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The Best Episodes of Shadowhunters Season 1

Every episode of Shadowhunters Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Shadowhunters Season 1!

Binge this in 9h 29m•Peaking at 8.7/10

When Clary Fray's mother has disappeared, Clary joins a band of Shadowhunters; demon killing hunters, and gets caught up in a plan to save the world.

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    Shadowhunters Season 1 Episode 12 - Malec
    8.7/10(3597 votes)

    S1:E12

    The Institute is in full swing as everyone is preparing for the wedding of Alec and Lydia. Lydia is getting final touches made on her wedding dress, the wedding decorations are set and Isabelle is trying to figure out a way to throw a traditional, mundane bachelor party for her brother – whether he likes it or not. During what should be a time of great celebration for many is far from it as they examine their relationships. Alec is struggling on two sides – his wedding is one of the biggest days in his life and his parabatai should be at his side, yet he and Jace are still at odds. Alec also continues to struggle with his feelings for Magnus, especially when Magnus won’t give up on Alec. And as the Institute is buzzing with romance, Clary is desperate to work things out with Jace, but he is keeping her at arm’s length. Meanwhile, Jace, Clary and Magnus go looking for warlock Ragnor Fell to try and find the antidote to awaken Jocelyn.

    Director:James Marshall
    Writer:Michael Reisz

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  2. Shadowhunters Season 1 Episode 7 - Major Arcana
    8.1/10(3371 votes)

    S1:E7

    After piecing together the clues as to where her mother hid the Mortal Cup, Clary, Jace, Alec and Isabelle are on the clock to find its hiding place before anyone else. But with demons and Downworlders lurking everywhere, obtaining the Cup may not be as easy as they had hoped. Meanwhile, as Simon's symptoms become increasingly worse, he fears he is turning into a vampire.

    Director:J. Miles Dale
    Writer:Peter Binswanger

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  3. Shadowhunters Season 1 Episode 10 - This World Inverted
    8.1/10(2908 votes)

    S1:E10

    Clary and Jace get a tip from Meliorn that they can find Valentine by locating a portal in another dimension, but only Clary can venture into this new world. What Clary finds in this alternative universe is that life there is as if the threat of demons no longer existed and Shadowhunters were no longer needed. While she realizes that this dimension is the life she always dreamed of, Clary must act fast or she will lose herself in the alternative world forever. Meanwhile, Alec and Isabelle must face the consequences of the Downworlder attack.

    Director:J. Miles Dale
    Writer:Y. Shireen Razack

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  4. Shadowhunters Season 1 Episode 6 - Of Men and Angels
    8.0/10(3438 votes)

    S1:E6

    With Luke in dire need of help, Jace, Clary and Simon take him to Magnus' lair in hopes of saving his life. Once there, the story of how Valentine came to be evil, and Jocelyn and Luke's past is revealed to Clary in hopes of triggering her memory of what happened to The Mortal Cup. Meanwhile, Isabelle and Alec are tasked to restore their family name in the eyes of The Clave.

    Director:Oz Scott
    Writer:Y. Shireen Razack

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  5. Shadowhunters Season 1 Episode 9 - Rise Up
    8.0/10(2960 votes)

    S1:E9

    After the attack, the Institute and The Clave are on high alert and taking no prisoners to get answers. When Lydia makes a harsh call on the Seelies, Jace, Clary and Isabelle fear that this decision could be disastrous and the wrong way to defeat Valentine. Left with no other choice, the trio takes drastic actions to stop what is about to take place. Meanwhile, Simon struggles to deal with his new situation, and Alec is emotionally torn with what is happening at the Institute.

    Director:J. Miller Tobin
    Writer:Hollie Overton

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  6. Shadowhunters Season 1 Episode 11 - Blood Calls To Blood
    8.0/10(2801 votes)

    S1:E11

    After receiving important intel about Valentine from a surprising ally, Clary, Jace and Luke devise a plan to rescue Jocelyn. With the mission looking almost impossible, the three will stop at nothing to rescue Clary’s mother and put a stop to Valentine once and for all. Meanwhile, Inquisitor Herondale arrives at the Institute for Isabelle’s trial as Alec turns to Magnus for help.

