best episodes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer poster

Into every generation a slayer is born: one girl in all the world, a chosen one. She alone will wield the strength and skill to fight the vampires, demons, and the forces of darkness; to stop the spread of their evil and the swell of their number. She is the Slayer.

7 Seasons
144 Episodes
Ended
Sci-Fi & Fantasy Comedy Drama Action & Adventure
Cast & Characters
episode image Hush
9.7/10 (8687 votes)

#1 Hush

S4:E10

When everyone in Sunnydale loses their voice, the Scooby Gang must silently solve the mystery of the monsters who stole their ability to speak.

episode image The Body
9.7/10 (8081 votes)

#2 The Body

S5:E16

Buffy, Dawn, and their friends deal with the loss of someone close to them.

episode image Once More, with Feeling
9.7/10 (11668 votes)

#3 Once More, with Feeling

S6:E7

In this musical extravaganza, Sunnydale residents find themselves bursting into song, and flame, when a demon attempts to make Dawn his bride.

episode image Becoming (2)
9.5/10 (5453 votes)

#4 Becoming (2)

S2:E22

Spike strikes an unlikely alliance with Buffy to keep Angel from destroying the world.

episode image The Gift
9.5/10 (5206 votes)

#5 The Gift

S5:E22

As Glory prepares Dawn for a bloodletting ritual that will open a portal to another dimension, Buffy and her friends head into battle.

episode image Passion
9.3/10 (5230 votes)

#6 Passion

S2:E17

Angel steps up his torment of Buffy and her friends as Jenny searches for a way to restore his soul.

episode image Chosen
9.3/10 (4995 votes)

#7 Chosen

S7:E22

After killing Caleb, Buffy conceives a plan to defeat the First once and for all.

episode image Innocence (2)
9.2/10 (4858 votes)

#8 Innocence (2)

S2:E14

Buffy and her friends battle the Judge and face unexpected danger from Angel, who has lost his soul after experiencing a moment of true happiness.

episode image Doppelgangland
9.2/10 (4833 votes)

#9 Doppelgangland

S3:E16

While casting a magic spell, Anya and Willow accidentally summon Willow's evil double from an alternate universe.

episode image The Wish
9.1/10 (4922 votes)

#10 The Wish

S3:E9

Cordelia's wish for a Buffy-free Sunnydale comes true, plunging her into a world where vampires have control of the town.

episode image Graduation Day (2)
9.1/10 (4350 votes)

#11 Graduation Day (2)

S3:E21

On Ascension Day, Buffy and her friends prepare for the ultimate battle as they face off againstthe mayor and a horde of vampires.

episode image Fool for Love
9.1/10 (4205 votes)

#12 Fool for Love

S5:E7

After being bested in a fight by an ordinary vampire, Buffy asks Spike to explain how he killed two Slayers many years earlier.

episode image Tabula Rasa
9.1/10 (4270 votes)

#13 Tabula Rasa

S6:E8

While trying to find a way to make Buffy forget about her afterlife experience, Willow inadvertently casts a spell that erases everyone's memories.

episode image Becoming (1)
9.0/10 (4567 votes)

#14 Becoming (1)

S2:E21

Angel plots to revive an ancient demon bent on sweeping everything on earth into hell itself.

episode image Graduation Day (1)
8.9/10 (4100 votes)

#15 Graduation Day (1)

S3:E20

In an effort to distract Buffy from the Ascension, the mayor instructs Faith to poison Angel.

episode image Something Blue
8.9/10 (4357 votes)

#16 Something Blue

S4:E9

One of Willow's spells causes her statements to become reality, with consequences both entertaining and life-threatening.

episode image Who Are You? (2)
8.9/10 (3996 votes)

#17 Who Are You? (2)

S4:E16

Having switched bodies with Buffy, Faith enjoys freedom. Meanwhile, Buffy finds herself at the mercy of the Watcher's Council.

episode image Grave
8.9/10 (3479 votes)

#18 Grave

S6:E22

Giles arrives to face Willow, armed with powerful borrowed magic. Willow, overwhelmed by power and grief, plans a ritual to put the world out of its misery.

episode image Conversations with Dead People
8.9/10 (3744 votes)

#19 Conversations with Dead People

S7:E7

Buffy talks through her troubles with an old high school classmate who has recently become a vampire. Cassie, the late student Buffy tried to help, appears to Willow with a posthumous message from Tara. Dawn experiences a terrifying haunting. And Andrew and Jonathan return to Sunnydale High on a mission.

episode image Halloween
8.8/10 (4930 votes)

#20 Halloween

S2:E6

On Halloween, Buffy and her friends patronize an unusual costume shop where customers turn into whatever costume they are wearing.

episode image Lovers Walk
8.8/10 (4584 votes)

#21 Lovers Walk

S3:E8

Spike returns to Sunnydale and kidnaps Willow in hopes of creating a magic spell that will make Drusilla love him again.

episode image Villains
8.8/10 (3217 votes)

