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The Best Episodes of The Originals

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

Binge this in 2d 16h•Peaking at 9.1/10

The Vampire Diaries spin-off that follows the Mikaelsons, a family of millennia-old, power-hungry vampires who want to reclaim the city they built, New Orleans, and dominate all those who have wronged them.

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    The Originals Season 5 Episode 13 - When the Saints Go Marching In
    9.1/10(12 votes)

    #1 - When the Saints Go Marching In

    S5:E13

    Intent on saving Hope's life, Klaus' plan will change the lives of the Mikaelson family forever.

    Director:Lance Anderson
    Writers:Julie Plec, Jeffrey Lieber

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  2. The Originals Season 2 Episode 13 - The Devil Is Damned
    8.8/10(11 votes)

    #2 - The Devil Is Damned

    S2:E13

    Vincent joins forces with a figure from his past. Kaleb is forced to make a difficult life or death decision, and Elijah finds himself in the fight of his life. Hayley and Jackson become pawns in Vincent's dangerous plan.

    Director:Lance Anderson
    Writers:Christopher Hollier, Julie Plec

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  3. The Originals Season 5 Episode 12 - The Tale of Two Wolves
    8.8/10(9 votes)

    #3 - The Tale of Two Wolves

    S5:E12

    With Hope facing a life-threatening affliction and deteriorating quickly, Klaus travels to Mystic Falls to seek help from Caroline. Tasked with keeping Hope preoccupied in Mystic Falls, Elijah comes to a heartbreaking realization about his niece. Meanwhile, at the Salvatore School for the Young and Gifted, a run-in with Alaric Saltzman throws a wrench into Klaus’ plan.

    Director:Rudy Persico
    Writers:Carina Adly MacKenzie, Julie Plec

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  4. The Originals Season 2 Episode 5 - Red Door
    8.6/10(11 votes)

    #4 - Red Door

    S2:E5

    In order to show Elijah that her plan is what's best for him, Esther forces him to relive a time long ago when he loved a young woman named Tatia.

    Director:Michael Robison
    Writers:Declan de Barra, Diane Ademu-John

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  5. The Originals Season 2 Episode 22 - Ashes To Ashes
    8.6/10(10 votes)

    #5 - Ashes To Ashes

    S2:E22

    With time running out, Klaus' ultimate plan to protect baby Hope at all costs continues to take shape.Source: CW

    Director:Matthew Hastings
    Writers:Christopher Hollier, Diane Ademu-John

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  6. The Originals Season 3 Episode 9 - Savior
    8.6/10(14 votes)

    #6 - Savior

    S3:E9

    When a dangerous affliction threatens to expose one of her siblings, Freya searches for a way to reverse the crippling curse even as she finds herself the target of The Strix's latest plan. Elsewhere, Klaus keeps a watchful eye over Cami while she attempts to help Detective Kinney, whose life has begun to spiral out of control as a result of Lucien's compulsion. Meanwhile, a confrontation with Marcel causes Vincent to reevaluate his decision to stay out of witch business, and Hayley's attempt at a quiet Christmas with Jackson and Hope results in an unexpected surprise.

    Director:Matthew Hastings
    Writers:Carina Adly MacKenzie, Diane Ademu-John

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    The 20 WORST Episodes of The Originals

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  7. The Originals Season 3 Episode 19 - No More Heartbreaks
    8.6/10(13 votes)

    #7 - No More Heartbreaks

    S3:E19

    Following a violent encounter that has left Cami’s life hanging in the balance, Klaus is forced to rely on his family and allies to find a cure as he keeps a watchful eye over Cami at the compound. With time running out, Freya turns to her arsenal of spells, while Vincent and Marcel head to Cami’s apartment to gather a crucial ingredient. Elsewhere, Hayley and Elijah travel to the bayou in hopes of bringing back a potential antidote that could save Cami’s life. Finally, Davina confronts Lucien and learns some heartbreaking information that will change her future with Kol forever.

    Director:Millicent Shelton
    Writers:Celeste Vasquez, Michael Narducci

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  8. The Originals Season 2 Episode 2 - Alive and Kicking
    8.5/10(11 votes)

    #8 - Alive and Kicking

    S2:E2

    Klaus wants Hayley to re-establish herself in her pack. Mikael is impatient under Davina. Cassie arouses suspicions.

    Director:Jeffrey G. Hunt
    Writers:Michelle Paradise, Michael Narducci

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  9. The Originals Season 2 Episode 21 - Fire with Fire
    8.5/10(11 votes)

    #9 - Fire with Fire

    S2:E21

    With the knowledge that he has been betrayed by his siblings, Klaus and an unlikely friend plan to get even with them.

