to live a normal life, and the first real insight into Lucifer.

• Lucifer Rising (Season 4, Episode 22)

The start of season four changed the entire series, but the finale of that stellar season also raised the stakes for the Winchesters to apocalyptic levels. There are huge, series and character defining actions in this episode, and the reveal on Ruby (Genevieve Padalecki) is gives us one of the best villain moments of the series.

• The Girl With the Dungeons and Dragons Tattoo (Season 7, Episode 20)

In Season 5 we met Becky, a funny but sort of icky avatar for the fangirls of the show. In this excellent heist episode, we meet Charlie Bradbury, the nerdy, queer, funny and brave woman played by Felicia Day that in whom so many fans of this show finally saw themselves on screen. We’re glad Charlie is back in, a way, but we’ll always treasure the first outing.

• The Rapture (Season 4, Episode 20)

Even though we fell in love with Castiel from the moment he showed his wings, it wasn’t really until this episode that the audience learned what an outstanding actor Misha Collins was. Seeing Collins bring a second character to life, as Castiel’s doomed vessel, Jimmy, is a revelation.

• What Is and What Should Never Be (Season 2, Episode 20)

One of the many times in season two that Supernatural rips out our hearts and stomps them on the floor. It’s painful to see how much Dean really wants a normal life, and Jensen’s acting at his father’s grave is stellar. The episode is also one of the first roles for another hunter of demons and uglies – future Wynonna Earp Melanie Scrofano!

• The Future (Season 12, Episode 19)

There’s so much good in the episode. Courtney Ford is great as the mother-to-be of Lucifer’s child, and we get our first hints at who that child could be…but for a lot of folks in the fandom the episode is a highlight for one simple reason: The Mixtape.

• First Born (Season 9, Episode 11)

The beginning of the Mark of Cain storyline is perhaps the strongest outing for a story that maybe over-stayed it’s welcome. Timothy Omundson is amazing as Cain and Dean’s showdown in the kitchen with several demons as Cain watches is one of the best fights in the show’s history.

• Nihilism (Season 14, Episode 10)

A roaringly great midseason premiere where we saw Jensen’s best work as Michael, awesome beats for Cas, Sam and Jack as they fought for their family, and even poor little Maggie got to save the day! Also the guests – including Billie and Pamela were a treat all around.

• LARP and the Real Girl (Season 8, Episode 11)

Dean is at his nerdy best here when the boys join Charlie to stop some magical murders at the local LARP event (think a ren faire with meets live D&D). The costumes alone are fantastic, but it’s definitely Charlie’s strongest episode.

• Tall Tales (Season 2, Episode 15)

Even without knowing that it’s Gabriel screwing with them our first meeting with the Trickster is a hysterical blast. Aliens, gators in the sewer, some Rashomon alternative stories from Sam and Dean and we get an episode that’s indeed to precious for this world.

• Goodbye, Stranger (Season 8, Episode 17)

The culmination of Cas being mind-controlled for most of season, it’s also an emotional climax for Cas’s relationship with Dean after being broken for so much of season six and seven. It’s a stellar episode for the two. It’s also a beautiful, redemptive finale for Rachel Miner as Meg, who dies to save her unicorn in Cas.

• It’s A Terrible Life (Season 4, Episode 17)

No longer Winchesters, but Smith and Wesson, the boys are shoved into a new life with no memories of who they are and still manage to find each other and save the day from an economics obsessed ghost. I love episodes that go outside of the box (not that Supernatural even has much of a box left) and this one takes big risks with big rewards. The boys will always be The Boys, not matter how nice their suits or polo shirts.

• Meta Fiction (Season 9, Episode 18)

Metatron is one of my all-time favorite villains, and this outing, where Curtis Armstrong really gets to take the reins and have so much fun manipulating the boys, Cas, and the chess board of the world is his highlight. It is indeed a super meta episode, where the wannabe god examines the very structure and subtext of the show itself.

• Red Meat (Season 11, Episode 17)

Sam and Dean are a great team, but their relationship is also…pretty messed up. Co-dependent doesn’t even describe it. In this episode, where a werewolf seems to take out Sam and Dean is immediately ready to kill himself is pretty darn dark, and indicative of the whole thing they’ve got going. Even if it’s not functional, it’s awesome drama and it’s also a turning point for the guys to grow.

• Unfinished Business (Season 13, Episode 20)

Gabriel is back and he has a vendetta against Loki, the god whose face and identity her stole. The copious amounts of our favorite archangel are so good, but the real wonder of it is that it was also directed by Richard Speight Jr., which means he was directing himself fighting himself and hit it out of the park.

• Heaven Can’t Wait (Season 9, Episode 6)

We all wish we’d had more time with Castiel as a human, especially if they were more like this episode. We have Cas working at a Gas-n-Sip, trying to be as normal as he can, until Dean and some disgruntled angels pull him right back into the fray. It’s a melancholy, bittersweet hunt with awesome acting from Misha and introspection from Cas.

• Scarecrow (Season 1, Episode 11)

Sam and Dean break up for the first time, and we get what turns out to be a big turning point for the series. We not only see who the boys are on their own, as Dean investigates a town sacrificing travelers to pagan gods and Sam meets a girl that isn’t all she seems, but we learn why they’re better together. The final scene, where Meg kills her ride and communicates with her demonic boss was utterly shocking and took the series from fun to compulsively watchable.

• Who We Are (Season 12, Episode 22)

This wrenching wrap-up to both the British Men of Letters plot and the fallout of Mary Winchester’s resurrection was gutting and beautiful. We see Sam finally stepping up as a leader and coming out from Dean’s shadow, and Dean finally, finally gets some emotional closure with his mother in a devestating scene.

• Tombstone (Season 13, Episode 6)

The top of season thirteen was dark and heavy, which makes this fun vacation to the titular western landmark so refreshing and fun. Dean getting to geek out fully, he and Cas in those hats and Jack going on his first case with all three of his dads: great stuff.

• Hammer of the Gods (Season 5, Episode 19)

Perhaps the scariest and harshest Lucifer ever has been. Seeing him slaughter people is one thing, but seeing him crash the American Gods- esque conclave of deities and take them all out it extra horrifying. This is also the episode that redeems and explored Gabriel the best, so it hurt extra bad to see him (seemingly) die to save humanity.

• Sacrifice (Season 8, Episode 23)

While Dean helps Cas to save heaven Sam tries to cure Crowley and shut the gates of hell – both these plans involve some serious, well, sacrifice to work, and shocker, they both fail. It’s the twists and emotional moments that elevate this finale to greatness: Abaddon’s grand reentrance, Dean and Cas’s quiet good bye, Metatron’s double cross and the gorgeous and terrifying fall of the angels. However, it’s Padalecki and Sheppard, giving some of their best performances in that church that take this one over the top.

• Abandon All Hope (Season 5, Episode 10)

This one hurts just to think about, doesn’t it? It’s not like we thought the boys would actually kill Lucifer in the middle of a season, but the showdown ends even worse than we could have dreamed. Cas gets kidnapped, the Colt proves useless (though the demon that provides it certainly had a shelf life), then we lose Ellen and Jo in one of the most tragic and heartbreaking deaths on a show full of tragedy and heartbreak.

• Lost and Found (Season 13, Episode 1)

Speaking of heartbreak: I don’t think any death (aside from Sam’s) on the show has been shown to break Dean the way losing Cas this time did. It was a quiet and emotional way to open a season, and seeing that goodbye and Dean’s subsequent mourning hurt a lot. In contrast we saw the resilience and compassion we love in Sam, and immediately fell in love with Jack.

• Monster Movie (Season 4, Episode 5)

Sam and Dean take on a shapeshifter with a taste in classic film in this black and white episode. We get homages to all the classics: Dracula , Frankenstein , The Mummy , The Wolfman and even The Phantom Of The Opera – after all, the whole thing is about a monster that hides from the world behind theatricality and thinks he can force a woman to love and save him. It’s funny and sad and so creative. And Dean wears lederhosen!

• When the Levee Breaks (Season 4, Episode 21)

I hate it when the boys fight…but also sorta love it. The brothers’ knock-down, drag out confrontation at the end of this episode is their best fight and they carried that awesome emotional baggage and scarring all the way into the end of season five. This episode is also so strong for Sam. We see deep into his fears and insecurities, and Jared gives a fantastic performance while the younger Winchesters hallucinates his way through demon detox )there’s no manual for that, by the way).

• Byzantium (Season 14, Episode 8)

So…Jack dies in the first scene and it’s not even in the top five emotional moments for this fantastic recent episode. Dean and Sam have it out with a face from their past, Jack gets some beautiful moments with his real mom at last, and Cas risks it all going back to heaven for his boy. And in the end, Cas sacrifices himself to save Jack (proving he really is a Winchester). The pain of it all is perfectly offset by the reveal that Lilly Sunder’s selflessness means she’ll reunite with her child.

• The Man Who Would Be King (Season 6, Episode 20)

Supernatural is still here because of Castiel. Without the angel, the show would have run out of stories so many years ago. He’s a fascinating character who’s almost defined by making terrible decisions for the right reasons, just like the men that taught him to love earth and freewill. This look into Castiel’s point of view on the whole story is so great, and so sad at the same time. It hurts so good to see Dean trying to keep faith in the guy that lifted him from tradition and at every turn you just want to shake Cas but also give him a hug. Though I’m not a huge fan of where this arc eventually went, I love this episode.

• In My Time of Dying (Season 2, Episode 1)

Season one of Supernatural was good, and fun, but aside from a few spots, it wasn’t quite exceptional. Season two is. It’s note perfect, every episode, and it comes out swinging with some of the biggest twists and emotional beats of the show to that point. This episode is perfectly balanced, as a comatose Dean wanders the a hospital, avoiding reapers, trying to get in touch with Sam, and setting up the show’s central theme of family versus fate.

24/23. All Hell Break Loose (Season 2, Episode 21 and 22)

Just as season two starts remarkably, it ends with bang after bang. I can’t separate these two episodes, because they have so many iconic moments and shocks across the board. We learn who the special children are and then Sam…dies???? Though it’s old hat now, this was the first time a Winchester brother really bit the big one, and it’s still painful to watch because of Dean’s reaction and Jensen’s incredible acting. Then there’s that whole thing where Dean sells his soul which pretty much sets up the mythology for the next several years. Even so, the guys end of a rare win as they take down Azazel at last. These two episodes are peak Winchester goodness.

