The Ultimate Guide: 23 Mind-Blowing Supernatural Episodes Directed By the Cast Themselves!

Summary

The actors of

Supernatural

, including Jensen Ackles, Misha Collins, and Richard Speight Jr., have showcased their directing skills throughout various seasons.

Jensen Ackles directed a few episodes including "Weekend at Bobby's" and "Soul Survivor," providing a distinctive opportunity to delve into other characters and storylines.

Richard Speight Jr. made his directorial debut with "Just My Imagination," a memorable filler episode that received a Hugo Awards nomination and emphasized character growth.

Boasting 327 episodes and spanning 15 seasons, Supernatural has seen a multitude of talented directors lend their expertise to guide the actors. Notable figures like Bobby Singer, John F. Showalter, and Kim Manners have taken the helm, delivering memorable episodes such as "Bad Day At Black Rock," "Lazarus Rising," and "Slash Fiction." Interestingly, the show's leading stars have also showcased their directorial skills, particularly in pivotal episodes like "Soul Survivor" and "Despair."

Actors Jensen Ackles, Misha Collins, Richard Speight Jr., Matt Cohen, and Amanda Tapping have all delved into directing across different seasons, starting from season 6. With their deep understanding of the dynamics on set, Ackles' meticulous approach to pre-shooting preparation, Speight Jr.'s full immersion and genuine affection for the characters, Collins' patience towards Ackles' and Jared Padalecki's playful antics, as well as Cohen's and Tapping's unique storytelling strategies, Supernatural offers fans an unparalleled viewing experience. This willingness to explore the talents of its stars adds to the show's distinctive appeal.

23 Supernatural Season 6, Episode 4, "Weekend At Bobby's" (Jensen Ackles)

Ackles, in his directorial debut "Weekend At Bobby's," directs a total of six episodes of Supernatural. In this particular episode, Bobby (played by Jim Beaver) takes center stage as he delves into learning about Crowley (played by Mark Sheppard) and his origins, all in the hopes of negotiating for his soul. While Ackles still appears in the episode as Dean, his presence takes a backseat, allowing for a deeper exploration of Bobby's character.

Through this approach, viewers are granted a glimpse into a typical day in Bobby's life. They witness his involvement in exploring lore and assisting fellow hunters, particularly Rufus, in a hunt. The use of repetitive shots capturing Bobby answering phone calls or engrossed in research further immerses audiences into Bobby's perspective, offering a unique and intimate insight into his daily existence.

22 Supernatural Season 7, Episode 3, "The Girl Next Door" (Jensen Ackles)

21 Supernatural Season 8, Episode 3, "Heartache" (Jensen Ackles)

Once again, Dean takes a backseat in this episode, allowing "The Girl Next Door" to focus on the budding romance between Sam and Amy, a kitsune. The story kicks off with Sam parting ways with Dean, who has just returned from the hospital after breaking his leg. This sets the stage for a series of nostalgic flashbacks from their childhood, where Sam first encounters Amy. Ackles mentions that it can be challenging to both act and direct in a scene, emphasizing how episodes like these provide him with the perfect opportunity to showcase his meticulous approach to directing (via Digital Spy).

With his third stint as director, Ackles successfully achieves a commendable blend of acting and directing in this particular standalone episode. Titled "Heartache," the narrative revolves around Sam and Dean's pursuit of a string of murders that transpire every six months, wherein the victims' organs are extracted to preserve a Mayan athlete.

While the exploration of Leviathans and Archangels in the show may not be anything out of the ordinary, the captivating aspect lies in the touching and realistic dynamic between Dean and Sam after their time in Purgatory. Both brothers are still grappling with unresolved emotions, particularly regarding Sam's failure to search for Dean or Kevin during their separation. Adding to the excitement, Jensen Ackles brings his own father, Alan Ackles, into the mix, with the latter portraying Detective Pike in the episode. This results in an entertaining exchange between Dean and Pike.

