Glee's 7 Best And 7 Worst Episodes Ranked

Though "Glee" has been off the air for years, it remains relevant. Music fans, misfits, and curious newbies alike all flock to the series, which follows the triumphs and tragedies of the New Directions, an Ohio high school's ever-unlucky glee club. The show is packed with incredible musical performances of everything from pop hits to Broadway standards, performed by colorful characters like self-centered diva Rachel, combative cheerleader Santana, and dictatorial coach Sue Sylvester. It has also gained fame (some might say infamy) for its boundary-pushing humor, vivid theme episodes, and eccentric flights of fancy.

One question emerges from the many surreal dream sequences, elaborately-costumed auditions, and countless questionable choices of "Glee": Which episodes truly stand out? The "Glee" audience is used to chaos, but for good or for ill, certain installments do manage to set themselves apart. Some are distinguished by sensitive handling of tough topics and excellent performances. Some are so ludicrous, it's hard to believe they were ever aired. Get ready McKinley High fans: With the help of IMDb, we're ranking the seven best and seven worst episodes of "Glee."

The worst of the best episodes is a gem from one of the worst seasons: Season 5, Episode 12, "100." Here, the old glee club members come back to do renditions of their favorite songs. There's a classic diva-off, a rekindling of old relationships, and many "Glee" soundtrack favorites. They perform songs like "Raise Your Glass," "Valerie," and "Keep Holding On." There are even some surprise guests when April Rhodes and Holly Holliday show up. Though they try to keep in high spirits, a brutal truth looms over the proceedings: Everyone is gathering because Sue is shutting the glee club down.

Though the nostalgia and music are what really make this episode great, the fact that it's the 100th episode is also deeply gratifying. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Chris Colfer, who plays Kurt, said, "We were always the little show that could. When the first episode aired, everyone said, 'Oh, it's cute, but it'll never last,' 'cause a musical could never work on television, so it's really validating to be here." Even years after "100" first hit the airwaves, this fact still manages to make it sparkle.

Few of the best episodes of "Glee" come from the post-Season 4 era. However, nostalgia really works for Season 6, Episode 12, "2009." As you might guess, this episode throws the audience back to McKinley High circa 2009, where Will Schuester decides to take over the glee club. Kurt struggles with his mental health and finding a place to fit in, while Rachel and Mercedes begin their show-long competition for the title of most talented glee club member. Tina and Artie become friends, and finally reveal how they ended up auditioning for glee club in the first place.

This episode gives original "Glee" fans a chance to remember who these characters were before glee club changed them. It's fascinating to see the actors revert to this earlier era, and the costume and makeup departments truly succeed in de-aging them. The best part of the episode, though, is going back to the roots of the characters' conflicts. Watching Kurt and Burt talk in the autobody shop and Rachel admit that she struggles to make friends captures what makes "Glee" truly special: hilarity balanced with real emotion.

Season 6, Episode 13, "Dreams Come True," brings a wonderfully heart-wrenching end to "Glee." Will is the new principal of the William McKinley Performing Arts School. He's created several glee clubs, with the New Directions being the crown jewel. The old gang is back to celebrate their newest victory and say some bittersweet goodbyes. Mercedes goes on tour with Beyoncé, and Sam takes over the New Directions. Then we jump ahead five years. Kurt and Blaine are successful performers, and Rachel is the surrogate mother to their child. Tina and Artie are happy together and embarking on a career in film. Rachel, who has ended up with Jesse St. James, wins a Tony Award and thanks Mr. Schue in her speech.

"Dreams Come True" wraps "Glee" up in a neat little bow with its heartfelt performances and farewells. It might also be one of Jane Lynch's best episodes, which is really saying something, as her portrayal of Sue Sylvester is a huge part of what makes the show amazing. Her performance of "The Winner Takes It All" and her reunion with Becky are key highlights.

Season 1, Episode 13, "Sectionals," sees the New Directions face their first big competition without Mr. Schue, who is ineligible to help with sectionals in any capacity. While they prepare, Rachel finds out that Puck is the real father of Quinn's baby, and tells Finn. He's so hurt that he decides not to perform at sectionals. The group realizes that the other competitors stole their setlist after Sue leaked it, and must perform on the fly. They end up winning, and Will and Emma finally get together.

"Sectionals" is the blueprint for every other competition-themed episode. The commentary from the judges, improvised performances, and iconic songs all make it truly memorable. Mercedes gets in a tremendous performance of "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going," while Rachel performs a show-stopping rendition of "Don't Rain On My Parade." This episode is also a huge turning point for the characters, as Finn finally finds out the truth about the baby, which implodes his friendship with Puck. Though most competition episodes are exciting, there's something about this very first one that stands out from the rest.

Season 1, Episode 22, "Journey to Regionals," closes out Glee's inaugural season in high style. The New Directions are heading to regionals, and the stakes are high: If they don't place, the club is kaput. When they discover Sue is one of the judges, they know they're going to lose. Undaunted, they decide to put all their effort into making their performance amazing. They do so well, even Sue votes for the New Directions, despite the other judges' incredible rudeness. Meanwhile, Quinn goes into labor and has a baby girl. Shelby Corcoran takes an immediate interest in adopting her. In the end, Sue saves the glee club by talking to Figgins and getting them another year.

Is there anything that sums up the chaos of "Glee" more than Quinn giving birth to the sounds of Vocal Adrenaline performing "Bohemian Rhapsody"? This episode is so brilliantly crafted, it makes even the most jaded fan remember why "Glee" gained the popularity it did. The New Directions' Journey medley is among the show's best-ever performances; it splendidly sets the tone for later competition-centric episodes. This is "Glee" at its most spectacular.

The competition-centric episodes of "Glee" are some of the best, and Season 3, Episode 21, "Nationals," is the greatest of all. After all their hard work, the New Directions have finally made it to the National Show Choir Championships. Though they're up against tough competition from Vocal Adrenaline, they end up clinching first place. Rachel also gets a second chance at NYADA, and Mr. Schue wins Teacher of the Year. Though the younger glee club members still have time left at McKinley, the rest are graduating and moving on.

This episode is bittersweet, as it marks the end of an era.  After Season 3, "Glee" simply isn't the same. Some later episodes are certainly well done and manage to shine through, but generally, things get scattershot and lose a lot of heart at this point. Though this is sad, it's nice to see the New Directions get rewarded for all their hard work. It's also wonderful to see pretty much everyone triumph, sans drama.

Season 5, Episode 3, "The Quarterback," is the best episode of "Glee." This touching tribute to Finn is also a tribute to his actor, Cory Monteith, who passed away in 2013. Members of the old cast and the new come together to remember Finn through the songs he sang and the ones that simply remind them of him. Their grief is raw, and so are the performances they pour it into.

Making it through this episode without crying is almost impossible: Finn was the glue of the group and a stirring example of grace and kindness. The same can also be said of Monteith. It's hard not to wonder if the cast is truly acting, or if we're seeing their genuine reactions to losing one of the show's brightest stars and a true-blue friend. The greatest gut punch comes from Rachel, who performs a crushing rendition of "Make You Feel My Love." This is a beautiful episode that truly captures both Finn and Monteith's impact on the world.