best episodes of Gilmore Girls poster

Set in the charming town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut, the series follows the captivating lives of Lorelai and Rory Gilmore, a mother/daughter pair who have a relationship most people only dream of.

7 Seasons
153 Episodes
Canceled
Comedy Drama
Cast & Characters
episode image Raincoats and Recipes
9.3/10 (1501 votes)

#1 Raincoats and Recipes

S4:E22

Lorelai invites friends and family to do a test run of the Dragonfly Inn opening. Two suitors pursue Lorelai.

episode image Friday Night's Alright for Fighting
9.1/10 (1450 votes)

#2 Friday Night's Alright for Fighting

S6:E13

Luke gets to know April. Rory tries to get the school newspaper published after the staff quits. All four Gilmores vent their frustrations.

episode image Bon Voyage
9.1/10 (1526 votes)

#3 Bon Voyage

S7:E22

In this series finale, Rory makes a sudden change in her summer plans, and Luke enlists everyone in Stars Hollow to throw her a farewell party.

episode image They Shoot Gilmores, Don't They?
8.9/10 (1384 votes)

#4 They Shoot Gilmores, Don't They?

S3:E7

Lorelai forces Rory to be her partner at the Stars Hollow dance marathon, where Rory can't stop arguing with a boy – and another definitely notices.

episode image Those Are Strings, Pinocchio
8.9/10 (1158 votes)

#5 Those Are Strings, Pinocchio

S3:E22

Rory and Lorelai prepare for Rory's graduation from Chilton. But major developments involving the inn threaten to dampen the festivities.

episode image Last Week Fights, This Week Tights
8.8/10 (1119 votes)

#6 Last Week Fights, This Week Tights

S4:E21

Jess walks his mother down the aisle at her Renaissance-themed wedding. Luke asks his new love interest on a date. Dean confides in Rory.

episode image Wedding Bell Blues
8.8/10 (1041 votes)

#7 Wedding Bell Blues

S5:E13

Lorelai and Rory throw Emily a party. Richard and Emily recommit to their marriage. Rory tells Logan what she wants from him.

episode image Rory's Dance
8.7/10 (1470 votes)

#8 Rory's Dance

S1:E9

Rory attends her first dance with Dean but they get home late, causing Emily and Lorelai to fight over Lorelai's mothering skills.

episode image I Can't Get Started
8.7/10 (1138 votes)

#9 I Can't Get Started

S2:E22

On the day before the wedding, Lorelai enjoys a romantic evening. Meanwhile, Rory is thrilled when a familiar face returns to Stars Hollow.

episode image The Bracebridge Dinner
8.6/10 (1176 votes)

#10 The Bracebridge Dinner

S2:E10

While Rory struggles to keep the budding rivalry between Dean and Jess under control, Lorelai invites most of Stars Hollow to an elaborate feast.

episode image Lorelai's Graduation Day
8.6/10 (1103 votes)

#11 Lorelai's Graduation Day

S2:E21

Lorelai is about to graduate from business school, so Rory secretly invites guests to her graduation ceremony. Rory makes a trip to New York.

episode image Dear Emily and Richard
8.6/10 (1194 votes)

#12 Dear Emily and Richard

S3:E13

When Sherry goes into labor and asks Rory to stay with her at the hospital, Lorelai reminisces about the day Rory was born.

episode image Say Something
8.6/10 (878 votes)

#13 Say Something

S5:E14

After the disastrous scene at her parents' recent social event, Lorelai begs her boyfriend not to give up on their relationship.

episode image Rory's Birthday Parties
8.5/10 (1432 votes)

#14 Rory's Birthday Parties

S1:E6

Rory clashes with Emily when Emily plans a formal birthday party for her. Meanwhile, Lorelai organizes a casual get-together to celebrate.

episode image Love, Daisies and Troubadours
8.5/10 (1253 votes)

#15 Love, Daisies and Troubadours

S1:E21

Rory finally tells Dean the truth about how she feels about him. Sensing something between Lorelai and Luke, Rachel makes a decision.

episode image The Lorelais' First Day at Yale
8.5/10 (1035 votes)

#16 The Lorelais' First Day at Yale

S4:E2

Lorelai helps Rory move into her dorm, where she meets an odd new roommate, and learns that she will also be sharing her room with a familiar face.

episode image The Incredible Sinking Lorelais
8.5/10 (984 votes)

#17 The Incredible Sinking Lorelais

S4:E14

Overwhelmed by her classwork, Rory confides in Dean, who's working on the construction crew at the Dragonfly Inn.

