Supernatural’s Best Monster-of-the-Week Episodes, Ranked by Season

The show’s strongest episodes are generally found within its first five seasons, which are widely considered its peak. Even though the series has ended, fans are buzzing about a possible revival and debating how the story could continue. While the main plotlines are important, most viewers cherish the standalone episodes featuring unique creatures and challenges. These ‘monster-of-the-week‘ installments are what truly make the show special.

The early seasons of Supernatural established its captivating blend of horror and fantasy, which is a big part of why the show became so popular. While every season featured self-contained adventures, the first few seasons relied more heavily on standalone monster stories than later ones. Consistently, one monster-focused episode stood out as a fan and critic favorite each season.

Scarecrow Is A Creepy Rural Tradition

In Season 1, Episode 11, titled “Scarecrow,” Dean investigates a case where a couple is going to be sacrificed to a god to ensure a good harvest. Dean and a local woman are captured and almost become sacrifices themselves, but Sam arrives just in the nick of time to rescue them and stop the creepy ritual that’s been happening in the town.

The first season has several excellent standalone episodes, but “Scarecrow” really stands out as a truly scary one. It feels like a fun, classic paranormal horror movie, and that unsettling, creepy vibe is what fans loved about it.

Roadkill Is A Surprisingly Heartbreaking Story

In Season 2, Episode 16, “Roadkill,” Sam and Dean investigate a haunting involving Molly, a ghost troubled by a malicious spirit who died in the same car accident as her. Molly doesn’t realize she’s dead, and the brothers must both stop the vengeful spirit and help Molly find peace.

While often forgotten, the episode “Roadkill” is a strong example of the show’s standalone monster stories. Despite featuring a frightening and angry ghost, the episode truly stands out because of Molly’s sad story, which adds surprising depth and emotional weight to the plot.

The Best Supernatural Holiday Special Is A Very Supernatural Christmas

In Season 3, Episode 8, “A Very Supernatural Christmas,” people with specific wreaths on their doors are being attacked by someone entering through their chimneys. Sam and Dean discover the attacks are being carried out by two ancient pagan gods who are upset that no one willingly worships or sacrifices to them anymore, and they’ve begun targeting people around the time of the Winter Solstice.

This Supernatural Christmas special is a fan favorite because it shows a glimpse into Sam and Dean’s tough childhoods, particularly how hard the holidays were when their father was on hunts. Viewers also love it for its dark and funny moments, which really capture the show’s unique comedic style.

Yellow Fever Is A Praised Fan-Favorite Episode

In Season 4’s “Yellow Fever,” people are suddenly dying of heart attacks after being gripped by intense fear. The Winchesters discover, with help from Bobby Singer, that these deaths are caused by a supernatural illness, and Dean himself quickly falls victim to it, making the investigation a race against time.

This episode is great because it’s consistently funny, but it’s also notable for making the audience feel sorry for the ghost rather than the people being haunted. “Yellow Fever” is famous for showing Dean acting very differently than usual – he runs from fights and is even scared of everyday things like heights and small dogs.

Sam, Interrupted Is Equally Creepy And Funny

In the Season 5 episode “Sam, Interrupted,” the Winchester brothers investigate strange deaths at a mental health facility. A friend asks for their help, and to get inside, they pretend to be patients themselves. They soon discover a wraith is responsible – a creature that feeds on people’s brains and is preying on the hospital’s vulnerable patients.

This episode focuses on a time when a character is grappling with the consequences of his choices, which unexpectedly leads to Lucifer escaping from Hell – a surprisingly welcome break from the show’s heavier plotlines. It’s a typically funny, self-contained story featuring a new, unsettling creature that adds to the rich history of Supernatural.

The World of Conspiracy is Explored in Clap Your Hands If You Believe

In “Clap Your Hands if You Believe,” Sam and Dean investigate after Dean is mysteriously taken by something linked to strange crop circles, attracting the interest of UFO buffs and conspiracy theorists. When Dean returns with a bizarre experience, they discover the real culprits aren’t aliens, but fairies.

“Clap Your Hands If You Believe” offers a lighthearted escape from the show’s often serious storylines, cleverly using the cold and uncaring nature of Soulless Sam for comedic effect. This episode is particularly memorable for its witty dialogue and quotable lines, especially as Sam and Dean face off against surprisingly strong, small-sized monsters.

Party On, Garth Is One of the Most Ridiculous Ghost Cases

In Season 7’s “Party On, Garth,” the Winchester brothers team up with a beloved but quirky hunter named Garth to investigate a ghostly mystery. The case involves a Shojo – a Japanese spirit that can only be seen when someone is drunk.

Garth is a highly regarded character, and that’s a big reason why the ‘Party On, Garth’ episode is so popular with fans. While the ghost in this story is genuinely spooky and unique for the series, it’s the funny scenes of Garth and the Winchesters getting drunk while trying to defeat it that everyone remembers.

LARP and the Real Girl Appeals To the Die-Hard Fantasy Fans

In the “LARP and the Real Girl” episode, Sam and Dean reconnect with Charlie, a tech-savvy friend, while investigating the deaths of people who play live-action role-playing games. They discover that a player, motivated by jealousy, has somehow controlled a fairy and is making her cause harm.

While fans enjoy all episodes of Supernatural, “LARP and the Real Girl” is particularly popular because it centers on people who are passionate about fantasy and the communities they build around it. The episode doesn’t make fun of activities like LARPing; instead, it playfully challenges common stereotypes and shows how exciting the hobby can be.

Dog Dean Afternoon Is A Fun Adventure

In the Season 9 episode “Dog Dean Afternoon,” Sam and Dean investigate the violent death of a taxidermist, with the man’s dog as the only witness. To solve the case, Dean uses a spell to communicate with the dog, but the magic causes him to start acting like one while connected to the animal telepathically.

The show cleverly uses people’s affection for dogs, giving the canine character a fun personality and creating funny moments based on typical dog behavior. It also features heartwarming scenes that show how much humans benefit from having a dog as a companion, just as much as the dog benefits from having a human.

Side Characters Take Center Stage in Hibbing 911

The show “Hibbing 911” features two beloved supporting characters, Jody Mills and Donna Hanscum, who were so well-received that a spin-off episode was almost made. This potential episode would have shown the two sheriffs investigating a gruesome discovery – a mutilated body found during a retreat. When the Winchesters arrive, the four of them team up to hunt a vampire who is attacking the other sheriffs in attendance.

This episode is unusual because Sam and Dean take a backseat to other characters who rarely get the spotlight. “Hibbing 911” is an enjoyable, self-contained story focused on two compelling characters who manage to engage viewers even with limited involvement from the Winchesters.

2026-02-10 23:11