With Buffy The Vampire Slayer‘s 25th anniversary here, Mama’s Geeky ranks the 10 best episodes of the iconic show starring Sarah Michelle Gellar.
Today, Buffy the Vampire Slayer celebrates its 25th anniversary. Even now, it is a cultural phenomenon. Premiering in 1997, the series ran for seven successful seasons and still holds a wide fan-base across the globe.
It’s one of those shows that viewers can’t help but revisit time and again. To help fans out with their next binge-watch, these 10 episodes are always worth the pain and joy.
Happy Buffy-versary!
Band Candy (3.06)
Ethan Rayne’s (Robin Sachs) return to the town causes chaos and reverts the adults into youthful incarnations of themselves – including Giles (Anthony Head).
Band Candy reminds people how hilarious the show can be. The ‘grown ups’ of Sunnydale – who are generally shoved aside from the mayhem – are given their much deserved time to shine. Seeing Giles go from a well-mannered, reserved librarian to a rebellious, punk-rocker is maybe the greatest thing Buffy the Vampire Slayer ever done.
The Prom (3.20)
Buffy’s (Sarah Michelle Gellar) chance at having a normal teenage experience is disrupted by a disgruntled student’s vicious experiment.
Buffy sacrifices a lot for her friends… A lot. She deserves at least one night of freedom. Instead, she spends most of her prom on slayer duty so that her classmates can have a great time. There’s a powerful poignancy rooted in The Prom when Buffy finally receives credit for her heroic actions; it’s the first time she is fully appreciated. This episode also marks a significant turning point with the Buffy/Angel (David Boreanaz) relationship, highlighting the bittersweet heartbreak of a first love.
The Gift (5.22)
In the battle against Glory (Clare Kramer), Buffy and the Scoobies work tirelessly to keep Dawn (Michelle Trachtenberg) safe but it comes at the ultimate sacrifice.
The Gift is admittedly not the strongest episode, but it works extremely well as a conclusion. Season 5 often feels lacklustre. The plot doesn’t quite hold the same level of drama and drifts into soap-opera territory. However, The Gift drives sentiment and emotion back into the series. The sight of Giles mercy killing Ben (Charlie Weber) is haunting down to Ben’s innocence while Buffy’s death brings the show full circle. It’s a fitting end to the series, serving as a reminder of what Buffy the Vampire Slayer has been about from the beginning.
Graduation Day Part 1 & 2 (3.22/23)
Graduation Day is upon Sunnydale and the Mayor (Harry Groener) is eager to ascend. Buffy rallies some unlikely allies as the seniors fight for their future.
This two-part finale is non-stop action. It marks the end of an era as the Buffy prepares for the transition into adulthood. The stakes have never been higher; Angel is on the brink of death, the Mayor plans on starting the end of days, Faith (Eliza Dushku) is running amok, and everyone is stressed about college. In some ways, Graduation Day can be considered as the turning point for Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The premise highlights that stage of life where moving on is inevitable – no matter how intimidating it can be.
Innocence (2.14)
Angel’s past comes back to bite him – and Buffy – when he finds a moment of true happiness.
Innocence is heartbreaking to watch every single time. Angel’s transformation from the sweet, broody, protective boyfriend into a malicious, cruel villain is almost as painful as Buffy’s anguish. Not only is Angelus a brutal killer, the psychological and emotional torture he inflicts on Buffy perfectly encapsulates the darker territory of the show. Boreanaz gives so much to his role that it’s near impossible to despise the character.
Who Are You (4.16)
Tensions between Buffy and Faith reach a boiling point when Faith threatens all that Buffy stands for.
Gellar and Dushku have impeccable chemistry, there’s no doubt about it. In this Freaky Friday-esque episode, the pair literally switch roles with Gellar portraying Faith and Dushku, Buffy. Both do an incredibly convincing job of impersonating the other, nailing traits and mannerisms right down to casual phrases. Technically a Faith-centric episode, the story delves deeper into her character and sets up a compelling redemption arc.
Passion (2.17)
The Scooby Gang are on high alert when Angelus sets out on a rampage. Jenny (Robia LaMorte) puts herself at risk after she uncovers a way to restore Angel’s soul.
This season 2 episode completely alters the show’s trajectory. Angelus continues down his path of destruction. There’s an intense shift in tone and narrative, marking the first death of a main character – excluding Buffy in season 1. Passion plays into horror with an fierce game of cat and mouse; adrenaline pumps during the hunt, managing to create a false sense of security before Angelus makes his final move. This episode signifies how truly evil the vampire can be. As he toys with his prey and taunts the gang, it becomes clear that Angelus must be stopped – a decision that will torment Buffy.
Becoming Part 2 (2.21)
The slayer learns what it truly means to be a hero. A bid to stop Angelus’ reaches a gut-wrenching conclusion.
Buffy carries the weight of the world on her shoulders. The burden of being the slayer comes to fruition in Becoming: Part 2 as Buffy’s relationships break down. To save the world, Buffy has to push her love for Angel aside and make a sacrifice. It’s every bit as traumatic as it is sad. The season 2 finale leaves no closure; Angel is transported to hell and Buffy seemingly leaves Sunnydale for good. Even after multiple viewings, Becoming: Part 2 still retains shock value.
Hush (4.10)
Sunnydale comes under attack when a disturbing fairytale comes to life.
Hush is a total nightmare. The Gentlemen are arguably one of TV’s most terrifying villains, let alone on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The episode is a fantastic example of merging contemporary horror with comedy and mystery, and is complete with a chilling score. There’s almost no dialogue (bar the opening and closing scenes) with the characters learning how to communicate without… communicating. The performances are outstanding; the dedication to each scene shines, bringing an iconic episode to life.
The Body (5.16)
Tragedy rocks the Scooby Gang as they are forced to face their greatest foe yet: mortality.
The Body depicts a harrowingly authentic approach to grief. This is a tough episode purely because of how well it handles Joyce’s (Kristine Sutherland) death and the other characters’ reactions – particularly Buffy’s denial and Anya’s (Emma Caulfield) confusion. Buffy completely shuts down in a way that hasn’t been seen before. She is vulnerable and, for the first time, truly alone. Joyce’s death also doesn’t come at the hand of any supernatural force, further implementing the fragility of life.
Buffy The Vampire Slayer can be streamed on Prime Video.
Jenna is a Film and Visual Culture graduate and freelance entertainment writer from Scotland. Her passion lies with TV and horror, where she will take any opportunity to geek out. Jenna spends her free time binging shows and looking to be spooked.