Arrow, the groundbreaking show that pioneered the superhero genre on television, first premiered in 2012. The CW’s longest-running superhero series charmd audiences with its gritty tone, well-executed flashbacks, and intriguing characters. The show’s impressive eight-year run came to a close in 2020, but its legacy lives on. To celebrate the show’s iconic episodes, fans voted on IMDb to choose the top 15 episodes that showcase the best of Arrow.
The 15th spot goes to “The Promise,” an episode that masterfully weaves together the dual timelines, showcasing Wilson’s presence in Starling City and Oliver’s response, alongside the thrilling events on the island. “Darkness on the Edge of Town” ranks 14th, a significant episode in Season 1 that sets the stage for the Undertaking and introduces Malcolm Merlyn’s dark persona.
The 13th spot is taken by “Kapiushon,” an episode that delves into the darker side of Oliver Queen, with Stephen Amell delivering a standout performance as Oliver becomes defeated and disbands Team Arrow. “What We Leave Behind” comes in at 12th, an intense episode that exposes Team Arrow and sets the stage for the second half of Season 5.
The 11th spot goes to “The Brave and the Bold,” an episode that highlights the Arrowverse’s ability to balance action and drama as the team discovers a boomerang-equipped serial killer and teams up with the Flash to stop him. “Deathstroke” ranks 10th, a tense episode that reveals Slade as Deathstroke, using Thea as leverage to get to Oliver.
The top 10 is rounded out by “Streets of Fire,” a thrilling episode that sets the stage for the grand finale and final battle between Oliver and Slade. The finale episode, “Fadeout,” comes in at 8th, wrapping up eight years of storylines and character arcs in a satisfying conclusion.
The top 7 is made up of “Seeing Red,” a chaotic and intense episode that solidifies Slade as Oliver’s greatest foe. “Three Ghosts” ranks 6th, a highlight of Season 2 that forces Oliver to confront his past and fears. “The Slabside Redemption” comes in at 5th, an action-packed episode that sees Oliver fighting off the Dragon and trying to escape from Slabside Prison.
The top 4 is comprised of “Unthinkable,” an episode with excellent pacing and character development, and “Sacrifice,” the Season 1 finale that finds Oliver stuck as a prisoner of Malcolm Merlyn. The top 2 spots are taken by “The Climb,” a devastating episode that sees Oliver discover Thea’s secret, and “Lian Yu,” the thrilling battle that culminates in the best season finale the show has seen.