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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!

A spin-off from The Vampire Diaries and set in New Orleans, The Originals centers on the Mikaelson siblings, otherwise known as the world's original vampires: Klaus, Elijah, and Rebekah. Now Klaus must take down his protégé, Marcel, who is now in charge of New Orleans, in order to re-take his city, as he originally built New Orleans. Klaus departed from the city after being chased down by his father Mikael, while it was being constructed and Marcel took charge. As Klaus has returned after many years, his ego has provoked him to become the king of the city. "Every King needs an heir" says Klaus, accepting the unborn child. The child is a first to be born to a hybrid and a werewolf.

Genres:Sci-Fi & FantasyDramaMystery
Network:The CW

Top Episode Ratings Summary

The best episode of "The Originals" is "From a Cradle to a Grave", rated 9.5/10 from 3174 user votes. It was directed by Matthew Hastings and written by Diane Ademu-John. "From a Cradle to a Grave" aired on 5/13/2014 and is rated 0.1 point(s) higher than the second highest rated, "The Bloody Crown".

  • From a Cradle to a Grave
    9.5/10 3,174 votes

    #1 - From a Cradle to a Grave

    Season 1 Episode 22 - Aired 5/13/2014

    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

  • The Bloody Crown
    9.4/10 2,142 votes

    #2 - The Bloody Crown

    Season 3 Episode 22 - Aired 5/20/2016

    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

    Writer: Beau DeMayo, Diane Ademu-John

  • The Battle of New Orleans
    9.2/10 2,049 votes

    #3 - The Battle of New Orleans

    Season 1 Episode 21 - Aired 5/6/2014

    Cami feels threatened, as Marcel rallies an army to take back control of the city.

    Director: Jeffrey G. Hunt

    Writer: Michael Narducci, Charlie Charbonneau

  • The Feast of All Sinners
    9.2/10 1,489 votes

    #4 - The Feast of All Sinners

    Season 4 Episode 13 - Aired 6/23/2017

    The Mikaelsons find themselves out of options as they face the all-powerful and un-killable entity known as The Hollow. With the life of Hope at stake, Vincent proposes a final, desperate plan – one that will force Klaus, Elijah, Hayley, Rebekah and Freya to make the greatest sacrifice their family has ever endured. Season Finale.

    Director: Bethany Rooney

    Writer: Michael Narducci

  • Fire with Fire
    9.1/10 1,477 votes

    #5 - Fire with Fire

    Season 2 Episode 21 - Aired 5/4/2015

    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

  • Ashes To Ashes
    9.1/10 1,533 votes

    #6 - Ashes To Ashes

    Season 2 Episode 22 - Aired 5/11/2015

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

    Director: Matthew Hastings

    Writer: Christopher Hollier, Diane Ademu-John

  • Savior
    9.1/10 1,391 votes

    #7 - Savior

    Season 3 Episode 9 - Aired 12/10/2015

    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

    Writer: Carina Adly MacKenzie, Diane Ademu-John

  • A Streetcar Named Desire (II)
    9.1/10 1,472 votes

    #8 - A Streetcar Named Desire (II)

    Season 3 Episode 14 - Aired 2/26/2016

    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

    Writer: Beau DeMayo, Diane Ademu-John

  • No More Heartbreaks
    9.1/10 1,353 votes

    #9 - No More Heartbreaks

    Season 3 Episode 19 - Aired 4/29/2016

    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

    Writer: Michael Narducci, Celeste Vasquez

  • The Kindness of Strangers
    9.1/10 1,225 votes

    #10 - The Kindness of Strangers

    Season 5 Episode 8 - Aired 6/13/2018

    As pressing matters rage on in New Orleans, the Mikaelson siblings find themselves forced to set aside their differences and work together to escape a "chambre de chasse."

    Director: Kellie Cyrus

    Writer: Beau DeMayo, Carina Adly MacKenzie

  • The Tale of Two Wolves
    9.1/10 1,250 votes

    #11 - The Tale of Two Wolves

    Season 5 Episode 12 - Aired 7/25/2018

    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

    Writer: Julie Plec, Carina Adly MacKenzie

  • Farewell to Storyville
    9.0/10 1,902 votes

    #12 - Farewell to Storyville

    Season 1 Episode 16 - Aired 3/11/2014

    Since the original vampires were stuck in the cemetery, Klaus takes any chances to punish his sister with the Original-killer stake.

    Director: Jesse Warn

    Writer: Michael Narducci

  • The Devil Is Damned
    9.0/10 1,385 votes

    #13 - The Devil Is Damned

    Season 2 Episode 13 - Aired 2/9/2015

    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

    Writer: Julie Plec, Christopher Hollier

  • Behind the Black Horizon
    9.0/10 1,163 votes

    #14 - Behind the Black Horizon

    Season 3 Episode 17 - Aired 4/8/2016

    When it's discovered that Freya has been kidnapped and is in the hands of a dangerous new threat, the Mikaelson brothers are forced to put aside their differences in order to save her before it's too late. Following a lead that brings them to Mystic Falls, Elijah and Finn run into deputy Matt Donovan, who does not take well to new vampires in his town. Meanwhile, Klaus and Hayley work together to uncover the motive behind one of Lucien's secret agendas, while a troubling shift in Kol's behavior leaves Davina concerned for their future together.

