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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 9.3/10

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
    9.3/10(13 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 6 Episode 22 - I'm Thinking of You All the While
    9.3/10(7 votes)

    #2 - I'm Thinking of You All the While

    S6:E22

    In the aftermath of Alaric and Jo’s powerful nuptials, things take a dramatic turn when an uninvited guest shows up, leaving Elena in terrible jeopardy. Despite Matt’s advice to leave town to protect herself, a defiant Bonnie takes matters into her own hands after finding herself on the receiving end of a twisted plan. As Stefan and Caroline reach an emotional crossroad in their relationship, a reunion with Liv leaves Tyler faced with a decision that could change his life forever. Meanwhile, Lily's reckless actions cause Stefan to realize the lengths to which his mother will go to reunite with her “family.” Finally, after a devastating chain of events, Damon is forced to make the most difficult decision of his life.

    Director:Chris Grismer
    Writers:Caroline Dries, Julie Plec

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  3. The Vampire Diaries Season 6 Episode 8 - Fade Into You
    9.2/10(7 votes)

    #3 - Fade Into You

    S6:E8

    As Caroline and Elena prepare to host Friendsgiving at the dorm, they receive some hopeful news from Alaric and Stefan, who have traveled to Portland to gather some information regarding the Gemini Coven. Tyler is determined to help Liv after she and Luke reveal some disturbing information about their witch lineage and the impending plans their coven has for them. Meanwhile, dinner takes a drastic turn when Jo, who has revealed some painful details about her past, finds herself fighting for her life, leaving Alaric scrambling to help from a distance. Finally, Kai makes a dangerous discovery that brings him one step closer to his release.

    Directors:Joshua Butler, Nina Fiore
    Writer:John Herrera

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  4. The Vampire Diaries Season 6 Episode 21 - I'll Wed You in the Golden Summertime
    9.2/10(6 votes)

    #4 - 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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  5. The Vampire Diaries Season 6 Episode 5 - The World Has Turned and Left Me Here
    9.1/10(11 votes)

    #5 - The World Has Turned and Left Me Here

    S6:E5

    With Homecoming around the corner, Elena invites Liam to attend a party at the corn maze with her. Instead of attending the homecoming festivities, Caroline is preoccupied after Stefan shows up unexpectedly and needs her help cleaning up a mess created by Enzo. Heeding Elena’s advice to be more social, Alaric reluctantly attends the party, but a devastating accident quickly leaves him and Jo rushing to save lives. Elsewhere, Tyler finds himself in a dangerous position when his werewolf curse is put to the test, and an emotionally embattled Stefan comes clean to Caroline about his intent to move on from Mystic Falls. Lastly, Damon and Bonnie make an important discovery that affects their quest to get back home.

    Director:Leslie Libman
    Writer:Brett Matthews

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  6. The Vampire Diaries Season 2 Episode 19 - Klaus
    8.9/10(13 votes)

    #6 - 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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    The 20 WORST Episodes of The Vampire Diaries

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  7. The Vampire Diaries Season 5 Episode 15 - Gone Girl
    8.9/10(10 votes)

    #7 - 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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  8. The Vampire Diaries Season 5 Episode 16 - While You Were Sleeping
    8.9/10(6 votes)

    #8 - 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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  9. The Vampire Diaries Season 6 Episode 12 - Prayer for the Dying
    8.9/10(7 votes)

    #9 - 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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  10. The Vampire Diaries Season 2 Episode 21 - The Sun Also Rises
    8.8/10(13 votes)

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

    #11 - 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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  12. The Vampire Diaries Season 5 Episode 20 - What Lies Beneath
    8.8/10(5 votes)

    #12 - 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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  13. The Vampire Diaries Season 6 Episode 7 - Do You Remember the First Time?
    8.8/10(6 votes)

    #13 - Do You Remember the First Time?

    S6:E7

    When the past comes back to haunt her, Elena is forced to face her problems head on. After a night out at the annual Whitmore Medical Center Fundraiser, Jo opens up to Alaric about her own tragic past. Meanwhile, Stefan, Matt and Enzo resort to extreme measures when Tripp withholds information about his vampire-killing operation, and Caroline is in a race against the clock when Sheriff Forbes gets caught in the middle of a dangerous plan. Elsewhere, Tyler and Liv grow closer, and Damon stumbles upon a startling clue that renews his hope.

    Director:Darren Genet
    Writer:Rebecca Sonnenshine

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  14. The Vampire Diaries Season 6 Episode 15 - Let Her Go
    8.8/10(8 votes)

    #14 - 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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  15. The Vampire Diaries Season 2 Episode 22 - As I Lay Dying
    8.7/10(13 votes)

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

    #16 - 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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  17. The Vampire Diaries Season 4 Episode 14 - Down the Rabbit Hole
    8.7/10(10 votes)

    #17 - 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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  18. The Vampire Diaries Season 4 Episode 15 - Stand by Me
    8.7/10(8 votes)

    #18 - 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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  19. The Vampire Diaries Season 5 Episode 11 - 500 Years of Solitude
    8.7/10(13 votes)

    #19 - 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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  20. The Vampire Diaries Season 6 Episode 16 - The Downward Spiral
    8.7/10(7 votes)

    #20 - The Downward Spiral

    S6:E16

    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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  21. The Vampire Diaries Season 2 Episode 1 - The Return
    8.6/10(18 votes)

    #21 - 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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  22. The Vampire Diaries Season 2 Episode 8 - Rose
    8.6/10(13 votes)

    #22 - 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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  23. The Vampire Diaries Season 5 Episode 19 - Man on Fire
    8.6/10(6 votes)

    #23 - 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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  24. The Vampire Diaries Season 6 Episode 9 - I Alone
    8.6/10(7 votes)

    #24 - I Alone

    S6:E9

    Damon finds himself in hot water after he carries out a plan that requires Alaric’s unwilling participation. When Elena shares some hopeful news with Jeremy about Bonnie, she is caught off guard by his reaction. Liv helps Damon and Elena with their plan to get Bonnie back, but when things take an unexpected turn, she’s left with a difficult choice to make. Elsewhere, Matt takes matters into his own hands when Enzo’s actions cross the line, and Kai’s existence continues to be a dangerous threat.

    Director:Kellie Cyrus
    Writers:Brian Young, Holly Brix

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  25. The Vampire Diaries Season 6 Episode 11 - Woke Up With a Monster
    8.6/10(7 votes)

    #25 - Woke Up With a Monster

    S6:E11

    More powerful than ever, Kai holds Elena captive while he learns to control his newly acquired magic. At the Salvatore mansion, Liv and Alaric try to prepare Jo for the impending merge ceremony with Kai, but they quickly realize Jo is weaker than they thought. After bringing Sheriff Forbes home from the hospital, Caroline travels with Stefan to North Carolina in search of a cure for her mother's cancer. Meanwhile, Stefan, who has his own intentions for traveling to North Carolina, is caught off guard when Enzo shows up demanding to know what Stefan is hiding. Lastly, when Damon discovers Elena has been kidnapped by Kai, he is forced to rethink his strategy after an unexpected visitor throws a wrench into his plan.

    Director:Paul Wesley
    Writer:Melinda Hsu Taylor

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Best Episodes Summary

"Graduation" is the best rated episode of "The Vampire Diaries". It scored 9.3/10 based on 13 votes. Directed by Chris Grismer and written by Caroline Dries, Julie Plec, it aired on 5/16/2013. This episode scored 0.0 points higher than the second highest rated, "I'm Thinking of You All the While".