• Jus in Belo (Season 3, Episode 12)

I love a good bottle episode, and I love a good standoff. This episode is so tense and twisty, a miniature action movie packed into a single hour of network TV. The standoff with the demons surrounding the police precinct, the confrontations and work with Victor and even the surprising humor are all great. And then that shocking twist at the end where Lilith slaughters everyone we just came to love – classic Supernatural .

• Dark Side of the Moon (Season 5, Episode 16)

These guys die. A lot. But it’s rare we see what happens to them after…turns out Heaven isn’t so great when you’re on the bad side of some archangels. There’s beautiful moments all over this episode (the fireworks!) but the thing that’s stuck with me personally is that idea of heaven as a place where one relives the best part of life. It’s a beautiful idea, but also a sad one, when it means people are alone. Seeing that Sam and Dean are in very different heavens and would be apart for eternity is almost as sad as learning that God is listening…but he doesn’t care.

• Death’s Door (Season 7, Episode 10)

For so much of it’s run, Bobby Singer (Jim Beaver) was as much a part of the fabric of Supernatural as the Impala, weird motels and rock salt. Bobby was a parent to these lost boys, a constant, the kind of person you just always expect to be there until he isn’t. This remarkable journey through Bobby’s past and heart was a fantastic send off for the character, and Beaver. And no, we don’t think it was under cut by his return as a ghost or in other forms year after year. “I adopted two boys, and they turned out heroes,” still gives me chills and gets a little something in my eye.

• A Very Supernatural Christmas (Season 3, Episode 8)

Two words: Evil Santa. Though the baddie turns out to be a pair of perky pagan gods, this episode encapsulates everything great about Supernatural . It’s subversive, creepy, funny while telling two deeply emotional stories about the Winchester brothers bonding at Christmas time. It’s a beautiful episode I come back to again and again – it’s holiday tradition.

• The End (Season 5, Episode 4)

What’s better than one Dean? Two! Especially when the second is living in a post-apocalyptic hellscape wearing a thigh holster and hanging out with a stoned ex-angel who likes orgies and sarcasm. This trip to the distant time of 2014 (cue hysterical laughter) is great. We don’t only get Dean v. Dean, we have Jared as Lucifer, more thoughtful and menacing than we ever see him. Then again, that could just be a version of Lucifer that Zachariah dreamed up to screw with Dean. On this show, anything is possible.

• Faith (Season 1, Episode 12)

If “Scarecrow” is where the series found its groove, this episode is where it really finds its heart and soul. At the beginning, Supernatural was Sam’s show, with Dean there as bad-boy comic relief, a collection of tropes and swagger to contrast Sam’s more earnest heroism. But as season one goes on, the writers and the audience learn that Dean is just as complex and broken as Sam, if not more so. After giving us some glimpses before, this the episode where we first truly see Dean’s vulnerability and the power Jensen Ackles could bring to this role. As Dean is dying, then facing the idea that someone else died in his place, the scope of the show grows, and we see the weight that’s been on this guy’s shoulders, and we learn why Sam is happy to defy fate for him. Because we are too.

• Swan Song (Season 5, Episode 22)

It’s strange looking back at this hour, 197 episodes late and thinking that it was all supposed to end here. It certainly is the most final of many finales, with Sam saying yes to Lucifer and then overcoming him to throw them into the cage. Jared and Sam do such great work throughout, truly bring the emotion and conflict. Though a lot of the drama is undercut by later developments on the show, it’s an extremely good episode that embodies what the show is about, two boys, a fallen angel and an old drunk trusting in family to save the world.

• Yellow Fever (Season 4, Episode 6)

There’s so much to point out as exceptional in this episode where Dean is infected with ghost sickness, making him afraid of everything: Dean and the giant snake, Dean screaming at a cat, and his deep fears that Sam is a monster…but nothing is better than when he breaks down and monologues at Sam about how anyone would be crazy to willingly do what they do. He’s not wrong.

• The Born Again Identity (Season 7, Episode 17)

Season seven is rough, guys. The boys lose every single touch stone and support: Cas, Bobby, THE CAR even. And at the top of this episode, it looks like they’ll lose each other. It’s hard to watch, but this is the episode where the start finding hope. Dean finds Cas in the most unlikely of places, looking for a healer for Sam’s broken soul and psyche. The reunion is an intense slow burn, made all the better by having Meg along, but the pay off and that start of Castiel’s redemption is worth it. And then there’s sweet, beautiful Sam. He’s committed to being a hero even in his darkest moments, and if that’s not the essence of this character throughout the whole show, I don’t know what is.

• Stuck in the Middle (With You) (Season 12, Episode 12)

If you’ve gotta steal, steal from the best: that goes for the Winchesters (Mary and Cas included) and co as they steal from a prince of hell, and the creators of the show, who gave us this crazy take on Quinten Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs. Each act focuses on a different character and it’s so great. Mary is complicated, Crowley shockingly saves the day, and Cas’s near death makes for some huge emotional moments. More than that, it’s just pure fun.

• The Monster at the End of this Book (Season 4, Episode 18)

People don’t believe me when I try to explain that Supernatural is the most meta, self-aware show on television and has been for years. This is the episode where it takes meta to a whole new level: The boys meet Chuck Shurley, an alcoholic, anxious mess of an author whose only output it a book series called “Supernatural.” It’s their lives. With the introduction of books about Sam and Dean into the world of Sam and Dean, the show opened a who new landscape of introspection and parody. How often do you get to see two brothers on screen say that the fanfic about incest between them is gross, and in the same episode have “the Author” apologize for his bad writing in the past? The twist that Chuck is a prophet (and the mega twist later that he’s actually GOD) makes it all mind-bendingly fun.

• On The Head of A Pin (Season 4, Episode 16)

We can’t have heroism without hopelessness; and the forces of light need to go through darkness to grow. That’s the case for all three leads in this excellent hour: Dean is forced to use skill learned in hell to torture Alastair (Christopher Hyerdahl), Castiel faces his first crisis of faith, and Sam succumbs further to Ruby’s manipulations and his addiction to demon blood and the power that comes with it. It’s a powerful, beautifully shot, fantastically acted episode with huge twists (Dean was the first seal!) and major expansions to the mythos of the show.

• Regarding Dean (Season 12, Episode 11)

Fans of Supernatural know this show isn’t winning Emmys…ever. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t performances worthy of them. When Dean slowly starts to lose his memory, and thus himself, Jensen Ackles knocks it out of the park, moving from funny to frightened to heartbreaking so seamlessly it’s mind-boggling. As Dean stares into a bathroom mirror, reciting what he knows of himself and slowly losing those touchstones, in one uncut shot, Ackles confirms that he’s one of the most talented guys working on television. He’s also pretty awesome at bull riding.

• The French Mistake (Season 6, Episode 15)

There are shows that break the fourth wall between fiction and reality with a winking reference or a self-aware plot. Supernatural does that too, but with this episode it takes the fourth wall and literally shatters it to smithereens. Sam and Dean are transported to a world where they look like actors named Jared and Jensen, stars of a Canada-filmed cult hit called… Supernatural . Oh, and Sam’s totally married to Ruby. It’s riotously funny to see Sam and Dean react to Jensen’s soap opera past and the hilariously douchey version of Misha Collins. I don’t know what’s better, “Eric Kripke” being gunned down by an angry angel or Jared and Jesen playing Sam and Dean pretending to be Jared and Jensen playing Sam and Dean in an imitation of Misha Collins playing Misha Collins playing Castiel.

• Don’t Call Me Shurley (Season 11, Episode 20)

Supernatural isn’t just Sam and Dean. The show has built an entire cosmos of complex characters played by some truly brilliant actors. It’s also addressed some seriously weighty issues – like the nature of free will, the power of story and the role of the divine. “Don’t Call Me Shurley” is a showcase of these elements. Sam and Deana are barely around and we get what amounts to a one act play as Metatron and Chuck – who is finally revealed as God – discuss writing, abandonment and the nature of creation. It’s fantastic, but the final scene, where actual rock star Rob Benedict picks up his guitar and sings “Fare Thee Well” is transcendent.

• Changing Channels (Season 5, Episode 8)

Supernatural always does a great job of making fun of itself, but this episode is a brilliant trun skewering every other genre of television. The Trickster – who we learn is secretly Gabriel – sends the boys on an adventure through TV land, with stops in a sitcom, a Japanese game show, a procedural cop show and brilliant parody of Grey’s Anatomy . It’s a sharp, crazy episode that most other shows couldn’t pull off, but it fits right in on Supernatural . And the whole thing succeeds because we see Gabriel’s pain and anger behind all the goofs. In the end, it’s still about family.

• Pilot (Season 1, Episode 1)

A good pilot is a hard thing to find. There are many great shows that started shaky then found their legs, and others that started awesome and fizzled after a few season. The pilot of Supernatural is still perfect a decade and change later. The characters are immediately engaging, the tone of the show – big cars, bad monsters and hidden emotional depth – is evident from the get-go. We’re all instantly drawn into the story from the first moments, and the final shock of Jessica’s death, while tropey, has the audience desperate for the next chapter in the story. “Dad’s on a hunting trip, and he hasn’t been home in a few days.” This pilot isn’t just good. It’s Iconic.

• Mystery Spot (Season 3, Episode 11)

Supernatural is a show that’s impossible to describe to categorize. One minute it’s hysterically funny, the next it’s absurd and meta, and then a second later, your heart is ripped out. No episode embodies these contrasts so well as “Mystery Spot.” In order to teach Sam a lesson, the Trickster traps him in a time loop: a never-ending cycle of Tuesdays that all end with Dean’s death. Watching Dean die over and over in increasingly absurd ways (tacos, golden retriever, even at Sam’s hands) is so funny…until he stays dead and we see the person Sam becomes without him. It’s so classic and so good, and there’s not a Supernatural fan in existence who would mind being stuck in a loop with this episode.

