It’s pretty hard to find anyone these days who hasn’t already watched and experienced the emotional rollercoaster ride that is the hit animated Netflix show, BoJack Horseman, with it receiving universal acclaim from critics and audiences alike and is now a proud representative of television excellence found on the streaming platform. Nearly a decade since the first episode of the legendary animated series graced the small screen, it has achieved legendary status and is widely recognized as being among the best from its genre.
Led by Raphael Bob-Waksberg, BoJack Horseman teeters the fine line between surreal comedy and brutal tragedy and provides some of the most profound and heartbreaking portrayals of the human condition in recent television history, and it’s all about a talking horse. The highest-rated BoJack Horseman episodes on IMDb reflect the very best that the series has to offer, and are also excellent starting points for fans who want to rediscover the incredible show on Netflix. If you are in the mood to re-watch the iconic series, here are the best BoJack episodes for a reminder of just how great the show can be.
25
“It’s You” (Season 3, Episode 10)
IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
One of the more chaotic episodes during the downward spiral and pain that BoJack goes through in Season 3, “It’s You” acts as a wakeup call for the character, most notably remembered for Todd’s painful monologue of BoJack’s cycle of harm. The episode primarily sees BoJack facing painful self-doubt after learning that he hasn’t been nominated for an Oscar for his role in the Secretariat biopic, opening up old wounds and pains of how he isn’t worthy of love or happiness.
The major standout that has made the episode such a fan-favorite is the ending rant by Todd, the often goofy and non-serious character having one of his few truly serious moments as he lays into BoJack’s toxic and destructive tendencies. It acts as a turning point for both Todd and BoJack as characters, serving as the start of their separation, with Todd branching out into his own life separate from BoJack’s toxicity while BoJack himself continues down his painful downward spiral.
24
“Let’s Find Out” (Season 2, Episode 8)
IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
Initially seeming to be nothing more than a goofy game show episode run by Mr. Peanutbutter, “Let’s Find Out” eventually shows its hand to be one of the first true emotional dives into the depths and pain of Mr. Peanutbutter as a character. The episode sees BoJack competing on Mr. Peanutbutter’s wild game show, something that BoJack already had no interest in being one. Yet, it soon takes a painful turn when the topic of conversation turns to BoJack’s past with Diane and his strained friendship with Mr. Peanutbutter.
The episode finds a great mix of satirical humor and jabs at the setup and clichés of daytime reality television while also providing a deeper examination into the flawed and toxic friendship of BoJack and Mr. Peanutbutter. Considering just how much of the character Mr. Peanutbutter is rooted in absurdist and non-serious gags, this early episode of the series shows one of the first real looks into his psyche and ability to have a serious conversation.
23
“Ruthie” (Season 4, Episode 9)
IMDb Rating: 8.9/10
One of the series’ most notable tearjerkers, “Ruthie” follows a relatively standard side-story of Princess Carolyn through an ingenious storytelling setup that ties into its emotionally compelling twist ending. The episode sees a cat girl named Ruthie giving a presentation about her ancestor, Princess Carolyn, over the course of an awful day. During the day, Princess Carolyn faces all sorts of rejection, deception, and painful losses as her relationship with Ralph and friendship with Judah begin to crumble and fall apart.
Princess Carolyn is one of the more likable and varied recurring characters in BoJack Horseman, with “Ruthie” being one of the few episodes that makes her the primary focus of an episode and gives a larger deep dive into her mentality and lifestyle. The episode acts as a capoff to the various arcs and stories she went through during Season 4, with a tearjerker ending that recontextualizes the entire episode and its setup.
22
“What Time Is It Right Now” (Season 4, Episode 12)
IMDb Rating: 8.9/10
The season finale of the 4th season, “What Time Is It Right Now” sees BoJack coming to a realization about Hollyhock and how her relationship with him is much more complicated than he had presumed. The shocking reveal of how Hollyhock and BoJack are actually related proves to bring light to various mysteries about both characters, and levity towards BoJack’s pressure he places on himself. It’s an important moment for Bojack as a character where his entire perspective changes and allows him to move forward with a new, positive state of mind, at least for the time being.
The episode also serves to set up the pieces for the major plot of Season 5, with Princess Carolyn signing BoJack on to be the lead in an original show to be streamed on “WhatTimeIsItRightNow.com.” It’s this combination of paying off Season 4 plotlines while also setting up the pieces for the future that makes BoJack such an effective series, always being focused on what comes next while actively prioritizing the important emotional moments of the present.
