best episodes of One Tree Hill poster

In Tree Hill, North Carolina two half brothers share a last name and nothing else. Brooding, blue-collar Lucas is a talented street-side basketball player, but his skills are appreciated only by his friends at the river court. Popular, affluent Nathan basks in the hero-worship of the town, as the star of his high school team. And both boys are the son of former college ball player Dan Scott whose long ago choice to abandon Lucas and his mother Karen, will haunt him long into his life with wife Deb and their son Nathan.

9 Seasons
187 Episodes
Ended
Drama
Cast & Characters
episode image With Tired Eyes, Tired Minds, Tired Souls, We Slept
9.7/10 (1957 votes)

#1 With Tired Eyes, Tired Minds, Tired Souls, We Slept

S3:E16

Due to the aftermath of the release of the time capsule, chaos breaks out. Someone is holding students of Tree Hill hostage with a gun, shooting. While lives hang in the balance, Nathan and Lucas put themselves at risk to protect their friends and loved ones. Young lives are shattered and two lives will end.

episode image Some You Give Away
9.6/10 (970 votes)

#2 Some You Give Away

S4:E9

As the Ravens prepare for the championship, Lucas learns Nathan intends to throw the game and decides on a risky plan to even the odds. Karen insists Deb show up for her son's final game and tries to help her get there. Also Dan makes a last plea with Daunte.

episode image Danny Boy
9.4/10 (617 votes)

#3 Danny Boy

S9:E11

The search for Nathan becomes increasingly dangerous, and Dan’s life hangs in the balance. Brooke is surprised when her father returns. And Clay and Quinn reconnect with Logan.

episode image The Show Must Go On
9.3/10 (704 votes)

#4 The Show Must Go On

S3:E22

Nathan worries about Haley as they prepare to renew their vows. Peyton and Brooke's friendship becomes strained and Deb confesses to Dan about the fire.

episode image All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone
9.3/10 (768 votes)

#5 All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone

S4:E21

Dan must face the harsh consequences of his decision to murder Keith as Karen and Haley's pregnancies complicate the lives of Nathan and the graduating seniors of Tree Hill High. Lucas wrestles with his post-high school options, and Peyton and Brooke prepare to spend the summer in Los Angeles together.

episode image One Tree Hill
9.3/10 (858 votes)

#6 One Tree Hill

S9:E13

In the final chapter of One Tree Hill, the tenth anniversary of Tric brings old faces and new possibilities for the Tree Hill family.

episode image Pictures of You
9.2/10 (762 votes)

#7 Pictures of You

S4:E13

A class assignment reveals the deepest secrets and desires of Lucas and the students at Tree Hill High. Worried about college prospects, Skills turns to Haley, while Nathan wrestles with Deb's suicide attempt. Chase learns that Brooke cheated on her calculus exam, while nudity and drugs run rampant in the halls of the school.

episode image Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly.
9.2/10 (603 votes)

#8 Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly.

S6:E3

When tragedy strikes in Tree Hill, Nathan and Haley experience difficulties breaking the news. Brooke still hurt over the robbery, questions her friendship with Peyton, and Lucas and Skills finally meet Quentin's mother.

episode image Remember Me as a Time of Day
9.2/10 (591 votes)

#9 Remember Me as a Time of Day

S6:E24

Tree Hill bids goodbye to the past while anticipating the future: Lucas and Peyton prepare for the birth of their child with the help of a surprise visitor, Dan nears his end, and Brooke works with Victoria to relaunch Clothes Over Bro's. Meanwhile, Nathan returns to Tree Hill to face Haley and Jamie after being released from the Chiefs.

episode image Darkness on the Edge of Town
9.2/10 (506 votes)

#10 Darkness on the Edge of Town

S8:E11

A storm strikes Tree Hill, putting everyone's life in danger.

episode image Hundred
9.1/10 (515 votes)

#11 Hundred

S5:E12

On Lucas and Lindsey's wedding day, Peyton must choose between intervening and losing Lucas forever. Nathan uses the event to try to mend his marriage to Haley. All are shocked when Dan, who is out of prison on parole, shows up at the event.

episode image Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will
9.1/10 (405 votes)

#12 Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will

S9:E10

Dan, Julian and Chris Keller attempt to rescue Nathan. Brooke’s conflict with Xavier escalates. Quinn and Clay revisit the past.

episode image The Wind That Blew My Heart Away
9.0/10 (567 votes)

#13 The Wind That Blew My Heart Away

S3:E13

A violent rainstorm knocks out the power in Tree Hill, leading Haley to Nathan's doorstep and Brooke out into the downpour for a dramatic confrontation with Lucas. Peyton finally confronts the truth about Ellie's illness, while Mouth is tempted by his new friend, Rachel. Before morning, secrets are revealed, relationships are tested, and new love gets hotter than ever.