• Lazarus Rising (Season 4, Episode 1)

The first three seasons of Supernatural were great entertainment, but even the creators worried about the show’s longevity at that time. Then the 2008 writers strike happened, and Dean ended season three in hell. It was a big cliffhanger that wasn’t always intended, and the solution to it changed Supernatural forever. The introduction of angels to the mythology added a necessary counterweight to the demons and monsters and added a new mythology that has sustained the show for more than a decade at this point. The angel plotline might not have worked without the brilliant performance of Misha Collins as Castiel and the way this episode perfectly introduced him. Dean waking up in that coffin, and the slow mysterious reveal of how he was resurrected is such great television. The culminating reveal of Castiel, in one of the most iconic character entrance of all time is the perfect ending, but also the beginning of Supernatural as a phenomenon beyond just a TV show.

• Fan Fiction (Season 10, Episode 5)

We wouldn’t be listing Supernatural ‘s three hundred episode without the devoted, sometimes crazy and always passionate fans that have supported the show for well over a decade. Those fans are generally female and they interact with the show in so many ways that weren’t intended when it started. From gay fanfic, to dismissing entire plotlines, Supernatural fan are opinionated and creative and this beautiful episode is truly a love letter to them. When Sam and Dean come across a girl’s school performing a musical version of the “Supernatural” books, it gives them a chance to see how they can be seen as heroes, and it gives the show an opportunity to speak directly to it’s audience and tell them their version of the story, no matter how out there, matters. The music is fantastic, the in-jokes are on point and the final cameo from God is perfect. All in all…Not Bad.

• Scoobynatural (Season 13, Episode 16)

Crossovers are one thing, but crossing over with an iconic cartoon in an almost entirely animated episode is another and it’s something only Supernatural could do. Sam, Dean and Cas are transported into an episode of Scooby Doo and the results are some of the funniest, most creative stuff you’ve ever seen on TV. It’s not just a great Supernatural episode, it’s a great Scooby Doo episode. The Scooby gang having an existential crisis of the actual existence of ghosts is the best, and the way team free will interacts with Mystery Inc is so perfect. It’s beautifully animated as well. “Scoobynatural” isn’t just brilliant, it’s completely unique and a testament to a show that’s still breaking new ground hundreds of episodes in.

• Baby (Season 11, Episode 4)

An entire episode from the perspective of a car sounds like a gimmick, but like so many of the outside of the box episodes of Supernatural , it works because the gimmick is just a new way to get to the core of what the show is about: the characters. “Baby” is everything that makes Supernatural great: innovative storytelling and film making, humor, heart, action, the coolest car on TV, and some creepy monsters for good measure. There’s so many parts of this episode that merit special mention: the beautiful scene between Sam and Dean when they’re settling down to sleep in the car that’s been their home; Cas on the phone while Dean fights a werepire, amd that perfect montage to “Night Moves.” “Baby” is what Supernatural is about, what’s kept it on the air for 300 episodes: Two boys with an angel on their shoulder, in a badass car, saving people and hunting things. And there’s still gas in the tank.

Jessica Mason is a pop culture writer based in Portland, Oregon whose work focuses on genre, fandom and other scary things that go bump in the night. On Twitter she’s @fangirlinghess .

Where to stream Supernatural

• Decider Lists
• Jared Padalecki

Does 'Yellowstone' Return Tonight? 'Yellowstone's Season 5, Part 2 Premiere Date, Streaming Info, And More

Jenna Bush Hager Embarrasses Hoda Kotb On 'Today' By Asking Her If She's "Recently" Made Out With Anybody In Public: "Don't Lie"

When Will 'BMF' Season 3, Episode 10 Be On Starz?

'The View' Derailed As Brooke Shields Describes Benjamin Bratt's "Modesty Sock" In 'Mother Of The Bride'

Anne Hathaway's 'Tonight Show' Interview Hits An Awkward Snag After The Audience Reacts In Silence To Her Question

'The View's Whoopi Goldberg "Enraged" After Donald Trump Claimed America Is "Anti-White": "Nobody In Your Family Was Hung"

30 Best Supernatural Episodes Ranked

Whether you love the classic rock tunes, their trademark 1967 Chevy Impala, or just Sam and Dean Winchester's brotherly bond , "Supernatural" has proven itself to not only be the longest running Sci-Fi/Fantasy series in North America, but one of the greatest stories ever told on television. After 15 seasons and over 300 episodes , the Winchesters were finally sent off in the emotional series finale, "Carry On." Whether you loved the way the show ended or not (there are still a few plot holes out there ), it's clear that Sam and Dean were forces to be reckoned with, and were characters that we cherished until their last breaths.

With a potential "Supernatural" prequel series in the works , there's no better time to revisit some of the show's most beloved ( and highest rated ) episodes. Whether you want to laugh, cry, or get a little scared, there's something in "Supernatural" for just about everybody. With 15 seasons to pull from, it's time to save some people and hunt some things as we join the Winchesters on their most iconic hunts!

30. Don't Call Me Shurley (Season 11, Episode 20)

After years of fan theories and allusions to the prophet Chuck Shurley actually being God himself, "Don't Call Me Shurley" finally confirms it. If you were to pitch "Chuck and Metatron hang out in a bar and write" as a "Supernatural" episode, chances are it's one that people would probably just as soon ignore and move on. But the episode itself proves to be not only one of Season 11's best, it's one of the best episodes of the series. As Chuck divulges where he's been and dances around the looming threat of his sister Amara, the episode bounces between critiquing the all-powerful deity and Sam and Dean's own small-town case (which is honestly the emotional anchor of this episode).

Speaking of the Winchesters, they spend the episode working to save people from an impending black vein virus that has set its sights on a small town in Idaho. The episode's final moments see Chuck singing a rendition of the folk song "Fare Thee Well" before finally revealing himself to the Winchesters via Dean's old necklace that Sam had secretly been keeping for years since his brother threw it out. It's an incredible moment that feels over 10 years in the making, and it definitely pays off here. While Chuck goes on to be the series' ultimate "big bad" (yawn), this episode really makes us wish that wasn't how it all ended.

29. The Monster at the End of this Book (Season 4, Episode 18)

Speaking of Chuck, his first appearance is in the Season 4 episode "The Monster at the End of this Book," where Sam and Dean learn that their life story has been written down by a man named Carver Edlund, who, according to the angel Castiel, is actually a "prophet" named Chuck. Of course, Chuck's true identity wouldn't be revealed until much later, but here we see him as a run-of-the-mill, alcoholic writer who tries to make a living by writing horror stories (that he's convinced aren't real). As Sam and Dean try to use Chuck to gain the upper-hand on the demon Lilith, they slowly realize that their own lives have also been pre-written and that there seems to be no way out.

This episode changed the game for "Supernatural." The show had gone meta before — and would get even more meta as it continued — but the concept that Sam and Dean's entire lives, up until that point, had been written down as novels ... Well, that's the kind of crazy no TV show today would ever attempt, unless it was the entire plot. Yet somehow it really worked, and the books would come back into play on more than one occasion throughout the rest of the series.

28. Death's Door (Season 7, Episode 10)

This heart wrenching Season 7 episode is the series' second "Bobby Singer-centric" tale, this time following Sam and Dean's surrogate father through his memories before he dies. It's emotional, it's inspiring, and it's everything a great episode of "Supernatural" should be. As Bobby avoids the Reaper coming after him (with an imaginary version of his pal Rufus by his side), he hides in his old memories, before having to confront the ghosts that have been haunting him his entire life. The climactic moment where Bobby finally stands up to the memory  of his father is a powerful scene that reminds us why Bobby has always been the father the boys deserved.

But in truth, the hardest part about this episode is watching how helpless Sam and Dean are, Dean especially, since he can't keep his anger in check. As they protect Bobby from his shooter, the Leviathan monster Dick Roman, they both break down under the weight of possibly losing the only family they have left. Although it can be quite an emotionally draining episode, "Death's Door" is a must-see for any fan of Bobby Singer.

27. The Song Remains the Same (Season 5, Episode 13)

Yep, "Supernatural" has some time travel episodes, and "The Song Remains the Same" is one of the series' best. This one is a bit more personal than others that would follow, as Sam and Dean travel back to 1978 to stop the rogue angel Anna from killing their parents in her efforts to stop the brothers from being used by the Devil. With the backdrop of the biblical Apocalypse in mind, the Winchesters fight against their destiny to be the vessels of the archangels Lucifer and Michael, leading them back to where it all started. As the boys fight desperately to protect a young John and Mary Winchester, they soon discover that their parents' meeting wasn't by chance at all, but under orders from Heaven.

This episode is a wonderful reunion, reuniting the four members of the Winchester family — Sam, Dean, John, and Mary — for the first time since the "Pilot," and the last time for nearly 10 more seasons. Of course, John and Mary's memories are wiped by the archangel Michael, who also sends Sam and Dean back to the present before they do any damage to the timeline, making history unchanged. Still, watching Sam finally interact with his mother, for basically the first time, was worth the trip.

26. Hammer of the Gods (Season 5, Episode 19)

An episode in a similar vein to " American Gods ," this Season 5 trip sends the brothers straight into the arms of every big pagan, Norse, Greek, Hindu, and Roman god imaginable, who plan to use Sam and Dean as bargaining chips against the archangels. As the Apocalypse draws nearer and nearer, even the supernatural creatures are getting more desperate in their attempts to stop the world from ending. The Trickster also returns here, and is finally outed to the greater supernatural community as the archangel Gabriel. This episode is particularly compelling, not only for its social commentaries on religion, but also for the dynamics between the different factions of gods, who all want each other dead, but are willing to work together to stop Lucifer.

Plus, Gabriel's heroic sacrifices against Lucifer — who slaughters all the other gods mercilessly — in order to save Sam and Dean and send them on a quest for the Horsemen's Rings makes up for all his extra years of hedonism, and faithfully completes his growing character arc that began in "Changing Channels" (more on that later). Naturally, like nearly every character on the show, Gabriel would return again by the end of the series (making this "sacrifice" a bit less heroic), but his heroism in "Hammer of the Gods" would never be forgotten.

25. Bad Day at Black Rock (Season 3, Episode 3)

Maybe not everyone's first pick for being one of "Supernatural's" best, "Bad Day at Black Rock" is nevertheless an incredibly solid episode that gets better with each viewing. Not only does this episode feature the first appearance of the Winchesters' Season 3 foil, Bela Talbot (and the brief return of the crazed vampire hunter Gordon Walker), but this episode's main case involves finding a lucky rabbit's foot. You read that right, but tragically this rabbit's foot is cursed. Whoever touches it gets good luck until they lose it, and they always lose it. Watching Sam go from amazing luck once he snatches the foot to terrible luck upon losing it (like dropping his shoe down a sewage drain) is as funny as a "Looney Tunes" cartoon.