episode image Luke Can See Her Face
8.5/10 (966 votes)

#18 Luke Can See Her Face

S4:E20

A self-help tape helps a depressed Luke realize who his soul mate is. Lorelai is stressed as the Dragonfly Inn's opening day approaches.

episode image You Jump, I Jump, Jack
8.5/10 (1146 votes)

#19 You Jump, I Jump, Jack

S5:E7

Logan takes Rory to a mysterious and elaborate event. After discovering that Lorelai has a new beau, Emily and Richard spend time with him.

episode image So... Good Talk
8.5/10 (825 votes)

#20 So... Good Talk

S5:E16

Richard and Emily return from their second honeymoon. Miserable Luke burns food and handles complaining customers by throwing them out of the diner.

episode image A House Is Not a Home
8.5/10 (860 votes)

#21 A House Is Not a Home

S5:E22

Lorelai rescues Rory after a night of reckless behavior. Shocked to hear her daughter's plans for the future, she turns to Luke for help.

episode image Let Me Hear Your Balalaikas Ringing Out
8.5/10 (954 votes)

#22 Let Me Hear Your Balalaikas Ringing Out

S6:E8

When her former boyfriend visits and reveals an amazing success, Rory begins rethinking the choices she's made with her life.

episode image Lorelai? Lorelai?
8.5/10 (908 votes)

#23 Lorelai? Lorelai?

S7:E20

Rory has a scary dream about what lies ahead for her. A visitor discusses Rory's future with Lorelai. Lorelai pours her heart out on karaoke night.

episode image A-Tisket, A-Tasket
8.4/10 (1083 votes)

#24 A-Tisket, A-Tasket

S2:E13

The annual Stars Hollow Picnic Basket Auction causes romantic complications when Jess outbids Dean to win a picnic lunch date with Rory.

episode image Teach Me Tonight
8.4/10 (1117 votes)

#25 Teach Me Tonight

S2:E19

As a favor to Luke, Rory tutors Jess, but during their first study session, Jess convinces Rory to go on a quick outing with him.

episode image A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving
8.4/10 (1005 votes)

#26 A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving

S3:E9

Lorelai and Rory have four Thanksgivings when they stop for celebrations with Lane, Sookie and Luke on the way to dinner with Richard and Emily.

episode image The Big One
8.4/10 (929 votes)

#27 The Big One

S3:E16

Rory and Paris compete to give a speech at a school celebration. Meanwhile, Lorelai shares a passionate kiss with someone unexpected.

episode image Written in the Stars
8.4/10 (920 votes)

#28 Written in the Stars

S5:E3

Lorelai is a little offended that no one cares about her new relationship – until it becomes a topic of heated discussion at the town meeting.

episode image The Prodigal Daughter Returns
8.4/10 (857 votes)

#29 The Prodigal Daughter Returns

S6:E9

After months of estrangement, Lorelai and Rory make their first move toward reconciliation. Luke gets a big surprise but conceals it from Lorelai.

episode image Kiss and Tell
8.3/10 (1365 votes)

#30 Kiss and Tell

S1:E7

Rory shares a romantic moment with Dean, but doesn't tell Lorelai. When Lorelai hears about it from Mrs. Kim, she invites Dean over for movie night.

episode image Forgiveness and Stuff
8.3/10 (1278 votes)

#31 Forgiveness and Stuff

S1:E10

Misfortune strikes at the Gilmores' Christmas party. Dean assures Lorelai that nothing improper happened the night he and Rory fell asleep together.

episode image There's the Rub
8.3/10 (1050 votes)

#32 There's the Rub

S2:E16

Lorelai and Emily's weekend at a spa doesn't go as planned. Meanwhile, Rory's night alone becomes difficult when Paris, Jess and Dean arrive.

episode image Let the Games Begin
8.3/10 (960 votes)

#33 Let the Games Begin

S3:E8

Lorelai, Rory, Richard and Emily visit Richard's alma mater, but Richard causes trouble by secretly making some arrangements in advance.

episode image Keg! Max!
8.3/10 (931 votes)

#34 Keg! Max!