21
“Good Damage” (Season 6, Episode 10)
IMDb Rating: 8.9/10
Diane as a character has seen many changes and evolutions ever since her humble beginnings as the writer of BoJack’s memoir, with “Good Damage” acting as an effective sendoff and final chapter for the character. The episode sees Diane continuing her battle against depression from earlier in the season, taking medication and coming to terms with how her childhood trauma has helped shape who she is today, both positive and negative elements of herself.
Between a deeply creative animation style as Diane talks to herself in the difficulties of writer’s block and a mature and honest portrayal of her relationship with Guy, Diane has never been more relatable and likable as she is in this episode. The episode acts as the quintessential way to cap off the entire series’ worth of evolution and growth for the character, with her finally coming to terms with herself and coming out the other side able to be proud of who she’s become.
20
“Head in the Clouds” (Season 5, Episode 10)
IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
One of the last tension-building episodes during the latter half of Season 5, “Head in the Clouds” sees BoJack and the rest of the main cast dealing with their own consequences and misadventures at the premiere party for “Philbert.” Various building storylines see their apex and rising tension throughout the episode, from the relationship building between BoJack and Gina to Todd’s increasingly chaotic antics with Henry Fondle. However, the linchpin moment that has made the episode a fan favorite among fans is the confrontation between Diane and BoJack near the end of the episode.
Tired and annoyed with BoJack seemingly using “Philbert” as a way to justify actions from his past, Diane lays into him and demands an answer about the terrible things BoJack has done throughout the series and how he really hasn’t changed at all. It makes for a deeply painful yet reflective conversation about the destructive power dynamic that people like BoJack hold, and the ways that they justify their heinous actions and believe themselves to be the victim. It’s a turning point not just for BoJack, but the entire series as BoJack’s philosophy and past actions are now beginning to catch up to him.
19
“The Dog Days Are Over” (Season 5, Episode 2)
IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
One of the few episodes that dedicates nearly its entire runtime to a character that isn’t BoJack in their own story and journey of reflection, “The Dog Days Are Over” sees Diane going on a trip to Vietnam to get away from the stress of her divorce. The episode sees Diane finding guidance from her own writing while on the trip, making a “10 Reasons to go to Vietnam” article while on her trip that sets the flow and structure of the episode as she establishes these reasons.
Diane is one of the more intricate and emotionally complex characters in all of Bojack Horseman, with “The Dog Days Are Over” giving a deep and effective look into the character’s psyche during a moment of grief and necessary pain. The episode works wonders not just as an additional layer to Diane’s ever-evolving character, but a stand-out standalone episode of culture shock and expectations not lining up with reality. The episode shows that, even when not focusing on BoKack’s struggles specifically, BoJack Horseman is able to excel at telling an emotional yet hilarious tale of self-discovery.
18
“That Went Well” (Season 3, Episode 12)
IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
A season finale that went well indeed. Season 3, episode 12 sees BoJack at his lowest point, having just witnessed Sarah Lynn’s death (and arguably having played a huge part in her overdose). When a new opportunity to get back into show business presents itself, BoJack immediately grabs it, but is spooked by a reminder of Sarah Lynn. The powerful ending shows the devastated protagonist speeding away in his car and letting go of the wheel, until he notices a pack of wild horses running freely in the distance.
The freedom that the horses so clearly exhibit at that moment jolts BoJack to the reality of his situation. BoJack is constantly running away from things, never truly embracing what he should be—running and free and genuinely enjoying it. It’s a spine-chilling moment that significantly influences BoJack’s arc on the show and sets up his story in the fourth season.
17
“Angela” (Season 6, Episode 14)
IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
One of the final building blocks and tension-rising episodes building up to the finale of the series, “Angela” brings one of the most built-up mysteries and characters from the beginning of the show to the limelight, the character of Angela Diaz. While Angela was only ever seen in flashbacks in the series, the episode finally shows her in the present day, seeing the network executive reaching out to BoJack following his chaotic interview earlier in the series. At the same time, various other characters have the pieces set for their own climactic end in the series finale.
Angela’s firing of Herb in the 90s was one of the first cataclysmic incidents that sent BoJack down the spiral of depression and anguish in the world of Hollywood, so seeing her return when BoJack is at his lowest was always going to result in a destructive and powerful confrontation. However, BoJack’s mentality of self-defeating and giving up allows him to completely write away his past for the possibility of preserving the memory of others, a harrowing statement that speaks volumes leading into the climactic apex of the series.