The cat-and-mouse dynamic between Bela and the Winchesters is a fun addition to this season as well, and actually turns out to be pretty great in the long run, but the best part of this episode by far is Dean saving Sam's life, claiming that he's "Batman." It's laugh out loud funny. Ironically, Dean Winchester actor Jensen Ackles would go on to star in two Batman animated features , "Batman: Under the Red Hood" and the two-part " Batman: The Long Halloween ," the latter of which actually features him voicing Batman.

24. Fan Fiction (Season 10, Episode 5)

If you thought that Sam and Dean discovering that "Supernatural" is a series of books is meta, then "Fan Fiction" will be even further down the rabbit hole for you. In this special 200th episode, the brothers stumble upon an all-girls school musical that's, you guessed it, based on the "Supernatural" books. As Sam and Dean struggle with their life always being on some sort of display (and often being retold incorrectly), the brothers are forced to fight against a prop scarecrow that's come to life and who begins stealing those in opposition of the show, ultimately being controlled by the Greek goddess Calliope.

Besides the hilarious commentary that implies everything post-Season 5 is just "bad fan fiction," and the references to Sam and Dean's dead half-brother who's trapped in Hell (and would continue to be for the next five years), "Fan Fiction" is just really funny. Watching Sam and Dean's reactions to the bizarre nature of their life, and having to come to terms with the fact that there are people who truly love their story, is both entertaining and a bit cathartic.

23. Salvation/Devil's Trap (Season 1, Episodes 21 and 22)

As the two-part finale to Season 1, "Salvation" and "Devil's Trap" can't really be separated, so we're not going to try. After reuniting with their father, the boys finally have a shot at taking out the Yellow-Eyed Demon that killed their mother. That is, until the demon Meg begins tearing through John Winchester's old allies and friends. In desperation, John gives himself up to the demons, and the boys are forced to run in and save him. The climactic scene near the end of "Devil's Trap," where Sam finally confronts Yellow-Eyes, the demon who also killed his girlfriend, is one of the most powerful moments in the series, and Sam's decision not to kill his father in the process is both bold and strong.

These two episodes lay the groundwork for the show's superior second season in more ways than one (including introducing us to Bobby Singer), and the Season 1 cliffhanger leaves us on the edge of our seat as we drive into Season 2. It may be a controversial take nowadays, but this era of "Supernatural" was truly the show at its peak, focused on the rugged realism behind the demons and supernatural creatures the brothers hunted, not in hopes of saving the world, but as revenge for the death of their mother.

22. In My Time of Dying (Season 2, Episode 1)

The Season 2 opener, "In My Time of Dying," is just as riveting and intense as the end of the previous season and doesn't leave us with much room to breathe. After Sam saves his family from a demon attack, Dean lies dying in a hospital, his spirit wandering the halls to avoid a Reaper that's on his trail. As Sam tries to communicate with Dean, hoping to heal him somehow, John takes the situation into his own hands, making the ultimate deal with the Yellow-Eyed Demon: His life for his son's. This sacrifice burns a hole in Dean throughout the second season (and much of the series), and becomes the catalyst for his own demon deal later on.

Watching Sam go through the trauma of nearly losing his brother is a bit hard to watch, but the hope he has that Dean will wake up keeps us going through the end. This was certainly a time when Sam was a bit more optimistic and hopeful, which is refreshing when compared to the rest of the series. But out of everything that occurs in this episode, it's John's ominous final words to Dean that really has us guessing, and as Dean looks at his father in horror, we know something bad is coming for the Winchesters, something worse than ever before.

21. Baby (Season 11, Episode 4)

Not your run-of-the-mill "Supernatural" episode by any stretch, this one is shot entirely from the perspective of the boys' classic Impala. A "day-in-the-life" type episode, "Baby" is special and exciting because of its honesty. Revealing an entirely new perspective on the boys' trademark muscle car, and their lives as hunters, we get to see baby in action, coming through for the boys as always. There's also an entirely new monster in this week's episode, a ghoul/vampire-like creature that doesn't die even after you've cut its head off. If "Baby" does one thing, it keep us, and the brothers, on our toes.

Some of the best moments in this episode include Sam and Dean singing along to Bob Seger's "Night Moves" after Sam's one-night stand, and Castiel's ramblings about old monster lore on speakerphone as Dean kills the creature in the background. It's classic "Supernatural" for sure. Oh, and let's not forget about the teenage girls who took the Impala for a joyride, that's pretty great, too (we even get some Taylor Swift in there). This episode is just full of little joys and surprises, no doubt one of the coolest the show ever did.

20. No Rest for the Wicked (Season 3, Episode 16)

The Season 3 finale, "No Rest for the Wicked," brings the brothers' world crashing to the ground. As Sam, Dean, Bobby, and their demon ally Ruby attempt to kill Lilith once and for all, freeing Dean of his demon deal, it all goes south without so much as a warning. Not only is Dean slowly losing his mind the closer he gets to his deal's close (which conveniently allows him to see every demon's true essence), his paranoia and fear of Hell grows exponentially. Between dealing with invisible Hellhounds and Lilith herself, the boys are a bit outmatched, and unfortunately don't walk away unscathed.

The worst part here is having to watch Sam witness the brutal death of his brother, as his innards are ripped to shreds by the Hellhounds at Lilith's beck and call. Thankfully, by yet-unknown forces, Sam's life is spared and the white-eyed demon flees for her life, leaving Sam to hold his brother in his arms, before we see Dean being tormented in Hell. But even with all that, not everything in "No Rest for the Wicked" is bad. We also get to hear Sam and Dean sing along to "Wanted Dead or Alive," which is pretty great.

19. Lucifer Rising (Season 4, Episode 22)

In the spirit of epic finales, Season 4's "Lucifer Rising" is the culmination of everything the Winchesters have been through up until this point. As Lilith forces Sam to break the final piece of the famed 66 Seals, the younger Winchester kickstarts the Apocalypse by letting the Devil out of his cage. This episode marks a lot of important twists and turns for the show, including Castiel's rebellion from Heaven and Ruby's final betrayal, revealing that she was working for Lucifer the entire time. Although Dean gets to finally kill the black-eyed demon, his satisfaction is short lived by Lucifer's impending arrival.

Season 4 is arguably the darkest season of "Supernatural," and this episode is only the final icing on the cake. Brotherly betrayals, angel and demon wars, and some heavy blood drinking mixed with a bit of torture, have all led to this moment. From this episode's flashback to the Yellow-Eyed Demon's slaughter of a bunch of nuns to Sam's final demon blood binge before killing Lilith, there's a lot here to make your skin crawl. But with a title like "Lucifer Rising," what else could we expect?

18. The End (Season 5, Episode 4)

Speaking of Lucifer's rise to power, there's no better episode to watch if you want to see what would've happened if the Devil won other than Season 5's "The End." It's deceiving title aside, "The End" is not actually the end of the "Supernatural" story, though it shows a potential future that easily might have been. As Dean is sent forward in time by the angels to see what would happen when Lucifer takes control, he meets an angrier, broodier version of himself, a hedonistic, carefree Castiel, and a host of others who have acknowledged that the end has come. But above all of them, Dean witnesses his own death at the hands of Lucifer, possessing the body of his brother Sam.

This white-suited Lucifer's attempts to sweet-talk Dean into "the inevitable" is pretty creepy (especially since he's wearing Sam's "meat-suit"), and given that it's the first time that Dean and the Devil have interacted (at least, on Dean's side of things), there's a lot riding on this moment. Thankfully, Dean is pulled back to the present, where he decides that the best way to fight the Apocalypse is by his brother's side, even if it means their deaths.

17. Lebanon (Season 14, Episode 13)

The series' 300th episode, Season 14's "Lebanon," is one of the more emotional episodes of "Supernatural," especially in the show's later seasons. After accidentally wishing for their family to be together again, Sam, Dean, and their recently resurrected mother, Mary, are reunited with their father — and her husband — John. Having never seen the Winchester family together as mature adults (they were a bit younger when they last interacted in "The Song Remains the Same"), this episode is the gift that keeps on giving, allowing Sam, Dean, and even Mary, the time they needed with John for the sake of their own closure, and ultimately his.

But because John was taken from a moment back in time, not long before his eventual death, he can't stay. Finally getting to say their goodbyes, each cast member gets their own moment with the family patriarch to acknowledge that he did his best, and that they forgive him for how things turned out. It's a really powerful episode that helps propel the brothers into the final stage of the show, which would end just a season-and-a-half later.

16. The French Mistake (Season 6, Episode 15)

"Supernatural's" most meta-themed excursion comes from the Season 6 episode "The French Mistake," after Sam and Dean get thrown into the "real world." Here, Sam is Jared Padalecki and Dean is Jensen Ackles , two actors on the not-quite-a-hit series "Supernatural." If this sounds too outlandish to work, let us reassure you that it absolutely does, and will bring a smile to your face throughout. Watching Sam and Dean try to act is pretty hilarious in and of itself, but learning that Sam, err, Jared is married to the demon Ruby, err, Genevieve Padalecki (who played Ruby on the show), is by far the best part, especially given that they're actually married in real life.

Of course, there are other great moments, too, like when Sam and Dean confront producer Robert Singer on naming a character (Bobby Singer) after himself, or the fatal shooting of "Supernatural" producer Eric Kripke. The episode also features the death of Misha Collins (who plays Castiel) after he had been live-tweeting his surroundings . If you want a zany episode of "Supernatural" to watch that can just pull you out of reality, then "The French Mistake" was made for you.

15. ScoobyNatural (Season 13, Episode 16)

The crossover that everyone had been waiting for, after years of memes involving the Impala and the Mystery Machine , "Supernatural" and "Scooby-Doo" finally came together in "ScoobyNatural." After Sam, Dean, and Castiel are sucked into the world of "Scooby-Doo! Where Are You?" (specifically the episode "A Night of Fright is No Delight"), they get the chance to interact with the main Scooby characters we know and love . Dean's fanboy crush on Daphne, and his encyclopedia-like knowledge of "Scooby-Doo," are perfectly on display here, and watching Castiel hang out with Scooby and Shaggy is quite the treat.

