After The Umbrella Academy released their concluding season on Netflix, it's time to go back over the series and rank the best episodes. The Umbrella Academy is a unique comic book movie from the front man of My Chemical Romance. In 2007, Way released the first comic books in the series that depicted the lives of a group of children with powers who all mysteriously share the same birthday, and through some odd coincidence, none of the mothers had been pregnant prior to that date.

While the story is an incredibly imaginative take on traditional superhero stories, it didn't grow to have widespread success and recognition until it was adapted for TV by Netflix in 2019. The show became a hit on Netflix, and was lauded as a comic book movie that stood out among the growing sea of comics adaptations in popular media. However, like any show, the series has had its ups and downs over its four-season run.

10 Season 1, Episode 8

"I Heard A Rumor"

Season 1 of The Umbrella Academy delivered some of the absolute best episodes of the entire series run. As the Umbrellas slowly find their way back to each other, and build up trust and love for one another, this episode sees things hit a breaking point. Allison is frequently at the center of drama and disruption in the family, especially thanks to her having an established family of her own that keeps her separate from her siblings.

However, "I Heard A Rumor," highlights Allison's reckless use of her powers in a way that results in a huge twist ending. Also, this episode helps to highlight the chemistry between the eclectic cast, where, despite their many differences, they work well in a team and have a steady flow. In the build up to the season 1 finale, this episode builds incredible drama and anticipation ahead of the apocalypse.

9 Season 2, Episode 8

"The Seven Stages"

The pair assess how best to protect the future, and how their actions in the past will play a role

Season 2 continued to build excitement and anticipation as The Umbrella Academy provided a constant source of tension, drama, comedy, and strained familial relationships. Many of the very best episodes are a result of creating a story that is focused on a few select characters and expanding their character. While both Vanya and Diego have significant developments in this episode, the real heart of "The Seven Stages" is Five.

Aidan Gallagher, who plays Five in The Umbrella Academy, delivers a standout performance as he meets with an older, yet technically younger, version of himself played by Sean Sullivan. The pair assess how best to protect the future, and how their actions in the past will play a role. And, Vanya's explosive reaction at the end of the episode leaves things on an epic cliffhanger ahead of the season finale.

8 Season 1, Episode 10

"The White Violin"

However, returning to season 1 for its first season finale, "The White Violin" perfectly captures some of the core elements of the show. As is so often the case in The Umbrella Academy, the world literally comes to an end as the Hargreeves attempt to stop the apocalypse faltering, but fortunately, Five has a plan to take them all back in time and fix things on the next go around. This is a core part of the show, and it never hit more powerfully than in season 1 when the world literally goes up in flames.

Despite their differences, the Hargreeves siblings have found a rhythm that allows them to work together. While Vanya transforms into a weapon of mass destruction, the rest of the Umbrellas strive to bring her back from the brink. This episode may mark the end of one season, but the story of the Umbrellas is just beginning, and this season finale does an excellent job of wrapping up the season, and establishing hope and excitement for what is yet to come.

7 Season 1, Episode 5

"Number Five"

Despite the episode being titled "Number Five," this early chapter is one of the best explorations of each character and their motivations. Yes, the framing is set around Five as his past and present play out on the screen side by side, but the others, like Luther, Klaus and Vanya have more details about their characters and motivations explored as well. The development of the eclectic characters is a huge part of what makes this series great, and this episode does a lot of heavy lifting.

In addition, this episode sees the world-building of The Umbrella Academy's story expand. The mysterious corporation that hires Five is glimpsed, the fractured timelines and realities are exposed, and the mission that Five is intent on completing is revealed. With so much happening, this episode is an easy pick for the top 10.

6 Season 2, Episode 7

"Öga for Öga"

However, season 2 really brings the entire series to the next level. While the premiere season built a foundation and introduced the cast, season 2 saw each of them grow and develop in satisfying ways. While everyone of the Hargreeves kids are cast excellently, and they all have their moments to shine, Five and Vanya particularly shine at this early stage in the series. In season 1, it appeared that both characters had fairly narrow motivations, but this season elevates them to become far more complex.