16
“Surprise!” (Season 6, Episode 4)
IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
In “Surprise!,” audiences are reminded just how fantastic of a supporting character on the show Pickles Aplenty is. The episode is centered on Mr. Peanutbutter and Pickles’ surprise party at their home, organized by their friends for their marriage. Of course, the moment they walk in is when Mr. Peanutbutter confesses to having cheated on Pickles—with Diane.
A funny, kind of sad, and chaotic episode all at once, the different storylines in “Surprise!” just work so well together. Aside from Mr. Peanutbutter’s disastrous surprise party, Todd is also bonding with Ruthie in an equally messy way, and Diane is telling BoJack that she might be leaving the city for good. It’s an episode with a lot of moving parts that ultimately create a fun viewing experience.
15
“A Horse Walks into a Rehab” (Season 6, Episode 1)
IMDb Rating: 9.1/10
Following the chaotic and self-destructive addiction-fueled bender that BoJack went on during Season 5, it made perfect poetic sense for the final season of the series to start with his experiences of finally going to rehab. In “A Horse Walks into a Rehab”, BoJack sees himself checking into a Malibu rehab facility, where he is forced to tackle his own grief and memories of the past head-on with help from a therapy horse. The episode cuts between BoJack’s difficult time adjusting to rehab and therapy with fragments of his past that led him to where he is today.
The episode effectively sets up and establishes just how much the rest of the final season doesn’t just tap into and play with the core elements and moments of previous seasons, but uses them as fuel to drive the characters and story forward. While the episode seems like BoJack may finally be getting some much-needed help and clarity from his time in therapy, it also shows the difficulties facing BoJack while setting up the pieces for chaos down the line. More than any other episode, “A Horse Walks into a Rehab” provides a reflective look into BoJack’s fractured past with more clarity than ever seen before.
14
“The Stopped Show” (Season 5, Episode 12)
IMDb Rating: 9.1/10
The season finale for BoJack Horseman‘s 5th season, “The Stopped Show” sees BoJack dealing with the seemingly impossible PR crisis that has occurred due to his actions surrounding Filbert, with Princess Carolyn and Diane helping BoJack to finally face the facts. With BoJack not even realizing or remembering what he has done, an interview is set up so that BoJack and Gina can clear up the confusion and set the record straight in hopes of not destroying the show or their careers.
The shocking revelation that BoJack assaulted Gina during his drunken and inebriated state is one that is just as shocking to BoJack as it is to audiences, giving BoJack yet another painful case where he hurts those around him. While these moments are all effectively executed in their own right, the highlight of the episode is BoJack’s plea to be held accountable to Diane, yet Diane sternly points out that BoJack has to be accountable for himself, as nobody will do the work of being accountable for him. The episode acts as a great development and reflection of BoJack’s character, leading perfectly into the events and revelations of the final season.
13
“Downer Ending” (Season 1, Episode 11)
IMDb Rating: 9.1/10
BoJack Horseman is a dark comedy series, and “Downer Ending” shows viewers just how bleak it can get right before the first season’s finale. It follows BoJack’s attempts at rewriting his story, as he doesn’t agree with the one Diane has written about him. Instead of doing anything productive, he ends up consuming an inhuman amount of drugs with Todd and Sarah Lynn, and the trio spend days on a wild trip.
There’s a poignant and even tear-jerking moment towards the end of the episode where BoJack admits to Diane (in front of the ghostwriter convention) that her book is better, but that he just couldn’t accept that’s the way he viewed her. A heartbreaking scene shows BoJack asking her over and over again to tell him that he’s a good person “deep down,” but Diane doesn’t answer. It’s an episode that highlights BoJack’s misguided search for his self-worth, and there’s still a long journey ahead.
12
“Stupid Piece of Sh*t” (Season 4, Episode 6)
IMDb Rating: 9.2/10
In a painfully relatable episode that unexpectedly highlights the similarities between BoJack and Hollyhock, audiences get a glimpse into the protagonist’s mind. In “Stupid Piece of Sh*t,” the negative inner voice that dominates BoJack’s daily life is featured front and center, as well as the way it influences how he responds to stressful situations, like ones with his mother Beatrice.
