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The Best Episodes of Dawson's Creek

Every episode of Dawson's Creek ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Dawson's Creek!

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Dawson's Creek is an American teen drama that portrays the fictional lives of a close-knit group of teenagers through high school and college.

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  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    Dawson's Creek Season 6 Episode 24 - ...Must Come to an End (2)
    9.0/10(744 votes)

    #1 - ...Must Come to an End (2)

    S6:E24

    Five years have passed and everyone is reunited in Capeside for a special wedding. Dawson has been living in Los Angeles producing his autobiographical television series 'The Creek' but has never forgotten the love of his life, Joey is a successful book editor living in New York with her boyfriend but comes home to realize she still loves her childhood sweethearts, Pacey is the owner of the new Ice House and still carries a torch for Joey, Jen is a single mom living with Grams and managing an art gallery in Soho, and Jack is a teacher at Capeside High and has fallen in love with Deputy Doug. Together all the secrets come out as tragedy and love becomes clear.

    Directors:Gregory Prange, James Whitmore Jr.
    Writers:Kevin Williamson, Maggie Friedman

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  2. Dawson's Creek Season 3 Episode 20 - The Longest Day
    8.8/10(549 votes)

    #2 - The Longest Day

    S3:E20

    In a story that replays the same day's activities from three different perspectives (as in the 1999 movie ""Go""), Joey and Pacey vacillate on the ways to tell Dawson about their feelings for each other. But when the truth does come out, Dawson's reaction is the one they hoped they wouldn't get. Meanwhile, Andie, who thought she was over Pacey enough to date, accepts a date with Capeside visitor Will, but their first date is ruined when she also learns about Joey and Pacey.

    Director:Perry Lang
    Writer:Gina Fattore

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  3. Dawson's Creek Season 3 Episode 23 - True Love
    8.8/10(662 votes)

    #3 - True Love

    S3:E23

    After an emotional day filled with love, tears and wedding vows, Joey ultimately must choose between her love for Dawson and her new feelings for Pacey. Across town, Grams talks about love and regret with Jen, while Jack and Andie make a decision to drive all night so that Jen can see Henry one last time.

    Director:James Whitmore Jr.
    Writers:Gina Fattore, Tom Kapinos

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  4. Dawson's Creek Season 6 Episode 15 - Castaways
    8.7/10(627 votes)

    #4 - Castaways

    S6:E15

    After agreeing to pose as Pacey's sister at a business party, Joey demands to be taken home. When Pacey makes a quick stop at a local K-Mart they are accidentally locked inside the store. They're forced to spend the night there and talk about their friendship and relationship, both past and future. After the night is over they are both left to ponder what the future has in store for them.

    Director:Gregory Prange
    Writer:Gina Fattore

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  5. Dawson's Creek Season 6 Episode 23 - All Good Things... (1)
    8.7/10(513 votes)

    #5 - All Good Things... (1)

    S6:E23

    Five years have passed and everyone is reunited in Capeside for a special wedding. Dawson has been living in Los Angeles producing his autobiographical television series 'The Creek' but has never forgotten the love of his life, Joey is a successful book editor living in New York with her boyfriend but comes home to realize she still loves her childhood sweethearts, Pacey is the owner of the new Ice House and still carries a torch for Joey, Jen is a single mom living with Grams and managing an art gallery in Soho, and Jack is a teacher at Capeside High and has fallen in love with Deputy Doug. Together all the secrets come out as tragedy and love becomes clear.

    Director:James Whitmore Jr.
    Writers:Kevin Williamson, Maggie Friedman

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  6. Dawson's Creek Season 5 Episode 4 - The Long Goodbye
    8.5/10(377 votes)

    #6 - The Long Goodbye

    S5:E4

    Lifelong friends Dawson, Joey and Pacey put past grudges behind them in the wake of the tragic death of one of their fathers. Along with Jack, Jen and Grams, each tries to find the words and actions to comfort their friend.

    Director:Robert Duncan McNeill
    Writer:Tom Kapinos

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    The 20 WORST Episodes of Dawson's Creek

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  7. Dawson's Creek Season 1 Episode 7 - Detention
    8.4/10(662 votes)

    #7 - Detention

    S1:E7

    In what is said to be one of the best episodes, the gang, after committing various violations at school, gets stuck together for an 8 hour Saturday detention, where Dawson and Pacey turn against each another; and Joey offers a tearful partial explanation for her anger toward Jen.

