Television has come a long way since it was first labeled as a “vast wasteland” by former FCC Chairman Newton Minow. From classic shows like “I Love Lucy” to modern favorites such as “Game of Thrones” and “Doctor Who,” television has transformed from simple entertainment into an innovative medium for creating intricate stories that engage with viewers on multiple levels.
Only a few of these episodes have achieved perfect scores according to IMDb’s Top 10 Best TV Episodes list, which exemplifies the best storytelling ability across genres – high-fantasy tales or adventurous sagas spanning time and space. From “Breaking Bad” to “Attack on Titan,” each one made its mark not just through thrilling plotlines but also emotional depth and compelling characters – criteria judging them among some of the most memorable TV moments ever produced.
Regardless of genre, these shows have become cultural phenomena, proving that with the right content and real dedication – television can bring to life stories just as captivating as any other medium.
As of 2023, over 20 TV episodes have rated 9.9/10 on IMDb. We used total votes as the tie-breaker for this IMDb Top 10 Best TV Episodes list.
Top 10 Highest-Rated TV Episodes, Ranked on IMDb
- Attack on Titan: Memories of the Future (2022) – 9.9
- Attack on Titan: Perfect Game (2019) – 9.9
- Breaking Bad: Face Off (2011) – 9.9
- Attack on Titan: Assault (2021) – 9.9
- Attack on Titan: Hero (2019) – 9.9
- Game of Thrones: The Rains of Castamere (2013) – 9.9
- Breaking Bad: Felina (2013) – 9.9
- Game of Thrones: The Winds of Winter (2016) – 9.9
- Game of Thrones: Battle of the Bastards (2016) – 9.9
- Breaking Bad: Ozymandias (2013) – 10
10 Attack on Titan: “Memories of the Future” (2022)
(Season 4, Episode 20)
IMDb: 9.9/10 55K
The last few episodes of Attack on Titan season 4 flipped the script regarding expectations. After discovering what Grisha was hiding away, everything we knew about this show changed, and “Memories from the Future” took it one step further.
Zeke takes Eren back to his childhood to prove that Grisha had been brainwashing him all along. Still, he discovers something else entirely – even though Grishma never gave up his goal of finding The Founding Titan, he did not bring Eren into any part of it.
It’s a huge game changer that throws off almost everything viewers thought they knew and stands out amongst some excellent character arcs seen throughout anime history.
9 Attack on Titan: “Perfect Game” (2019)
(Season 3, Episode 16)
IMDb: 9.9/10 56K
The sixteenth installment of Attack on Titan‘s third season, the aptly-named “Perfect Game,” presents a story that will surely stand among one of the most significant episodes in anime history. As hope begins to ebb away from our protagonists’ losing battle against their Beast and Colossal Titans’ opponents attacking different points simultaneously, they devise an ultimate, albeit desperate, strategy for victory.
This fan-favorite episode proves why this series remains one of the most beloved: featuring intense fighting sequences alongside thoughtfully considered musings about leadership and survival instincts. It captures viewers’ attention through its visual splendor and powerful performances by cast members to deliver every moment; it deserves all 9.9/10 ratings given by IMDb users worldwide.
8 Breaking Bad: “Face Off” (2011)
(Season 4, Episode 13)
IMDb: 9.9/10 67K
In the fourth season finale of Breaking Bad, Walter White has seemingly run out of options to take down Gus Fring.
This leads him to team up with an old enemy – Hector Salamanca (Mark Margolis) – who shares a mutual interest: wanting to see Fring dead and gone for good. Together, they devise a plan to bring about this end goal in spectacular fashion, fittingly titled “Face Off” due to its ending scene being one for the history books.
Gus visits his nemesis’s retirement home only to be immediately greeted by Salamanca’s violent ringing bell, which triggers the bomb placed underneath his wheelchair, leading him straight into hazardous death as it explodes right before Walt’s eyes. He’s left with half his face blown off, yet he still manages to pull together what remains of his shattered pieces and fixes his tie while slowly succumbing.
That moment characterized how cruel the world they were involved in was, turning the series in another direction towards the final episodes. Everybody learns that Walter poisoned Brock, cementing that this now villain show precursor is entering a new powerful chapter.
Hence, it received award-winning episode recognition, including seven Emmy nominations. It is undoubtedly favored among fans, achieving classic must-watch status no matter your opinion on the impact made throughout the years.
[ Watch on Netflix ]
7 Attack on Titan: “Assault” (2021)
(Season 4, Episode 7)
IMDb: 9.9/10 80K
The epic battle between the Warriors and Scout Regiment in “Assault,” an Attack on Titan episode, had fans ecstatic. For a good reason, too — viewers got to see Armin transform into his Colossal Titan form for the first time as he ascends over Marley during the attack, and even Reiner joins forces with Eren against their common enemy. As is typical of this series, tensions were high, leaving some characters just making it through death’s door only moments from ending up dead.
Not only does “Assault” contain incredible action scenes (such as Levi taking down Beast Titan & Mikasa severing limbs), but its complexity makes it stand out above other episodes – forcing audiences to be conflicted about who they should root for. Deeper themes are explored, such as friendship being key when overcoming obstacles or how sometimes we must look past our differences for better results.
Judging by fan ratings that nearly reach perfection (9.9/10), you can immediately tell why this particular episode made history within itself – great entertainment all around!
