Celebrating 20 years of Grey's Anatomy: Top 20 episodes
March of 2025 marks a truly monumental milestone—Grey's Anatomy celebrates 20 years of captivating audiences around the globe. It's hard to believe that two decades have passed since the series first graced our screens in 2005, but the show has undoubtedly left a lasting mark on both television and pop culture.
Over the years, Grey's Anatomy has delivered some of the most gut-wrenching, emotional, and suspenseful moments in television history—moments that have had us laughing, crying, and holding our breath. Whether it’s a life-or-death surgery or a heart-shattering loss, the show knows how to pull on our heartstrings.
In honor of this incredible milestone, we’re looking back at the top 20 episodes that stand out as some of the most memorable, emotional, and iconic moments in the show's rich history.
These episodes have captured our hearts, shaped the show’s legacy, and solidified Grey's Anatomy as one of the most beloved and enduring series of our time.
1. "A Hard Day's Night" (Season 1, Episode 1)
The very first episode of the series introduces viewers to the core group of doctors and sets the tone for the relationships and drama that will unfold. From Meredith’s narration to the Derek Shepard’s classic "It’s a beautiful day to save lives.” This is where it all begins.
2. "Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head" (Season 2, Episode 1)
The emotional fallout from a major loss hit hard in the season two opener. The episode sets the tone for a season filled with growth, emotional challenges, and a reflection on the fragility of life.
3. "It's the End of the World" (Season 2, Episode 16)
Before the hospital's life-threatening crisis, this episode gives us an emotional rollercoaster. The lives of everyone in the OR are threatened when a patient enters with a bomb inside him, and a young paramedic with her arm inside the cavity is the only thing keeping it from going off.
As Meredith struggles with her relationship with Derek, the hospital becomes ground zero for a catastrophic event. The explosive mix of personal and professional crises is a hallmark of the show.
4. "As We Know It" (Season 2, Episode 17)
This episode is the continuation of Season 2, Episode 16. While the man with the bomb lodged in his chest remains in Burke's OR with Meredith's hand in the cavity, Bailey's injured husband remains in Derek's. Meanwhile, Bailey's distress puts her unborn baby at risk. The episode is packed with tension, making it one of the show’s most unforgettable moments.
5. "Losing My Religion" (Season 2, Episode 27)
In this episode, we see the strong bond of the interns as they band together to defend Izzie. The prom, also iconic, is where Derek makes an important decision. This episode is one for the books and ends on an absolute heartbreaker.
6. "Sick Days: Part 2" (Season 3, Episode 12)
George's father's surgery has left him very weak, and we are given hope that he may recover. In the end he passes, and George is left heartbroken. This episode is instrumental in shaping his character.
7. "The Other Side of This Life" (Season 3, Episode 25)
The day of Burke and Christina’s wedding has arrived, and she has become a bridezilla. The audience is left in shock as Burke doesn’t show up and that is the last time we see Isiah Washington as a regular on the show.
8. "Now or Never" (Season 5, Episode 24)
Alex is pushed to his limit in this episode where Izzie has brain surgery and is presenting short term memory loss after brain surgery. She cannot remember what has just been said to her, and her loved ones worry that she may be stuck like this. It’s an emotional rollercoaster!
9. "Sanctuary" (Season 6, Episode 23)
A lead-in to the heart-stopping season finale, "Sanctuary" is a game-changing episode where the doctors are forced to face their darkest fears when an active shooter targets the hospital. It’s intense, gripping, and heartbreaking all at once. We mourn the loss of several characters in this episode.
10. "Death and All His Friends" (Season 6, Episode 24)
The hospital is thrust into chaos when an armed man enters the ER, resulting in a hostage situation that risks the lives of several beloved characters. The emotional stakes and trauma inflicted on the doctors in this episode is unmatched. The stakes are high as Christina and Meredith work to save Derek’s life.
11. “Flight” (Season 8, Episode 24)
This action-packed episode leaves Meredith, Cristina, Derek, Mark, Lexie, and Arizona trapped in the unknown when their plane crashes. It’s high stress as the lives of Derek, who cannot be found, and an injured Lexie hang in the balance.
12. “Going, Going, Gone” (Season 9, Episode 1)
We see the aftermath of what happened to the survivors of the plane crash and the lives that were lost. This episode is one of the most heartbreaking in the entire show, as fan favorite Mark takes a turn for the worst after appearing to be healthy.
13. “Fear (of the Unknown)” (Season 10, Episode 24)
The season 10 finale is a hard watch as the doctors of Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital bid an emotional farewell to the beloved Cristina Yang. In this iconic episode we are given Christina’s powerful advice to Meredith: “Don't let what he wants eclipse what you need. He's very dreamy. But he is not the sun. You are.”
14. “The Sound of Silence” (Season 12, Episode 9)
When Meredith is brutally attacked by a patient who loses control in the emergency room, chaos erupts as the hospital staff scramble to assess the situation. The violent encounter leaves Meredith severely injured, and her life hangs in the balance.
15. “All I Want Is You” (Season 12, Episode 10)
In this continuation episode of Grey’s Anatomy Season 12, Episode 9, we see a significant shift in the dynamic between Penny and Meredith, marking the beginning of an unexpected but deepening bond. At the start, Penny’s presence at Seattle Grace is met with resistance and animosity from Meredith, who holds a deep grudge against her for Derek’s death.
16. “Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story” (Season 14, Episode 7)
Four medical students, who bear shocking resemblances to Season 1 George, Izzie, Meredith, and Cristina, are injured in a roller coaster accident. As the characters on the show respond to the crisis, both the doctors and fans are reminded of the early days of Grey’s Anatomy, reminiscing about the origins of the series and the journey these iconic characters have taken since.
17. “1-800-799-7233” (Season 14, Episode 9)
Jo comes face to face with her abusive husband, the man she’s been running from for years. This episode is incredibly difficult to watch, as it powerfully highlights the immense challenge of standing up to an abuser, no matter how strong or resilient someone may be.
18. “Judgment Day” (Season 14, Episode 20)
In this lighthearted, feel-good episode, a patient unexpectedly gifts Arizona with weed cookies as a token of appreciation. However, things take a comedic turn when an accident leads to surgeons—including Jackson, Maggie, Alex, and DeLuca—accidentally ingesting the cookies. As they begin to feel the effects, the episode provides much-needed comedic relief.
19. “Silent All These Years” (Season 15, Episode 19)
When a trauma patient arrives exhibiting symptoms of sexual assault, Jo is forced to confront her own painful past while stepping up to support the woman. This deeply emotional episode highlights Jo’s personal struggle and growth as she navigates the difficult task of offering help while dealing with her own trauma.
20. “My Shot” (Season 16, Episode 8)
Meredith faces the medical board as her future as a doctor remains uncertain, and she's forced to reckon with her past in some challenging ways. In this iconic episode, we see Meredith stand up for herself against one of the doctors responsible for Derek’s death.
