The Best Episodes of The Vampire Diaries

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9.0/10(15 votes)
#1 - Graduation
S4:E235/16/2013
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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Director:Chris Grismer
Writers:Caroline Dries, Julie Plec
8.8/10(14 votes)
#2 - The Sun Also Rises
S2:E215/5/2011
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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Director:Paul M. Sommers
Writers:Mike Daniels, Caroline Dries
8.8/10(12 votes)
#3 - Ordinary People
S3:E811/3/2011
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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Director:J. Miller Tobin
Writer:Unknown
8.6/10(15 votes)
#4 - Klaus
S2:E194/21/2011
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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Director:Joshua Butler
Writers:Kevin Williamson, Julie Plec
8.5/10(14 votes)
#5 - The Departed
S3:E225/10/2012
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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Director:John Behring
Writers:Brett Matthews, Julie Plec
8.5/10(9 votes)
#6 - Stand by Me
S4:E152/21/2013
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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Director:Lance Anderson
Writers:Charlie Charbonneau, Julie Plec

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8.5/10(11 votes)
#7 - The Walking Dead
S4:E225/9/2013
As Graduation Day approaches, Caroline tries to distract Elena by focusing on simple tasks like sending out announcements, but Elena won't be swayed from her new obsession. Sheriff Forbes calls Damon and Stefan to the hospital, where someone has been attacking patients. Still trying to force Katherine to help her, Bonnie refuses to give up on her plan to defeat Silas. As a violent wind storm causes a power outage in Mystic Falls, ghosts suddenly appear - some with good intentions and some bent on revenge.
Director:Rob Hardy
Writers:Brian Young, Caroline Dries
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Director:Rob Hardy
Writers:Brian Young, Caroline Dries
8.5/10(12 votes)
#8 - Gone Girl
S5:E153/6/2014
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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Director:Lance Anderson
Writer:Melinda Hsu Taylor
8.5/10(6 votes)
#9 - What Lies Beneath
S5:E205/1/2014
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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Director:Joshua Butler
Writers:Elisabeth R. Finch, Holly Brix
8.5/10(12 votes)
#10 - Home
S5:E225/15/2014
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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Director:Chris Grismer
Writers:Brian Young, Caroline Dries
8.4/10(20 votes)
#11 - Founder's Day
S1:E225/13/2010
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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Director:Marcos Siega
Writers:Andrew Chambliss, Bryan Oh
8.4/10(20 votes)
#12 - The Return
S2:E19/9/2010
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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Director:J. Miller Tobin
Writers:Kevin Williamson, Julie Plec
8.4/10(14 votes)
#13 - Plan B
S2:E610/21/2010
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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Director:John Behring
Writer:Unknown
8.4/10(15 votes)
#14 - Rose
S2:E811/4/2010
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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Director:Liz Friedlander
Writer:Brian Young
8.4/10(14 votes)
#15 - The Last Day
S2:E204/28/2011
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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Director:J. Miller Tobin
Writers:Brian Young, Andrew Chambliss
8.4/10(15 votes)
#16 - As I Lay Dying
S2:E225/12/2011
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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Director:John Behring
Writers:Mike Daniels, Alfredo Septién, Turi Meyer, Michael Narducci
8.4/10(14 votes)
#17 - 500 Years of Solitude
S5:E111/23/2014
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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Director:Chris Grismer
Writers:Caroline Dries, Julie Plec
8.4/10(7 votes)
#18 - Man on Fire
S5:E194/24/2014
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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Director:Michael A. Allowitz
Writers:Melinda Hsu Taylor, Matthew D'Ambrosio
8.4/10(9 votes)
#19 - The Downward Spiral
S6:E163/12/2015
After shutting off her humanity following the death of her mother, Caroline gives her friends an unexpected ultimatum. Not knowing how to handle the new Caroline, Stefan’s attempt to intervene sets off a dangerous chain of events, leaving him and Elena in a race against the clock. Meanwhile, after seeking answers from Kai about the prison world, Damon’s world is turned upside when he learns some devastating news about his mother Lily. Elsewhere, Enzo finds himself becoming increasingly intrigued by Sarah Salvatore, and Bonnie begins to struggle with the effects of being back in the real world.
Director:Ian Somerhalder
Writers:Brian Young, Caroline Dries
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Director:Ian Somerhalder
Writers:Brian Young, Caroline Dries
8.4/10(8 votes)
#20 - I'll Wed You in the Golden Summertime
S6:E215/7/2015
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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Director:Michael A. Allowitz
Writer:Brian Young
8.4/10(19 votes)
#21 - I Was Feeling Epic
S8:E163/10/2017
With the fate of Mystic Falls at stake, Stefan and Damon must fight their greatest enemy for one last battle.
Director:Julie Plec
Writers:Kevin Williamson, Julie Plec
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Director:Julie Plec
Writers:Kevin Williamson, Julie Plec
8.3/10(19 votes)
#22 - Let the Right One In
S1:E174/8/2010
When Stefan and Damon make a dangerous new enemy, Stefan suddenly finds himself in a perilous situation. Damon and Elena try to convince Alaric to work with them to help Stefan. Matt is hopeful that his mom, Kelly, may be back to stay. After her car breaks down in a storm, Caroline make a horrific discovery that shocks everyone in town.
Director:Dennis Smith
Writer:Julie Plec
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Director:Dennis Smith
Writer:Julie Plec
8.3/10(17 votes)
#23 - Katerina
S2:E911/11/2010
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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Director:J. Miller Tobin
Writer:Unknown
8.3/10(14 votes)
#24 - O Come, All Ye Faithful
S4:E912/13/2012
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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Director:Pascal Verschooris
Writers:Michael J. Cinquemani, Julie Plec
8.3/10(12 votes)
#25 - Down the Rabbit Hole
S4:E142/14/2013
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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Director:Chris Grismer
Writer:Jose Molina