5 'Breaking Bad' Highest Rated Episodes, Ranked by IMDb

Breaking Bad ran from 2008 until 2013. And even though a decade has passed since the show ended, it still pops up as number one on many "best show" lists. This is not surprising, as the high-stakes criminal drama and devastating personal story at the core of the series make it a masterpiece.

However, while the show as a whole deserves our praise, there are still some episodes that stand out as masterpieces. So here are 5 best episodes ranked by IMDb.

1. Season 5, Episode 14 “Ozymandias” (2013)

• IMDb score: 10/10

Widely regarded as the show's finest hour and arguably one of the greatest episodes in television history, "Ozymandias" is the brutal culmination of Walter White’s downfall. As his empire crumbles, he is forced to face the full consequences of his actions.

The episode opens with a flashback to happier, more innocent times, but then spirals into the inevitable chaos. The death of a beloved character and Walter's betrayal of Jesse and even his tearful phone call to Skyler create a pure emotional storm, making it worthy of a perfect score and number one spot.

2. Season 4, Episode 13 “Face Off” (2011)

• IMDb score: 9.9/10

Another episode that serves as a sort of conclusion for Walter White, "Face Off" brings Walter's deadly chess match with Gustavo "Gus" Fring to a climactic end. The finale delivers one of the series' most shocking and dramatic moments as Walter orchestrates a gruesome plan to eliminate his nemesis.

With Jesse unwittingly helping and a tense buildup stretching to the last second, the episode culminates in a perfect mix of suspense and payoff. Walter's chilling line, "I won," echoes long after the screen fades, cementing the episode's legacy as one of the show's most intense and satisfying conclusions.

3. Season 5, Episode 16 “Felina” (2013)

• IMDb score: 9.9/10

The series finale, "Felina," brings Breaking Bad to a masterful and emotionally resonant close. Walter returns to Albuquerque, intent on settling scores and securing his family's future. With calculated precision, he ties up loose ends, including a final showdown with the neo-Nazi gang and one last act of mercy for Jesse. The scene will haunt you long after the credits roll…

The episode blends action, redemption, and sort of poetic justice to deliver closure without sacrificing the gritty realism that defined the show. "Felina" is a fitting farewell to a series that changed the crime drama genre once and for all.

4. Season 5, Episode 13 “To'hajiilee” (2013)

• IMDb score: 9.8/10

A turning point in the final season, “To’hajiilee” ratchets up the tension to unbearable levels once again. Walter’s desperate attempts to stay ahead unravel when Jesse teams up with Hank to bring him down.

The episode’s climax, a desert standoff that ends in a cliffhanger, left viewers absolutely stunned. It’s a masterclass in pacing and suspense, showcasing how Breaking Bad used tight storytelling and emotional stakes to create unforgettable television.

5. Season 4, Episode 11 “Crawl Space” (2011)

• IMDb score: 9.7/10

"Crawl Space" portrays Walter at his most vulnerable. As the pressure from Gus and Hank approaches, he scrambles to protect his family and maintain control. However, when he learns that Skyler has given their money away, the cracks in his empire finally become apparent.

The episode's haunting final scene, with Walter's manic laughter, is one of the most chilling in the series. It perfectly encapsulates his descent into madness.