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The Best Episodes of The Vampire Diaries

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

Binge this in 5d 1h•Peaking at 9.2/10

The story of two vampire brothers obsessed with the same girl, who bears a striking resemblance to the beautiful but ruthless vampire they knew and loved in 1864.

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    The Vampire Diaries Season 4 Episode 23 - Graduation
    9.2/10(14 votes)

    #1 - Graduation

    S4:E23

    On Graduation Day, Mystic Falls is overrun with ghosts intent on settling old scores and fulfilling their supernatural destinies. Damon’s life is in danger after a ghostly encounter, while Matt and Rebekah join forces to battle a ghost determined to find the cure. As everyone gathers for the graduation ceremony and the ghosts converge, help comes from an unlikely hero. Caroline receives a touching and unexpected graduation present, and Bonnie’s plan leads to the closing of the veil. Elena makes a decision about the Salvatore brothers and faces an epic confrontation with Katherine. Finally, Stefan discovers a horrifying clue to the mystery surrounding Silas.

    Director:Chris Grismer
    Writers:Caroline Dries, Julie Plec

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  2. The Vampire Diaries Season 2 Episode 19 - Klaus
    8.8/10(14 votes)

    #2 - Klaus

    S2:E19

    Stefan and Damon are furious when they discover that Elena has defied them both to make a new ally and take control of the plan to out-maneuver Klaus. Disagreement over how to protect Elena leads to growing tension between the Salvatore brothers. Meanwhile, Stefan has his hands full trying to keep a confused and frightened Jenna safe. Flashbacks to 1491 reveal Katherine’s introduction to Elijah and Klaus, along with the origin of the moonstone curse. Elena learns shocking new information about Klaus’ motives.

    Director:Joshua Butler
    Writers:Kevin Williamson, Julie Plec

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  3. The Vampire Diaries Season 2 Episode 21 - The Sun Also Rises
    8.8/10(14 votes)

    #3 - The Sun Also Rises

    S2:E21

    With the arrival of the full moon, Elena tries to prepare for whatever Klaus has planned and Tyler faces his second transformation. The terrifying events quickly spin out of control, despite an unexpected act of courage. Finally, Damon admits the truth to Stefan about a terrible new development they must face...

    Director:Paul M. Sommers
    Writers:Mike Daniels, Caroline Dries

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  4. The Vampire Diaries Season 3 Episode 8 - Ordinary People
    8.8/10(12 votes)

    #4 - Ordinary People

    S3:E8

    With help from Elena and Bonnie, Alaric tries to decipher the meaning behind his recent discovery Elena and Rebekah engage in a mean-girl power struggle, until Rebekah finally reveals some of her family's ancient secrets and the violent past she shares with Klaus and Elijah. Damon tries a reckless new approach to make a breakthrough with Stefan, and they're both surprised by an unlikely ally.

    Director:J. Miller Tobin
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. The Vampire Diaries Season 3 Episode 22 - The Departed
    8.7/10(13 votes)

    #5 - The Departed

    S3:E22

    Determined to protect his sister, Jeremy makes a decision that will change everything. In the harsh reality of the present situation, Elena longs for simpler times when her parents, Grayson and Miranda, and Aunt Jenna were still alive and her biggest concern was her relationship with Matt. Stefan and Damon leave Mystic Falls together on a mission, but soon split up when Elena needs one of them. Caroline and Tyler are forced to make a life-changing decision. Finally, Bonnie makes a secret deal that has heartbreaking consequences.

    Director:John Behring
    Writers:Brett Matthews, Julie Plec

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  6. The Vampire Diaries Season 5 Episode 15 - Gone Girl
    8.7/10(11 votes)

    #6 - Gone Girl

    S5:E15

    Nadia recalls her centuries-long search for her mother. Stefan, Caroline and Matt come up with a desperate plan to save Elena's life. Damon baits Tyler into an ugly confrontation and seeks revenge against Dr. Wes. Bonnie learns a terrifying secret that threatens the lives of all her friends.