Of course, once the Mystery Inc. gang learns that ghosts, demons, and monsters are real, they all have nervous breakdowns (which reveals Daphne's fear of going to Hell), but eventually they help the brothers and their angel solve the case, as they always do! The episode's real, human villain even "says the thing" at the end of the episode, before Castiel reminds Dean that he's not a talking dog and this isn't a cartoon. This episode might be a bit bonkers, but it's just the right kind of bonkers for "Supernatural."

14. What Is and What Should Never Be (Season 2, Episode 20)

A Dean-centric episode, "What Is and What Should Never Be" is what happens when hunting a Djinn goes wrong, only Dean doesn't quite know it. After being attacked by the Djinn, who have the ability to "give people what they want most" in the form of dreams as they suck your life away, Dean is thrust into a world where Sam is in law school and engaged, his mother is still alive, and he's in a stable relationship with a wonderful woman. As the illusion becomes more and more compelling, Dean begins to prefer the fantasy to the reality of his life, and no wonder, because in reality he's lost everyone but Sam.

This episode acts as a window into Dean's innermost desires and dreams (which are echoed throughout the rest of the show), with him admitting to Sam by the episode's end that he truly wanted to stay in dreamland. Sam, now understanding their purpose as hunters for the first time in his life, argues that the life they live, the lives they've saved, make all the pain worth it. The episode closes with Dean still unsure, leaving no doubt that this episode broke him in ways that would take years to heal.

13. Two Minutes to Midnight (Season 5, Episode 21)

The penultimate episode of Eric Kripke's original "Supernatural" story , "Two Minutes to Midnight" is exactly that. With only two more rings to collect before they can throw Lucifer back into his cage, Sam and Dean are forced to work with the demon Crowley once more if they are to stop the Devil in his tracks. But the brothers split up, with Dean and Crowley headed to Chicago to take on Death himself, while Sam, Bobby, and Castiel stop the Horseman Pestilence's last-ditch effort to release a demon-virus. Of course, they get the rings, after Dean has to promise Death that he'll let Sam sacrifice himself, and the rest is history.

While splitting Sam and Dean up before the final showdown against Lucifer (and Michael) seems like it might not be the best strategy, it works in their favor, allowing for Death's fateful introduction to be as iconic as it possibly could be ( the "Oh Death" cover played during his entrance  is chilling). Death would go on to be one of the most iconic characters in the series, but it's his role in this episode that makes him the most menacing and interesting. Plus, he's a fan of Chicago-style pizza, and we can totally get behind that.

12. Lazarus Rising (Season 4, Episode 1)

Reeling off Season 3's bloody finale, "Lazarus Rising" brings Dean back to life only four months later (40 years in Hell time), with not so much as a scar from his previous life. Well, he has a burned handprint from Castiel on his back shoulder, but that's new. Dean quickly returns to Sam, and after the two reunite, they team up with Bobby to find out how Dean could have possibly been restored to life. This episode marks the first appearance of angels and the beginning of the biblical Apocalypse storyline that would rage on for the next two seasons, with ripple effects that would mark the rest of the series.

Castiel's explosive entrance, meeting Dean and Bobby for the first time, has proven to be one of the most iconic moments on the show, and immediately set the tone for his complex relationship with Dean. Castiel is a lot more regimented and a lot more militaristic in this episode, a far cry from the rebellious angel we come to know later. Along with Cas, Ruby returns after her previous vessel was stolen by Lilith, this time played by Jared Padalecki's future wife, Genevieve Padalecki (née Cortese).

11. In the Beginning (Season 4, Episode 3)

The first time travel episode that "Supernatural" ever did is by far their best one. "In the Beginning" finds Dean sent back to the 1970s to learn the true origins of his family, which changes the way we see the "Pilot" completely. While here, he learns that his mother, Mary, who he believed to be innocent in the ways of the supernatural, actually hailed from a family of hunters, including his grandfather, Samuel Campbell. As Dean works with Mary and her family to track down a demon (who turns out to be the Yellow-Eyed Demon), he gets to know his mother in a way he never did before. 

Dean actually gathers insight into both of his parents, as it turns out Dean was the one who convinced a young John Winchester to buy their trademark Impala in the first place. As hard as Dean tries to change the past to save his family, he can't, which is the lesson the angels attempt to teach him here. Strong-willed as always, Dean refuses to learn and fights for his free will anyway. But that aside, this episode reveals many of the hidden secrets and origins behind the Winchester family, marking it as one of the best.

10. On the Head of a Pin (Season 4, Episode 16)

Like Season 4 itself, "On the Head of a Pin" is possibly the darkest episode of the series. After Dean spent 40 years in Hell, he became a proficient torturer under the tutelage of a demon named Alistair. Now, the angels have captured Alistair and want Dean to torture information about who is killing angels out of the demon before the killer can strike again. Dean's initial refusal proves futile, as Castiel and Uriel abduct him for the task, essentially forcing his dark side to come out. The conflict within Dean is real here, and after he learns that it's his fault the Apocalypse has begun, it nearly wrecks him.

All the while, Sam does everything he can to get his brother back in time before the demon breaks free to kill him. Sam's desperation is real and after turning both to Ruby and his dark demon powers, he moves one step closer to becoming Lucifer's vessel after killing Alistair with a thought. With all the demon torturing, it's a tough episode to get through, but its rawness is unmatched by the rest of the series. If only this was the furthest that Sam and Dean would ever venture toward the dark side...

9. Yellow Fever (Season 4, Episode 6)

You wouldn't think that Dean suffering from a mysterious ghost sickness that makes people relive their worst fears would be funny, but then "Yellow Fever" would prove you dead wrong. This episode is hysterical, and there's no doubt it's largely due to Jensen Ackles' cartoonish performance. His rendition of "Eye of the Tiger" alone is enough to fuel a "Dean comedy hour." As the episode progresses, Dean quickly becomes a coward, even going so far as to run away from a Yorkie. He is completely helpless and unable to hunt in any capacity, forcing Sam to pick up the slack. 

Avoiding hunting altogether, Dean hides out in their motel room before nearly dying of fright. As funny as it is to watch Dean become a scaredy-cat, "Yellow Fever" has its fair share of tragedy as well, including the poor ghost of Luther Garland, who was unjustly killed and now causes "dicks" to get what they deserve. Luther's story is truly horrible, but what's worse is that in order to stop the ghost sickness from spreading, Sam and Bobby have to kill the spirit the same way that he was killed in life, by scaring him to death. Yikes, talk about brutal...

8. Abandon All Hope (Season 5, Episode 10)

The fifth season of "Supernatural" really sets itself up to be the end of the series, and although the series creator Eric Kripke would move on from the show post-Season 5, Sam and Dean would continue on  for another 10 years. Episodes like "Abandon All Hope..." would have you believe otherwise though, as the Winchesters, Castiel, and Jo and Ellen Harville take a "final stand" against the Devil before he can resurrect Death. In a shocking turn of events, Ellen and Jo die in an explosion to help Sam and Dean escape a group of Hellhounds, and the magic gun they used to kill demons, the Colt (which they obtained through the demon Crowley), doesn't even work.

This episode is pretty intense, and the weight of losing Ellen and Jo would be felt over the next two seasons, before they'd be essentially forgotten (which is a real shame). With their sacrifices kind of in vain, the brothers recognize that they might have to sacrifice everything in order to beat Lucifer. With nowhere left to turn, the Winchesters spend the second half of the season scrambling until the final hour. After all, that's the "Supernatural" way, and they're sticking to it!

7. Weekend at Bobby's (Season 6, Episode 4)

The first Bobby-centric episode, "Weekend at Bobby's," is just that. As we follow the surly grouch through his everyday life in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, we learn that Bobby isn't just there for Sam and Dean, but an entire network of hunters that he pretends to be the FBI for. This master con artist has got hunting down to a science, and even when he doesn't know something about a monster (such as the one Sam and Dean hunt off-screen), he'll do everything he can to figure it out, and right in the nick of time. Kenny Rogers' "The Gambler" proves to be Bobby's anthem, and it makes a whole lot of sense.

This episode doesn't just show us Bobby's everyday life though, it also concludes his arc from the previous season, where he made a deal with the demon Crowley to help stop the Apocalypse. Unfortunately, this deal cost him his soul, but thankfully "Weekend at Bobby's" chronicles his journey to find leverage (with the help of Sam and Dean) to get his soul back. His witty bickerings with Crowley (and his hunting buddy Rufus) are probably the best parts, reminding us why the show kept Jim Beaver around for so long, even after the original Bobby's death.

6. Jus in Bello (Season 3, Episode 12)

Translated to "laws of war," "Jus in Bello" chronicles the demon army's first real attempt to take Sam and Dean out. The brothers had been leaving a trail of demon bodies in their wake throughout Season 3, which naturally wasn't good for business. Here, Sam, Dean, Ruby, and a host of others are trapped in a police station, surrounded by demons and with no way out. FBI Agent Hendricks, who had been on the boys' trail since Season 2, finally learns the truth about the supernatural and helps them fend off the demons. It's a crazy episode that kind of bears a liking to the 2010 film "Legion," but is no doubt the superior story.

Although the brothers make it out alive, the ending of "Jus in Bello" marks the first appearance of their demonic adversary Lilith, who wipes out the rest of the survivors after the Winchesters skedaddle. Not only does this episode raise the stakes, forcing the brothers to recognize how strong Lilith and her army actually is, but it serves as a black spot in their "saving people" book, where nothing they did mattered to anyone besides them in the end. The ghost of Agent Hendricks even haunts them the following season.

5. Mystery Spot (Season 3, Episode 11)

Speaking of spots, "Mystery Spot" is the episode of "Supernatural" that you didn't know you needed, but once you saw it you immediately wanted to watch it again. Stealing its basic plot from " Groundhog Day ," this episode forces Sam to relive Tuesday over and over ( waking up to Asia's "Heat of the Moment"  each morning) as he continues to witness Dean's varying deaths. As it turns out, the Trickster is behind this little time-loop and he won't stop until Sam learns his lesson. Taking place during "Supernatural's" third season (you know, where Dean's clock is ticking), Sam is focused on saving Dean from his demon deal so that he doesn't have to go to Hell, and this episode only makes him try harder.

