CrimeMysteryDrama2007–2012DR1

The Best Episodes of The Killing

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

Best episode
S3E10 Episode 10
8.5431 votes
Worst episode
S2E1 Episode 1
7.5425 votes
Top season
Season 1
7.9avg
Binge time
1d 15h
40 episodes
BestEpisodes
WorstEpisodes
BestSeasons
AllEpisodes

Seasons3

All123

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    Click to reveal
    The Killing Season 3 Episode 10 - Episode 10
    8.5/10(431 votes)

    S3:E10

    It's election day and the Prime Minister has everything to gain, as long as Emilie's fate remains uncertain. Kamper is still haunted by personal demons, and issues of loyalty from within his own ranks rear their ugly heads once again. Meanwhile, as Lund and Borch start to look ahead, police are led to an undisclosed location in a last ditch attempt to find Emilie before it's too late. They are followed by a now dangerously tense Robert Zeuthen. Will the operation succeed in bringing the girl to safety?

    Director:Hans Fabian Wullenweber
    Writers:Michael W. Horsten, Søren Sveistrup

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  2. The Killing Season 1 Episode 18 - Episode 18
    8.3/10(465 votes)

    S1:E18

    Lund and Meyer get more than they bargained for when they visit an abandoned warehouse in their search for evidence. Meanwhile, a prime suspect disappears, and Hartmann struggles to get back into the political arena - but is contacted by a journalist whose efforts to dig up dirt have had some success. Theis and Pernille try to move on from the past 18 days' events and take their sons to see the new house.

    Director:Morten Køhlert
    Writer:Torleif Hoppe

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  3. The Killing Season 1 Episode 19 - Episode 19
    8.3/10(454 votes)

    S1:E19

    Lund finds the odds stacked against her as the search for a missing suspect takes an unexpected turn, and Hartmann and Bremer take part in a dramatic, live TV debate amid a stream of revelations. Meanwhile, it seems something is amiss as Theis and Pernille prepare to move into their new house.

    Director:Kristoffer Nyholm
    Writers:Michael W. Horsten, Søren Sveistrup

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  4. The Killing Season 1 Episode 20 - Episode 20
    8.2/10(514 votes)

    S1:E20

    Lund is determined to catch Nanna's killer despite being taken off the case, and Hartmann is on a downward spiral - until he receives crucial information. Meanwhile, Pernille and Theis invite friends and family to Anton's birthday party - but there is a sinister twist to the evening in store.

    Director:Kristoffer Nyholm
    Writers:Torleif Hoppe, Søren Sveistrup

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  5. The Killing Season 1 Episode 15 - Episode 15
    8.1/10(439 votes)

    S1:E15

    Sarah has walked into a life-threatening situation.

    Director:Morten Arnfred
    Writer:Michael W. Horsten

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  6. The Killing Season 2 Episode 10 - Episode 10
    8.1/10(370 votes)

    S2:E10

    Lund and Strange return from Afghanistan with their findings, though Brix has become convinced of the guilt of officer Bilal, who has run away with Louise Raben as his hostage. Buch has been held overnight by the police, but returns determined to bring down the government he is part of. Secrets are uncovered at the ministry and in the military, revealing a conspiracy to conceal vital information. Lund puts together some pieces of her own, and it comes to a lethal confrontation with the killer.

    Director:Kristoffer Nyholm
    Writers:Michael W. Horsten, Søren Sveistrup

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 WORST Episodes of The Killing

    READ
  7. The Killing Season 1 Episode 9 - Episode 9
    8.0/10(473 votes)

    S1:E9

    Monday, November 10-Tuesday, November 11. Theis Birk Larsen's brutal punishment of Rama is interrupted by the police, and Theis is arrested. Lund and Meyer refocus their investigation on the car used by the murderer, knowing that if they do not make progress they might be taken off the case. As it becomes known that Rama is no longer a suspect, Hartmann shakes things up at city hall and relaunches his campaign.

    Director:Hans Fabian Wullenweber
    Writer:Torleif Hoppe

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  8. The Killing Season 1 Episode 10 - Episode 10
    8.0/10(469 votes)

    S1:E10

    Tuesday, November 11-Wednesday, November 12. Bengt leaves for Stockholm. Lund and Meyer are hindered in their investigation by a secretive boss, but Lund continues inquiries and is dismissed for her sins. Hartmann strikes a deal with higher powers in order to secure his bid for mayor, and a public debate is the scene of a change in political fortunes. Theis is released from prison, new secrets are uncovered about Nanna's last months, and in a last bid to forward the investigation, Lund unlocks the door to a new piece in the puzzle.