episode image Who Will Survive, and What Will Be Left of Them
9.0/10 (525 votes)

#14 Who Will Survive, and What Will Be Left of Them

S3:E17

The aftermath of the school shooting and the death of Jimmy Edwards forces everyone in Tree Hill to examine their lives. Nathan reassesses his relationship with Haley, while Brooke and Rachel join forces to heal the student body. Dan must deal with the ramifications of shooting Keith, while Lucas and Peyton consider the implications of their kiss in the library.

episode image Songs to Love and Die By
8.9/10 (539 votes)

#15 Songs to Love and Die By

S4:E10

After a cardiac incident, Lucas has a dream in which the spirit of Keith visits and shows him how much one life can affect the lives of others, with a nod to “It's a Wonderful Life.” Elsewhere, Hayley is the victim of an accident and Dan helps out Nathan.

episode image You Call It Madness, But I Call It Love
8.9/10 (522 votes)

#16 You Call It Madness, But I Call It Love

S4:E16

It's Prom night, but things start to go awry as Lucas discovers who was the person in the hallway when Keith was killed, and psycho Derek holds Peyton hostage at her own house. Meanwhile, Haley and Nathan vow to be romantic with each other throughout the night, and Dan continues to win over Karen's affections.

episode image Forever and Almost Always
8.9/10 (433 votes)

#17 Forever and Almost Always

S6:E23

Lucas and Peyton's wedding day finally arrives, bringing some surprise guests along with it. Haley finds herself playing an unexpected role in the ceremony, as Skills and Brooke try to control Jamie and Nick. Meanwhile, Nathan continues to hope to be drafted into the NBA.

episode image I and Love and You
8.9/10 (410 votes)

#18 I and Love and You

S7:E7

Dan brings Renee onto his television show, leaving Nathan and Haley powerless to stop him from revealing the truth of her pregnancy to the world. Quinn examines what went wrong with David, and Sara and Clay discuss their past. Meanwhile, Brooke comes clean with Julian about her true desires.

episode image Every Night Is Another Story
8.8/10 (781 votes)

#19 Every Night Is Another Story

S1:E6

When Whitey throws Lucas and Nathan off the bus due to their misconduct on the basketball court, not only does it leave the two brothers stranded 30 miles from home, but they encounter a carload of punks who threaten them with a gun. Injured during the game, Brooke needs Peyton to drive her home and in, an unlikely turn of events, Peyton asks Haley for help. Meanwhile, Karen and Keith attend a business function and tempers flare when Dan and Deb are seated at their table.

episode image The Games That Play Us
8.8/10 (585 votes)

#20 The Games That Play Us

S1:E22

Lucas and Nathan bear the brunt of Dan's abuse as he coaches them into the playoffs, pushing both of them to their breaking points. Haley is stunned after Dan threatens her, causing her to reconsider her relationship with Nathan. Meanwhile, Whitey learns that his medical condition may be more serious than he first expected, and Dan learns a shocking secret from Deb.

episode image The Leavers Dance (2)
8.8/10 (485 votes)

#21 The Leavers Dance (2)

S2:E23

In the second part of the this seamless 2-hour Season Finale of "One Tree Hill," things heat up between Lucas and Brooke since he finally tells her what he feels about her. Nathan and Deb conspire to desert Dan for good, leading to an explosive conclusion when he discovers their plan. Peyton has a shock. Meanwhile, Karen decides to spend the summer holiday in New Zealand. And at the climax of Dan's numerous deceptions someone sets the dealership on fire with him in it.

episode image How a Resurrection Really Feels
8.8/10 (485 votes)

#22 How a Resurrection Really Feels

S3:E9

It is revealed that Lucas knows who tried to kill Dan and he confronts the guilty party. Brooke, Peyton and Haley find themselves behind bars. Peyton finds her guilty conscience on the surface. Chris Keller convinces Nathan to be his wingman at a high-stakes poker game. The residents of Tree Hill finally choose a mayor.

episode image Just Watch the Fireworks
8.8/10 (456 votes)

#23 Just Watch the Fireworks

S3:E15

When someone unleashes the students' time capsule upon Tree Hill High, Lucas and Mouth must confront a person from their past. Brooke has to deal with the revelation that secrets aren't the only things she exposed in the time capsule. Dan learns to forgive Keith. Haley is forced to reconcile the man Nathan was before with the man he has become, and Peyton's Breast Cancer Benefit Concert at Tric features performances by Haley, Jack's Mannequin and the return of Fall Out Boy.

episode image The Birth and Death of the Day
8.8/10 (460 votes)

#24 The Birth and Death of the Day

S4:E20

As graduation approaches, Haley prepares for the recital of her valedictorian speech and motherhood. Nathan must adjust to life without basketball, while Brooke makes a confession that may have great consequences. Lucas confronts Dan after Karen's life is threatened.

