best episodes of Breaking Bad poster

Walter White, a New Mexico chemistry teacher, is diagnosed with Stage III cancer and given a prognosis of only two years left to live. He becomes filled with a sense of fearlessness and an unrelenting desire to secure his family's financial future at any cost as he enters the dangerous world of drugs and crime.

5 Seasons
62 Episodes
Ended
Drama Crime
episode image Ozymandias
10.0/10 (243460 votes)

#1 Ozymandias

S5:E14

Everyone copes with radically changed circumstances.

episode image Face Off
9.9/10 (83880 votes)

#2 Face Off

S4:E13

Walt and Jesse team up to take on Gus. With Saul's help, Walt finds an unexpected ally.

episode image Felina
9.9/10 (155268 votes)

#3 Felina

S5:E16

All bad things must come to an end.

episode image To'hajiilee
9.8/10 (62046 votes)

#4 To'hajiilee

S5:E13

Things heat up for Walt in unexpected ways.

episode image Full Measure
9.7/10 (42315 votes)

#5 Full Measure

S3:E13

With Jesse on the run and Mike in hot pursuit, Walt negotiates a bargain with Gus and concocts a disturbing plan to provide for his and Jesse's safety.

episode image Crawl Space
9.7/10 (46782 votes)

#6 Crawl Space

S4:E11

Walt takes drastic action to protect his secret and Gus. Skyler's efforts to solve Ted's financial problems hit a wall.

episode image Dead Freight
9.7/10 (45948 votes)

#7 Dead Freight

S5:E5

Walt's team gets creative to obtain the methylamine they need to continue their operation.

episode image Granite State
9.7/10 (60625 votes)

#8 Granite State

S5:E15

Events set in motion long ago move toward a conclusion.

episode image One Minute
9.6/10 (38109 votes)

#9 One Minute

S3:E7

Hank's increasing volatility forces a confrontation with Jesse and trouble at work. Skyler pressures Walt to make a deal. Gus' actions have severe consequences.

episode image Salud
9.6/10 (39577 votes)

#10 Salud

S4:E10

Walt's family worries when he doesn't turn up for Walter, Jr.'s 16th birthday. Jesse is forced to put his lab skills to the test without Mr. White's help.

episode image Say My Name
9.6/10 (42654 votes)

#11 Say My Name

S5:E7

Walt takes control of business matters; Mike deals with the consequences of his actions.

episode image Gliding Over All
9.6/10 (40546 votes)

#12 Gliding Over All

S5:E8

Walt takes care of loose ends; Walt makes a dangerous decision.

episode image Confessions
9.6/10 (41948 votes)

#13 Confessions

S5:E11

Jesse decides to make a change, while Walt and Skyler try to deal with an unexpected demand.

episode image Half Measures
9.5/10 (37317 votes)

#14 Half Measures

S3:E12

Against Walt's advice, Jesse lashes out. Fearing for Jesse's safety, Walt takes drastic action to intervene and tragic event leads to a shocking confrontation.

episode image End Times
9.5/10 (35708 votes)

#15 End Times

S4:E12

Hank pushes Gomez to pursue one last lead, while Walt struggles to protect the family. Jesse gets alarming news and rushes to meet with Mr. White.

episode image Blood Money
9.4/10 (38707 votes)

#16 Blood Money

S5:E9

As Walt and Jesse adjust to life out of the business, Hank grapples with a troubling lead.

episode image Crazy Handful of Nothin'
9.3/10 (39350 votes)

#17 Crazy Handful of Nothin'

S1:E6

The side effects of chemo begin to plague Walt. Meanwhile, the DEA rounds up suspected dealers.

episode image Grilled
9.3/10 (35554 votes)

#18 Grilled

S2:E2

Walt and Jesse find themselves in close quarters with an unhinged Tuco. Marie and Hank comfort Skyler, who is distraught over Walt’s disappearance. Hank pays a visit to Mrs. Pinkman on some not-so-official business.

episode image Phoenix
9.3/10 (33201 votes)