    Director:Lance Anderson
    Writer:Melinda Hsu Taylor

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    The 20 WORST Episodes of The Vampire Diaries

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  7. The Vampire Diaries Season 5 Episode 20 - What Lies Beneath
    8.7/10(6 votes)

    #7 - What Lies Beneath

    S5:E20

    Damon and Caroline suspect Stefan and Elena of keeping a secret while they hide from the travelers, unaware of the dead man out for revenge. Meanwhile Matt, Jeremy and Bonnie help Tyler get rid of Julian.

    Director:Joshua Butler
    Writers:Elisabeth R. Finch, Holly Brix

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  8. The Vampire Diaries Season 6 Episode 21 - I'll Wed You in the Golden Summertime
    8.7/10(7 votes)

    #8 - I'll Wed You in the Golden Summertime

    S6:E21

    It's Alaric and Jo's wedding day and Elena and Bonnie do their best to help a stressed out Jo with the last minute preparations. After uncovering some life-changing news that Damon has been keeping from him, Stefan takes his brother on a road trip to give him some perspective on his future with Elena. Elsewhere, when Caroline returns to Mystic Falls after dealing with the fallout of her humanity-free rampage, she begins making amends with her friends and comes to a realization about her and Stefan's prospects of being together. Finally, when Bonnie begins having vivid nightmares that Lily is coming after her, she enlists Matt's help in taking Lily down.

    Director:Michael A. Allowitz
    Writer:Brian Young

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  9. The Vampire Diaries Season 1 Episode 22 - Founder's Day
    8.6/10(19 votes)

    #9 - Founder's Day

    S1:E22

    Founder's Day has finally arrived, and everyone is busy with last-minute preparations for floats and fireworks. Stefan is uncomfortable with Damon's new attitude toward Elena, but Elena is more concerned about repairing her relationship with Jeremy. Jeremy is worried about Anna, but not sure he's on board with her latest plan for the future. While Caroline is enjoying her day as Queen of the celebration, she also tries to help Matt and Tyler get their friendship back on track. Finally, although Damon and Alaric do their best to stop him, Johnathan Gilbert sets a plan in motion that brings Founder's Day to an end amid chaos, destruction and death.

    Director:Marcos Siega
    Writers:Andrew Chambliss, Bryan Oh

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  10. The Vampire Diaries Season 2 Episode 1 - The Return
    8.6/10(19 votes)

    #10 - The Return

    S2:E1

    The second season begins with Elena discovering her uncle John's bloody body and learning Jeremy's fate, and Damon realizing that Katherine has returned. Meanwhile, Caroline is taken to the hospital following a car accident, and Tyler's mysterious uncle Mason arrives in town.

    Director:J. Miller Tobin
    Writers:Kevin Williamson, Julie Plec

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  11. The Vampire Diaries Season 2 Episode 22 - As I Lay Dying
    8.6/10(14 votes)

    #11 - As I Lay Dying

    S2:E22

    Mystic Falls screens "Gone with The Wind" in the town square, and Damon's memories of Katherine in 1864 mix with the reality of present-day Elena. Stefan pays a steep price after trying to prevent a tragedy, and Sheriff Forbes makes a dangerous mistake while trying to keep everyone safe. Multiple lives hang in the balance as the consequences of the sacrifice ritual play out to a horrifying conclusion.

    Director:John Behring
    Writers:Mike Daniels, Alfredo Septién, Turi Meyer, Michael Narducci

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  12. The Vampire Diaries Season 5 Episode 16 - While You Were Sleeping
    8.6/10(7 votes)

    #12 - While You Were Sleeping

    S5:E16

    Damon tries to find the right way to make a disturbing confession to Elena. Caroline discovers a scary secret in Dr. Wes' files. Enzo claims to have a solution everyone is searching for. Sloan reveals new information on the importance of doppelgangers.