    Director: Joseph Morgan

    Writer: Declan de Barra, Diane Ademu-John

  • Where Nothing Stays Buried
    9.0/10 1,167 votes

    #15 - Where Nothing Stays Buried

    Season 3 Episode 20 - Aired 5/6/2016

    In the wake of a ruthless plan that has left their family shattered, Klaus, Elijah and Freya desperately search for a way to take down Lucien once and for all. However, their efforts are put on hold following an urgent plea for help from Kol and Marcel. At Klaus’ insistence, Freya and Elijah reluctantly stay behind to offer their help, while Klaus and Hayley head to the bayou after uncovering Lucien’s latest plan. Once there, an unexpected showdown between Klaus and Lucien forces Freya to take matters into her own hands, setting off a chain of events that will change all of their lives forever.

    Director: John Hyams

    Writer: Christopher Hollier, Carina Adly MacKenzie

  • Après Moi, Le Déluge
    8.9/10 1,691 votes

    #16 - Après Moi, Le Déluge

    Season 1 Episode 11 - Aired 1/21/2014

    Davina becomes violently ill and the repercussions affect the entire French Quarter. Sophie delivers some startling information about the harvest festival and presents a drastic plan to save Davina. Hayley, racked with guilt, confesses to Elijah about her role in Sophie's plan.

    Director: Leslie Libman

    Writer: Marguerite MacIntyre, Diane Ademu-John

  • The Map of Moments
    8.9/10 1,390 votes

    #17 - The Map of Moments

    Season 2 Episode 9 - Aired 12/8/2014

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

    Director: Leslie Libman

    Writer: Marguerite MacIntyre, Julie Plec

  • A Ghost Along the Mississippi
    8.9/10 1,138 votes

    #18 - A Ghost Along the Mississippi

    Season 3 Episode 10 - Aired 1/29/2016

    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

  • Give 'Em Hell Kid
    8.9/10 1,143 votes

    #19 - Give 'Em Hell Kid

    Season 3 Episode 21 - Aired 5/13/2016

    After receiving new visions of the looming prophecy, Freya uncovers that her family is on a collision course with a dangerous new enemy. Meanwhile, with the help of Detective Kinney, Vincent and Kol travel to the ancestral world to put a stop to the witches and take back their city once and for all. Elsewhere, Klaus and Elijah confront Marcel after a heartbreaking plan gone wrong has sent him spiraling.

    Director: Jeffrey G. Hunt

    Writer: Ashley Lyle, Bart Nickerson

  • Gather Up The Killers
    8.9/10 1,645 votes

    #20 - Gather Up The Killers

    Season 4 Episode 1 - Aired 3/17/2017

    On the fifth anniversary of Klaus’ defeat, Marcel is king of the city and welcomes the un-sired vampires to New Orleans, only to find they pose an unexpected threat to his rule, leading him to seek counsel from an unlikely source. Meanwhile, as Hayley closes in on the cure that will allow her to revive Elijah and the slumbering Mikaelsons, she faces a final task that will force her to make a ruthless decision.

    Director: Lance Anderson

    Writer: Michael Narducci, Michael Russo

  • The River in Reverse
    8.8/10 1,970 votes

    #21 - The River in Reverse

    Season 1 Episode 8 - Aired 11/26/2013

    In the war between Klaus and Marcel, Rebecca stands against her own brother Klaus. The chemistry between Elijah and Hayley gets stronger. Klaus accuses his siblings of distrust and betrayal.

    Director: Jesse Warn

    Writer: Declan de Barra, Julie Plec

  • Long Way Back from Hell
    8.8/10 1,619 votes

    #22 - Long Way Back from Hell

    Season 1 Episode 14 - Aired 2/25/2014

    In 1919, Rebekah worked in a sanatorium. She finds herself back there and locked up as a witch who is seeking revenge plans to reveal her darkest secrets. Elijah makes a decision that puts the others in further danger.

    Director: Matthew Hastings

    Writer: Bart Nickerson, Ashley Lyle

  • Le Grand Guignol
    8.8/10 1,604 votes

    #23 - Le Grand Guignol

    Season 1 Episode 15 - Aired 3/4/2014

    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

    Writer: Declan de Barra, Diane Ademu-John

  • Red Door
    8.8/10 1,364 votes

    #24 - Red Door

    Season 2 Episode 5 - Aired 11/3/2014

    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

    Writer: Declan de Barra, Diane Ademu-John

  • The Devil Comes Here and Sighs
    8.8/10 1,072 votes

    #25 - The Devil Comes Here and Sighs

    Season 3 Episode 18 - Aired 4/15/2016

    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

    Writer: Michelle Paradise, Kyle Arrington