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The Best Episodes of The Last of Us

Every episode of The Last of Us ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of The Last of Us!

Binge this in 15h 15m•Peaking at 9.4/10

Twenty years after modern civilization has been destroyed, Joel, a hardened survivor, is hired to smuggle Ellie, a 14-year-old girl, out of an oppressive quarantine zone. What starts as a small job soon becomes a

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    The Last of Us Season 1 Episode 5 - Endure and Survive
    9.4/10(89063 votes)

    #1 - Endure and Survive

    S1:E5

    On the streets of a newly free Kansas City, Henry fights to protect his brother Sam from rebel soldiers who will stop at nothing to appease their ruthless leader. As her manhunt continues, Kathleen doubles down on her quest for revenge, while Ellie forms a meaningful friendship.

    Director:Jeremy Webb
    Writer:Craig Mazin

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  2. The Last of Us Season 1 Episode 8 - When We Are in Need
    9.2/10(67875 votes)

    #2 - When We Are in Need

    S1:E8

    After crossing paths with a vengeful group of survivors, Ellie's fighting spirit draws unwanted attention from its leader. Still battling for his life, a weakened Joel faces off with a hunting party out for blood.

    Director:Ali Abbasi
    Writer:Craig Mazin

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  3. The Last of Us Season 1 Episode 1 - When You're Lost in the Darkness
    9.1/10(123034 votes)

    #3 - When You're Lost in the Darkness

    S1:E1

    2003. As a parasitic fungal outbreak begins to ravage the country and the world, Joel Miller attempts to escape the escalating chaos with his daughter and brother. Twenty years later, a now hardened Joel and his partner Tess fight to survive under a totalitarian regime, while the insurgent Fireflies harbor a teenage girl with a unique gift.

    Director:Craig Mazin
    Writers:Neil Druckmann, Craig Mazin

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  4. The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 2 - Through the Valley
    9.1/10(61012 votes)

    #4 - Through the Valley

    S2:E2

    As a storm brews in the mountains, the people of Jackson Hole prepare for the worst amid increased sightings of Infected. Meanwhile, Abby weighs her options.

    Director:Mark Mylod
    Writer:Craig Mazin

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  5. The Last of Us Season 1 Episode 2 - Infected
    9.0/10(111126 votes)

    #5 - Infected

    S1:E2

    In 2003, an Indonesian scientist makes a devastating discovery. In 2023, now outside of the quarantine zone, Joel and Tess clash over Ellie's fate as they navigate a long-abandoned Boston overrun with Infected.

    Director:Neil Druckmann
    Writer:Craig Mazin

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  6. The Last of Us Season 1 Episode 9 - Look for the Light
    8.9/10(55379 votes)

    #6 - Look for the Light

    S1:E9

    After being pursued by Infected, a pregnant Anna places her trust in a lifelong friend. Years later, Ellie is forced to grapple with the emotional toll of her journey, while Joel faces a devastating decision of his own.

    Director:Ali Abbasi
    Writers:Neil Druckmann, Craig Mazin

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    The 20 WORST Episodes of The Last of Us

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  7. The Last of Us Season 1 Episode 6 - Kin
    8.7/10(65881 votes)

    #7 - Kin

    S1:E6

    After months of traveling, Joel and Ellie receive a grave warning about what lies ahead. Later, Ellie learns more about Joel's past – while Joel tries his best to forget.

    Director:Jasmila Žbanić
    Writer:Craig Mazin

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  8. The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 6 - The Price
    8.4/10(30895 votes)

    #8 - The Price

    S2:E6

    Joel surprises Ellie for her birthday. Years later, Ellie prepares to confront Joel about her past.

    Director:Neil Druckmann
    Writers:Neil Druckmann, Craig Mazin, Halley Wegryn Gross

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  9. The Last of Us Season 1 Episode 4 - Please Hold to My Hand
    8.3/10(77216 votes)

    #9 - Please Hold to My Hand

    S1:E4

    After a harrowing trek across a desolate United States, Joel and Ellie find themselves navigating a dangerous Kansas City on foot. Later, rebel leader Kathleen instigates a manhunt – one that pits her violent civilian militia against the world's best hope.

    Director:Jeremy Webb
    Writer:Craig Mazin

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  10. The Last of Us Season 1 Episode 3 - Long, Long Time
    8.1/10(240220 votes)

    #10 - Long, Long Time

    S1:E3

    Doomsday prepper Bill prepares to ride out the apocalypse alone...until a mysterious stranger upends his plans. Years later, Joel and Ellie seek Bill's guidance – and find themselves at a crossroads.

    Director:Peter Hoar
    Writer:Craig Mazin

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  11. The Last of Us Season 1 Episode 7 - Left Behind
    7.3/10(77476 votes)

    #11 - Left Behind

    S1:E7

    As Joel fights to survive, Ellie’s struggle to save him stirs memories of her life in a FEDRA orphanage. Weeks before meeting Joel, Ellie recalls joining her best friend Riley for a night to remember… one that will change the course of both of their lives – and the fate of the world – forever.

    Director:Liza Johnson
    Writer:Neil Druckmann

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  12. The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 1 - Future Days
    7.2/10(42036 votes)

    #12 - Future Days

    S2:E1

    Five years after the events in Salt Lake City, a now 19-year-old Ellie makes a discovery while on patrol with her best friend Dina. Back in Jackson Hole, Joel seeks help to mend his relationship with Ellie.

    Director:Craig Mazin
    Writer:Craig Mazin

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  13. The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 5 - Feel Her Love
    7.1/10(28593 votes)

    #13 - Feel Her Love

    S2:E5

    The WLF makes a dangerous discovery... at a great cost. Later, Ellie must decide whether to continue with her plan – and risk putting Dina in danger – or give up on her quest for justice.

    Director:Stephen Williams
    Writer:Craig Mazin

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  14. The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 3 - The Path
    6.7/10(32566 votes)

    #14 - The Path

    S2:E3

    After Dina shares crucial information, Ellie prepares to petition the town council, even while she struggles with her deep emotional scars. On the outskirts of Seattle, a religious sect attempts to flee a war – raising questions on what lies ahead.

    Director:Peter Hoar
    Writer:Craig Mazin

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  15. The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 7 - Convergence
    6.2/10(25172 votes)

    #15 - Convergence

    S2:E7

    As the Wolves and the Scars prepare for a battle that could potentially end their longstanding feud, Ellie's search draws her away from her friends and toward a devastating confrontation.

    Director:Nina Lopez-Corrado
    Writers:Neil Druckmann, Craig Mazin, Halley Wegryn Gross

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  16. The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 4 - Day One
    6.1/10(39828 votes)

    #16 - Day One

    S2:E4

    In 2018, Seattle FEDRA confronts an unexpected foe. Ten years later, Ellie and Dina find themselves in the middle of a bloody battle between the zealous Seraphites and a ruthless militia.

    Director:Kate Herron
    Writer:Craig Mazin

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Best Episodes Summary

"Endure and Survive" is the best rated episode of "The Last of Us". It scored 9.4/10 based on 89063 votes. Directed by Jeremy Webb and written by Craig Mazin, it aired on 2/12/2023. This episode scored 0.2 points higher than the second highest rated, "When We Are in Need".