#22 Villains

S6:E20

A vengeful Willow uses her enormous power to track down Warren, despite Buffy's strong feelings about targeting humans.

episode image Prophecy Girl
8.7/10 (4794 votes)

#23 Prophecy Girl

S1:E12

Buffy's life may hang in the balance as Giles uncovers an ancient book that foretells not only her death, but also the end of the world.

episode image School Hard
8.7/10 (4625 votes)

#24 School Hard

S2:E3

Buffy's mother and friends become trapped inside Sunnydale High School when a vampire named Spike launches an attack against the Slayer on Parent-Teacher night.

episode image The Prom
8.7/10 (4042 votes)

#25 The Prom

S3:E19

After Angel breaks off their relationship, Buffy single-handedly battles three fearsome hell hounds so that her classmates can enjoy their senior prom.

episode image Earshot
8.7/10 (4031 votes)

#26 Earshot

S3:E22

A mouthless demon infects Buffy with the ability to hear everyone's thoughts, but what starts out as a useful power soon turns into a curse.

episode image Two to Go
8.7/10 (3071 votes)

#27 Two to Go

S6:E21

Fueled by black magic, Willow targets Andrew and Jonathan, leading to a battle between Buffy and Willow; Spike fights an unstoppable foe.

episode image Lies My Parents Told Me
8.7/10 (3300 votes)

#28 Lies My Parents Told Me

S7:E17

Robin Wood seeks revenge on Spike for killing his mother nearly 30 years ago, whilst everyone else tries to find out how The First has control over him.

episode image Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered
8.6/10 (4624 votes)

#29 Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered

S2:E16

As Valentine's Day approaches, Xander tries to improve his love life through witchcraft and finds himself with too much of a good thing.

episode image Band Candy
8.6/10 (4385 votes)

#30 Band Candy

S3:E6

Mr Trick enlists Giles' old buddy Ethan Rayne to manufacture and distribute boxes of candy which turn the adult population into uninhibited, irresponsible teenagers to keep them out of the way while the mysterious Mayor Wilkins pays a tribute to a demon.

episode image The Zeppo
8.6/10 (4602 votes)

#31 The Zeppo

S3:E13

Feeling useless due to his lack of supernatural powers, Xander becomes obsessed with becoming cool and falls in with a dangerous crowd. Meanwhile, the rest of the gang race to prepare for the Hellmouth to reopen.

episode image Restless
8.6/10 (4781 votes)

#32 Restless

S4:E22

Buffy, Willow, Xander, and Giles experience dreams in which they are pursued by a mysterious figure.

episode image Intervention
8.6/10 (3267 votes)

#33 Intervention

S5:E18

A weary Buffy seeks to regain focus by embarking on a quest with the First Slayer; Spike cavorts with his very own "Buffybot" and Glory instructs her minions to spy on Buffy's friends in the hopes of ascertaining the Key's true identity.

episode image Selfless
8.6/10 (3253 votes)

#34 Selfless

S7:E5

Anya's violent and deadly act of vengeance leaves everyone stunned. Buffy must put aside her feelings and take action before more people die.

episode image Dirty Girls
8.6/10 (2636 votes)

#35 Dirty Girls

S7:E18

Faith returns to Sunnydale just as a new villain, Caleb, arrives and sends Buffy a message in the form of a badly beaten Potential. Buffy leads the rest of the girls to Caleb and The First's lair, with devastating consequences.

episode image Surprise (1)
8.5/10 (4250 votes)

#36 Surprise (1)

S2:E13

To give Buffy a surprise on her 17th birthday, Drusilla and Spike bring together the body parts of a dismembered demon who cannot be killed.

episode image Enemies
8.5/10 (3798 votes)

#37 Enemies

S3:E17

As Faith attempts to seduce Angel and steal his soul, the Mayor summons a dark-magic demon to finish the job.

episode image Seeing Red
8.5/10 (3209 votes)

#38 Seeing Red

S6:E19

Willow and Tara delight in their renewed relationship. The Trio arm themselves with an artifact of great power and face off again with the Slayer. Spike's obsession with Buffy drives him further than ever.

episode image End of Days
8.5/10 (2911 votes)

#39 End of Days

S7:E21

Buffy has a powerful new weapon, but the gang cannot find any information about the origins of the mysterious scythe. Eventually the Slayer goes herself in search of knowledge, and finds a new ally, an old friend, and great danger.

episode image What's My Line? (2)
8.4/10 (4065 votes)

#40 What's My Line? (2)

S2:E10

Buffy joins forces with another Slayer in hopes of saving Angel from the clutches of Spike and Drusilla.