S3:E19

Rory makes plans to attend the prom. Lane's rock band debuts at a big party, where longstanding animosities finally explode.

episode image We've Got Magic to Do
8.3/10 (1188 votes)

#35 We've Got Magic to Do

S6:E5

After two separate confrontations with the Huntzbergers at a D.A.R. party, Richard and Emily realize Lorelai was right about their treatment of Rory.

episode image Like Mother, Like Daughter
8.2/10 (1040 votes)

#36 Like Mother, Like Daughter

S2:E7

Advised to become more social at Chilton, Rory winds up in the most popular school clique, while Lorelai helps with a fundraising fashion show.

episode image Nag Hammadi Is Where They Found the Gnostic Gospels
8.2/10 (842 votes)

#37 Nag Hammadi Is Where They Found the Gnostic Gospels

S4:E13

Rory crosses paths with Jess in Stars Hollow. Luke's sister visits Stars Hollow and introduces her new boyfriend to her brother.

episode image Scene in a Mall
8.2/10 (813 votes)

#38 Scene in a Mall

S4:E15

Rory gets a glimpse of Dean's new life. When Lorelai and Rory spend a day at the mall, they run into Emily on a wild shopping spree.

episode image The Reigning Lorelai
8.2/10 (862 votes)

#39 The Reigning Lorelai

S4:E16

Richard is devastated by a sudden loss. Emily receives a shock when she finds an old letter that was written to Richard.

episode image But Not as Cute as Pushkin
8.2/10 (855 votes)

#40 But Not as Cute as Pushkin

S5:E10

Rory hosts a high school student who's considering the same university, but things don't go as planned. Lorelai and her beau have their first fight.

Cast & Chracters

character image Lorelai Gilmore

Lorelai Gilmore

Actor: Lauren Graham

Lorelai Victoria Gilmore, portrayed by Lauren Graham, is the independent and witty mother of Rory Gilmore. Born into a wealthy family, she became pregnant at 16 and chose to raise her daughter alone, distancing herself from her parents' affluent lifestyle. Lorelai is known for her love of coffee, pop culture references, and her role as the manager and later owner of the Dragonfly Inn in Stars Hollow. Her relationship with her parents, Emily and Richard Gilmore, is complex, often marked by tension and reconciliation. Lorelai's dynamic with Luke Danes, the local diner owner, evolves from friendship to a deep romantic connection over the series.

character image Rory Gilmore

Rory Gilmore

Actor: Alexis Bledel

Rory Gilmore, born Lorelai Leigh Gilmore and portrayed by Alexis Bledel, is the academically driven and ambitious daughter of Lorelai Gilmore. She shares a close bond with her mother, characterized by mutual respect and friendship. Rory's journey takes her from the small town of Stars Hollow to the prestigious halls of Chilton Academy and later Yale University, where she pursues her passion for journalism. Throughout the series, Rory navigates various personal and professional challenges, including complex relationships with Dean Forester, Jess Mariano, and Logan Huntzberger. Her character is celebrated for her intelligence, determination, and love of literature.

character image Luke Danes

Luke Danes

Actor: Scott Patterson

Luke Danes, portrayed by Scott Patterson, is the owner of Luke's Diner in Stars Hollow and a central figure in the community. Known for his gruff exterior and deep sense of loyalty, Luke is a dependable friend to many, especially Lorelai Gilmore. Over time, his friendship with Lorelai develops into a significant romantic relationship, marked by mutual support and understanding. Luke also serves as a father figure to his nephew, Jess Mariano, providing guidance and stability during Jess's tumultuous teenage years.

character image Sookie St. James

Sookie St. James

Actor: Melissa McCarthy

Sookie St. James, portrayed by Melissa McCarthy, is the enthusiastic and talented chef at the Independence Inn and later co-owner of the Dragonfly Inn alongside her best friend, Lorelai Gilmore. Sookie's culinary skills are renowned, and her vibrant personality adds warmth to the series. She shares a loving relationship with her husband, Jackson Belleville, and together they navigate the joys and challenges of marriage and parenthood. Sookie's character is celebrated for her humor, creativity, and unwavering support for Lorelai.

character image Lane Kim

Lane Kim

Actor: Keiko Agena

Lane Kim, portrayed by Keiko Agena, is Rory Gilmore's best friend and a resident of Stars Hollow. Raised in a strict, religious household by her mother, Mrs. Kim, Lane leads a double life to pursue her passion for rock music. She eventually forms a band, Hep Alien, and marries her bandmate, Zack Van Gerbig. Lane's journey is one of self-discovery and balancing her cultural heritage with her personal aspirations.

character image Michel Gerard

Michel Gerard

Actor: Yanic Truesdale

Michel Gerard, portrayed by Yanic Truesdale, is the French concierge at the Independence Inn and later the Dragonfly Inn. Known for his sarcastic wit and meticulous nature, Michel often provides comic relief with his disdain for customer service and his obsession with pop culture icons like Celine Dion. Despite his aloof demeanor, Michel is a loyal friend to Lorelai and Sookie, contributing to the inn's success with his professionalism and attention to detail.