#19 Phoenix

S2:E12

As Walt explores money laundering options, he and Jesse spar over the profits from their latest deal. Jesse and Jane clash with her father. Walt makes a fatal decision.

episode image Sunset
9.3/10 (31068 votes)

#20 Sunset

S3:E6

Walt settles into his new surroundings; Walt, Jr. wants answers about his parents' relationship; Hank's investigation causes problems for Walt and Jesse.

episode image Hermanos
9.3/10 (31414 votes)

#21 Hermanos

S4:E8

Skyler develops an unusual solution to her money troubles. Hank enlists Walt to investigate a theory. Walt’s impatience with Jesse grows.

episode image Better Call Saul
9.2/10 (34866 votes)

#22 Better Call Saul

S2:E8

Walt and Jesse seek advice from a shady attorney when Badger gets in trouble with the law; the DEA believes they have caught up with "Heisenberg" ; Hank returns.

episode image 4 Days Out
9.2/10 (33049 votes)

#23 4 Days Out

S2:E9

Walt and his family wait for news after he undergoes a PET-CT scan. Walt follows Saul's advice; Jesse's relationship with Jane is put on hold when he and Walt head to the desert for a marathon of cooking.

episode image ABQ
9.2/10 (32473 votes)

#24 ABQ

S2:E13

Skyler confronts Walt about his secrecy; Jesse falls apart; and Jane's grief-stricken father takes action that results in further tragedy.

episode image Box Cutter
9.2/10 (33294 votes)

#25 Box Cutter

S4:E1

Walt and Jesse face the deadly consequences of their actions. Skyler deals with a puzzling disappearance, as Marie struggles to help Hank with his recovery.

episode image Live Free or Die
9.2/10 (36731 votes)

#26 Live Free or Die

S5:E1

As Walt deals with the aftermath of the Casa Tranquila explosion, Hank works to wrap up his investigation of Gus' empire.

episode image Buried
9.2/10 (34752 votes)

#27 Buried

S5:E10

While Skyler's past catches up with her, Walt covers his tracks. Jesse continues to struggle with his guilt.

episode image Rabid Dog
9.1/10 (36391 votes)

#28 Rabid Dog

S5:E12

An unusual strategy starts to bear fruit, while plans are set in motion that could change everything.

episode image Pilot
9.0/10 (50398 votes)

#29 Pilot

S1:E1

When an unassuming high school chemistry teacher discovers he has a rare form of lung cancer, he decides to team up with a former student and create a top of the line crystal meth in a used RV, to provide for his family once he is gone.

episode image Buyout
9.0/10 (32452 votes)

#30 Buyout

S5:E6

Walt, Jesse, and Mike struggle over the future of their business, as occupational hazards weigh on Jesse.

episode image Mandala
8.9/10 (29488 votes)

#31 Mandala

S2:E11

As the end of her pregnancy finds Skyler conflicted about her feelings, a dealer's death forces Walt to look for somewhere to unload a load of meth.

episode image Bug
8.9/10 (28487 votes)

#32 Bug

S4:E9

Skyler's past mistakes come back to haunt her. Gus takes action to thwart his rivals. Jesse seeks Walt's help, with mixed results.

episode image A No Rough Stuff Type Deal
8.8/10 (34179 votes)

#33 A No Rough Stuff Type Deal

S1:E7

Walter accepts his new identity as a drug dealer after a PTA meeting. Elsewhere, Jesse decides to put his aunt's house on the market and Skyler is the recipient of a baby shower.

episode image Peekaboo
8.8/10 (31834 votes)

#34 Peekaboo

S2:E6

Walt's secret is in jeopardy when Skyler thanks Gretchen for paying for his treatment.

episode image Problem Dog
8.8/10 (27907 votes)

#35 Problem Dog

S4:E7

A frustrated Walt gambles on a risky new plan. Skyler's business venture hits a snag. Hank recruits Walter, Jr. for an unusual outing.

episode image Madrigal
8.8/10 (32159 votes)