    Director:Allan Arkush
    Writer:Mike White

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  8. Dawson's Creek Season 1 Episode 13 - Decisions
    8.4/10(561 votes)

    #8 - Decisions

    S1:E13

    In the season finale, Dawson and Joey confront their true feelings. Joey, visits her father in prison, and debates leaving to go to France.

    Director:David Semel
    Writer:Mike White

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  9. Dawson's Creek Season 2 Episode 15 - ...That is the Question
    8.4/10(450 votes)

    #9 - ...That is the Question

    S2:E15

    On Dawson's advice, Joey attempts to heal the wounds of her new romance with Jack left shattered by rumor and innuendo, but when Jack confronts his innermost secrets, their lives and everyone's close to them will never be the same again. Meanwhile, for the first time in his life, Pacey stands up for what he believes in when he takes on an abusive teacher, but the consequences of his convictions are more than he could have imagined.

    Director:Gregory Prange
    Writers:Kevin Williamson, Greg Berlanti

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  10. Dawson's Creek Season 3 Episode 19 - Stolen Kisses
    8.4/10(526 votes)

    #10 - Stolen Kisses

    S3:E19

    Dawson invites Joey, Andie and Pacey to spend Spring Break in the mountains at his aunt's home, but the trip is filled with tension as Joey and Pacey continue to battle about their feelings for each other and Andie becomes intrigued with the gang's childhood friend Will who is visiting. Meanwhile, back in town, Jen becomes surprisingly territorial when another woman flirts with Henry.

    Director:Gregory Prange
    Writer:Tom Kapinos

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  11. Dawson's Creek Season 1 Episode 11 - The Scare
    8.3/10(622 votes)

    #11 - The Scare

    S1:E11

    In honor of Friday the 13th, Dawson, plans a séance for the gang, they are all spooked by reports of a serial killer heading towards Capeside.

    Director:Rodman Flender
    Writer:Mike White

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  12. Dawson's Creek Season 2 Episode 14 - To Be or Not to Be ...
    8.3/10(446 votes)

    #12 - To Be or Not to Be ...

    S2:E14

    In a compelling two-part episode, the Capeside High School gossip mill kicks into overdrive after Jack bears his soul in a English assignment and is forced to expose his innermost secrets while reading the poem aloud in class, leaving Dawson, Joey, and Andie shaken by the implications of what it all means. Meanwhile, Pacey tries to defend Jack in the face of an adversarial teacher, and Jen finds her latest suitor Ty is full of surprises.

    Director:Sandy Smolan
    Writer:Greg Berlanti

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  13. Dawson's Creek Season 3 Episode 22 - The Anti-Prom
    8.3/10(425 votes)

    #13 - The Anti-Prom

    S3:E22

    Dawson, Joey and Andie prepare their own unique prom when they learn that the committee has scrutinized Jack's selected date. Dawson, who has invited Joey to be his date, uses the special evening to try to win her back and make Pacey jealous; Andie persuades Pacey to be her escort but her evening ends by consoling him about his love life uncertainties; Jen becomes outraged with Henry when he reveals he is leaving Capeside for the summer; and Gail and Mitch celebrate their new found romance.

    Director:Gregory Prange
    Writer:Maggie Friedman

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  14. Dawson's Creek Season 3 Episode 12 - A Weekend in the Country
    8.2/10(438 votes)

    #14 - A Weekend in the Country

    S3:E12

    Joey's friends and their families work together to make sure that the opening of Potter's Bed & Breakfast is a success and that she and Bessie don't lose everything they have after Pacey surprises them with a visit from a prestigious travel critic. Throughout the weekend, Jen admits her concerns to Grams about getting close to Henry; Jack considers moving back home after hearing Andie's loving plea; and Dawson tries to understand the connection between his parents even after their divorce.

