The Flash backdrop
Drama•Sci-Fi & Fantasy

The Best Episodes of The Flash

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

Binge this in 5d 8h•Peaking at 9.6/10

After being struck by lightning, CSI investigator Barry Allen awakens from a nine-month coma to discover he has been granted the gift of super speed. Teaming up with S.T.A.R. Labs, Barry takes on

Airs on
The CW
BestEpisodes
WorstEpisodes
BestSeasons
AllEpisodes

Seasons9

All123456789

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    Click to reveal
    The Flash Season 1 Episode 15 - Out of Time
    9.6/10(16171 votes)

    #1 - Out of Time

    S1:E15

    Mark Mardon, having survived his apparent death during the black-matter explosion, returns seeking revenge on Joe for the death of his brother Clyde... and has the same weather-manipulation powers as his deceased sibling.

    Director:Thor Freudenthal
    Writers:Todd Helbing, Aaron Helbing

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  2. The Flash Season 1 Episode 23 - Fast Enough
    9.5/10(13917 votes)

    #2 - Fast Enough

    S1:E23

    Wells presents Barry with a life-changing choice. Dr. Martin Stein and Ronnie Raymond return to help the S.T.A.R. Labs team with this final fight.

    Director:Dermott Downs
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  3. The Flash Season 1 Episode 20 - The Trap
    9.3/10(8259 votes)

    #3 - The Trap

    S1:E20

    Barry, Caitlin, Cisco and Joe set a trap for Wells. Cisco uses himself as prey which puts him in grave danger. Meanwhile, Eddie makes a decision regarding Iris, which leaves Joe a bit unsettled.

    Director:Steve Shill
    Writers:Alison Schapker, Brooke Roberts

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  4. The Flash Season 2 Episode 6 - Enter Zoom
    9.3/10(8470 votes)

    #4 - Enter Zoom

    S2:E6

    After recent events, Barry decides it’s time to confront Zoom and comes up with a dangerous plan. Caitlin sides with Jay and deems it too dangerous for Barry to engage with the speed demon. However, Iris shows her support and brings forth a surprising ally. We see what Earth-2 Harrison Wells’ life was like before coming through the breech.

    Director:J.J. Makaro
    Writers:Brooke Roberts, Gabrielle Stanton

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  5. The Flash Season 1 Episode 9 - The Man in the Yellow Suit
    9.2/10(9488 votes)

    #5 - The Man in the Yellow Suit

    S1:E9

    Barry enjoys the annual tradition of tree trimming and gift exchange with Joe and Iris. He gives Iris a touching gift, but the moment is interrupted by Eddie’s arrival.

    Director:Ralph Hemecker
    Writers:Todd Helbing, Aaron Helbing

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  6. The Flash Season 2 Episode 13 - Welcome to Earth-2
    9.2/10(6905 votes)

    #6 - Welcome to Earth-2

    S2:E13

    Barry, Wells and Cisco journey to Earth-2 to rescue Wells’ daughter, Jesse from Zoom. Barry is stunned when he runs into Earth-2 Iris and Joe, but nothing prepares him for meeting Killer Frost and Deathstorm. Meanwhile, back on Earth-1, Jay has to take over the Flash’s responsibilities when a meta-human nicknamed Geomancer attacks Central City.

    Director:Millicent Shelton
    Writers:Greg Berlanti, Andrew Kreisberg

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 WORST Episodes of The Flash

    READ
  7. The Flash Season 1 Episode 8 - Flash vs. Arrow (I)
    9.1/10(9806 votes)

    #7 - Flash vs. Arrow (I)

    S1:E8

    Barry is thrilled when Oliver, Felicity and Diggle come to Central City to investigate a case involving a deadly boomerang. The crossover continues on Arrow S03E08 The Brave and the Bold.

    Director:Glen Winter
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  8. The Flash Season 1 Episode 17 - Tricksters
    9.0/10(7640 votes)

    #8 - Tricksters

    S1:E17

    When a villain calling himself the Trickster runs rampant in Central City, Joe and Barry go to Iron Heights to talk with the original Trickster.

    Director:Ralph Hemecker
    Writer:Andrew Kreisberg

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  9. The Flash Season 1 Episode 22 - Rogue Air
    9.0/10(7666 votes)

    #9 - Rogue Air

    S1:E22

    When Harrison activates the particle accelerator, the team has no choice but to evacuate the five metahuman prisoners. Unfortunately, with time running out, Barry has no choice but to turn to Captain Cold for help. Meanwhile, Eddie escapes but has some surprising news for Iris.

    Director:Douglas Aarniokoski
    Writers:Todd Helbing, Aaron Helbing

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  10. The Flash Season 2 Episode 14 - Escape from Earth-2
    9.0/10(5760 votes)

    #10 - Escape from Earth-2

    S2:E14

    On Earth-2, the team races to find Zoom's lair and asks for help from the most unexpected source. Meanwhile, back on Earth-1, Caitlin rushes to perfect Velocity-9 so that Jay can stop the Geomancer.