#36 Madrigal

S5:E2

Walt and Jesse pursue an unlikely business partner. The DEA filters through various leads in hopes of finding something.

episode image Hazard Pay
8.8/10 (31541 votes)

#37 Hazard Pay

S5:E3

Walt and Jesse formulate a new business plan. Walt shares a secret with Marie.

episode image Fifty-One
8.8/10 (31767 votes)

#38 Fifty-One

S5:E4

Walt celebrates another birthday. Skyler contemplates her options, and an associate puts a crimp in Walt and Jesse's business strategy.

episode image ...And the Bag's in the River
8.7/10 (35357 votes)

#39 ...And the Bag's in the River

S1:E3

Walter fights with Jesse over his drug use, causing him to leave Walter alone with their captive, Krazy-8. Meanwhile, Hank has a scared straight moment with Walter Jr. after his aunt discovers he has been smoking pot. Also, Skylar is upset when Walter stays away from home.

episode image I See You
8.7/10 (27462 votes)

#40 I See You

S3:E8

The family waits for news about Hank. While Jesse covers at the lab, Walt attempts to placate Gus. After witnessing a disturbing outburst, Walt worries he and his family are in danger.

Cast & Chracters

character image Walter White

Walter White

Actor: Bryan Cranston

Walter Hartwell White Sr., also known by his alias 'Heisenberg,' is the central character of the American television series Breaking Bad. Portrayed by Bryan Cranston, Walter is a high school chemistry teacher in Albuquerque, New Mexico, who turns to manufacturing and selling methamphetamine after being diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. His initial goal is to secure his family's financial future, but as the series progresses, Walter becomes increasingly involved in the criminal underworld, leading to profound personal and moral transformations. He is married to Skyler White and has two children: Walter White Jr. and Holly White. Walter's complex character arc and Cranston's performance have been widely acclaimed, with the character often cited as one of television's greatest antiheroes.

character image Jesse Pinkman

Jesse Pinkman

Actor: Aaron Paul

Jesse Bruce Pinkman, portrayed by Aaron Paul, is a former student of Walter White and becomes his partner in the methamphetamine production business. Initially introduced as a small-time meth manufacturer and user, Jesse's character undergoes significant development throughout the series. He struggles with the moral implications of his actions, addiction, and personal relationships. Despite his criminal activities, Jesse exhibits a deep sense of loyalty and a desire for redemption. His dynamic with Walter White forms the emotional core of the series, highlighting themes of mentorship, manipulation, and the consequences of choices.

character image Skyler White

Skyler White

Actor: Anna Gunn

Skyler White, portrayed by Anna Gunn, is the wife of Walter White and mother to their children, Walter White Jr. and Holly White. Initially depicted as a supportive spouse, Skyler becomes increasingly suspicious and eventually aware of Walter's illicit activities. She grapples with the moral and legal ramifications of her husband's actions, leading her to make complex decisions to protect her family. Skyler's character explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the lengths one will go to preserve family unity. Anna Gunn's portrayal earned her critical acclaim, including two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.

character image Walter White Jr.

Walter White Jr.

Actor: RJ Mitte

Walter White Jr., also known as Flynn, is the teenage son of Walter and Skyler White. Portrayed by RJ Mitte, Walter Jr. has cerebral palsy, which affects his speech and motor control. Throughout the series, he remains largely unaware of his father's criminal activities, embodying the innocence and moral compass within the White family. His character highlights the impact of Walter's decisions on his family and serves as a poignant reminder of the life Walter initially sought to protect.

character image Hank Schrader

Hank Schrader

Actor: Dean Norris

Henry R. 'Hank' Schrader, portrayed by Dean Norris, is a dedicated and tenacious DEA agent and the brother-in-law of Walter White. Known for his boisterous personality and commitment to his job, Hank becomes deeply involved in the investigation of the methamphetamine trade in Albuquerque. Unbeknownst to him, his brother-in-law Walter is the elusive drug kingpin he is pursuing. Hank's character arc delves into themes of justice, family loyalty, and the personal costs of his profession. His pursuit of 'Heisenberg' adds significant tension and complexity to the series.

