Top 5 Episodes of Homeland, ranked by IMDb ratings

Homeland (2011– 2020) is one of the most aggressively smart spy dramas created in this decade, blending the intricacies of high-level geopolitical espionage with deeply personal journeys of its characters. It was praised for its intricate plotting, emotional depth, and the performances of its cast, particularly Danes as CIA officer Carrie Mathison throughout its eight seasons.

There are a few episodes in particular that fans will remember not just for dramatic beats, but for emotional payoff, terrifying narrative turns, and moments that redefine what we thought we knew about its characters. These episodes are among the highest rated on IMDb, and here is the complete list.

Here are the Top 5 Episodes of Homeland, ranked by IMDB ratings

There’s Something Else Going On (S4, E9) - IMDb 9.5/10

This Season 4 turning point places Carrie and the CIA in a heart-stopping prisoner swap situation, where negotiations to release Saul take disturbing detours as covert alliances and treachery are revealed. Carrie becomes suspicious that there is a lot more going on than what the CIA leaders think, and her anxieties begin to come true in disastrous fashion.

The episode is generally acclaimed because it offers nonstop suspense and tense plotting, while also continuing the diplomatic intrigue and the emotional stakes involved.

Prisoners of War (S8, E12) - IMDb 9.4/10

This episode is the series's finale, and it completes Homeland with a full-circle, emotionally charged, morally ambiguous ending. Carrie takes a desperate risk with Saul’s Russian asset that dictates the tone of the finale. The consequences send her into exile while saving the life of her mentor.

The episode is liked by the viewers because of its fulfilling emotional resolution that respects the complexity of Carrie and Saul’s relationship.

13 Hours in Islamabad (S4, E10) - IMDb 9.3/10

Following immediately after “There’s Something Else Going On,” this episode immediately follows Carrie, Saul, and their team into chaos when a terrorist ambush leaves them in danger. With Taliban fighters advancing farther and farther into the US Embassy, characters make split-second decisions about survival, fear, and hope. To stay loyal is even more difficult as the adversities approach. This tension and the thrilling action that follows are what make the show one of the best of the entire series.

Top 5 Episodes of Homeland, ranked by IMDB ratings (Image via Showtime)

The Star (S3, E12) - IMDb 9.3/10

This emotionally charged season finale of Homeland deals with the repercussions of Brody’s actions and the consequences of diplomatic and personal decisions. When Brody kills an Iranian official and turns to Carrie for aid, the scheme to bring him home falls apart in a catastrophic outcome that changes her life and future. The episode combines political intrigue with dignified personal drama and is well-known for being willing to take extreme narrative corners, which reason why this episode hits the audience the right way.

Marine One (S1, E12) - IMDb 9/10

This first-season finale of Homeland has the long-simmering tension about Nicholas Brody’s objectives coming to a head. CIA analyst Carrie at last confirms not only her instincts and personal stakes involved. Being the finale, the show comes with a major reveal in this one, and this also helped define Homeland in the very early stages.