episode image What Comes After the Blues
8.8/10 (452 votes)

#25 What Comes After the Blues

S5:E18

The Tree Hill residents are forced to face their fears as Dan turns over on a new leaf and Brooke taking the hardest decision of her life. In the meantime, Haley's career takes a turn and Peyton is visited by somebody from her past. Mouth and Millicent meet a new face. With all, Lucas and Brooke help each other through the struggles.

episode image I Will Dare
8.7/10 (543 votes)

#26 I Will Dare

S2:E5

Felix organizes a "dare night" to test the limits of his new classmates. While out playing the game, Lucas meets a mysterious new girl, Anna, and the two of them seem to hit it off. Peyton tearfully confesses to the church that she recently tried cocaine and Keith is caught off guard when a beautiful woman comes to the shop and begins flirting with him. Meanwhile, Karen goes on a date with Andy, her younger professor.

episode image All Tomorrow's Parties
8.7/10 (479 votes)

#27 All Tomorrow's Parties

S3:E14

Brooke is forced to grow up in a hurry when her trip to a New York City fashion show prevents her from attending an annual cheerleading tournament. Nathan and Lucas are influenced by the father of an old friend. Struggling with her mother's cancer, Peyton joins Rachel for a night of blowing off steam, and Haley and Nathan use their hotel room as the honeymoon suite they never had.

episode image Prom Night at Hater High
8.7/10 (468 votes)

#28 Prom Night at Hater High

S4:E15

It's Prom day, and emotions are flying high at Tree Hill. An emotional Haley confronts Nathan about the sex tape and asks for a list of all his past sexual encounters. Meanwhile, an angry Peyton asks Lucas to skip the dance altogether, but he refuses to take no for an answer. Finally, Brooke and Peyton let out all their tension in a confrontation that can tear them apart forever.

episode image 4 Years, 6 Months, 2 Days
8.7/10 (589 votes)

#29 4 Years, 6 Months, 2 Days

S5:E1

It's four years into the future and the Tree Hill gang has finished college. Now, their lives have taken completely different directions. Lucas has written and published a book, Brooke has made it big in the fashion industry with her brand "Clothes Over Bro's", Peyton is pursuing a career in the music business, and Nathan and Haley continue to raise a now older James.

episode image Touch Me I'm Going to Scream
8.7/10 (505 votes)

#30 Touch Me I'm Going to Scream

S6:E1

In the sixth season premiere, Tree Hill residents must make a decision that will change their lives forever. Lucas finally pursues his dream with the woman he loves, Brooke must face a reunion with her mother, Mouth makes a revelation, Nathan and Haley must face a ghost from their past and the news of Dan's accident is slowly beginning to spread.

episode image The Last Day of Our Acquaintance
8.7/10 (328 votes)

#31 The Last Day of Our Acquaintance

S7:E18

As Brooke angrily deals with Alexs tryst with Julian, Lydias condition worsens, prompting Quinn and Haley to try to reconnect with Taylor. Clay is forced to deal with Katies unsettling advances, and Nathan helps Jamie come to terms with Lydias impending death.

episode image The Drinks We Drank Last Night
8.7/10 (373 votes)

#32 The Drinks We Drank Last Night

S8:E12

After a wild night out on the town for her bachelorette party, Brooke and the girls try to piece together the night before amidst the wreckage of the day after.

episode image Hanging by a Moment
8.6/10 (558 votes)

#33 Hanging by a Moment

S1:E13

Aside from a love for hoops, it would seem that Lucas and Nathan are two young men with little in common, but they are bound by the dark secret that they share the same father. Nathan is the star of the high school basketball team and local town hero, while Lucas is the only child of a single working mom. Now the two boys' lives collide when a twist of fate puts Lucas on Nathan's team and the half-brothers compete, not only for control of the court, but also for the heart of Nathan's beautiful girlfriend Peyton.

episode image I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness
8.6/10 (486 votes)

#34 I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness

S4:E5

Nathan gets two surprises in a row, and everyone is eager to share their advice with him. Deb also shares something she picked up. Brooke decides to celebrate while Peyton is being attacked by her stalker.

episode image Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers
8.6/10 (427 votes)

#35 Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers

S4:E14

Haley confronts Brooke regarding the stolen calculus test. Lucas and Peyton consider taking their relationship to the next level as Peyton and Brooke grow closer. In Deb's absence, Nathan throws a senior party at the Scott House where a sex tape from Nathan's past surfaces.

episode image I Forgot to Remember to Forget
8.6/10 (396 votes)

#36 I Forgot to Remember to Forget

S5:E5

In this flashback episode, memories are looked back upon. Lucas surprises Peyton in Los Angeles and they talk. He asks her something and is left with a surprising answer. Meanwhile, Nathan's temper triggers up after a guy reminds him of his cheating in high school basketball games.

