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The Best Episodes of The Last of Us Season 1

Every episode of The Last of Us Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of The Last of Us Season 1!

Binge this in 8h 54m·Peaking at 9.4/10
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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    The Last of Us Season 1 Episode 5 - Endure and Survive
    9.4/10(90715 votes)

    S1:E5

    On the streets of a newly free Kansas City, Henry fights to protect his brother Sam from rebel soldiers who will stop at nothing to appease their ruthless leader. As her manhunt continues, Kathleen doubles down on her quest for revenge, while Ellie forms a meaningful friendship.

    Director:Jeremy Webb
    Writer:Craig Mazin

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  2. The Last of Us Season 1 Episode 8 - When We Are in Need
    9.2/10(69399 votes)

    S1:E8

    After crossing paths with a vengeful group of survivors, Ellie's fighting spirit draws unwanted attention from its leader. Still battling for his life, a weakened Joel faces off with a hunting party out for blood.

    Director:Ali Abbasi
    Writer:Craig Mazin

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  3. The Last of Us Season 1 Episode 1 - When You're Lost in the Darkness
    9.1/10(124801 votes)

    S1:E1

    2003. As a parasitic fungal outbreak begins to ravage the country and the world, Joel Miller attempts to escape the escalating chaos with his daughter and brother. Twenty years later, a now hardened Joel and his partner Tess fight to survive under a totalitarian regime, while the insurgent Fireflies harbor a teenage girl with a unique gift.

    Director:Craig Mazin
    Writers:Craig Mazin, Neil Druckmann

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  4. The Last of Us Season 1 Episode 2 - Infected
    9.0/10(112736 votes)

    S1:E2

    In 2003, an Indonesian scientist makes a devastating discovery. In 2023, now outside of the quarantine zone, Joel and Tess clash over Ellie's fate as they navigate a long-abandoned Boston overrun with Infected.

    Director:Neil Druckmann
    Writer:Craig Mazin

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  5. The Last of Us Season 1 Episode 9 - Look for the Light
    8.9/10(56898 votes)

    S1:E9

    After being pursued by Infected, a pregnant Anna places her trust in a lifelong friend. Years later, Ellie is forced to grapple with the emotional toll of her journey, while Joel faces a devastating decision of his own.

    Director:Ali Abbasi
    Writers:Craig Mazin, Neil Druckmann

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  6. The Last of Us Season 1 Episode 6 - Kin
    8.7/10(67280 votes)

    S1:E6

    After months of traveling, Joel and Ellie receive a grave warning about what lies ahead. Later, Ellie learns more about Joel's past – while Joel tries his best to forget.

    Director:Jasmila Žbanić
    Writer:Craig Mazin

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  7. The Last of Us Season 1 Episode 4 - Please Hold to My Hand
    8.3/10(78647 votes)

    S1:E4

    After a harrowing trek across a desolate United States, Joel and Ellie find themselves navigating a dangerous Kansas City on foot. Later, rebel leader Kathleen instigates a manhunt – one that pits her violent civilian militia against the world's best hope.

    Director:Jeremy Webb
    Writer:Craig Mazin

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  8. The Last of Us Season 1 Episode 3 - Long, Long Time
    8.1/10(242751 votes)

    S1:E3

    Doomsday prepper Bill prepares to ride out the apocalypse alone...until a mysterious stranger upends his plans. Years later, Joel and Ellie seek Bill's guidance – and find themselves at a crossroads.

    Director:Peter Hoar
    Writer:Craig Mazin

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  9. The Last of Us Season 1 Episode 7 - Left Behind
    7.3/10(78963 votes)

    S1:E7

    As Joel fights to survive, Ellie’s struggle to save him stirs memories of her life in a FEDRA orphanage. Weeks before meeting Joel, Ellie recalls joining her best friend Riley for a night to remember… one that will change the course of both of their lives – and the fate of the world – forever.

    Director:Liza Johnson
    Writer:Neil Druckmann

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Season 1 Ratings Summary

"Endure and Survive" is the best rated episode of The Last of Us season 1. It scored 9.4/10 from 90,715 votes. Directed by Jeremy Webb and written by Craig Mazin, it aired on February 12, 2023. This episode is rated 0.2 points higher than the second-best, "When We Are in Need".