Although Dean's multiple deaths ( which are all hilarious, by the way ) are the backdrop of "Mystery Spot," this is truly a Sam-centric episode. As Sam learns what his life would look like without his brother, he fails to learn the lesson the Trickster is trying to teach him, begging for another shot to "try again." While the Trickster lets him off the hook, Sam has to live with the knowledge of the kind of hunter he might become without his brother there to balance him out, and it's kind of scary.

4. Sacrifice (Season 8, Episode 23)

Possibly the most underrated season of "Supernatural," Season 8 is really consistent all across the board. With a strong overarching plot, solid stand-alone episodes, an ever-expanding mythology, and character arcs that honestly challenge Sam and Dean, this season set itself up for success from the moment the Winchesters announced they were going to close the Gates of Hell, forever. "Sacrifice" is Sam's final attempt to atone for his actions in the past few years, and as he is about to complete the final trial necessary to get rid of all demons forever, he's stopped by Dean, who is too afraid of losing his brother.

There's a lot that goes on in this episode, from Castiel's own Heavenly trials to the demon Abbadon's return, so it can get a little overwhelming, but the final five minutes make it all worth it. Here, Sam confronts Dean about choosing others over him all these years, before Dean reminds Sam that nothing and nobody has ever come before him. It's really emotional, and some of Ackles' and Padalecki's best work on the show. As Sam and Dean cease from completing the Hell trials, the angels are banished from Heaven, and the brothers look on as the fallen angels arrive on Earth. It's epic in every way and sets the stage properly for the following season.

3. Changing Channels (Season 5, Episode 8)

If "Supernatural" does one thing well, it's combining hilarious situations with mythology-heavy plot that drives the greater narrative forward. "Changing Channels" is that kind of episode, where Sam and Dean find themselves in TV Land having to "play their roles" in order to survive. Having to live through steamy medical dramas, Japanese game shows, '80s sitcoms, and even a version of "Knight Rider" (where Sam plays the car) proves to be a challenge for the Winchesters, who are definitely in over their heads. As with many of the comedic meta episodes, the Trickster is behind it all, only for the brothers to eventually discover his true identity as the archangel Gabriel.

The comedy aside, Gabriel challenges Sam and Dean to accept their destiny as Lucifer and Michael's vessels and to let the world all come to an end. In true Winchester fashion, they refuse, wanting to write their own destiny, but not before giving Gabriel some advice of their own. Like much of Season 5, this episode does an excellent job combining the stand-alone with the overall plot in a way that is both fresh and engaging throughout. If you're going to watch a random episode of "Supernatural" tonight, make this one your go-to.

2. All Hell Breaks Loose, Parts 1 & 2 (Season 2, Episodes 21 and 22)

The Season 2 finale is so epic that it's the only episode the writers had to split it into two parts. "All Hell Breaks Loose" is the initial conclusion of the Winchester revenge story that began in the "Pilot," and it does not disappoint. The season's slow reveal of other "Special Children" like Sam who were made by the Yellow-Eyed Demon for an unspecified purpose all comes to a head here, as Sam is abducted by the demon and taken to a Wyoming ghost town to duke it out with those just like him. Dean's quest to find Sam, only to arrive too late, is another highlight here, which forces Dean to make a demon deal to bring his brother back, at the cost of his own life in one year's time.

By far the biggest moment in this episode though is when Dean uses the Colt to finally shoot old Yellow-Eyes dead. With the help of Bobby, Ellen Harville, and the ghost of their dead father, Sam and Dean are able to finally bring peace to their family after over 20 years of hunting. Of course, "Supernatural" doesn't end here (though it easily could've), and the boys carry on, but there's no doubt that "All Hell Breaks Loose" marked an end of an era and some serious satisfaction for our boys.

1. Swan Song (Season 5, Episode 22)

The "Supernatural" episode to rule them all, "Swan Song," may be the most beloved episode of the series ever ( it's certainly the highest rated ), and for good reason. Series creator Eric Kripke's final goodbye to the show (though he would return to write the next season's finale), this episode concludes the Apocalypse storyline and sends both Sam and Dean off to their intended fates. Between the final showdown with Dean, Michael, and Lucifer, to the Gollum-like moments between Sam and the Devil, "Swan Song" delivers in a way no other "Supernatural" episode ever could. Considered by many to be the show's definitive end, there's a reason this episode is as beloved now as it ever was.

Part of what makes this Season 5 finale so special is the voiceover narration by Chuck, who writes the events as they happen. This feels like Kripke himself is penning each page carefully, and setting up each and every chess piece on the board. It's his personal touch, as well as the other personal touches to Sam and Dean's life (not to mention the Impala), that makes "Swan Song" special, and it's Dean's happy ending and Sam's seemingly divine return that make it feel like everything was truly worth it. If you weren't quite satisfied with " Carry On " and you're looking for some definitive closure, "Swan Song" is definitely it.

Supernatural Wiki

The Winchesters season 1 is currently streaming on The CW and HBO Max.

Chronokinesis

• View history

Chronokinesis is the ability to manipulate the passage of time, including stopping time, speeding it up, or travelling through it to end up in the past or an alternate future. 

• 1.1.1 Gabriel Creates a Time Loop
• 1.1.2 Dean sent back to 1973
• 1.1.3 Dean sent to the future
• 1.1.4 Anna, Castiel, Dean and Sam sent back to 1978
• 1.1.5 Balthazar unsinks the Titanic
• 1.1.6 Sam and Dean go back to get Phoenix Ashes
• 1.1.7 Dean tackles Chronos back to 1944
• 1.1.8 Henry Winchester comes from 1958
• 1.1.9 Abaddon goes back to 1723
• 1.1.10 Dean goes back to 1943
• 1.1.11 Gavin returns to 1723
• 1.1.12 John Winchester travels to 2019
• 1.1.13 Sam Winchester travels to a possible future
• 2 Characters with Chronokinesis
• 3 Characters with Time Travel abilities
• 5 Appearances

Time Travel

Time-travel is a highly advanced chronokinetic method for transporting someone either back or forward in time. Angels can achieve it, and according to Castiel , it's not easy to perform, but for Archangels it's incredibly simple. Angels who have been disconnected from Heaven have a very difficult time doing it, and it can be quite damaging to the de-powered angel.

Time-travels So Far.....

Gabriel creates a time loop.

In 2008 , Gabriel , acting as The Trickster, let Sam witness the same day over and over again. On each day Dean died. After many days of this, he was discovered by the brothers, but decided to resume Sam's life after Dean was killed once more, however this time he stayed dead. Only a few months later Gabriel decided to set Sam back to the first time and let him live his life further. Gabriel said that he wanted to teach Sam a lesson about losing his brother.

Dean sent back to 1973

In 2008 , Castiel transports Dean back in time to the year 1973, telling Dean only that he "has to stop it." Dean meets young versions of his parents, John Winchester and Mary Campbell , and infiltrates the Campbell family . Learning that the demon Azazel is after Mary, Dean presumes he is there to alter his family’s tragic future. But the past cannot be changed: After Azazel kills Mary’s parents and John, Mary grants the demon permission to enter her home in 10 years in exchange for John’s resurrection. When Castiel returns Dean to 2008, he tells Dean that the past cannot be changed, but that Dean now knows all that the angels know about Azazel’s plans. He then tells Dean that Sam is heading down a dangerous path, saying Dean “has to stop it,” or the angels will.

Dean sent to the future

In 2009 , Zachariah brings Dean to the future (2014) so he can see what will happen if he says "no" to Michael . In this apocalyptic future, Sam is Lucifer’s vessel , and the Croatoan Virus spreads unchecked. After Dean confronts Lucifer, Zachariah returns Dean to his own time, where that future is changed when Sam, Dean, Bobby, and Castiel defeat Lucifer.

Anna, Castiel, Dean and Sam sent back to 1978

In 2010 , Anna travels back in time to kill Mary Winchester so Sam can never be born. When Castiel finds out, he brings Sam and Dean to 1978 to stop Anna. Castiel is weakened by the time travel and cannot not join the brothers on their mission. During the ensuing battle, Michael intervenes, killing Anna but also erasing John and Mary’s memories, so they will not remember their sons’ visit or their warnings. Michael sends both brothers back to the future; Castiel eventually travels back to the present on his own.

Balthazar unsinks the Titanic

In 2011 , Balthazar goes back in time and saves the Titanic . Though Balthazar tells Sam and Dean that he hated the movie Titanic (and that the Celine Dion song from the soundtrack makes him want to smite himself), he has actually changed the ship’s fate on Castiel’s orders. The survivors and their descendants mean 50,000 new souls to be used in the angelic civil war. The change alters reality in other ways (e.g. Ellen is alive and married to Bobby ), but it also angers Atropos ( one of the three Fates ), who begins to kill off descendants of the Titanic survivors. When she threatens the Winchesters, Castiel agrees to restore history.

Sam and Dean go back to get Phoenix Ashes

In 2011 , after doing some digging in Samuel 's library, Dean finds out that using phoenix ashes, Eve can be killed. So with the help of Castiel, Sam and Dean head back to the Wild West. Castiel beings them back to the present after they kill the Phoenix with The Colt but before they can gather its ashes. However, Samuel Colt packs up the ashes and they are delivered to Bobby's house in 2011, making the mission a success.

Dean tackles Chronos back to 1944

In 2012 , Dean chases a man who has been killing people by rapidly aging them. He tackles the man and finds himself in 1944 Chicago. There he meets Elliot Ness , who happens to be a hunter. The two of them are hunting the sam man: Chronos , god of time. Dean is brought back to 2012 by Sam and Jody , who figure out that they must summon Chronos while Dean is touching him.

Henry Winchester comes from 1958

In 1958, Henry Winchester , John's father and Sam and Dean's grandfather, uses a spell to come forward in time to 2013 to escape Abaddon . However the demon follows him, presumably through the same spell.

Abaddon goes back to 1723

In 2014, Abaddon —using the same spell Henry Winchester used to travel to 2013—goes back to Scotland in 1723. She is there to get Crowley 's son, Gavin MacLeod , so she could use him as a bargaining chip. After Dean Winchester kills Abaddon, he and his brother Sam intend to return Gavin to his own time so that his presence won't mess with history, but Crowley teleports him away to live a new life in the present, uncaring of the consequences.