20 Supernatural Season 9, Episode 17, "Mother's Little Helper" (Misha Collins)

Collins directs the cast in the only episode he helmed on Supernatural, titled "Mother's Little Helper." This important flashback episode explores the origins of Abaddon's possession of Josie and her infiltration of the Men Of Letters. During a TV Line interview, Collins reveals that his main challenge while directing this episode centered around Ackles and Padalecki's constant pranks on set. Fortunately, Ackles, who has directed episodes himself, was there to offer support and advice. Despite being a first-time director, Collins found the experience engaging and enjoyable, requiring constant attention.

19 Supernatural Season 10, Episode 3, "Soul Survivor" (Jensen Ackles)

"Soul Survivor" is an intriguing choice for Ackles to direct, as it revolves around curing Dean after he transforms into a demon, making his character the primary focus. However, the episode primarily delves into the storylines of Crowley, Castiel, and Sam, allowing Ackles to subtly step back. As a pivotal turning point, this episode showcases Ackles' exceptional directing skills, igniting the ongoing mission to eradicate the Mark of Cain and introducing the beloved character Rowena (Ruth Connell), who quickly captures the hearts of fans.

18 Supernatural Season 11, Episode 3, "The Bad Seed" (Jensen Ackles)

"The Bad Seed" delves into multiple storylines that all contribute to building The Darkness as a formidable threat. Ackles skillfully navigates intriguing transformations for various characters, such as Castiel assuming an 'attack dog' persona, and the introduction of the younger Amara. This episode adeptly introduces conflicts, like the deal between Sam and Rowena to rid Dean of the Mark. Ackles, known for his directorial finesse, allows ample room for exploring other characters' roles in the overall narrative of the season, highlighting Crowley's scheme to harness Amara for his own ambitions.

17 Supernatural Season 11, Episode 8, "Just My Imagination" (Richard Speight Jr.)

While "Just My Imagination" is more of a filler episode, it is undoubtedly a memorable directorial debut from Speight Jr. Notably, this episode made history by being the first to receive a Hugo Awards nomination. It effectively introduces viewers to Sully, Sam's childhood imaginary best friend, who seeks assistance due to the mysterious killings of his friends. The episode skillfully juxtaposes the younger Sam's longing for acceptance and his sense of abandonment with the older Sam's commitment to hunting and his family. The inclusion of lighter moments, such as Dean's reactions to Sully and Sam's sincere apology for rudely banishing him as a child, adds depth to the character development showcased in this episode.

16 Supernatural Season 12, Episode 12, "Stuck In The Middle (With You)" (Richard Speight Jr.)

"Stuck In The Middle (With You)" takes us on a thrilling demon hunt with Sam, Dean, Mary, Castiel, and hunter Wally. What sets Speight Jr.'s directing apart is the remarkable attention given to the performances in this non-linear episode. Through chapter-style storytelling, a seemingly ordinary hunt transforms into a captivating narrative.

15 Supernatural Season 12, Episode 19, "The Future" (Amanda Tapping)

This leads to the repetition of certain moments, but they are accompanied by additional information that gradually immerses the audience in the unfolding events. Examples of this include the revelation of Mary's secret collaboration with the British Men Of Letters, insights into Crowley's role as the King Of Hell, and the exploration of the lore surrounding yellow-eyed demons like Azazel and Ramiel. The inclusion of Reservoir Dogs-style shots, such as capturing the characters seated around a round table from a behind-the-scenes perspective or showcasing a slow-motion group walk, further exemplify Speight Jr.'s directorial preferences.

Notably, "The Future" marks a milestone in Supernatural as it becomes the first episode ever directed by a female cast member. Tapping, known for her portrayal of Naomi in the series, showcases her exceptional directing skills in this angel-driven episode. The narrative revolves around Castiel's challenging task of following angelic orders to eliminate Kelly's (Courtney Ford) unborn Nephilim child.

