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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(90671 votes)

    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(69364 votes)

    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(124733 votes)

    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:Craig Mazin, Neil Druckmann

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  4. The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 2 - Through the Valley
    9.1/10(63084 votes)

    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(112676 votes)

    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(56865 votes)

    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:Craig Mazin, Neil Druckmann

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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(67246 votes)

    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(32617 votes)

    S2:E6

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

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

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  9. The Last of Us Season 1 Episode 4 - Please Hold to My Hand
    8.3/10(78606 votes)

    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(242655 votes)

    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(78927 votes)

    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(43793 votes)

    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(30120 votes)

    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(34198 votes)

    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(27026 votes)

    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:Craig Mazin, Neil Druckmann, Halley Wegryn Gross

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  16. The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 4 - Day One
    6.1/10(41553 votes)

    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 90671 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".