Dean goes back to 1943

After discovering Delphine Seydoux 's mission to retrieve the Hand of God , Sam and Dean call upon what they believe to be Castiel but is in fact Lucifer for help. Dean suggests going back in time to 1943 before the Bluefin sank to retrieve the Hand of God. While Lucifer is able to get Dean onto the Bluefin , a special warding keeps him outside of the ship. Dean is able to convince Delphine to give him the Hand of God, but the Bluefin comes under attack by a Nazi warship commanded by one of the Thule . Delphine unleashes the power of the Hand of God, destroying the Bluefin and the Nazi ship as Lucifer returns Dean to the present.

After banishing Lucifer, Sam and Dean discuss the events on the Bluefin and Dean tells Sam that he did nothing but witness the events on the ship. Dean asks Sam what happened to the Nazi ship after he returned to the present and Sam confirms that it sank as its wreckage was found, unlike that of the Bluefin with a giant hole ripped through it.

Gavin returns to 1723

After discovering the vengeful spirit of Fiona Duncan , the Winchesters and Gavin MacLeod learn she became vengeful after she was brutalized on the Star without Gavin there to protect her due to his displacement in time by Abaddon . To save Fiona and reverse her murders, Gavin has the Winchesters use the Blood Sigil to return him and Fiona's ghost to 1723 to board the ship together and die together. After Gavin returns to his own time, the Winchesters find evidence that Fiona's victims are alive and well.

John Winchester travels to 2019

In Lebanon , after finding the Baozhu amongst Terry 's extensive collection of occult items, Dean attempts to use the wish-granting pearl to get rid of Michael . However, Dean's greatest desire is to see his family reunited, causing the Baozhu to transport John Winchester from 2003 to February 7, 2019. The Winchester Family is happily reunited, but John's disappearance in 2003 alters the timeline, creating a timeline where Sam runs his own law firm, loves kale and is Internet famous, Dean is still a hunter but is wanted for multiple crimes, Mary Winchester remains dead, the Apocalypse and all subsequent events never happened Zachariah is still alive and Castiel is still an unquestioning and loyal soldier to Heaven. Sam, Dean and Mary remain intact as the timeline shifts, but it is expected that Mary will eventually fade away and Sam and Dean will eventually fully become their alternate selves.

Heaven detects the tampering with time and send Zachariah and Castiel to investigate, leading to a fight between the Winchesters and the alternate Zachariah and Castiel. The Winchesters manage to kill Zachariah and banish Castiel, but the fight highlights for them the dangers of having altered time by bringing John to 2019. The Winchester Family decides that they must return John to 2003 to set things right. Sam destroys the Baozhu, returning John to his own time and immediately erasing the alternate timeline from existence with only Sam, Dean and Mary remembering it. Upon awakening in 2003, John is left thinking that the entire experience was just a great dream.

Sam Winchester travels to a possible future

In The Trap , Chuck make Sam Winchester travel to multiple points in an alternate future . He claps his hands, and Sam gets a vision of April 17, 2020. He and Eileen are in the bunker , and Eileen discovers that all of the cases they're checking out have natural occurrence. Dean is dozing off nearby, wakes up, and insists that he's resting his eyes. Castiel comes in with beer and Dean suggests that they call it. Jody calls and tells Sam that Claire and here went in to deal with a small nest of vampires. It turned out that there were more than expected, and they killed Claire.

January 6, 2021, Sam and Dean drive past bonfires. Dean tells his brother that they did everything they could. Sam doesn't believe it, but Dean says that they had to wait because the place was crawling with werewolves . His brother points out that the victims all bled out, and if Castiel was there he could have healed them. Dean angrily says that Castiel isn't there, and the monsters are winning.

November 3, 2021 at the bunker , Future-Sam tells Future-Dean that they have to move before the nest moves on. Dean tells him that it doesn't matter and it's time to stand down. Sam wonders what has happened to Dean, and Dean reminds him that they've lost everyone they care about. The Mark made Castiel go crazy, and Dean had to bury him in a Ma'lak box . Dean tells his brother that the monsters are everywhere and they don't save people. All of their friends are either dead or have packed it in. He reminds Sam that Bobby and Jody have death wishes, and so does Sam after what happened to Eileen. Sam asks Dean what happened to going out swinging, and Dean tells him that they lost and he's done. Dean walks out.

November 3, 2021, future-Sam finds future-Dean sitting in the kitchen. He says that he's raiding the nest with or without Dean, and Dean takes a drink. He then says that he doesn't have a choice, gets up, and goes out with Sam.

December 9, 2022, future-Sam and Dean barricade the door of the apartment they're holed up in. Dean tells his brother that if they go down then they'll go out together. Present-Sam watches as Jody, Bobby and two other Hunters enter the building. Bobby reminds Jody that it's Sam and Dean, and asks if she wants to do it. Meanwhile, future-Sam and Dean turn into vampires. The Hunters break into the apartment, and Sam and Dean attack them. Jody shoots Sam, and future-Dean rips out her throat as Sam goes down. Bobby comes up and cuts off Sam's head.

Characters with Chronokinesis

• Castiel - Castiel was able to slow down the rate of an explosion to save Sam and Dean from Fate. He also slowed down time to stop Crowley's demons from killing Sam, Dean and Bobby when they were investigating him.

Characters with Time Travel abilities

• Anna Milton
• Henry Winchester
• Rowena MacLeod
• Sam Winchester
• Since its introduction in Season 4 (though first appeared in Season 3 ), there has been at least one time-travelling episode per season, except in Season 10 and Season 13 .
• Dean Winchester is the person to time travel the most in the series.

Appearances

• Mystery Spot
• In The Beginning
• Wishful Thinking (mentioned only)
• The Song Remains the Same
• My Heart Will Go On
• Frontierland
• Time After Time
• As Time Goes By
• King of the Damned
• Family Feud
• Supernatural
• 1 Dean Winchester
• 3 Jack Kline (Nephilim)

• Cast & crew
• User reviews

Episode list

Supernatural.

S14.E10 ∙ Nihilism

S14.E11 ∙ Damaged Goods

S14.E12 ∙ Prophet and Loss

S14.E13 ∙ Lebanon

S14.E14 ∙ Ouroboros

S14.E15 ∙ Peace of Mind

S14.E16 ∙ Don't Go in the Woods

S14.E17 ∙ Game Night

S14.E18 ∙ Absence

S14.E19 ∙ Jack in the Box

S14.E20 ∙ Moriah

S15.E1 ∙ Back and to the Future

S15.E2 ∙ Raising Hell

S15.E3 ∙ The Rupture

S15.E4 ∙ Atomic Monsters

S15.E5 ∙ Proverbs 17:3

S15.E6 ∙ Golden Time

S15.E7 ∙ Last Call

S15.E8 ∙ Our Father, Who Aren't in Heaven

Contribute to this page.

• IMDb Answers: Help fill gaps in our data
• Learn more about contributing

More from this title

More to explore.

Recently viewed

Every 'Supernatural' Season, Ranked According to Rotten Tomatoes

"Saving people, hunting things. The family business..."

Supernatural is the CW network's longest-running fantasy sci-fi series to date, and without a doubt, it will remain that for quite some time. Beloved by millions all over the world, the show became a significant part of many lives. Airing for 15 years, it's safe to say it left quite an impact on those who watched it.

But, as with any long-running series, it had its highs and lows throughout the seasons. If you were to put a dozen SPN fans in a room together and ask them to name their favorite season from the show, you're a different answer from each of them. The diversity and uniqueness of some of its storylines just means that what may be the best to one Supernatural fan could be the worst to another. Rotten Tomatoes has every season on their Tomatometer and an audience rating, but their varying scores may very much surprise you.

Supernatural

15 season 8, original air date: october 3, 2012.

The final episode of Supernatural 's 8th season may be one of the most emotional finales of the entire show, not to mention having one of the most heartbreaking moments between the brothers . In the effort to close the gates of hell forever, Sam ( Jared Padalecki ) grew weaker and weaker as the season progressed, making for a very emotional season.

Despite the heavy, emotional aspects of Season 8, like all of them, it had its high points. With some comedic entries, monster-of-the-week, and plot-heavy episodes , it made for an enjoyable storyline. However, according to audiences on Rotten Tomatoes, it wasn't anywhere near the best. With one of the lowest audience scores, second only to the 12th, it is rated at 54%, with a Tomatometer rating not much higher at 67%.

14 Season 14

Original air date: october 11, 2018.

The penultimate season of Supernatural centered on the fallout from the Season 13 finale. After Dean ( Jensen Ackles ) enlists alternate universe Michael to assist in taking down Lucifer ( Mark Pellegrino ) once and for all, things take a disastrous turn when Michael takes control over Dean. Dean has been the confirmed one true vessel of the Archangel since Season 5, so completely ridding him of Michael wouldn't be an easy process.

The quality of the 14th season received mixed opinions, with some liking it and some thinking it was on the lower end of its potential for greatness, and this proved evident in its Rotten Tomatoes scores. While critics gave this an 83%, audiences only gave it a 63%, making it the third lowest-rated in their eyes.

13 Season 1

Original air date: september 13, 2005.

"Dad's on a hunting trip. And he hasn't been home in a few days." That was it. We were hooked from the moment Dean Winchester uttered that short sentence in the pilot. They really did have us from the get-go, didn't they? Season 1 primarily focused on finding the boys' father, John ( Jeffrey Dean Morgan ), after he suddenly disappears. In the meantime, in classic SPN fashion, the "monster of the week" episodes would fill the gaps and make for an entertaining mix.

The show's earlier seasons are often dubbed the best , and its first is no exception. An introduction to the main characters, the world of monster hunting, and the Winchester family business will always be high points of the entire series. You can't beat the "first watch" feeling, can you? As a result, Season 1 has one of the highest audience scores of the entire series, third only to Seasons 2 and 3, sitting at 91%, while critics place this only 4% lower at an impressive 87% .

12 Season 4

Original air date: september 18, 2008.