    Director:Charlotte Sieling
    Writer:Michael W. Horsten

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  9. The Killing Season 1 Episode 11 - Episode 11
    8.0/10(452 votes)

    S1:E11

    Sarah and Jan know who they are looking for but are puzzled by their superiors' reactions.

    Director:Charlotte Sieling
    Writers:Torleif Hoppe, Michael W. Horsten

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  10. The Killing Season 1 Episode 13 - Episode 13
    8.0/10(444 votes)

    S1:E13

    The spotlight of the police and media is now trained on Troels Hartmann, and he feels his political career is crumbling. Meanwhile strange things are going on at the town hall with fatal consequences.

    Director:Henrik Ruben Genz
    Writer:Michael W. Horsten

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  11. The Killing Season 1 Episode 14 - Episode 14
    8.0/10(444 votes)

    S1:E14

    Troels's political opponent Bremer wastes no time in taking advantage of his discomfort.

    Director:Hans Fabian Wullenweber
    Writer:Torleif Hoppe

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  12. The Killing Season 1 Episode 17 - Episode 17
    8.0/10(435 votes)

    S1:E17

    Lund and Meyer become convinced there is a link between Nanna's murder and a case that has remained unsolved for 15 years, and frantically try to find evidence. Meanwhile, Pernille and Theis are confused by the fact the case is far from closed, and Hartmann puts everything on the line in a bid to win the election.

    Director:Kristoffer Nyholm
    Writers:Michael W. Horsten, Søren Sveistrup

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  13. The Killing Season 1 Episode 16 - Episode 16
    8.0/10(431 votes)

    S1:E16

    Sarah won't get on board when her superiors insist that Nanna's murder has been solved.

    Director:Kristoffer Nyholm
    Writer:Torleif Hoppe

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  14. The Killing Season 2 Episode 9 - Episode 9
    8.0/10(335 votes)

    S2:E9

    Thomas Buch has refused to resign and calls a party meeting to challenge the authority of the prime minister. He finds an unexpected ally in the minister of defense. Lund and Strange head to Afghanistan to seek out Frederik Holst, a doctor with a grudge against Raben and his squad. They also decide to visit the house where a family was allegedly killed while the Danish soldiers were there. Back in Copenhagen, Brix organizes a search of the army barracks and finds a locker full of incriminating objects.

    Director:Kristoffer Nyholm
    Writers:Torleif Hoppe, Søren Sveistrup

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  15. The Killing Season 3 Episode 8 - Episode 8
    8.0/10(307 votes)

    S3:E8

    A suspect is taken in for examination as the police try to find out more about the notebook they discovered, but things go less than smoothly. The prime minister and his close aids become the focus of police attention, as Karen is also found to be hiding a dangerous secret which could prove fatal for the government. Borch and Lund's trip to Jutland begins to have consequences. Robert Zeuthen intensifies the hunt for his daughter, despite coming under heavy pressure from the Zeeland board. Maja takes sides. A witness turns up who may have important information about Emilie.

    Director:Kathrine Windfeld
    Writers:Michael W. Horsten, Søren Sveistrup

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  16. The Killing Season 3 Episode 9 - Episode 9
    8.0/10(303 votes)

    S3:E9

    Sarah Lund is held back in her attempts to make headway with the investigation, but at least the perpetrator finally has a face. Will he lead police and the Zeuthens to Emilie? Prime Minister Kamper is trying to clean up his circle as he attempts to find out what happened to his son. Suspicions arise about a trusted Zeeland figure as Robert Zeuthen considers drastic action.

    Director:Hans Fabian Wullenweber
    Writers:Torleif Hoppe, Søren Sveistrup

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  17. The Killing Season 1 Episode 8 - Episode 8
    7.9/10(476 votes)

    S1:E8

    Sunday, November 9-Monday, November 10. The police locate the place where Nanna was killed, and Rama is charged with the crime. Hartmann is fighting for his political life, but ends up making a tough choice. Meanwhile, Bengt is in a car accident on his way to Sweden, but tries to help Lund from his hospital bed. When the evidence is cast into doubt, Rama is released, but someone has other ideas.

    Director:Hans Fabian Wullenweber
    Writer:Michael W. Horsten

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  18. The Killing Season 1 Episode 12 - Episode 12
    7.9/10(455 votes)

    S1:E12

    Sarah and Jan interrogate Troels, whose private information opens a new can of worms.