episode image For Tonight You're Only Here to Know
8.6/10 (412 votes)

#37 For Tonight You're Only Here to Know

S5:E9

Haley, Brooke, Peyton, Lindsey and Mia get locked in the Tree Hill High library on the night of the Ravens' first game. Also Brooke tries to stand up for her mother, while Lucas and Nathan discuss whether to tell their loved ones about their indiscretions.

episode image Things a Mama Don't Know
8.6/10 (377 votes)

#38 Things a Mama Don't Know

S6:E13

Peyton shares some startling news with Lucas, who discovers that Julian has been keeping another secret about the movie. While searching for runaway Sam, Brooke is forced to confront her lingering feelings over her attack. Nathan struggles with his new professional environment.

episode image This Is My House, This Is My Home
8.6/10 (353 votes)

#39 This Is My House, This Is My Home

S8:E22

As Brooke and Haley prepare to re-open Karen’s Café, Nathan and Clay hit the road looking for new prospective clients. Meanwhile, Chase leaves for the Air Force leaving behind a disappointed Alex and Chuck, and Mouth and Millicent begin their new morning show together.

episode image I Shall Believe
8.5/10 (547 votes)

#40 I Shall Believe

S1:E14

While holding a vigil at Lucas' bedside as he lays in a coma, Karen meets her son's new girlfriend and learns from Deb that she is divorcing Dan. Most shocking of all, Karen is horrified to discover that Keith was drinking while driving at the time of the accident. Meanwhile, Nathan tries to win Haley back after she dumps him.

Cast & Chracters

character image Nathan Scott

Nathan Scott

Actor: James Lafferty
character image Haley James Scott

Haley James Scott

Actor: Bethany Joy Lenz
character image Brooke Davis

Brooke Davis

Actor: Sophia Bush
character image Julian Baker

Julian Baker

Actor: Austin Nichols
character image Clay Evans

Clay Evans

Actor: Robert Buckley
character image Quinn James

Quinn James

Actor: Shantel VanSanten
character image Jamie Scott

Jamie Scott

Actor: Jackson Brundage
character image Marvin 'Mouth' McFadden

Marvin 'Mouth' McFadden

Actor: Lee Norris
character image Millicent Huxtable

Millicent Huxtable

Actor: Lisa Goldstein Kirsch
character image Chase Adams

Chase Adams

Actor: Stephen Colletti
character image Chris Keller

Chris Keller

Actor: Tyler Hilton
character image Dan Scott

Dan Scott

Actor: Paul Johansson

The highest rated episode of One Tree Hill is "With Tired Eyes, Tired Minds, Tired Souls, We Slept" (S3E16) with a rating of 9.70.

This episode received 1,957 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "We Three (My Echo, My Shadow and Me)" (S6E11) with a rating of 6.50.

This episode received 530 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Every Night Is Another Story" (S1E6) with a rating of 8.80.

This episode received 781 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "The Living Years" (S1E11) with a rating of 7.80.

This episode received 541 votes.

The highest rated episode is "The Leavers Dance (2)" (S2E23) with a rating of 8.80.

This episode received 485 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Lifetime Piling Up" (S2E20) with a rating of 7.70.

This episode received 442 votes.

The highest rated episode is "With Tired Eyes, Tired Minds, Tired Souls, We Slept" (S3E16) with a rating of 9.70.

This episode received 1,957 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Locked Hearts and Hand Grenades" (S3E6) with a rating of 7.80.

This episode received 405 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Some You Give Away" (S4E9) with a rating of 9.60.

This episode received 970 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Things I Forgot at Birth" (S4E2) with a rating of 7.70.

This episode received 413 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Hundred" (S5E12) with a rating of 9.10.

This episode received 515 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "It's Alright Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)" (S5E4) with a rating of 7.90.

This episode received 365 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly." (S6E3) with a rating of 9.20.

This episode received 603 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "We Three (My Echo, My Shadow and Me)" (S6E11) with a rating of 6.50.

This episode received 530 votes.

The highest rated episode is "I and Love and You" (S7E7) with a rating of 8.90.

This episode received 410 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "What Are You Willing to Lose" (S7E2) with a rating of 7.50.

This episode received 314 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Darkness on the Edge of Town" (S8E11) with a rating of 9.20.

This episode received 506 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Holding Out for a Hero" (S8E14) with a rating of 7.70.

This episode received 310 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Danny Boy" (S9E11) with a rating of 9.40.

This episode received 617 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "In the Room Where You Sleep" (S9E2) with a rating of 7.70.

This episode received 286 votes.

Name Department Job
Brian Robbins Production Producer
Joe Davola Production Producer
Mark Schwahn Production Producer
Michael Tollin Production Producer
Mike Kelley Production Producer

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