The best Walking Dead episodes, ranked

What episode of the zombie smash takes the top spot?

Prepare to walk(er) the line: here are our favorite episodes of The Walking Dead...

7. "THE DAY WILL COME WHEN YOU WON'T BE"

This brutal season opener may be best remembered for Glenn and Abraham's horrific home runs, but it's Rick who truly shines in this episode. Andrew Lincoln does apoplectic rage incredibly well. 

Season 7, episode 1

6. "TOO FAR GONE"

The first-ever Walking Dead mid-season finale made good use of the show's re-jigged structure, offering both a serious sense of closure, while also offering us hope for the future. So long, Governor!

Season 4, episode 8

5. "KILLER WITHIN"

This episode marks the last true appearance of Rick's wife, Lori. Her death is an uncomfortable slog of a scene, with Maggie delivering Lori's baby despite knowing the birth will kill her. 

Season 3, episode 4

4. "PRETTY MUCH DEAD ALREADY"

It's hard to downplay just how much of an impact this episode had on the show's tone. The act of killing a child – in this case Carol's daughter, Sophia  made it stand out from anything else on TV.

Season 2, episode 7

3. "DAYS GONE BY"

First impressions count. The Walking Dead's premiere, happily, doesn't waste a single second. This excellent opener wisely anchors viewers to Andrew Lincoln's wide-eyed Rick throughout. 

Season 1, episode 1

2. "HERE'S NOT HERE"

A tour-de-force in quiet, introspecting storytelling. "Here's Not Here" powerfully fills in the gaps of what Morgan was up to between seasons 3 and 5. It also gives us a great one-off character in Eastman. 

Season 6, episode 4

1. "THE GROVE"

The Walking Dead's finest ep takes in one of the series' most shocking acts of violence. Despite the horrendous events of the previous hour, a killer ending barely reflects on what's just occured.

Season 4, episode 12

Check out the best 15 Walking Dead episodes at...