The Ultimate Ranking of Fringe Episodes: Unveiling the Most Mind-Blowing Masterpieces!

Fringe is a beloved sci-fi TV series that aired from 2008 to 2013. It consists of 100 episodes filled with intricate storylines and imaginative characters. Notably, the series features sci-fi icon Leonard Nimoy in his final TV role. Fringe spawned three comic book series, three novels, and an alternate reality game during its original run. Although it received mixed reviews from critics and experienced a drop in viewership, it gained a cult following and is renowned for its groundbreaking storytelling style.

Set in Boston, Massachusetts, Fringe follows the adventures of the FBI's Fringe Division. Agent Olivia Dunham, scientist Walter Bishop, and his talented son Peter investigate life-threatening phenomena, extraterrestrial encounters, and a parallel universe using both fringe science and conventional methods. Their cases often connect to the biotechnology company Massive Dynamic, founded by William Bell, Walter's former science collaborator. Audiences appreciate the series for its compelling characters and the impact of "fringe events" on their relationships. This, combined with the show's mythology, leads to numerous memorable episodes.

15 An Enemy Of Fate (Season 5, Episode 13)

14 Liberty (Season 5, Episode 12)

The 100th episode of the series, titled "Enemy of Faith," marks a significant milestone with its emotionally charged conclusion. Taking place in 2036, the Fringe Division engages in a final battle against the Observers, an encounter that will determine the future of humanity. Our heroes successfully execute a plan to eradicate the Observers, albeit at a great cost. September loses his life, and Walter embarks on a journey over a century ahead with Michael, September's son, in order to ensure the success of the mission. In a heart-wrenching moment, Walter silently conveys his love to Peter through lip movements, while Peter receives a drawing of a white tulip. These poignant scenes evoke tears from viewers as the screen gradually fades to black.

The episode titled "Liberty," which aired just prior to the series finale, effectively sets the stage for the conclusion of Fringe. In this gripping installment, viewers are treated to witnessing Olivia's final journey into the parallel universe as she bravely attempts to rescue Michael from the clutches of the Observers. Additionally, we learn that Fauxlivia and Lincoln have found happiness together, being married and raising a child. This intense episode beautifully showcases Olivia's unwavering strength and courage, which have been consistently portrayed throughout the previous five seasons. Furthermore, there are emotionally touching moments between Olivia, Peter, and Walter, highlighting the incredible growth of these characters both individually and as a loving and supportive family. As the conclusion of the show draws near, viewers are left with a glimmer of hope for what lies ahead.

13 Five-Twenty-Ten (Season 5, Episode 7)

“Five-Twenty-Ten” is remarkable for unveiling a significant plot twist. In his quest for vengeance over his daughter’s demise, Peter takes matters into his own hands by injecting himself with a device that gradually grants him the extraordinary cognitive abilities and robotic persona of an Observer. The conclusion of the episode masterfully combines elements of psychological thriller and horror, as Olivia stumbles upon Peter’s disconcerting metamorphosis. The narrative also showcases an exceptional performance by John Noble’s character, Walter Bishop, who reflects on his past mistakes while being serenaded by David Bowie’s “The Man Who Sold The World.” This song, depicting a man burdened by guilt for no longer recognizing himself, encapsulates the pivotal juncture at which both Peter and Walter find themselves.

12 The Arrival (Season 1, Episode 4)

The episode "The Arrival" introduces a key figure in Fringe's mythology - September, the enigmatic Observer with no eyebrows. In a captivating scene, he devours a raw roast beef sandwich spiked with Tabasco sauce, jalapeños, and an entire container of black pepper. This Observer's uncanny ability to foretell future events sets the stage for the main storyline, prompting thought-provoking discussions about predetermined fate versus free will as the characters navigate choices throughout the series to alter dire outcomes. Furthermore, glimpses of September's distinctiveness hint at the profound impact his actions will have on Olivia, Walter, and Peter's lives.

11 Subject 9 (Season 4, Episode 4)

In hindsight, "Subject 9" episode of Fringe stands out due to the inclusion of Chadwick Boseman, a renowned blockbuster and TV star, who was relatively unknown at the time of its airing. Boseman portrays Cameron James, a former participant in Walter Bishop's experimental Cortexiphan drug trials during his childhood. These trials aimed to unleash latent abilities in individuals. Unbeknownst to Cameron, his newfound power enables him to manipulate the electromagnetic field when experiencing distress. Surprisingly, Cameron's emotional upheaval inadvertently brings back Peter Bishop, who had been erased from existence in the Season 3 finale. As the episode concludes, the long-awaited return of the beloved hero Peter happens dramatically, emerging from the depths of Reiden Lake to the delight of the eagerly awaiting audience.

10 The Abducted (Season 3, Episode 7)

Fringe skillfully blends different genres in its narratives, and "The Abducted" stands out as a gripping psychological thriller. Furthermore, this episode delves into Broyles' more human side and further develops his relationship with Olivia, even though she is interacting with her parallel universe counterpart's boss. The story takes viewers on a thrilling journey filled with unexpected twists and turns, ultimately unveiling the shocking revelation that the serial killer Olivia and Broyles are tracking down is actually a minister. "The Abducted" also proves to be a pivotal moment for Peter, as he finally realizes that the woman he has been dating is not Olivia, but rather Fauxlivia from the alternate world.

9 Welcome To Westfield (Season 4, Episode 12)

8 Jacksonville (Season 2, Episode 15)

- "Welcome to Westfield" presents a captivating narrative reminiscent of a Twilight Zone episode. Within this gripping tale, Oliva, Walter, and Peter find themselves trapped in a small town experiencing the turbulent clash of prime and parallel universes. This haunting occurrence serves as a significant turning point in the series, particularly following Peter's return to his original timeline. As the story unfolds, audiences delight in witnessing Olivia and Walter gradually reclaim their memories of Peter and the shared missions they embarked upon. Furthermore, the episode subtly hints that what Peter perceives as an alternate timeline is in fact his own, reaffirming that this Olivia and Walter are the very individuals he has always known.