    Director:David Straiton
    Writer:Michael Narducci

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  10. The Originals Season 3 Episode 14 - A Streetcar Named Desire (II)
    8.5/10(12 votes)

    #10 - A Streetcar Named Desire (II)

    S3:E14

    With the threat of the prophecy looming over their heads, Klaus and Elijah find themselves rendered useless inside a magical trap, while Aya and The Strix's coven of witches move forward with a risky spell that could take one of them down for good. Elsewhere, Freya leads the charge to get her brothers back and enlists the help of Marcel, Hayley and Stefan Salvatore, an old friend of Klaus', whose unexpected arrival may be the key to their survival. Finally, Davina moves forward with a dangerous plan that brings her one step closer to reuniting with Kol. The crossover starts on The Vampire Diaries S7E14 Moonlight on the Bayou (I).

    Director:Matthew Hastings
    Writers:Beau DeMayo, Diane Ademu-John

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  11. The Originals Season 3 Episode 18 - The Devil Comes Here and Sighs
    8.5/10(13 votes)

    #11 - The Devil Comes Here and Sighs

    S3:E18

    As the city celebrates its annual Jazz Fest, an unlikely team of Mikaelson foes joins forces to take Klaus hostage. Leading the charge to get their brother back, Elijah and Freya face off against a powerful force like none they’ve ever seen before, while Hayley and Cami set their own risky plan in motion to rescue Klaus. Meanwhile, when Kol’s erratic behavior worsens, Davina has no choice but to turn to Marcel and Vincent for help.

    Director:Jesse Warn
    Writers:Michelle Paradise, Kyle Arrington

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  12. The Originals Season 3 Episode 22 - The Bloody Crown
    8.5/10(13 votes)

    #12 - The Bloody Crown

    S3:E22

    After months of thwarting off dangerous threats and deadly attacks, the Mikaelson siblings finally come face to face with the one person that could lead to their ultimate demise. With the stakes higher than ever and the compound overrun by an army of his oldest sworn enemies, Klaus is put on trial for centuries of atrocities he’s committed. Meanwhile, Marcel, who has been spiraling out of control following an act of betrayal by those closest to him, is stunned by the unexpected arrival of someone from his past. Finally, Elijah, Freya and Kol frantically search for a way to save their family before it’s too late.

    Director:Matthew Hastings
    Writers:Beau DeMayo, Diane Ademu-John

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  13. The Originals Season 2 Episode 16 - Save My Soul
    8.4/10(10 votes)

    #13 - Save My Soul

    S2:E16

    Suspicious of where her true loyalties lie, Klaus invites Freya to the compound in order to gain more insight into her past with Dahlia.Source: CW

    Director:Kellie Cyrus
    Writer:Michael Russo

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  14. The Originals Season 3 Episode 10 - A Ghost Along the Mississippi
    8.4/10(14 votes)

    #14 - A Ghost Along the Mississippi

    S3:E10

    In the aftermath of a horrific plan that left Cami dead, Klaus declares war on Aurora and Tristan. Elsewhere, Vincent, who has resumed his role as Regent to the New Orleans witches, is forced to use his magic against his will, while Hayley and Jackson ind themselves pawns in Tristan’s twisted game. Finally, after learning that Tristan is in possession of a powerful weapon that could take their family down once and for all, Klaus, Elijah and Freya enact a risky plan that leads to a tense showdown with The Strix.

    Director:Michael Grossman
    Writer:Declan de Barra

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  15. The Originals Season 5 Episode 9 - We Have Not Long to Love
    8.4/10(11 votes)

    #15 - We Have Not Long to Love

    S5:E9

    As Vincent, Marcel and Josh work to clean up the city, an uprising of purist vampires leads the supernatural factions into a deadly showdown. Hope's attempt to bring her family back together leaves her struggling with the consequences. Finally, Freya makes a life-changing decision.

    Director:Bethany Rooney
    Writers:Michelle Paradise, K.C. Perry

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  16. The Originals Season 1 Episode 22 - From a Cradle to a Grave
    8.3/10(14 votes)

    #16 - From a Cradle to a Grave

    S1:E22

    Hayley atempts to save her unborn baby from the witches. Francesca meets with Oliver and Jackson to decide the future of the werewolves in New Orleans.

    Director:Matthew Hastings
    Writer:Diane Ademu-John

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  17. The Originals Season 2 Episode 4 - Live and Let Die
    8.3/10(13 votes)

    #17 - Live and Let Die

    S2:E4

    Davina takes Mikael to a cabin to heal from his wolf bites. Klaus searches for them. Elijah, Marcel and Hayley try to rescue some young wolves.

