10 Best episodes from The Last of Us that fans can’t get over

HBO’s The Last of Us has produced some of the strongest and most memorable episodes ever aired on television. The series has captivated a global audience with its gripping stories, emotional depth, and intense action. Each episode features a unique subject, such as love, fear, heartbreak, or survival.

These episodes convey a sense of loss and disaster caused by a sick Earth. Below is a list of the top ten episodes of The Last of Us that viewers will never forget.

Disclaimer: This article is based solely on the writer's opinion. Reader discretion is advised.

---

Here is the list of the 10 Best episodes from The Last of Us that fans can’t get over:

10. Feel Her Love (S2 E5)

The episode Feel Her Love from The Last of Us follows Ellie and Dina through the depths of Seattle in search of Nora to find out where Abby is. Fans of the series watch as the World Liberation Front (WLF) discovers that Cordyceps spores are airborne. Ellie and Dina are forced to fight not only the infected but also cult members before being rescued by Tommy and Jesse. Meanwhile, the WLF faces a tough decision when it comes to isolating their son, who leads a group affected by a dangerous outbreak. This situation presents a deep emotional challenge for them.

Ranked tenth, ‘Feel Her Love’ blends horror, action, and romantic tension with emotional intensity. It raises the stakes with the airborne infection, twisting and highlighting the clash of love and revenge. The spore scene stands out as one of the series’ highlights and has been praised by critics as a remarkable showcase with some unmissable visuals.

---

9. Through the Valley (S2 E2)

Through the Valley creates a shocking effect on viewers as they watch Abby brutally kill Joel in a long scene. Meanwhile, Tommy defends the community from a widespread virus, while Ellie and Dina reunite following the Jackson attack. It also makes sense because Abby is motivated to exact revenge on Joel, the Firefly doctor who killed her father.

Through the Valley is one of the show’s most emotionally touching episodes. It features massive zombie crowds, tragic dream sequences, and outstanding performances by Bella Ramsey, Pedro Pascal, and Kaitlyn Dever. Joel’s death alters the tone of the entire series, which deals with grief, vengeance, and the cost of violence. This episode is ranked ninth because it is one of the most impactful, taking bold narrative risks and leaving lasting character journeys.

---

8. Left Behind (S1 E7)

Ellie’s life before meeting Joel is the subject of an emotional flashback in this episode. Viewers also see how Ellie, stuck in a broken mall with her friend Riley, finds solace in routine activities like dancing, games, and rides—strengthening their bond. When the hungry zombies come after them, they are at risk of losing their lives, and Riley shocks Ellie by revealing she has already been bitten. Riley suggests they will stay together even after she dies. Riley passes away as they cling to each other, but Ellie survives, indicating resistance.

This scene from the episode Left Behind is one of the most touching moments in The Last of Us due to its heartbreaking plot. The great acting by Bella Ramsey and Storm Reid, along with the simple yet powerful rhythm of the sequence, adds to its emotional impact. The loss of innocence, the reality of first love, and the quiet suffering of children in real life are all explored in this episode.

---

7. Kin (S1 E6)

In Kin, Joel and Ellie find safety in Jackson, Wyoming, where they encounter Tommy and Maria. They enjoy warmth, food, and a good life. Ellie learns more about Joel’s past, and Joel openly shares information about his deceased daughter. However, Jackson is also in danger and warns them not to head west. Despite being comforted and safe, they choose to continue toward the Fireflies. They are ambushed as they leave, and Joel is badly wounded in the snow.

This episode of The Last of Us explores themes of family and healing. Fans love it for the emotional outbursts—particularly from Pascal and Ramsey—and the way moments of light and comfort are followed by a violent act. It has been praised for character development and for giving the audience a sense of hope before tragedy strikes.

---

6. Infected (S1 E2)

In The Last of Us episode “Infected,” Joel, Tess, and Ellie are taken into a wrecked Boston that has been overrun by a fungus called “clickers.” They break into a museum at night, where they are ambushed in a horror scene. Ellie is bitten but turns out to be immune. Tess opposes the team’s goal before sacrificing herself in a magnificent explosion to save Joel and Ellie.