"Jacksonville" showcases Anna Torv in one of her most powerful performances as Olivia. This gripping episode tells the story of Olivia's return to the clinic, where she and other children undergo drug trials. Filled with anger towards Walter for his controversial experiments, Olivia harbors doubts about harnessing her powers to prevent a cataclysmic event that could collide universes. "Jacksonville" expertly explores Olivia's childhood, revealing that her past holds the key to unlocking her abilities just in time to rescue the occupants of a building on the verge of disappearance. Furthermore, this episode serves as a pivotal moment in the series as Olivia comes to the realization that Peter is, in fact, from a parallel universe.

7 Over There: Part 2 (Season 2, Episode 23)

The Fringe team's journey in the parallel universe not only showcased Mr. Leonard Nimoy's undeniable status as a sci-fi legend, but it also emphasized the distinctive qualities of his character, William Bell. Although Bell shares Spock's intelligence from Star Trek, as the founder of Massive Dynamic, he exhibits a unique blend of charm, wit, and empathy. This stark contrast is highlighted when he confronts Walter, who at times mirrors Spock's rigidity and over-analytical nature. However, the episode takes a dramatic turn when it is revealed that Fauxlivia has successfully infiltrated the prime universe, leaving Olivia captive in the parallel one.

6 Over There: Part 1 (Season 1, Episode 22)

"Over There, Part 1" takes the Fringe team on a transformative journey to an alternate dimension, all in the hopes of locating Peter, who has traversed realms to uncover the truth about his origins. This captivating installment introduces us to the duplicitous counterparts of Olivia, Charlie, and Boyle, as well as a fresh face, Agent Lincoln Lee. Throughout the episode, Torv's exceptional portrayal of both Olivia and Fauxlivia highlights the stark contrasts between the two. Olivia's cautious reserve juxtaposed with Fauxlivia's unencumbered candor and blunt expression of personal views serves as a resounding precursor that cunning intrigues lie ahead.

5 There's More Than One Of Everything (Season 1, Episode 20)

4 The Day We Died (Season 3, Episode 22)

The season 1 finale delivers a shocking twist that alters the trajectory of the entire series. It unveils the enigmatic William Bell's existence in a parallel universe, the very origin of the extraordinary fringe events unfolding. Audiences are left astounded when confronted with the revelation that, in this alternate world, the World Trade Center remains unscathed by the tragic 9/11 attacks and President John F. Kennedy has survived his assassination. Bell's ominous warning about an impending war between these two realms profoundly transforms the tone of the show, intertwining the seemingly unrelated mysteries-of-the-week into a more sinister scheme that jeopardizes humanity.

In the gripping season 3 finale titled "The Day We Died," an unforgettable and heart-wrenching episode unfolds, forever altering the dynamics of the characters and setting the stage for what lies ahead in season 4. Our protagonist, Peter, activates the ominous doomsday machine, which thrusts him into the year 2026, a time where the lives of our beloved characters have undergone profound transformations.

Returning from this haunting glimpse into the future, Peter arrives with a newfound understanding that both the prime and parallel universes must unite their strengths and join forces in order to combat the imminent threat endangering their worlds. As he imparts this crucial message to his companions, Peter mysteriously vanishes, leaving them stunned and bewildered.

In a gripping twist that caught audiences off guard, an Observer remarks that Peter's mission has been accomplished, resulting in his very existence being wiped away—a revelation that left fans who had grown deeply attached to the character reeling with shock and emotion.

3 Peter (Season 2, Episode 16)

The episode titled "Peter" in season 2 is a pivotal moment where Walter's hidden secret is revealed to both Olivia and the audience. Through Walter's narrative, we gain insight into the reasons behind his excessive protectiveness towards Peter and why the latter has no recollection of their shared childhood stories in the lab. This revelation allows viewers to sympathize with Walter's well-intended but misguided actions, while also tugging at Olivia's moral dilemma of whether or not to disclose the truth to Peter. Additionally, the episode unveils the connection between September and Walter/Peter, hinting at potentially severe consequences for Walter's past actions.

2 6:02 AM EST (Season 3, Episode 20)

The emotional episode titled "6:02 AM EST" aired on April 22, 2011, which happened to be Good Friday, the day commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus in the Christian faith. A particular scene in this episode holds immense significance, as Walter seeks solace in the hospital chapel following Peter's injury caused by the doomsday machine. In a powerful moment, Walter pleads to God, hoping for Peter's safety and for their universe to be spared. This scene parallels the biblical account of Jesus praying to God for a change in his destiny. Whether the timing of the episode's broadcast on this religious holiday was deliberate or coincidental on the part of the show's creators, it deeply touches viewers as they witness a vulnerable and distressed Walter, desperate to prevent the loss of his son and their world.

1 White Tulip (Season 2, Episode 18)

Fringe's "White Tulip" is the core of the series, showcasing the profound bond between a father and son while also highlighting an FBI agent's efforts to combat malevolent forces intent on global destruction. Adding to its brilliance is the inclusion of Peter Sellers, known for his portrayal of Robo Cop, who brings to life the character of Allistair Peck, a time-traveler and scientist. The dynamic between Allistair and Walter, both driven by their desire to rectify past mistakes through fringe science, is captivating. Immediately, viewers become invested in their heart-wrenching journey and find solace in the glimmer of hope that Walter receives through a symbolic gesture—a drawing of a white tulip. This emblematic representation unifies the entire series, connecting each Fringe episode seamlessly from start to finish.