6 Attack on Titan: “Hero” (2019)
(Season 3, Episode 17)
IMDb: 9.9/10 101K
The 17th episode of Attack on Titan‘s third season, “Hero,” was an explosive show that drew in viewers and earned a through-the-roof 9.9 rating on IMDb. Commander Erwin manages to rally his team into battle against their most formidable opponent yet: The Beast Titan. In this riveting sequence, Levi can unleash Godly fury while Armin comes up with an ingenious plan when all hope seems lost.
No wonder “Hero” has become one of the series’ most beloved episodes due to its grandeur, stunning action sequences, and some eye-catching visual effects, which have solidified it among other classics like Cowboy Bebop & Neon Genesis Evangelion.
Although fearsome foes present themselves throughout “Hero,” protagonists from both sides demonstrate immense courage for justice – or revenge – to be served accordingly! All these elements culminate perfectly to make Attack On Titan‘s specialty known beyond just being another anime, but instead a larger-than-life phenomenon.
5 Game of Thrones: “The Rains of Castamere” (2013)
(Season 3, Episode 9)
IMDb: 9.9/10 110K
The death of Ned Stark in the show’s first season shocked fans and demonstrated that anyone could be killed off at any time on Game of Thrones. But even with this knowledge, nothing prepared viewers for the intense violence displayed during “The Rains Of Castamere.”
As Robb Stark (Richard Madden) waged war against his rival, House Lannister, many viewed him as a hero who might bring justice to the Starks—little did they know what would come next. The episode focused around Edmure Tully (Tobias Menzies) and Roslin Frey’s wedding, “The Red Wedding”—an iconic moment from George R.R. Martin’s book series where Robb, along with several others, were brutally slaughtered by their guests, which sent shockwaves throughout Westeros intensifying an already grieving family.
Adding more tension is ‘Rains Of Castamere,’ House Lannister’s signature song that ominously plays during all proceedings, serving as a grim reminder of how once another house had tried raising arms against them, only resulting in destruction. And so it also goes in “The Red Wedding,” where Robb Stark and his companions quickly become victims of a bloody massacre.
4 Breaking Bad: “Felina” (2013)
(Season 5, Episode 16)
IMDb: 9.9/10 127K
The series finale of Breaking Bad, “Felina,” is one of the most critically acclaimed and viewers’ highest-rated episode finales ever made. Bryan Cranston‘s Walter White returns to Albuquerque in his final bid to secure a future for his family and face some old enemies along the way.
While many finales have failed to please fans, this episode succeeds on all fronts — stitching together storylines with emotions that strike straight at the heart while creating an ending worthy of its title-winning legacy as perhaps the most incredible TV show of all time. IMDb users certainly agree, given their 9.9 rating out of 10!
[ Watch on Netflix ]
3 Game of Thrones: “The Winds of Winter” (2016)
(Season 6, Episode 10)
IMDb: 9.9/10 153K
In the stunning conclusion to Game of Thrones‘ sixth season, an episode fittingly titled “The Winds of Winter” after George R.R. Martin‘s much-anticipated novel in his famous saga “A Song Of Ice and Fire,” events unfolded that would permanently shift the entire power balance among the Seven Kingdoms.
This impactful installment has been well-praised by viewers with a 9.9 rating on IMDb for its incredible ability to bring together Cersei Lannister’s (Lena Headey) trial while simultaneously presenting her master plan into one paradigm-shifting event! Jon Snow is crowned King in The North as his sister plots destruction against her adversaries – not leaving any stone unturned when it came time to wrap up Season 6 at its most climatic moment.
2 Game of Thrones: “Battle of the Bastards” (2016)
(Season 6, Episode 9)
IMDb: 9.9/10 215K
No matter how fans felt about the final season of Game of Thrones, it can’t be denied that previous seasons had some truly memorable episodes. One such episode is “Battle Of The Bastards,” an epic showdown between two iconic characters: Jon Snow (Kit Harington) and Ramsay Bolton (Iwan Rheon).
The excellent choreography in this fight sequence made it even more impactful as viewers witnessed first-hand how gruesome warfare could be. It was also a perfect opportunity for character development for John and Ramsey, who have left unforgettable impressions since their debuts on the show.
What makes “Battle of the Bastards” stand out from other battle scenes featured on television lies mainly within its skillfully composed prelude, which ramps up anticipation before finally climaxing with an awe-inspiring display by all involved parties. Writing and visuals – all topped off with legendary combat moves used during skirmishes, making it no surprise why this particular episode holds one of the highest IMDb ratings.
1 Breaking Bad: “Ozymandias” (2013)
(Season 5, Episode 14)
IMDb: 10/10 193K
The Emmy-winning series Breaking Bad has an episode that is regarded as the most iconic episode in television history – it stands alone among viewer ratings. What makes this special is its 10/10 rating on IMDb, a rarity for any series episode. The fifth and final season’s penultimate hour, titled “Ozymandias” contains all the conflict, drama, and action you could imagine – plus more!
In it, we witness Hank killed off while Jesse is taken captive by Walter White, who runs away from his family to escape tragedy at every turn. It isn’t hard to see why audiences have deemed this show so great; Rian Johnson does an incredible job directing each scene precisely, ensuring that no detail goes unnoticed or lost within transitions between each character arc leading up to this point.
Without exaggeration, “Ozymandias” deserves such high praise for many reasons, including but not limited to suspenseful set pieces combined with solid writing, crafting truly mesmerizing scenes alongside Aaron Paul‘s performance.
[ Watch on Netflix ]
Senior Editor, BuddyTV
