The 10 Best Episodes Of Twin Peaks, Ranked (According To IMDb)

The quintessential cult TV show of the 1990s, Twin Peaks was ground-breaking back when it initially released, with David Lynch and Mark Frost’s bold vision forever changing what was previously thought possible in a serialized narrative. Compelling, dramatic, hilarious, and terrifying, the show has produced some of the best episodes of television ever created.

With eighteen new episodes airing in 2017 following the show’s twenty-five-year absence, Twin Peaks has a whole host of new episodes for fans to obsess over, with many of them standing as the show’s very best. Here are the ten best episodes of Twin Peaks, ranked according to IMDb.

10 “May the Giant Be With You” – 9.0

Following on from the widely talked about finale of Twin Peaks’ first season, “May the Giant Be with You” opened up the show’s second season in satisfyingly Lynchian fashion. Ramping up the show’s supernatural elements, the episode sees a severely wounded Agent Cooper recover from his gunshot wound with the guidance of the otherworldly Giant.

Answering the lingering questions surrounding Cooper’s fate – as well as asking others about his would-be killer – this episode has no shortage of huge moments, with Catherine and Josie also disappearing following the destruction of the Packard Sawmill.

9 “Zen, or the Skill to Catch a Killer” – 9.0

The third-ever episode of Twin Peaks, “Zen, or the Skill to Catch a Killer” really cements the show’s penchant for the paranormal, ending with one of the show’s most iconic scenes – Cooper’s dream. With the Man from Another Place and the Red Room becoming two of Twin Peaks’ most recognizable motifs, this scene alone is enough to land this episode a spot on this list.

Nevertheless, there’s even more to love about the show’s third episode. Watching Agent Cooper introduce the Twin Peaks Sherriff’s Department to mystical Tibetan methods of narrowing down his suspects makes him all the more endearing – and the episode even introduces fan-favorite character Albert Rosenfield.

8 “We Are Like the Dreamer” – 9.1

While many fans of Twin Peaks were disappointed with the long-awaited revival’s lack of focus on the titular town and its beloved residents, “We Are Like the Dreamer” started to bring the show’s disparate elements together in a truly satisfying way.

With Bobby Briggs, Deputy Hawk, and Andy Brennan investigating further into Jack Rabbit’s Palace as well as Agents Cole and Rosenfield closing in on the mystery surrounding Cooper, “We Are Like the Dreamer is a perfect mix of old and new. Also, seeing a demonic Sarah Palmer tear out a trucker’s throat at a bar is downright terrifying.

7 “There’s Fire Where You Are Going” – 9.1

The eleventh part of David Lynch’s incredible third season of Twin Peaks, “There’s Fire Where You Are Going” is one of the season’s busiest episodes. While showing the FBI the coordinates of his meeting with Garland Briggs, Bill Hastings’ compelling storyline comes to an unfortunate end after his head is crushed by a malevolent Woodsman.

The episode also catches up with original characters like Shelly and Bobby as well as furthering the story of Dougie Jones. Perhaps the episode’s greatest arc however is the transformation of the Mitchum Brothers – going from would-be murderers to two of the show’s most lovable characters.

6 “The Last Evening” – 9.1

In one of the biggest ‘water cooler’ moments ever put to television, the final episode of Twin Peaks’ first season saw Agent Cooper shot by a mysterious assailant on his return to the Great Northern Hotel – leaving the beloved character’s fate hanging in the balance.

With the episode wrapping up on such a shocking cliffhanger, it’s easy to forget its other monumental moments – including Jacques Renault being arrested and subsequently smothered to death by Leland Palmer, Leo Johnson being shot and the Packard Sawmill burning to the ground.

5 “Arbitrary Law” – 9.3

One of the show’s defining episodes, “Arbitrary Law” deals with the fallout of Maddy Ferguson’s murder, after it’s discovered that Laura Palmer’s killer is in fact her father, Leland – who’s been possessed by Killer BOB.

“Arbitrary Law” sees Cooper finally put the last puzzle pieces of the Laura Palmer case into place, arresting Leland for her murder. While imprisoned, BOB confesses to his crimes, before forcing Leland to bludgeon himself to death and fleeing his body. Believe it or not however, Leland’s death is surprisingly emotional, with Cooper forgiving him on Laura’s behalf.

4 “Beyond Life and Death” – 9.3

The final episode of Twin Peaks’ original run, “Beyond Life and Death” is perhaps the most talked-about episode in the show’s history. The final chapter sees Cooper venture into the Black Lodge to save the innocent Annie Blackburn, resulting in some of the show’s trippiest, most terrifying moments to date.

Directed by David Lynch himself, “Beyond Life and Death” is a masterpiece all on its own, with its infamous cliffhanger teasing a possessed Cooper being one of the most iconic endings in TV history.

3 “The Past Dictates the Future” – 9.4

“The Past Dictates the Future” is the penultimate episode of Twin Peaks’ stellar third season, as well as the most satisfying episode of the revival for long-time fans of the show. Following Agent Cooper’s triumphant return to the show, the episode sees him finally reunite with his friends at the Twin Peaks Sherrif’s Department – as well as the likes of Gordon Cole, Diane, and Bobby Briggs – in order to take down BOB once and for all.

While they’re successful, the episode soon spins off into something different entirely, with Cooper seemingly being transported to the night of Laura Palmer’s death in one of the series’ most mind-blowing turns ever.

2 “Lonely Souls” – 9.4

“Lonely Souls” is undoubtedly the most haunting episode in all of Twin Peaks. Unmasking a possessed Leland Palmer as Laura’s killer, the episode culminates in the murder of Laura’s cousin and lookalike Maddy Ferguson.

As you’d expect, much of the horror of “Lonely Souls” is owed to Lynch’s masterful direction, with Maddy’s disturbing fate being juxtaposed with Julee Cruise’s ethereal live performance at the Roadhouse. The whole scene is thick with atmosphere, and the sense of tragedy surrounding Cooper’s failure to break the cycle of violence and death in Twin Peaks is genuinely palpable.

1 “No Knock, No Doorbell” – 9.6

While many may have expected one of Twin Peaks’ original episodes to have topped this list, Part 16 of the show’s third season, titled “No Knock, No Doorbell” actually holds the show’s highest IMDb score.

After fifteen episodes of Cooper being trapped in the vacant mind of Dougie Jones, the episode finally sees Cooper’s regain his agency and set off for Twin Peaks with the Mitchum Brothers in tow – and his return is one of the most satisfying moments in TV history. Additionally, the discovery of Diane’s ties to the Lodge, as well as Audrey’s shocking, evocative dance sequence stand out as some of the show’s most hair-raising moments.