    Director:Pascal Verschooris
    Writer:Unknown

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  13. The Vampire Diaries Season 6 Episode 12 - Prayer for the Dying
    8.6/10(8 votes)

    #13 - Prayer for the Dying

    S6:E12

    When Liv and Luke’s father arrives to town to celebrate their birthday, they try and convince him to let Jo and Kai take their place in the merge ceremony. After Tyler finds out that the merge is happening sooner than he expected, he urges Liv to let him talk to her father. Meanwhile, after Caroline’s plan to cure her mother takes an unexpected and devastating turn, Elena, Stefan and Damon gather at the hospital, while Jo attempts to save Sheriff Forbes’ life. Lastly, with the merge set to take place, Damon’s risky plan quickly sends things spiraling out of control, forcing one of the twins to take matters into their own hands.

    Director:Jeffrey G. Hunt
    Writers:Brett Matthews, Rebecca Sonnenshine

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  14. The Vampire Diaries Season 2 Episode 8 - Rose
    8.5/10(14 votes)

    #14 - Rose

    S2:E8

    An Ancient Presence In Mystic Falls, Stefan and Damon come to Elena’s assistance and, in the process, learn surprising new information about people, vampires and events in the distant past. Jeremy helps Bonnie after she casts a difficult and exhausting spell, and Caroline does what she can to make things easier for Tyler. Finally, Stefan and Damon reach a new understanding.

    Director:Liz Friedlander
    Writer:Brian Young

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  15. The Vampire Diaries Season 2 Episode 9 - Katerina
    8.5/10(16 votes)

    #15 - Katerina

    S2:E9

    Elena puts herself in a dangerous position as she searches for the truth about Katherine’s past and what her own future may hold. Knowing that Stefan would never agree to her plan, Elena swears Caroline to secrecy. Damon uses a new-found confidant to help him try to discover the real purpose and power of the moonstone. Jeremy and Bonnie meet Luka, a new student with a surprising family history.

    Director:J. Miller Tobin
    Writer:Unknown

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  16. The Vampire Diaries Season 4 Episode 14 - Down the Rabbit Hole
    8.5/10(11 votes)

    #16 - Down the Rabbit Hole

    S4:E14

    On the island, Damon has an ugly run-in with a Hunter named Vaughn, and realizes he is one of The Five. Stefan confesses his true feelings about the possibility of becoming human again to Elena. When a stunning new piece of information about the cure is suddenly revealed, it changes the stakes for everyone. Jeremy helps Bonnie recognize what is real and what is an illusion, and Shane is comforted by a woman from his past, Caitlin. Back in Mystic Falls, Caroline and Tyler find that their attempt to translate the code on the Hunter’s Sword is futile without help from Klaus, who has his own reasons for solving the puzzle.

    Director:Chris Grismer
    Writer:Jose Molina

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  17. The Vampire Diaries Season 4 Episode 15 - Stand by Me
    8.5/10(9 votes)

    #17 - Stand by Me

    S4:E15

    When Stefan arrives back in Mystic Falls with Elena and Jeremy, Caroline is immediately worried about Elena’s state of mind. Stefan reaches out to Dr. Fell and Matt for help. Still on the island, Damon relays somber news to Rebekah, and is surprised at her reaction. Together, Damon and Rebekah learn an unexpected bit of recent history from Vaughn. Everyone is horrified when Bonnie reveals the rest of Shane’s plan. Finally, after Damon does his best to help her, Elena comes up with a plan of her own.

    Director:Lance Anderson
    Writers:Charlie Charbonneau, Julie Plec

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  18. The Vampire Diaries Season 5 Episode 11 - 500 Years of Solitude
    8.5/10(14 votes)

    #18 - 500 Years of Solitude

    S5:E11

    Katherine recalls the traumatic night in 1490 when she gave birth to a daughter who was immediately taken from her. Meanwhile, Nadia creates a frightening plan to protect her mother; and Caroline indulges in some scandalous behavior.

    Director:Chris Grismer
    Writers:Caroline Dries, Julie Plec

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  19. The Vampire Diaries Season 5 Episode 22 - Home
    8.5/10(12 votes)

    #19 - Home

    S5:E22

    Damon's plan causes a huge explosion in Mystic Falls, and everyone is caught up in the confusion, leaving a trail of heroism, sacrifice, relief and despair.