character image Paris Geller

Paris Geller

Actor: Liza Weil

Paris Geller, portrayed by Liza Weil, is a highly ambitious and competitive student who becomes one of Rory Gilmore's closest friends. Initially introduced as Rory's rival at Chilton Academy, Paris's intense drive and perfectionist tendencies often lead to humorous and dramatic situations. Over time, she and Rory develop a deep friendship, supporting each other through the challenges of academia and personal growth. Paris's character is known for her sharp intellect, blunt honesty, and relentless pursuit of success.

character image Kirk Gleason

Kirk Gleason

Actor: Sean Gunn

Kirk Gleason, portrayed by Sean Gunn, is a quirky and eccentric resident of Stars Hollow known for holding numerous odd jobs throughout the town. His unpredictable behavior and unique perspective on life provide comic relief and endear him to the community. Kirk's character adds to the charm and idiosyncratic nature of Stars Hollow, embodying the town's whimsical spirit.

character image Logan Huntzberger

Logan Huntzberger

Actor: Matt Czuchry

Logan Huntzberger, portrayed by Matt Czuchry, is introduced as a wealthy and charismatic Yale student who becomes a significant romantic interest for Rory Gilmore. As the heir to a prominent publishing dynasty, Logan's privileged background contrasts with Rory's more modest upbringing. Their relationship is marked by challenges stemming from their differing worldviews and family expectations. Logan's character is complex, balancing charm and recklessness with moments of genuine affection and growth.

character image Emily Gilmore

Emily Gilmore

Actor: Kelly Bishop

Emily Gilmore, portrayed by Kelly Bishop, is the matriarch of the Gilmore family and mother to Lorelai Gilmore. A woman of high society, Emily is known for her impeccable taste, strong will, and adherence to social conventions. Her relationship with Lorelai is often strained due to their differing values and lifestyles, yet underlying their conflicts is a deep, if complicated, love. Emily's character provides insight into the complexities of family dynamics and the challenges of bridging generational divides.

character image Richard Gilmore

Richard Gilmore

Actor: Edward Herrmann

Richard Gilmore, portrayed by Edward Herrmann, is the patriarch of the Gilmore family and father to Lorelai Gilmore. A successful insurance executive, Richard embodies the traditional values of his social class. His relationship with Lorelai is marked by a desire to reconnect and support her and Rory, often leading to both heartfelt and contentious moments. Richard's character adds depth to the exploration of family, legacy, and the evolving nature of parental relationships.

The highest rated episode of Gilmore Girls is "Raincoats and Recipes" (S4E22) with a rating of 9.30.

This episode received 1,501 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "French Twist" (S7E7) with a rating of 6.30.

This episode received 889 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Rory's Dance" (S1E9) with a rating of 8.70.

This episode received 1,470 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Paris is Burning" (S1E11) with a rating of 7.60.

This episode received 1,164 votes.

The highest rated episode is "I Can't Get Started" (S2E22) with a rating of 8.70.

This episode received 1,138 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Secrets and Loans" (S2E11) with a rating of 7.60.

This episode received 959 votes.

The highest rated episode is "They Shoot Gilmores, Don't They?" (S3E7) with a rating of 8.90.

This episode received 1,384 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "I Solemnly Swear" (S3E11) with a rating of 7.40.

This episode received 853 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Raincoats and Recipes" (S4E22) with a rating of 9.30.

This episode received 1,501 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Die, Jerk" (S4E8) with a rating of 7.60.

This episode received 811 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Wedding Bell Blues" (S5E13) with a rating of 8.80.

This episode received 1,041 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "How Many Kropogs to Cape Cod?" (S5E20) with a rating of 7.50.

This episode received 741 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Friday Night's Alright for Fighting" (S6E13) with a rating of 9.10.

This episode received 1,450 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Always a Godmother, Never a God" (S6E4) with a rating of 7.30.

This episode received 758 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Bon Voyage" (S7E22) with a rating of 9.10.

This episode received 1,526 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "French Twist" (S7E7) with a rating of 6.30.

This episode received 889 votes.

Name Department Job
Amy Sherman-Palladino Production Producer
Chris Long Production Producer
Daniel Palladino Production Producer
Gavin Polone Production Producer
Janet Leahy Production Producer
John Stephens Production Producer

Similar Shows You Might Like