14 Supernatural Season 12, Episode 20, "Twigs & Twine & Tasha Banes" (Richard Speight Jr.)

Despite Castiel's covert actions to steal the Colt and oppose Sam and Dean's objective of aiding Kelly rather than eliminating her, the outcome of the episode reveals that Kelly, harnessing her baby's abilities, momentarily transfers her powers to Castiel. As a result, Castiel is able to vanquish Dagon. This revelation also enlightens Castiel to the fact that the unborn child is destined to safeguard the world instead of bringing about its destruction. This realization prompts Castiel to undertake a fresh mission to safeguard Kelly and her unborn child.

This episode revisits the British Men Of Letters storyline, intertwining it with a standalone narrative featuring twin witches, Alicia and Max. Tragically, the twins' mother, Tasha, falls victim to a witch who, having struck a demonic bargain, now brings life to replicated dolls using the hearts of her prey. Although the episode leaves a loose end with Max secretly reviving Alicia following her demise, the execution of the classic hunt-of-the-week formula is commendable.

13 Supernatural Season 13, Episode 7, "War Of The Worlds" (Richard Speight Jr.)

12 Supernatural Season 13, Episode 12, "Various & Sundry Villains" (Amanda Tapping)

Set in a world devastated by an apocalyptic event, this episode delves into the intricate web of troubles that arise. One of these involves an alternate version of Michael on a relentless pursuit to reach the Winchesters' Earth. However, the unpredictability of the plot takes a twist when Ketch resurfaces, disguised as a fabricated twin brother, and secretly working for the nefarious Asmodeus. Amidst the chaos, Asmodeus manages to capture both Castiel and Lucifer, forcing them to form an unexpected alliance. United in their endeavor, they aim to harness the immense power of Jack (played by Alexander Calvert), one of Supernatural's most formidable characters, with the ultimate goal of defeating alternate Michael.

With Rowena's return, "Various & Sundry Villains" marks the beginning of a bond between Sam and her as he relates to her fears about Lucifer after witnessing his true form. Additionally, the Winchesters collaborate with Rowena to defeat two witches who employ a love spell to manipulate Dean into surrendering the Black Grimoire to them. Moreover, Castiel and Lucifer manage to escape Asmodeus, thus resuming their plan to harness Jack's power in order to confront Michael, one of Ackles' portrayed characters. All in all, this episode serves as an excellent entry point for the future team-ups between Rowena and the Winchesters, and further develops Rowena's character as a multifaceted villain.

11 Supernatural Season 13, Episode 15, "A Most Holy Man" (Amanda Tapping)

10 Supernatural Season 13, Episode 20, "Unfinished Business" (Richard Speight Jr.)

The standout quality of "A Most Holy Man" lies in its incorporation of mobster movie-like elements and a thrilling treasure heist. In their quest to retrieve Saint Peter's stolen skull, Sam and Dean find themselves embarking on a wild goose chase orchestrated by a mob boss. As part of a deal, they agree to recover the skull in exchange for a payment that will enable them to acquire the blood of "a most holy man" required for a spell. While the central mission may not be entirely unique, the story gains momentum as Sam and Dean encounter various one-off characters while pursuing the blood. This well-paced and captivating narrative culminates in a final confrontation with the mobsters and a surprising betrayal by a double-crossing black market dealer.

"Unfinished Business" delves into two primary storylines. One follows Kevin's sacrifice in an alternate universe, where he eliminates resistance members for alternate Michael. The other storyline uncovers Gabriel's transformation into the Trickster. This episode showcases Speight Jr.'s exceptional skill, as he not only directs but also reprises his role as Gabriel and portrays Loki, the one who guided him in mastering the Trickster's ways. In a remarkable finale, Speight Jr. takes on both lead roles, engaging in a scene where he ultimately stabs Loki.

9 Supernatural Season 14, Episode 2, "Gods and Monsters" (Richard Speight Jr.)

Nick (Mark Pellegrino), no longer under the possession of Lucifer, becomes fixated on uncovering the truth behind his wife and child's brutal murders, exhibiting chillingly similar killer tendencies himself. In a gruesome display, he mercilessly takes the life of Arty, a witness involved in his wife and child's case, mirroring their deaths with a hammer. This episode holds additional significance as Speight Jr. skillfully directs his fellow original cast members in fresh and intriguing roles, notably with Pellegrino embodying a murderous incarnation of Nick, and Ackles portraying Michael, one of Supernatural's most formidable villains.