    Director:J.J. Makaro
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  11. The Flash Season 2 Episode 23 - The Race of His Life
    9.0/10(7182 votes)

    #11 - The Race of His Life

    S2:E23

    After Zoom reveals his true plan, Barry vows to do whatever it takes to stop him.

    Director:Antonio Negret
    Writers:Todd Helbing, Aaron Helbing

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  12. The Flash Season 3 Episode 8 - Invasion! (II)
    9.0/10(5707 votes)

    #12 - Invasion! (II)

    S3:E8

    When aliens called the Dominators attack Central City, Barry speeds over to Star City to ask the Green Arrow for help in stopping them. Realizing the battle against the Dominators is bigger than they thought, they track down the Legends of Tomorrow, and Barry and Cisco create a breach to bring back a secret weapon – Supergirl. Once all of the super friends are assembled, they come up with a plan to attack but a shocking secret related to Flashpoint is revealed and suddenly no one is sure who they can trust. Meanwhile, Wally wants to join the battle against the aliens but Iris tells him he’s not ready. The crossover starts on Supergirl S02E08 Medusa (I). It continues on Arrow S05E08 Invasion! (III) and DC's Legends of Tomorrow S02E07 Invasion! (IV).

    Director:Dermott Downs
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  13. The Flash Season 3 Episode 22 - Infantino Street
    9.0/10(5198 votes)

    #13 - Infantino Street

    S3:E22

    With only 24 hours left until Savitar murders Iris, Barry struggles to save the woman he loves and makes the choice to use any means necessary to do so. Realizing he has one option left to save her, The Flash turns to Captain Cold for help.

    Director:Michael A. Allowitz
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  14. The Flash Season 5 Episode 8 - What's Past Is Prologue
    9.0/10(3959 votes)

    #14 - What's Past Is Prologue

    S5:E8

    Barry and Team Flash come up with a plan to stop Cicada. However, the plan calls for Barry and Nora to travel back in time to gather some key necessities. However, Barry hesitates, concerned about his daughter seeing certain parts of his life. Meanwhile, Sherloque takes his concerns about Nora to Iris, and Caitlin turns up a key asset in the fight against Cicada.

    Director:Tom Cavanagh
    Writers:Todd Helbing, Lauren Certo

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  15. The Flash Season 5 Episode 9 - Elseworlds (I)
    9.0/10(4167 votes)

    #15 - Elseworlds (I)

    S5:E9

    When Barry Allen and Oliver Queen wake up one morning and realize they have swapped bodies with each other, the two set off to find out what disturbed the timeline to cause such a shift. However, things quickly go from bad to worse when they present their case to Team Flash and the gang doesn’t believe them. Barry and Oliver realize they need Supergirl’s help and travel to Smallville on Earth-38 where they end up meeting Kara’s cousin, Clark Kent, and intrepid reporter, Lois Lane. The crossover continues on Arrow S07E09 Elseworlds (II) and Supergirl S04E09 Elseworlds (III).

    Director:Kevin Tancharoen
    Writers:Sam Chalsen, Eric Wallace

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  16. The Flash Season 1 Episode 19 - Who Is Harrison Wells?
    8.9/10(7028 votes)

    #16 - Who Is Harrison Wells?

    S1:E19

    Joe and Cisco go to Starling City to ask Quentin Lance for his help investigating the site of Harrison's car accident 15 years ago and determining what really happened. Meanwhile, Eddie is framed for a shooting by a shapeshifing metahuman who can take on the appearance of anyone he touches.

    Director:Wendey Stanzler
    Writers:Cortney Norris, Ray Utarnachitt

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  17. The Flash Season 2 Episode 8 - Legends of Today (I)
    8.9/10(6332 votes)

    #17 - Legends of Today (I)

    S2:E8

    Vandal Savage arrives in Central City and sets his sights on Kendra Saunders. After Vandal attacks Kendra and Cisco, they turn to Barry for help. Realizing how dangerous Vandal is, Barry takes Kendra to Star City and asks Oliver and team to hide her until he can figure out how to stop Vandal. However, things quickly go from bad to worse when a man with wings AKA Hawkman shows up and flies off with Kendra. Meanwhile, Harrison develops a serum to make Barry run faster and asks Jay to test it out. The crossover continues on Arrow S04E08 Legends of Yesterday (II).

    Director:Ralph Hemecker
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  18. The Flash Season 2 Episode 17 - Flash Back
    8.9/10(5737 votes)

    #18 - Flash Back

    S2:E17

    After the shocking revelation that Zoom is Jay Garrick, Barry is more determined than ever to get back to Earth-2 to stop Zoom forever. Desperate to find a way to increase his speed, Barry decides to travel back in time and masquerade as his earlier self in order to get his arch-nemesis, Dr. Harrison Wells/Eobard Thawne, to teach him how to run faster. However, things don’t go as planned and Barry is stunned to face familiar foe Hartley Rathaway, as well as old friend Eddie Thawne. Iris makes peace with her past in order to embrace her future.