    Director:Michael Katleman
    Writer:Jeffrey Stepakoff

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  15. Dawson's Creek Season 4 Episode 3 - Two Gentlemen of Capeside
    8.2/10(363 votes)

    #15 - Two Gentlemen of Capeside

    S4:E3

    Pacey is happy for his good grades, and decides to sail for celebration. Dawson, Joey and Drue are assigned for a work and Joey can't go with him. Instead, Pacey takes Jen with him. What they didn't know is that a huge storm was coming, and suddenly they have to face it. Andie is having an interview with Drue's mom for college, but her medical records get in her way. Mrs. Valentine worries about Andie's mental stability and denies her the spot. When the storm get bigger, Andie takes control of the situation and guides everybody to rescue Jen and Pacey, who admit to each other their biggest regrets in life. Jen regrets never being in love, despite her feelings for Henry, and Pacey regrets the destruction of his friendship with Dawson. Dawson and Joey go on a small boat to rescue them, and Dawson saves Pacey's life. He apologizes to Dawson for all his attitude over the past months.

    Director:Sandy Smolan
    Writer:Jeffrey Stepakoff

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  16. Dawson's Creek Season 4 Episode 14 - A Winter's Tale
    8.2/10(412 votes)

    #16 - A Winter's Tale

    S4:E14

    While the rest of the class is on the ski trip, Dawson stays behind to care for a near-death Mr. Brooks, but he's overwhelmed when he's asked to make an impossibly hard decision. Dawson is given the responsibility to decide whether to cut off Brooks' life support. Meanwhile, there's a lot more than skiing going on when the senior trip doesn't go exactly as planned. The evening takes an unexpectedly romantic turn for best friends Jack and Jen... After spraining her ankle Jen gets drunk and nearly sleeps with Jack. while Pacey and Joey find their own ways to keep warm on the cold, snowy night, taking their relationship to the next level.

    Director:Gregory Prange
    Writers:Chris Levinson, Zack Estrin

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  17. Dawson's Creek Season 1 Episode 12 - Beauty Contest
    8.1/10(548 votes)

    #17 - Beauty Contest

    S1:E12

    Joey and Pacey enter a beauty competition; Jen regrets her breakup with Dawson.

    Director:Arvin Brown
    Writer:Unknown

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  18. Dawson's Creek Season 2 Episode 22 - Parental Discretion Advised
    8.1/10(383 votes)

    #18 - Parental Discretion Advised

    S2:E22

    As the WB commercial says... "Children must pay for the sins of their fathers." Dawson sees Mr. Potter dealing drugs and he is unsure whether or not to tell Joey or leave things looking good. Mr. Witter has to stake out the Ice House because the Capeside police department believes that Mr. Potter is back to his usual tricks. When the gang is studying in the Ice House, one of Mr. Potter's customers lights it on fire, making Mr. Witter more suspicious and Dawson's conflict greater. Gail tells Mitch about her new job offer in Chicago and her discussion to go for it. Pacey becomes depressed and his achievement level decreases, now that Andie is gone, which his father teases him for. Finally Mr. Witter does realize her importance and that he has been a bad father. Jack becomes worried that Jen is suicidal when she doesn't immediately leave the burning Ice House. But later, Grams and Jen reconcile, causing Jen to move back in taking Jack also.

    Director:Gregory Prange
    Writer:Greg Berlanti

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  19. Dawson's Creek Season 3 Episode 16 - To Green, with Love
    8.1/10(396 votes)

    #19 - To Green, with Love

    S3:E16

    Joey relies on the support of Pacey and A.J. to rally the students in protest against the school superintendent after he forces Principal Green to resign for expelling the student who destroyed Joey's mural. Meanwhile, Dawson and Gail both go back to their respective places in back and in front of the camera to produce a piece about the ongoing school protest which ruffles more than a few feathers of the school board hierarchy.

    Director:Kenneth Fink
    Writers:Gina Fattore, Greg Berlanti

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  20. Dawson's Creek Season 4 Episode 7 - You Had Me at Goodbye
    8.1/10(350 votes)

    #20 - You Had Me at Goodbye

    S4:E7

    While Andie is recovering from her near-fatal drug overdose at the party, Jack blames Jen for the whole incident and is not talking to her. Jen blames the deranged Drue for her life falling apart when he turns Grams and the whole town against Jen by telling everyone that they intentionally gave Andie the drugs. After Andie comes home from the hospital, her dad tells her it would be better if she went to spend the rest of the year in Italy with her aunt, since she already has the credits required to an early graduation. Andie decides to go and plans a goodbye dinner with the whole gang. She tells them how important life is, and the valuable time they might be wasting with useless fights between natural best friends. Jack and Jen get things straight, and Andie plays a little trick to bring Dawson and Pacey together.