8 Supernatural Season 14, Episode 6, "Optimism" (Richard Speight Jr.)

"Optimism" takes on a unique approach as Dean and Jack embark on separate investigations. Dean and Jack delve into the mysterious activities of a small-town librarian, who unveils herself as a necromancer raising her deceased partner to kill unsuspecting men. Meanwhile, Sam and apocalypse-world Charlie (Felicia Day) unite to confront a peculiar insectoid creature known as a musca. This captivating storyline not only allows for an extraordinary bonding experience between Dean and Jack but also showcases the intriguing dichotomy between Sam's wholehearted acceptance of hunting and Charlie's desperate desire to escape it.

7 Supernatural Season 14, Episode 10, "Nihilism" (Amanda Tapping)

Arguably one of the most remarkable episodes of season 14, "Nihilism" sees Sam and Castiel delving into Dean's psyche in an attempt to expel Michael. This episode showcases Ackles' exceptional portrayal of the archangel, which is truly captivating when contrasted with the iconic Dean. Moreover, the episode introduces a cyclical element as Dean is trapped in a recurring loop and unexpectedly reunites with Pamela. With the skilled direction of Tapping, the use of setting and dynamic performances makes for an enthralling episode that hints at the impending challenges ahead, particularly Dean's self-sacrificial plan to conquer Michael.

6 Supernatural Season 15, Episode 4, "Atomic Monsters" (Jensen Ackles)

In Supernatural, Ackles' latest endeavor as a director, he took the opportunity to enhance his skills in location selection and advance preparation. He skillfully incorporated an exciting action scene for Dean and explored the deeper, more sinister aspect of Chuck's character (played by Rob Benedict). Titled "Atomic Monsters," the episode revolves around a typical investigation undertaken by Sam and Dean, following the murder of a cheerleader and the disappearance of another student from the same school.

Two beloved characters, Benny (Ty Olsson) and Becky (Emily Perkins), make a memorable return in this episode. According to Ackles, he was eager to bring back a character he truly adores, most likely Benny. He mentioned, "I made the call. He was literally working one day, had the next day off, so he flew in, did one scene, flew out, and was working on his other project the next day" (via Variety). This episode also showcases the show's meticulous attention to musical details, as one of Ackles' singles, "Sounds of Someday," sets the tone during Sam and Dean's climactic encounter with the episode's monster. All of these components contribute to making Ackles' final moment as a director on the show a heartfelt tribute to him and his dedicated work.

5 Supernatural Season 15, Episode 5, "Proverbs 17:3" (Richard Speight Jr.)

The episode titled "Proverbs 17:3" sheds light on the correlation between the events that take place and the profound insights they offer. It emphasizes God's omniscience in understanding one's deepest fears, desires, and vulnerabilities. Throughout the episode, Sam realizes that his haunting nightmares are actually potential outcomes crafted by Chuck. Meanwhile, the brothers find themselves unable to prevent a tragic murder-suicide involving two werewolf siblings with conflicting beliefs about their way of life. Additionally, Lilith reemerges to carry out Chuck's commands. The narrative skillfully juxtaposes Sam's optimism against Dean's inclination towards defeatism through the story of the werewolf brothers, exemplifying Chuck's ability to manipulate the Winchesters' everyday existence and effectively coerce them into combat.

4 Supernatural Season 15, Episode 8, "Our Father, Who Aren't In Heaven" (Richard Speight Jr.)

In "Our Father, Who Aren't In Heaven," the original Michael reemerges by taking over Adam's body, while Rowena is revealed as the new ruler of Hell. Sam, Dean, and Castiel join forces to persuade Michael to aid in the battle against Chuck, as Donatello's discovery of Metatron's notes on the demon tablet hints at Chuck's weakness being known only by his "favorite." Ultimately, this episode serves as a setup for future installments, with Sam and Eileen falling into Chuck's trap, Dean and Castiel reconciling through a opened portal, and the acquisition of a rare flower from Purgatory.