    Director:Mairzee Almas
    Writer:Marjorie David

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  7. Shadowhunters Season 1 Episode 8 - Bad Blood
    7.9/10(3070 votes)

    S1:E8

    With word of Alec, Jace and Isabelle’s “extracurricular activities” with Clary reaching The Clave, a convoy is sent to observe the Lightwoods running the New York Institute. Once The Clave representative arrives, it is very clear how much trouble the Lightwoods are in. Meanwhile, Clary is faced with a devastating decision.

    Director:Jeremiah S. Chechik
    Writer:Allison Rymer

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  8. Shadowhunters Season 1 Episode 13 - Morning Star
    7.9/10(2769 votes)

    S1:E13

    Jace, who is still reeling from everything that has happened, makes hunting down Valentine his number one priority even though he continues to wrestle with his conflicted feelings. In hopes of finding a way to stop Valentine before it is too late, Clary and Simon must find the key to unlocking Jocelyn's coma. But that key to unlocking Jocelyn’s spell may just undo the Downworlder peace treaty, Simon's relationship with Raphael, and the Vampire clan in the process. Meanwhile, Alec must deal with the aftermath of his decision and what his choice means for his future.

    Director:J. Miles Dale
    Writer:Peter Binswanger

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  9. Shadowhunters Season 1 Episode 4 - Raising Hell
    7.8/10(3745 votes)

    S1:E4

    After getting a clue about who may have wiped Clary's memories, the crew hunts down the High Warlock of Brooklyn, Magnus Bane. With all of the warlocks in hiding from Valentine, the team must lure Magnus out with something he can't refuse - a killer party and something very valuable. But with emotions running high, more may come out of their meeting with Magnus than just the retrieval of Clary's memories. Meanwhile, Simon doesn't seem to be himself after his recent Downworlder encounter.

    Director:Tawnia McKiernan
    Writer:Michael Reisz

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  10. Shadowhunters Season 1 Episode 5 - Moo Shu to Go
    7.8/10(3608 votes)

    S1:E5

    Tensions escalate between Alec and Clary as they don't see eye to eye on the best way to hunt down Valentine. But when Jace and Isabelle are sent on an intel mission to the Seelies by Maryse Lightwood, Alec is put in charge of keeping Clary safe, much to both of their chagrin. With his hard-as-nails mother back in town and Clary's rule-breaking tendencies, Alec finds himself struggling to stick to the Claves rules while keeping his promise to Jace. Meanwhile, the New York City Werewolf pack begins their hunt for Clary and The Mortal Cup.

    Director:Kelly Makin
    Writer:Angel Dean Lopez

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  11. Shadowhunters Season 1 Episode 3 - Dead Man's Party
    7.4/10(3773 votes)

    S1:E3

    With Simon being held captive at The Hotel DuMort, Clary pleads with Jace, Alec and Isabelle to help her rescue her best friend. As the team readies for the mission, Jace helps Clary learn more about her Shadowhunter powers, Isabelle turns to her favorite Seelie for Intel, and Alec begins to question Jace's motives and his place in their partnership. Meanwhile, a very scared Simon gets very up close and personal with Camille, the leader of the vampire clan.

    Director:Andy Wolk
    Writer:Marjorie David

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  12. Shadowhunters Season 1 Episode 2 - The Descent Into Hell Isn't Easy
    7.2/10(3964 votes)

    S1:E2

    With the knowledge that Valentine is alive and on the hunt for The Mortal Cup, the Institute is on high alert. Not wasting any time, Jace jumps into action and figures Clary’s memories are the key to finding Jocelyn and The Mortal Cup. Unfortunately, Clary’s memories were wiped leaving her without any recollection of this other life that could help her and the team. With only one other option remaining, Jace, Isabelle and a very reluctant Alec take Clary to the City of Bones to face the powerful Silent Brothers. Meanwhile, Luke continues his search for Clary, and Simon tries to come to terms with his best friend’s new life.

    Director:Mick Garris
    Writers:Hollie Overton, Ed Decter

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  13. Shadowhunters Season 1 Episode 1 - The Mortal Cup
    7.1/10(4617 votes)

    S1:E1

    One young woman realizes how dark the city can really be when she learns the truth about her past.

    Director:McG
    Writer:Ed Decter

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Season 1 Ratings Summary

"Malec" is the best rated episode of "Shadowhunters" season 1. It scored 8.7/10 based on 3597 votes. Directed by James Marshall and written by Michael Reisz, it aired on 3/29/2016. This episode is rated 0.6 points higher than the second-best, "Major Arcana".