    Director:John Behring
    Writers:Chris Levinson, Zack Estrin

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  21. Dawson's Creek Season 4 Episode 23 - Coda
    8.1/10(326 votes)

    #21 - Coda

    S4:E23

    Accepted early to USC, Dawson finds his last night in Capeside has arrived much sooner than everyone had originally anticipated. While Dawson looks forward to spending the evening with Joey, Jack and Jen, Mitch has other ideas. Meanwhile, Dawson's not the only goodbye Jen has in store for her, as she bids farewell to the house she's been sharing with Grams. Finally, Joey says goodbye to Dawson in her own way.

    Director:Gregory Prange
    Writers:Gina Fattore, Tom Kapinos

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  22. Dawson's Creek Season 2 Episode 7 - The All-Nighter
    8.0/10(454 votes)

    #22 - The All-Nighter

    S2:E7

    Facing the scariest English test of their lives the gang has an all night study session at wealthy, horny Chris Wolfe's house. At this all-nighter secrets are revealed and friendships are altered.

    Director:David Semel
    Writer:Greg Berlanti

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  23. Dawson's Creek Season 2 Episode 16 - Be Careful What You Wish For
    8.0/10(411 votes)

    #23 - Be Careful What You Wish For

    S2:E16

    On the eve of Dawson's sixteenth birthday, Pacey and Andie follow her therapist's advice and throw themselves into an unabashed night of recklessness and the blues. Meanwhile, back at the Leery house, Joey is organizing a surprise party for Dawson, but the longer the guest of honor is a no show, the more she is subject to surprises of her own; Jen and Ty face up to the their potentially irreconcilable differences; and Gale and Mitch come to decisions about how to raise their son in light of their separation.

    Director:David Semel
    Writer:Heidi Ferrer

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  24. Dawson's Creek Season 4 Episode 1 - Coming Home
    8.0/10(379 votes)

    #24 - Coming Home

    S4:E1

    Pacey and Joey return from their summer vacation on "True Love". Now they have to deal with Dawson's feelings, who has been deeply hurt for the past months. At first, he doesn't want to talk with neither one of them, but Jen convinces him to talk to Joey. Meanwhile, Pacey's older sister, Gretchen, arrives in Capeside and moves in with Doug, making Pacey homeless. But he won't live with his parents anymore, and so he asks Joey to let him crash at her house for a while. Dawson tells Jack about Gretchen, for whom he had a secret crush a few years ago. Andie meets 2 foreign guys, and she is attracted to them. Dawson and Joey talk, and he says he'll be ok, but it takes one day at a time. Everybody is wondering if Pacey and Joey did it while on the trip, and they don't confirm or deny. But Joey secretly tells Dawson nothing really happened.

    Director:Gregory Prange
    Writer:Greg Berlanti

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  25. Dawson's Creek Season 4 Episode 22 - The Graduate
    8.0/10(303 votes)

    #25 - The Graduate

    S4:E22

    As graduation approaches, Joey has a tough time preparing her speech, and Dawson helps her find some bittersweet inspiration. Joey gets an unexpected surprise gift from her late mother. Pacey wonders if he's going to graduate at all, and he worries that his last final will be the toughest one. He walks out of it after the teacher makes a comment on him, costing him his diploma. Meanwhile, Andie McPhee returns home for the cap and gown ceremony, and is surprised to meet Jack's new boyfriend, Tobey, and a devious Drue, who has just moved to Jen's after being kicked out of his home by his mother after a fight, convinces Jen to help him pull a hilarious senior prank. Pacey tells Andie he has decided to take the job offer on a boat for the summer.

    Director:Harry Winer
    Writer:Alan Cross

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Best Episodes Summary

"...Must Come to an End (2)" is the best rated episode of "Dawson's Creek". It scored 9/10 based on 744 votes. Directed by Gregory Prange, James Whitmore Jr. and written by Kevin Williamson, Maggie Friedman, it aired on 5/14/2003. This episode scored 0.2 points higher than the second highest rated, "The Longest Day".