This powerful scene highlights Ellie’s importance and the threat the world faces in The Last of Us. Anna Torv’s portrayal of the strong-willed Tess also received praise from critics, and the prosthetic design won Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup at the 2023 Creative Arts Emmy Awards. Critics and viewers have declared it among the finest episodes in terms of combining horror, suspense, and heartwarming sacrifice.

---

5. Look for the Light (S1 E9)

Season 1 in Salt Lake City concludes with the episode “Look for the Light.” The episode opens with a flashback to Ellie’s birth, when Anna, her mother, is fighting an infection and asks Marlene to take care of her. In the present, Joel and Ellie arrive at the Firefly hospital. Ellie discovers that she is the cure, and the procedure will take her life. Joel battles the Fireflies to save Ellie. They return to Jackson after he lies to her about the mission’s success.

This episode is praised for its powerful performances and striking visuals. Fans applaud its blend of heartache, ethics, and the evolving bond between Ellie and Joel, making it one of the best season finales of The Last of Us.

---

4. When You're Lost in the Darkness (S1 E1)

The pilot episode of The Last of Us begins with a fungal plague. In chaos, Joel and his daughter Sarah are racing against it as civilization falls to its knees. In the year 2038, an adult Joel, accompanied by his partner Tess, escorts Ellie across a militarized quarantine zone. It introduces the world’s threat and contamination while also establishing Ellie’s immunity. The father-daughter relationship and tragedy hit hard.

Audiences praised it for its heartbreaking content, vivid visual design, and outstanding performances by Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, Nico Parker, and Anna Torv. The premiere is considered one of the best episodes of The Last of Us because it sets the tone for the entire series and pulls viewers into the tension and sadness.

---

3. Long, Long Time (S1 E3)

This episode features Bill and Frank at a post-apocalyptic bunker outside of Boston. Bill is living alone until Frank comes to him, hungry and lonely. They create a life over decades, sharing meals, cultivating strawberries, playing music, and falling in love. Their friendship becomes strong and deeply meaningful to Bill. Years later, although they are both ill, they decide to die together. Meanwhile, Joel and Ellie learn from the life Bill built.

This episode of The Last of Us was adored by viewers due to the triumphant nature of love in a damaged society. It stands out as a beautiful, deeply human story filled with emotional fulfillment, outstanding performances, a heartfelt plot, and a personal touch.

---

2. When We Are in Need (S1 E8)

In Season 1, Episode 8 of The Last of Us, viewers witness Ellie go out of her way to get medicine for Joel. She encounters David and his group, trading food for penicillin. Soon, Ellie discovers they are cannibals with violent intentions. David tries to manipulate her into submission, but she refuses. Joel arrives just in time to rescue her, leading to a night full of brutality.

Bella Ramsey’s powerful, emotive performance and the episode’s excellent cinematography are major reasons for its acclaim. Fans and critics highlight how it captures Ellie’s trauma and strength. This episode is among the best for its intense anxiety, emotional depth, and Ellie’s fierce commitment to protecting Joel.

---

1. Endure and Survive (S1 E5)

In The Last of Us Season 1, Episode 5, Joel and Ellie team up with brothers Henry and Sam to flee bandits in Kansas City. They face a terrifying bloater, a massive infected mutant. As the story unfolds, the group fights Kathleen’s forces in the dark. Although they survive, Sam is bitten, which leads to a heartbreaking turn. Henry, unable to cope with the loss, takes his own life. Joel and Ellie leave the city in silence.

The episode is celebrated for its tense action, emotional impact, and devastating conclusion. Viewers praise the writing, direction, and deeply affecting narrative. Many consider it the best episode of The Last of Us for its portrayal of pain, sacrifice, and the steep cost of survival. For these reasons, Endure and Survive ranks at the top among the best episodes of the series.

---

Ultimately, The Last of Us stands out for its emotional storytelling, stunning visuals, and raw human drama. They reveal strong human connections and the cruel choices people are forced to make. Each episode adds a unique flavor to the series. These episodes had heart—and it’s not just the action that viewers remembered.