    Director:Chris Grismer
    Writers:Brian Young, Caroline Dries

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  20. The Vampire Diaries Season 2 Episode 6 - Plan B
    8.4/10(14 votes)

    #20 - Plan B

    S2:E6

    Despite Elena’s efforts to keep Jeremy safe, he offers to help Damon and Alaric deal with Katherine... Sheriff Forbes and Caroline share a few rare moments of quality mother/daughter time. Bonnie accidentally discovers new information about Mason and shares it with Stefan, leading Damon to take matters into his own hands.

    Director:John Behring
    Writer:Unknown

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  21. The Vampire Diaries Season 2 Episode 17 - Know Thy Enemy
    8.4/10(15 votes)

    #21 - Know Thy Enemy

    S2:E17

    Elena and Alaric both lash out at John when Isobel’s unexpected arrival leaves Jenna devastated. Bonnie works with Damon and Jeremy to find the spell they’ll need to harness her ancestors’ power. A heartbroken Caroline doesn’t know what to do about Matt. Stefan and Damon realize they have a new secret weapon.

    Director:Wendey Stanzler
    Writer:Unknown

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  22. The Vampire Diaries Season 2 Episode 20 - The Last Day
    8.4/10(14 votes)

    #22 - The Last Day

    S2:E20

    Damon is willing to go to extraordinary lengths to prevent Elena from being a victim of Klaus’ plan to break the curse. Damon’s actions put him at terrible odds with Stefan and the tension that started brewing between the brothers over their differing opinions of how to help save Elena’s life blows up into full-scale conflict. Tyler returns to Mystic Falls after receiving a disturbing phone call. With the full moon marking the arrival of the sacrifice ritual, Stefan and Elena spend a romantic day together — afraid it might be their last.

    Director:J. Miller Tobin
    Writers:Brian Young, Andrew Chambliss

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  23. The Vampire Diaries Season 4 Episode 9 - O Come, All Ye Faithful
    8.4/10(13 votes)

    #23 - O Come, All Ye Faithful

    S4:E9

    As a Winter Wonderland-themed party fills the streets of Mystic Falls, Stefan and Caroline find themselves at odds with Tyler over his plans for Klaus and his hybrids. When Caroline proposes a solution to their problem, Hayley finds a dramatic way to make it clear that she is not on board. Later, Klaus makes a discovery that leads to chaos and violence. Meanwhile, Elena and Damon retreat to the Gilbert Lake House to help Jeremy conquer some dangerous inner demons with the help of Bonnie and Professor Shane, who reveals a piece of ancient history that leaves them all speechless.

    Director:Pascal Verschooris
    Writers:Michael J. Cinquemani, Julie Plec

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  24. The Vampire Diaries Season 5 Episode 19 - Man on Fire
    8.4/10(7 votes)

    #24 - Man on Fire

    S5:E19

    Enzo holds Elena, Stefan and Bonnie hostage to uncover the truth about the love of his life. Markos performs a ritual to undo witch's magic.

    Director:Michael A. Allowitz
    Writers:Melinda Hsu Taylor, Matthew D'Ambrosio

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  25. The Vampire Diaries Season 6 Episode 15 - Let Her Go
    8.4/10(9 votes)

    #25 - Let Her Go

    S6:E15

    After assigning tasks to each of her friends, Caroline attempts to deal with her current situation as reality begins to set in around her. While spending the day with Caroline, Elena grows concerned when she starts noticing a strange change in her behavior. Meanwhile, Alaric becomes wary when Kai, who has begun experiencing unexpected consequences from the merge, turns to Jo, desperate for her help. Elsewhere, while Bonnie finds herself in an unfamiliar situation, Matt and Tyler contemplate a major life change. And when Damon offers Caroline advice on how to cope with everything going on around her, it forces him to revisit painful memories involving his own mother.

    Director:Julie Plec
    Writer:Julie Plec

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Best Episodes Summary

"Graduation" is the best rated episode of "The Vampire Diaries". It scored 9.2/10 based on 14 votes. Directed by Chris Grismer and written by Caroline Dries, Julie Plec, it aired on 5/16/2013. This episode scored 0.4 points higher than the second highest rated, "Klaus".