character image Marie Schrader

Marie Schrader

Actor: Betsy Brandt

Marie Schrader, portrayed by Betsy Brandt, is the wife of Hank Schrader and sister to Skyler White. Characterized by her outspoken nature and penchant for the color purple, Marie works as a radiologic technologist. Throughout the series, she exhibits compulsive shoplifting behavior, which strains her relationships. Marie's character provides insight into the personal struggles and coping mechanisms of those connected to the central narrative, adding depth to the show's exploration of family dynamics and personal flaws.

character image Saul Goodman

Saul Goodman

Actor: Bob Odenkirk

James Morgan 'Jimmy' McGill, better known by his professional alias 'Saul Goodman,' is a flamboyant and unscrupulous lawyer portrayed by Bob Odenkirk. Operating out of Albuquerque, Saul becomes the legal counsel for Walter White and Jesse Pinkman, facilitating their criminal enterprises with his extensive network and legal maneuvering. Known for his colorful advertisements and catchphrase 'Better Call Saul,' he embodies the morally ambiguous lawyer archetype. Saul's character was further explored in the prequel series Better Call Saul, which delves into his transformation from Jimmy McGill to Saul Goodman.

character image Mike Ehrmantraut

Mike Ehrmantraut

Actor: Jonathan Banks

Mike Ehrmantraut, portrayed by Jonathan Banks, is a former Philadelphia police officer who works as a private investigator, head of security, cleaner, and hitman. He becomes involved with Saul Goodman and later serves as an enforcer for Gustavo Fring's drug operation. Known for his calm demeanor, resourcefulness, and lethal efficiency, Mike is a complex character who adheres to a personal code of ethics, despite his criminal activities. His backstory and motivations are further explored in the prequel series Better Call Saul, providing depth to his character and his eventual involvement with Walter White.

The highest rated episode of Breaking Bad is "Ozymandias" (S5E14) with a rating of 10.00.

This episode received 243,460 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Fly" (S3E10) with a rating of 7.90.

This episode received 51,586 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Crazy Handful of Nothin'" (S1E6) with a rating of 9.30.

This episode received 39,350 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Cancer Man" (S1E4) with a rating of 8.20.

This episode received 34,005 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Grilled" (S2E2) with a rating of 9.30.

This episode received 35,554 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Down" (S2E4) with a rating of 8.20.

This episode received 29,798 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Full Measure" (S3E13) with a rating of 9.70.

This episode received 42,315 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Fly" (S3E10) with a rating of 7.90.

This episode received 51,586 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Face Off" (S4E13) with a rating of 9.90.

This episode received 83,880 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Open House" (S4E3) with a rating of 8.00.

This episode received 28,073 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Ozymandias" (S5E14) with a rating of 10.00.

This episode received 243,460 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Madrigal" (S5E2) with a rating of 8.80.

This episode received 32,159 votes.

Name Department Job
Bjarne Sletteland Art Art Direction
Mark S. Freeborn Art Production Design
Jennifer Bryan Costume & Make-Up Costume Design
Al Goto Crew Stunt Coordinator
Richard Berry Crew Thanks
Andrew Ortner Production Associate Producer
Bryan Cranston Production Producer
Christian Diaz de Bedoya Production Location Manager
Diane Mercer Production Producer
George Mastras Production Co-Executive Producer
Mark Johnson Production Executive Producer
Melissa Bernstein Production Co-Executive Producer
Michelle MacLaren Production Executive Producer
Moira Walley-Beckett Production Supervising Producer
Peter Gould Production Co-Executive Producer
Russell Scott Production Casting Associate
Sam Catlin Production Co-Executive Producer
Sharon Bialy Production Casting
Sherry Thomas Production Casting
Stewart Lyons Production Producer
Thomas Schnauz Production Co-Executive Producer
Vince Gilligan Production Executive Producer
Dave Porter Sound Original Music Composer
Kurt Nicholas Forshager Sound Supervising Sound Editor
Thomas Golubić Sound Music Supervisor

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