Vanya is on the run with her beloved Sissy and her son, and Five is desperate to protect the people he loves. This episode is a great step forward for the team, as the show builds towards another explosive finale. In addition, it shows layers to the characters and proves that there was more than a surface level thought process in deg and bringing each one to life. The Umbrellas are put through their paces, and they come out stronger for it.

5 Season 3, Episode 7 "Auf Wiedersehen"

ittedly, season 3 and season 4 in particular suffer from a drop-off in quality, but season 3 is not entirely devoid of great moments. As the season sees the Umbrellas team up with the Sparrows, and Viktor accepting their true self, and his siblings responding warmly, there were a lot of great details in season 3. However, "Auf Wiedersehen" stands out as the best of the bunch.

It's this episode that sees Klaus learning to harness his newly discovered ability with the help of an unusually involved Reginald. It also sees the heroes containing what they believe to be the threat within the box, but as is often the case, the real danger has yet to reveal itself. Overall, this episode stands out as one of the best of the series, not just a bad bunch, and it is deserving of a spot in the top 10.

4 Season 2, Episode 3

"The Swedish Job"

Returning to the show's strongest season, season 2 had a number of great elements throughout, but one of the very best was the introduction of Lila. After she gets close to characters like Diego, it appears that she will become a part of the team, but this episode's ending brought that expectation to a screeching halt. The reveal of the mysterious woman from the Temps Commission as being Lila's mother was a huge twist, and one that really upped the stakes for the rest of the season.

The episode also does a great job of providing important commentary on social and political injustices that existed in 1960s America, and how the different Hargreeves deal with their circumstances. It's a particularly strong episode for Klaus and Ben, as well as Allison, who faces the brunt of struggles in of racism. And despite navigating challenging themes, the episode uses these struggles to further develop the characters and create meaningful moments.

3 Season 2, Episode 9

"743"

As things heat up in the strongest season of The Umbrella Academy, the penultimate episode sees things building to explosive proportions. Five appears to be suffering from a time-traveling ailment, his older-younger self is plotting against him with Luther, and Vanya is about to explode... again. Meanwhile, at the Temps Commission, Lila is uncovering the truth about her real parents, and everything is at breaking point.

This episode was an excellent example of the story taking dynamic turns and balancing a packed cast. Time was allocated to several characters, revealing major plot points, and tying the larger narrative together in satisfying ways. The show maintained a high intensity and high energy pace, in one of the very best outings of the entire series' run.

2 Season 1, Episode 4

"Man On The Moon"

The reasoning behind this early episode landing the runner up spot on the top 10 list is largely because this was the first episode that really made The Umbrella Academy stand out. The first three episodes introduced a group of odd characters. Drama, tension, and some of the larger narrative were revealed, but it took time to get into the fun of the show. In "Man on the Moon," the show is established and the fun really starts.

Not only does it feature iconic moments like the transformation of Luther into a hulking beast, but it also shows off the dynamic relationships between a feuding family. Vanya tries to live a life of peace and happiness, but there is resentment and frustration from siblings like Allison. This episode is the peak of the early series, and it does a fantastic job building the world and drama.

1 Season 2, Episode 10

"The End Of Something"

"The End of Something" left an impression that makes it the best episode of The Umbrella Academy of all time

Despite season 2 following a very close template to season 1, with the Umbrellas racing against the clock to stop an apocalypse, this season performs so much better, and a big part of that comes down to the finale. This episode sees a tremendous amount of action, as much of the story shifts in the episode, and it helps to set up a promising new season with a brand-new group, The Sparrow Academy.

The group has finally found and embraced each other. All the characters have deep, thorough backstories, and they have distinct personalities that make them stand out. However, despite their many differences, the group of misfits comes together as a family and manages to save the day. This episode is the peak of the entire show, and from here, it unfortunately only declines in quality and storytelling, but "The End of Something" left an impression that makes it the best episode of The Umbrella Academy of all time.