    Director:Henrik Ruben Genz
    Writer:Torleif Hoppe

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  19. The Killing Season 3 Episode 5 - Episode 5
    7.9/10(325 votes)

    S3:E5

    The kidnapper continues to insist that he's seeking to recover a debt. If Lund is to save Emilie's life, it will be up to her to find out what the debt is and how it should be repaid. Following a request for Robert Zeuthen's life in exchange for Emile's, police set out to organise the exchange. Meanwhile, the integrity of a few high-ranking politicians is called into question, as Prime Minister Kamper takes a dramatic decision.

    Director:Natasha Arthy
    Writers:Torleif Hoppe, Søren Sveistrup

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  20. The Killing Season 3 Episode 7 - Episode 7
    7.8/10(315 votes)

    S3:E7

    A new element turns out to play a role of great significance in the investigation. Borch and Lund have a hard time shaking off their Jutland experience, and their working relationship suffers as a result. Robert and Maja harbour hopes that Emilie may still be alive and Zeeland throw all their resources into tracking her down, as a secret is revealed from an unlikely source within the family. Police run checks on Ussing's movements over the last couple of years.

    Director:Kathrine Windfeld
    Writers:Torleif Hoppe, Søren Sveistrup

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  21. The Killing Season 3 Episode 4 - Episode 4
    7.8/10(326 votes)

    S3:E4

    Another failed attempt to capture their man leaves Borch and Lund with a dilemma - should they obey the perpetrator's instructions or take action in spite of his directives, thereby risking Emilie's life? Further links to an old unresolved police case continue to emerge, shedding new light on the investigation while marring the prime minister's political life.

    Director:Hans Fabian Wullenweber
    Writers:Michael W. Horsten, Søren Sveistrup

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  22. The Killing Season 2 Episode 7 - Episode 7
    7.8/10(337 votes)

    S2:E7

    After finding the chaplain assaulted in his church Sarah Lund chases the offender, but ends up battered in an alley. She is brought back in charge of the investigation. Monberg has taken his own life shortly after his confrontation with Buch. Buch comes about a previously unknown medical report and decides to challenge his colleague the minister of defense over his secrecy. Raben continues his rogue investigation and tracks down a former soldier who he believes to be responsible for the Afghanistan incident.

    Director:Charlotte Sieling
    Writer:Torleif Hoppe

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  23. The Killing Season 2 Episode 8 - Episode 8
    7.8/10(338 votes)

    S2:E8

    Jens Peter Raben has been shot by Strange during an escalated situation where Raben seemed to recognize Strange. Raben survives, and Lund finally has the chance to interrogate him. She finds herself investigating her partner's past in the military, but also uncovers a soldier's video diary that leads to a new suspect. At the barracks Colonel Jarnvig begins to consider the possibility that Raben's version of events in Afghanistan might be true. And after a week in the job Buch faces forced resignation, but finds help from an unexpected source.

    Director:Charlotte Sieling
    Writer:Michael W. Horsten

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  24. The Killing Season 2 Episode 4 - Episode 4
    7.8/10(348 votes)

    S2:E4

    The murder of another former soldier, David Grüner, prompts inquiries into his and Raben's army squad and a particular event during the group's Afghanistan mission a few years before. Lund and Strange track down one of the remaining members in a remote Swedish island. Buch is under pressure from above to cave to the right wing's demands about banning Islamic organisations, but new information about former minister Monberg's relationship with one of the victims makes him weary of acting too hastily.

    Director:Hans Fabian Wullenweber
    Writers:Michael W. Horsten, Søren Sveistrup

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  25. The Killing Season 2 Episode 6 - Episode 6
    7.8/10(348 votes)

    S2:E6

    Lund demands that the grave of the dead soldier Per K. Møller be dug up, but her theory that the coffin is empty is proven wrong. She is suspended from the investigation and takes time to attend her mother's wedding until developments bring her back into action. Buch brings his assistant Karina Munk back after she resigned, despite permanent secretary Plough's objections. They pay a visit to former minister Monberg, who has gained consciousness at the hospital, to find out what he knows about the ongoing case.

    Director:Kristoffer Nyholm
    Writer:Michael W. Horsten

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

Best Episodes Summary

"Episode 10" is the best rated episode of The Killing. It scored 8.5/10 from 431 votes. Directed by Hans Fabian Wullenweber and written by Michael W. Horsten, Søren Sveistrup, it aired on November 25, 2012. This episode scored 0.2 points higher than the second highest rated, "Episode 18".

Keep going

Browse The Killing by season

If you like The Killing