Cast & Chracters

character image Buffy Summers

Buffy Summers

Actor: Sarah Michelle Gellar

Buffy Anne Summers is the central character of 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer,' portrayed by Sarah Michelle Gellar. As the Slayer, she is endowed with superhuman strength, agility, and healing abilities, tasked with combating vampires and other supernatural threats. Throughout the series, Buffy balances her responsibilities as a Slayer with the challenges of adolescence and young adulthood. She forms close bonds with friends Xander Harris and Willow Rosenberg, collectively known as the 'Scooby Gang,' who assist her in her mission. Buffy's character is notable for subverting traditional female horror tropes, presenting a strong and complex female protagonist.

character image Xander Harris

Xander Harris

Actor: Nicholas Brendon

Alexander 'Xander' Harris, portrayed by Nicholas Brendon, is a core member of the 'Scooby Gang' in 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer.' Without any supernatural abilities, Xander provides a human perspective and comic relief within the group. He is characterized by his loyalty, bravery, and occasional insecurity. Xander's relationships with his friends, particularly Buffy Summers and Willow Rosenberg, are central to his character development. Over the series, he matures from an awkward teenager into a responsible adult, taking on roles such as a construction worker and demonstrating leadership qualities.

character image Willow Rosenberg

Willow Rosenberg

Actor: Alyson Hannigan

Willow Danielle Rosenberg, portrayed by Alyson Hannigan, is a key character in 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer.' Initially introduced as a shy and academically gifted student, Willow evolves into a powerful witch over the course of the series. Her journey includes exploring her identity, relationships, and the ethical use of magic. Willow's character is significant for its positive representation of LGBTQ+ relationships, particularly her romance with fellow witch Tara Maclay. Her transformation from a reserved teenager to a confident and complex individual is a central narrative arc in the series.

character image Anya

Anya

Actor: Emma Caulfield

Anya Christina Emmanuella Jenkins, portrayed by Emma Caulfield, is introduced in 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' as a former vengeance demon who becomes human. Known for her bluntness and lack of social tact, Anya provides both comic relief and insightful observations about human behavior. She develops a romantic relationship with Xander Harris, which becomes a significant aspect of her character arc. Anya's struggle to adapt to human life and her exploration of mortality and morality add depth to her character throughout the series.

character image Dawn Summers

Dawn Summers

Actor: Michelle Trachtenberg

Dawn Marie Summers, portrayed by Michelle Trachtenberg, is introduced in the fifth season of 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' as Buffy's younger sister. Initially presented as a typical teenager, it is later revealed that Dawn is a mystical entity known as 'The Key,' transformed into human form and integrated into Buffy's life with fabricated memories. Dawn's character explores themes of identity, belonging, and the complexities of family dynamics. Her presence adds new emotional depth to Buffy's character and the series as a whole.

character image Spike

Spike

Actor: James Marsters

Spike, born William Pratt and portrayed by James Marsters, is a vampire known for his punk-inspired appearance and sharp wit. Initially introduced as a villain, Spike's character undergoes significant development, forming complex relationships with the main characters, particularly Buffy Summers. His journey explores themes of redemption, love, and the struggle between his vampire nature and his desire for humanity. Spike's evolution from antagonist to anti-hero adds depth to the series' exploration of morality and identity.

The highest rated episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is "Hush" (S4E10) with a rating of 9.70.

This episode received 8,687 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Beer Bad" (S4E5) with a rating of 6.30.

This episode received 4,051 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Prophecy Girl" (S1E12) with a rating of 8.70.

This episode received 4,794 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "I, Robot... You, Jane" (S1E8) with a rating of 6.50.

This episode received 4,461 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Becoming (2)" (S2E22) with a rating of 9.50.

This episode received 5,453 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Bad Eggs" (S2E12) with a rating of 6.60.

This episode received 3,946 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Doppelgangland" (S3E16) with a rating of 9.20.

This episode received 4,833 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Gingerbread" (S3E11) with a rating of 7.20.

This episode received 3,747 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Hush" (S4E10) with a rating of 9.70.

This episode received 8,687 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Beer Bad" (S4E5) with a rating of 6.30.

This episode received 4,051 votes.

The highest rated episode is "The Body" (S5E16) with a rating of 9.70.

This episode received 8,081 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Listening to Fear" (S5E9) with a rating of 7.00.

This episode received 2,906 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Once More, with Feeling" (S6E7) with a rating of 9.70.

This episode received 11,668 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Doublemeat Palace" (S6E12) with a rating of 6.70.

This episode received 2,933 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Chosen" (S7E22) with a rating of 9.30.

This episode received 4,995 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Him" (S7E6) with a rating of 7.10.

This episode received 2,896 votes.

Name Department Job
David Fury Production Co-Executive Producer
David Solomon Production Co-Executive Producer
Denise Pleune Production Associate Producer
Dolly Parton Production Executive Producer
Fran Rubel Kuzui Production Executive Producer
Gail Berman Production Executive Producer
Gareth Davies Production Producer
Jane Espenson Production Co-Executive Producer
John F. Perry Production Co-Producer
Joss Whedon Production Executive Producer
Kaz Kuzui Production Executive Producer
Marc David Alpert Production Producer
Marti Noxon Production Executive Producer
Sandy Gallin Production Executive Producer
Mike Marchain Sound Sound Editor
Drew Goddard Writing Staff Writer
Drew Z. Greenberg Writing Story Editor
Rebecca Rand Kirshner Writing Executive Story Editor

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