Even almost a decade after its finale, fans still can't get enough of One Tree Hill. The show's stars Hilarie Burton, Joy Lenz, and Sophia Bush even host OTH rewatch podcast "Drama Queens." The series, which made a huge star out of Chad Michael Murray as smalltown basketball player Lucas Scott, stands apart from its 2000s teen show contemporaries because of its time jump after season 4.
Because of this, One Tree Hill's seasons, and their signature episodes, are drastically different from one another. The best-rated episodes of the early seasons on IMDb tend to revolve around high school drama such as the season 4 episode in which the Ravens play for the state championship. Meanwhile, the best episodes of the later seasons often revolve around relationship issues or life-or-death stakes, such as the season 6 episode where doctors try to save Peyton's life while she gives birth.
Season 1: "Every Night Is Another Story" (9.0)
In One Tree Hill's best season 1 episode "Every Night is Another Story," Lucas and Nathan are kicked off the team bus and forced to walk home after getting ejected for fighting with each other during a game. Fittingly, Dan and Keith also get into a fight when they are seated at the same table at a dinner event.
This episode strikes right at the heart of what makes One Tree Hill so compelling by highlighting the two pairs of fighting brothers. By isolating Lucas and Nathan and then giving them a common enemy, the episode is able to show them both squabbling and working together, which captures both sides of their dynamic.
Season 2: "The Leavers Dance" (9.0)
One Tree Hill season 2 saves its best episode for last as the finale brings the season to a close with the twist-filled episode "The Leavers Dance." The episode pays off several of the season's biggest storylines, as Peyton discovers that Ellie is actually her biological mother and Lucas finally confesses his feelings for Brooke.
The episode is a fan favorite in part because it helps set up One Tree Hill's best couple in Lucas and Brooke. It also brings further development to Peyton's character, who spends much of the first two seasons dealing with issues related to her mother.
Season 3: "With Tired Eyes, Tired Minds, Tired Souls, We Slept" (9.7)
The season 3 episode "With Tired Eyes, Tired Minds, Tired Souls, We Slept" sees bullied student Jimmy bring a gun to school and open fire on his classmates, shooting Peyton in the leg and taking other students hostage. The episode comes to a shocking and heartbreaking conclusion when Dan uses Jimmy's gun to kill Keith and pin it on the then-deceased Jimmy.
One Tree Hill tackles the heavy topic of school shootings in this tense, dramatic, and ultimately tragic episode that is unfortunately relatable for many people. With this powerful storyline punctuated by Dan's unthinkable act, it is no surprise that this is one of the highest-rated episodes in the entire series.
Season 4: "Some You Give Away" (9.7)
The season 4 episode "Some You Give Away" brings one of the show's major storylines to a close as Lucas and Nathan play the final game of their high school careers. In the episode, Lucas hits the game-winning shot to secure the state championship for the Ravens before declaring his desire to spend his future with Peyton. He later collapses from a heart attack. Haley also learns that she will be having a baby boy before getting hit by a car.
Between the title game, car crash, and heart attack, this is an incredibly full and dramatic episode. With all of these different character moments and the payoff to Lucas and Nathan's basketball dreams, "Some You Give Away" is one of One Tree Hill's best episodes.
Season 5: "Hundred" (9.3)
In the 100th episode of the show, appropriately titled "Hundred," Peyton is conflicted about whether or not to speak up about her feelings before Lucas marries Lindsey. Additionally, Nathan tries to get back together with Haley, Dan unexpectedly shows up, and Jamie is kidnapped by Nanny Carrie.
One Tree Hill goes all out to deliver a memorable 100th episode, packing as much drama and as many twists as possible into the story. The will-they, won't-they relationship between Lucas and Peyton is one of the major elements of the show. The episode takes that premise to the brink before delivering a satisfying twist.
Season 6: " Me As A Time Of Day" (9.3)
The season 6 finale " Me as a Time of Day" sees Lucas take a bleeding and unconscious Peyton to the hospital where the doctors rush to deliver their daughter. Also, Brooke attempts to make it work with Julian, Dan tries to get his affairs in order, and Nathan gets called up to the NBA.
The episode is one of the most satisfying in the series as Lucas starts his family with Peyton, and Nathan finally fulfills his lifelong dream. After all of the obstacles and difficulties, it is incredibly heartwarming and entertaining to watch the two men get what they have worked so hard for.
Season 7: "I And Love And You" (9.1)
In the One Tree Hill season 7 episode "I and Love and You," Dan invites Renee onto his talk show to figure out if she is being honest about being pregnant with Nathan's baby. A team of body language experts determines that she is lying and she confesses the truth.
Nathan and Haley are one of the best couples in the show and he had worked so hard to build up his character to this point. The affair threatened to affect his family and his career, which makes the episode a tense viewing experience as the audience is forced to eagerly wait to find out what happens.
Season 8: "Darkness On The Edge Of Town" (9.3)
The season 8 episode "Darkness on the Edge of Town" takes place during a hurricane as the residents of Tree Hill struggle with the storm. When the car carrying Jamie skids off the road, Brooke risks her life to save him. Elsewhere, Quinn and Clay have a deadly confrontation with Katie.
The episode is tense and dramatic as multiple characters' lives hang in the balance at different points. Julian and Brooke are among the most likable characters in the show so watching their fight lead to Brooke's predicament is difficult. Ultimately, it makes the payoff of Julian saving her and Jamie all the more satisfying.
Season 9: "Danny Boy" (9.5)
Taking place just before the series finale, the season 9 episode "Danny Boy" says goodbye to one of the show's most important characters as Dan dies from gunshot wounds he sustains while saving Nathan. As he is dying, Dan reflects on his life and all the things that he has done.
A significant amount of screentime in One Tree Hill is dedicated to Dan's redemption arc and this episode is crucial in paying off all of that investment. Watching Dan sacrifice himself to save his son proves that he has truly changed. Keith escorting his brother into the afterlife, assuring him that they will be together, is a heartbreaking and beautiful moment that cements the episode as one of the show's very best.