    Director:Alice Troughton
    Writers:Todd Helbing, Aaron Helbing

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  19. The Flash Season 4 Episode 15 - Enter Flashtime
    8.9/10(4897 votes)

    #19 - Enter Flashtime

    S4:E15

    When a nuclear bomb detonates in downtown Central City, Barry, Jesse Quick and Jay Garrick slow down time by entering Flashtime. As everyone in the city is frozen, the three speedsters push themselves to the breaking point to save the city and everyone in it.

    Director:Gregory Smith
    Writers:Todd Helbing, Sterling Gates

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  20. The Flash Season 2 Episode 22 - Invincible
    8.8/10(5513 votes)

    #20 - Invincible

    S2:E22

    After Zoom unleashes an army of Earth-2 meta-humans on Central City, Barry is shaken when he sees their leader is the Black Canary’s Earth-2 doppelganger, the Black Siren. Meanwhile, Wally takes to the streets to help The Flash stop the meta-humans, which worries Joe. Iris and Henry are concerned about Barry taking on Zoom.

    Director:Jesse Warn
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  21. The Flash Season 3 Episode 20 - I Know Who You Are
    8.8/10(4855 votes)

    #21 - I Know Who You Are

    S3:E20

    Barry and the team meet Tracy Brand, a scientist, who may be the key to stopping Savitar. Unfortunately, Killer Frost is also after Tracy so Team Flash must battle their old friend, which proves to be particularly difficult for Cisco. Joe and Cecile’s relationship takes a big turn.

    Director:Hanelle M. Culpepper
    Writers:Joshua V. Gilbert, Bronwen Clark

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  22. The Flash Season 6 Episode 9 - Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part Three (III)
    8.8/10(3768 votes)

    #22 - Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part Three (III)

    S6:E9

    Pariah enlists Black Lightning to help stop the Anti-Monitor after Flash-90 shares what he learned from his battle in ‘Elseworlds.’ With the help of Black Lightning, Barry, Cisco and Killer Frost come up with a plan that could save them all. Meanwhile, Iris has a heart-to-heart with Ryan Choi, while Oliver and Diggle return to an old familiar stomping ground. The crossover starts on Supergirl S05E09 and Batwoman S01E09. It continues on Arrow S08E08 and Legends of Tomorrow S05E01.

    Director:David McWhirter
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  23. The Flash Season 1 Episode 14 - Fallout
    8.7/10(6685 votes)

    #23 - Fallout

    S1:E14

    Martin and Ronnie are separated, only to realize that they must learn how to rejoin before Eiling hunts them down and kills them... and the Flash. Meanwhile, Joe shows Barry the 3D images from the Nora Allen crime scene, and Barry asks Martin for advice on time travel.

    Director:Stephen Surjik
    Writers:Ben Sokolowski, Keto Shimizu

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  24. The Flash Season 2 Episode 20 - Rupture
    8.7/10(5683 votes)

    #24 - Rupture

    S2:E20

    Zoom arrives back on Earth-1 intent on taking over Central City. Barry and Wells come up with a plan to stop Zoom once and for all but it’s extremely dangerous. Unsure if he should take the risk, Barry reaches out to both fathers for advice. Henry is adamantly opposed to Barry risking his life again but Joe thinks he can handle it which puts the two men at odds with each other. Meanwhile, Cisco is shocked when he vibes the Earth-2 villain Rupture, who happens to be his brother Dante’s doppelganger. Rupture came to this Earth seeking justice for Reverb’s death. Iris decides she’s finally ready to open up to Barry about her feelings for him.

    Director:Armen V. Kevorkian
    Writers:Kai Yu Wu, Lauren Certo

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  25. The Flash Season 3 Episode 9 - The Present
    8.7/10(4324 votes)

    #25 - The Present

    S3:E9

    With Alchemy and Savitar still looming threats, Barry is unable to focus on the Christmas holiday, and especially his relationship with Iris. Determined to stop Savitar, Barry goes to Earth-3 to get advice from Jay Garrick. Wally wants to help Barry fight Savitar and reveals that he’s been training with H.R, which doesn’t go over well with Barry. As Cisco faces his first Christmas without his brother Dante, old wounds are reopened.

    Director:Rachel Talalay
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

Best Episodes Summary

"Out of Time" is the best rated episode of "The Flash". It scored 9.6/10 based on 16171 votes. Directed by Thor Freudenthal and written by Todd Helbing, Aaron Helbing, it aired on 3/17/2015. This episode scored 0.1 points higher than the second highest rated, "Fast Enough".