Following the previous season's events, fans were left shaken. It was tough to watch. But Season 4 started with Dean miraculously back, alive and well, with but a scratch on him, aside from a somewhat menacing red handprint on his shoulder. The season was the first to explore angels within the show, and from there, it spiraled to what the series became in later seasons

But if the introduction of a certain beloved Angel wasn't enough to pin this season on a high for you, what was? It had its highs and lows like every season, but what made it either one of the worst or best to you? According to critics, it earned 88% on the Tomatometer, whereas audiences placed it slightly lower at 69%.

11 Season 3

Original air date: october 4, 2007.

Supenatural 's third season saw the Winchesters battle through a shorter, albeit jam-packed, season. As the show's only one to consist of 16 episodes as opposed to its usual 22, there was a lot more to cram into less, but they did it incredibly well. Focusing on Dean's deal to resurrect Sam in the previous finale, it was a rollercoaster of emotions to try and keep Dean from going to Hell.

Despite Season 2 beating it out on the Tomatometer, Season 3 of Supernatural was the most popular for fans. It earned a whopping 95% score from its audience, making it only one of two seasons to breach the 90% range. In the eyes of critics, it was just as good, coming in at 88% on the Tomatometer .

10 Season 11

Original air date: october 7, 2015.

Season 11's main focal point was finding the Darkness after removing the Mark of Cain from Dean's arm at the end of Season 10, releasing her. A being so powerful that God himself banished and locked her away meant that the Winchester brothers needed to do whatever it took to prevent her from causing destruction.

The first of the Supernatural seasons to drop just shy of a perfect 100% Tomatometer score came with number 11. The season had some lovable episodes and shocking reveals, but it just couldn't beat out the likes of earlier seasons from the show. Audiences gave this one a 70%, while critics disagreed and gave it a 90% .

9 Season 12

Original air date: october 13, 2016.

Season 12 of this long-running fantasy show followed Sam and Dean's continued story after their mother, Mary ( Samantha Smith ), was brought back to life in the Season 11 finale. As a backdrop to the "our mother is back from the dead" situation, the British Men of Letters made a not-so-subtle introduction to the boys' lives, bringing nothing but trouble for the Winchesters.

Despite some undeniable high points for this season, Season 12 remains one of only two in the entire series to obtain a rotten audience score. However, critics and audiences couldn't disagree more when it comes to this one, as the audiences gave a shockingly low 48%, and the Tomatometer gave it a perfect 100%, albeit based on only ten critic ratings.

8 Season 13

Original air date: october 12, 2017.

Kicking off the season with the hunt for the spawn of Lucifer himself might just have been the best way to grip an audience's attention after a nearly five-month cliffhanger. Especially after the apparent death of one of Supernatural 's most iconic characters . What followed was a season of shocking character returns and alternate universe exploration.

Between Archangel Gabriel ( Richard Speight Jr ), Bobby ( Jim Beaver ), and Charlie ( Felicia Day ), Season 13 had plenty of great characters come back. Not just that, if featured in the crossover episode "Scoobynatural," one of the best things to come out of the series. Surprisingly, Season 13 only sits at a 64% audience score, whereas critics place it with a 100% Tomatometer score .

7 Season 10

Original air date: october 7, 2014.

For any show to make it to the 10 seasons is a very impressive achievement. By the time Supernatural reached that milestone, the Winchesters had accomplished a lot. Fighting the devil himself, encountering the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, cheating death a number of times, and going to Hell and back, to name a few. Halfway through Season 9, Dean took on another burden, that of the Mark of Cain, and season 10 further explored Mark’s history and its impact on Dean.

Season 10 of SPN had some very story-driven episodes throughout, primarily focusing on any way possible to rid Dean of the Mark. The storytelling was up there, but the loss of an incredibly loveable character could well have been a primary reason why it didn’t sit too well for some fans. The Tomatometer places Season 10 at 100%, but audiences place it at just 67%, leaving it as one of the shows lowest rated by audiences.

6 Season 15

Original air date: october 10, 2019.

The fifteen-year journey of the Winchester family business ended with Supernatural 's fifteenth and final season in 2020. A bittersweet watch, as the looming thought of "it's nearly over" was ever-present in our minds. Despite being the show's last season, it did what it did best and kept fans entertained with an equal share of "monster of the week" episodes and a juicy plot.

There's always an unnerving feeling of seeing how a show that's been on for as long as SPN will ultimately end. Will it satisfy everyone? No, absolutely not. There will always be holes and unhappy fans, but you can never tie up every loose end. The final season ranks at 100% on the Tomatometer with a 69% audience score.

Original Air Date: September 23, 2011

Season 7 predominantly focused on the Leviathans, an unkillable group of ancient monster shapeshifters who were big into the world of eating people. Being almost invincible made them very difficult to kill, but when going up against the Leviathans, bring borax and a blade.

Like its predecessor, Season 7 was another one of either love or hatred among fans. There was no in-between. While it's a little unreliable against the audience score, the Tomatometer rates this at 100% based on only five reviews. Audiences, however, ranked this at 73% , which is a little more understandable.

Original Air Date: October 8, 2013

Season 9 of Supernatural saw the Winchester brothers up against a revived Knight of Hell and Castiel ( Misha Collins ) at an all-time high in his conflict with his fellow feathered friends. Although, when were they ever really on good terms with each other? After the angels fell at the end of the Season 8 finale and Sam was left clinging to life, the road ahead looked bumpy for this wayward family.

Some brilliant episodes, a gripping plot, familiar faces, and perhaps one of the most shocking cliffhangers from the show kept viewers hooked throughout its entirety. The ninth season of this decade-and-a-half-long fantasy series places at a perfect 100% Tomatometer score, with its audiences giving it a just as impressive 74% .

Original Air Date: September 24, 2010

Season 6 had plenty of mixed feelings from viewers. Despite its rocky reception, it had some brilliant high points and forever memorable episodes, including "Weekend At Bobby's" and the fourth-wall-breaking "The French Mistake."

Its popularity among fans wavers, but despite its ups and downs throughout the season, and considering it wasn't technically supposed to exist, it didn't do too badly, according to Rotten Tomatoes. Season 6 comes in at third with a 77% audience score and a perfect 100% on the Tomatometer , albeit only scored by six critics.

Original Air Date: September 10, 2009

To many, this is Supernatural 's best season. Season 5 followed the repercussions of the Season 4 finale, in which Sam, under the influence of Ruby ( Genevieve Padalecki ), killed Lilith and released Lucifer from his cage. Aside from the Season 4 introduction of angels, this was somewhat of a turning point for SPN and, from then on, featured supernatural beings of higher power instead of your average ghosts, shapeshifters, and demons.

What was supposed to be the finale had its ending slightly changed when the show was renewed for another season, which, in turn, paved the way for its future. For a lot of people, the way it ended would've been a great way to say goodbye. Despite its ending that never was, Season 5 remains one of the best in the opinions of many. It sits at 100% on the Tomatometer with a 79% audience score.

Original Air Date: September 28, 2006

Until the end of Supernatural 's fifth season, the yellow-eyed demon and Sam's psychic abilities were present in the background on and off. While season 1 was the first acknowledgment of his powers, it was the second that delved further into the meaning behind them and where they could lead the youngest Winchester.

The entire second season was dripping with plot-heavy episodes. Of course, there were many monsters of the week, as was common with Supernatural , but its serialized episodes made it popular. Second, only to Season 3, the most popular season in the eyes of audiences in Season 2, coming 1% lower at 94%, and critics couldn't agree more with a 100% Tomatometer score.

Watch on Netflix

KEEP READING: 'Supernatural': The Saddest Episode From Each Season

• 1.1 Season 1 map by muccamukk
• 1.2 Season 1 interactive map by alcorandmizar
• 2.1 Season 2 interactive map by alcorandmizar
• 3 All Seasons

Season 1 map by muccamukk

Click to view full-size

(Base map courtesy of United States Map )

For fictional towns, I just put the number in the middle of the state with the state initials, everywhere else is where it should be.

The following list is based where the primary action of an episode took place, failing that, where a town that actually exists is.

1.01 Pilot - Palo Alto , CA

1.02 Wendigo - Lost Creek , CO (based on "X" on Sam 's Map)

1.03 Dead in the Water - Lake Manitoc , WI (fictional)

1.04 Phantom Traveler - Kittanning , PA

1.05 Bloody Mary - Toledo , OH

1.06 Skin - St. Louis , MO

1.07 Hook Man - Ankeny , IA

1.08 Bugs - Oasis Plains , OK (fictional, about 60 miles from Sapulpa, OK)

1.09 Home - Lawrence , KS

1.10 Asylum - Rockford , IL

1.11 Scarecrow - Burkittsville , IN (fictional)

1.12 Faith - Nebraska

1.13 Route 666 - Cape Girardeau , MO

1.14 Nightmare - Saginaw , MI

1.15 The Benders - Hibbing , MN

1.16 Shadow - Chicago , IL

1.17 Hell House - Richmond , TX

1.18 Something Wicked - Fitchburg , WI

1.19 Provenance - Up State New York

1.20 Dead Man's Blood - Manning , CO (fictional)

1.21 Salvation - Salvation , IA (fictional)

1.22 Devil's Trap - Jefferson City , MO

Thanks to muccamukk for the above.

Season 1 interactive map by alcorandmizar

Instructions for use: Go to maps.google.com and copy and paste: http://alcorandmizar.741.com/SuperMap-S1.kml into the search box.

Source: alcorandmizar's livejournal entry

Season 2 interactive map by alcorandmizar

Instructions for use: Go to maps.google.com and copy and paste: http://alcorandmizar.741.com/SuperMap-S2.kml into the search box.

All Seasons

Xiaoji maintains this map of locations from all episodes aired. Larger dots indicates that more episodes occurred in the same location. Redder dots indicates newer episodes. A line is drawn between locations when the brothers travel.

Up to 5.22, the state that hosted most stories is Illinois, followed by South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Iowa, Indiana, Colorado, Missouri, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, Minnesota and California.

Season 1-5 data is drawn from Category:Episodes .

Source: A Very Supernatural Map of United States

Navigation menu

• View source

Personal tools

• Random Page
• New Visitor Portal
• About Super-wiki
• Log in/Sign up
• Recent changes
• SuperWiki on Twitter
• SuperWiki Blog
• What links here
• Related changes
• Special pages
• Printable version
• Permanent link
• Page information
• This page was last edited on 14 November 2018, at 15:15.
• Privacy policy
• Disclaimers
• Mobile view