    Director:Jeffrey G. Hunt
    Writers:Ashley Lyle, Bart Nickerson

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  18. The Originals Season 2 Episode 6 - Wheel Inside the Wheel
    8.3/10(10 votes)

    #18 - Wheel Inside the Wheel

    S2:E6

    Cami teams up with Marcel and Gia after she becomes suspicious of her faculty advisor Vincent. Lastly, in a surprising turn of events, Klaus comes face-to-face with a visitor from his past.

    Director:Matthew Hastings
    Writers:Michael Russo, Michael Narducci

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  19. The Originals Season 3 Episode 6 - Beautiful Mistake
    8.3/10(13 votes)

    #19 - Beautiful Mistake

    S3:E6

    When Elijah and Freya realize that Rebekah may be the target of The Strix's latest plan, they do whatever it takes to protect her. Elsewhere, Klaus spends time with Aurora to figure out where her loyalties lie, while a dangerous run-in with a member of The Strix leads Hayley and Marcel to make an unsettling discovery. Finally, an elaborate scheme created by Lucien leaves Cami faced with a difficult decision to make and Detective Kinney fighting for his life.

    Director:Steven DePaul
    Writers:Christopher Hollier, Kyle Arrington

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  20. The Originals Season 4 Episode 10 - Phantomesque
    8.3/10(10 votes)

    #20 - Phantomesque

    S4:E10

    Klaus requests that his estranged siblings Rebekah and Kol return home to stand by their family against The Hollow. Meanwhile, Freya recruits Hayley for a dangerous journey that will put both their lives at risk — but may be the sole means of saving someone they love. Elsewhere, tensions rise when Marcel leads a hunt for The Hollow — putting him on a collision course with the person he was least prepared to face. Finally, as Kol continues to mourn the loss of Davina, he is forced to consider the lengths he’d go to see her again.

    Director:Daniel Gillies
    Writers:Kyle Arrington, K.C. Perry

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  21. The Originals Season 5 Episode 3 - Ne Me Quitte Pas
    8.3/10(12 votes)

    #21 - Ne Me Quitte Pas

    S5:E3

    In the immediate aftermath of having his memory erased by Marcel, Elijah awakens to find himself in the middle of nowhere and without a clue as to who he is. Unable to control his instinctive vampire ways, Elijah encounters Antoinette, a beautiful and free-spirited vampire, who helps him navigate his new life. However, a run-in with Klaus threatens to destroy the peace he’s finally found.

    Director:Joseph Morgan
    Writers:Michelle Paradise, K.C. Perry

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  22. The Originals Season 1 Episode 15 - Le Grand Guignol
    8.2/10(15 votes)

    #22 - Le Grand Guignol

    S1:E15

    Rebekah and Marcel have been trying to keep a secret from Klaus which may come to the light as we flashback to 1919. Elijah and Monique bond. Hayley takes Sabine hostage to try and get information on reversing the curse on her clan.

    Director:Chris Grismer
    Writers:Declan de Barra, Diane Ademu-John

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  23. The Originals Season 2 Episode 1 - Rebirth
    8.2/10(10 votes)

    #23 - Rebirth

    S2:E1

    Hayley struggles with her powers. Marcel sides with Klaus and gets revenge over the wolves. Esther is busy plotting her own plans. Everyone wants control over the city.

    Director:Lance Anderson
    Writers:Julie Plec, Marguerite MacIntyre

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  24. The Originals Season 2 Episode 8 - The Brothers That Care Forgot
    8.2/10(9 votes)

    #24 - The Brothers That Care Forgot

    S2:E8

    Rebekah is on the run with baby Hope.

    Director:Michael A. Allowitz
    Writers:Michelle Paradise, Charlie Charbonneau

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  25. The Originals Season 2 Episode 9 - The Map of Moments
    8.2/10(10 votes)

    #25 - The Map of Moments

    S2:E9

    Rebekah persuades Klaus and Elijah to take part in a family tradition from their childhood.

    Director:Leslie Libman
    Writers:Julie Plec, Marguerite MacIntyre

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Best Episodes Summary

"When the Saints Go Marching In" is the best rated episode of "The Originals". It scored 9.1/10 based on 12 votes. Directed by Lance Anderson and written by Julie Plec, Jeffrey Lieber, it aired on 8/1/2018. This episode scored 0.3 points higher than the second highest rated, "The Devil Is Damned".