Before the episode ends, fans learn that Hollyhock deals with the same negative voice, and the half-siblings share a sweet moment as the protagonist lies and promises that things will be better when she grows older. The story arc is yet another example of how the series accurately portrays mental health.
11
“Xerox of a Xerox” (Season 6, Episode 12)
IMDb Rating: 9.2/10
“Xerox of a Xerox” is an episode that drops a bombshell about the extent of BoJack’s role in Sarah Lynn’s death. During an interview with Biscuits, she reveals that BoJack waited seventeen minutes to call for help after Sarah Lynn’s overdose, while also pointing out the protagonist’s problematic past with young women. Somewhere else, Diane meets Guy’s teenage son and watches the interview.
If BoJack’s character wasn’t unlikable enough, this episode assured that even when faced with the death of someone he loves, he’ll save himself first. It’s one of those BoJack Horseman episodes that leaves a knot in audiences’ stomachs, and a sense of dread about how it will all eventually end.
10
“The Old Sugarman Place” (Season 4, Episode 2)
IMDb Rating: 9.4/10
One of the many best episodes of BoJack Horseman that take full advantage of the flexibility and creativity of animation, a lost and devastated BoJack going off the grid and returning to his family’s old lakehouse after the death of Sarah-Lynn, intertwined with flashback montages of his mother, Beatrice Horseman, as a child spending her summers in the once-grand house with her parents.
Both stories in this emotionally devastating BoJack episode deal with grief and generational trauma, giving audiences further insight into why the protagonist is the way he is, and how the trauma of the past bleeds its way into the present. Featuring the incredible talents of Colman Domingo, Matthew Broderick, and Jane Krakowski, who each deliver lines with the perfect blend of humor and just pure tragedy.
9
“The Face of Depression” (Season 6, Episode 7)
IMDb Rating: 9.4/10
Princess Carolyn begins to balance the busy schedules of her work and home life together, Diane starts taking antidepressants, and Mr. Peanutbutter has his lifelong dream of doing a crossover episode of BoJack fulfilled. BoJack travels to Chicago to visit Diane and actually leaves her with some good advice, and the audience sees the positive attributes of BoJack and how he is really trying to be a better person.
After many seasons of watching Bojack make the worst decisions, it was incredible to watch him genuinely support the people around him. It’s also an episode that highlights how the show accurately portrays mental health, often in unflinching, relatable, and heartbreaking ways.
8
“Escape from L.A.” (Season 2, Episode 11)
IMDb Rating: 9.4/10
The eleventh episode of the second season is especially devastating and shows BoJack at his worst, but the show at its absolute best. BoJack reconnects with his friend and long-lost crush from the ’90s, Charlotte, and stays with her and her family whom he grows close to, particularly with Charlotte’s teenage daughter, Penny.
As he joins Penny and her friends on their prom night where he, in typical BoJack fashion, takes things too far and makes a lifetime mistake that will haunt him throughout the entire series. This was not the first time the audience is a spectator to one of BoJack’s worst decisions, but it was one of the first that really made an impact.
7
“The Showstopper” (Season 5, Episode 11)
IMDb Rating: 9.6/10
This is when the audience sees BoJack’s addiction issues at their full force, as his dependency on painkillers soon causes the protagonist’s psyche to deteriorate, as well as once again ruining yet another relationship in the process. BoJack experiences a serious episode due to his addiction and brutally attacks Gina, after emphasizing throughout the entire season his desire and need to protect her.
With the episode following BoJack struggling to differentiate between the stylized world of the television noir of “Philbert” to his own life to disastrous results, yet again forcing BoJack to look deep within himself and wonder whether he really can become a better person.
6
“That’s Too Much, Man!” (Season 3, Episode 11)
IMDb Rating: 9.6/10
“That’s Too Much, Man!” features what is arguably the most shocking and heartbreaking scene in the entire series. After finding out that he will not receive an Oscar for “Secretariat,” BoJack enables the recently-sober Sarah-Lynn on a drug-fueled bender powered solely by the protagonist’s selfish and harmful impulses.
What ensues is a whole platitude of terrible decision-making, including BoJack ambushing a traumatized Penny at her college, all while dragging Sarah-Lynn along. The only thing that BoJack does for Sarah-Lynn is bring her to the planetarium, the one place she begged to go to, where she would later die due to a heroin overdose. Sarah-Lynn’s death is among the saddest moment in the otherwise hilarious series, especially since she never got to live out her life the way she wanted to.
