The Handmaid’s Tale has carved out its place as one of the most gripping and emotionally charged shows of the past decade. Adapted from Margaret Atwood’s landmark novel, the series throws viewers into a dystopian nightmare where women are stripped of autonomy and forced to submit to a totalitarian theocracy.
At the center of it all is Elisabeth Moss as June, whose performance anchors the show with unwavering intensity. Across its many episodes, The Handmaid’s Tale has delivered unforgettable moments — and some episodes have risen to the top on IMDb, reflecting just how impactful they’ve been for audiences.
Here are the top five highest-rated episodes on IMDb, and why they stand out:
5. “Smart Power” — Season 2, Episode 9 (IMDb Rating: 8.9)
Fred and Serena Waterford travel to Canada to represent Gilead, hoping to improve their international image. There, Serena meets Mark Tuello, who offers her freedom in exchange for her cooperation — an offer she ultimately rejects out of loyalty to Gilead.
Meanwhile, Luke and Moira protest against the Waterfords, and Nick secretly passes along letters from Gilead’s women to Luke. These letters become a vital weapon in exposing Gilead’s atrocities. This episode shines a spotlight on the regime’s crumbling facade and hints at the conflict simmering within Serena.
4. “June” — Season 2, Episode 1 (IMDb Rating: 8.8)
Season two opens with a harrowing scene: the Handmaids are marched into a stadium, nooses around their necks — only to realize it’s a psychological punishment. Later, June is spared further torment because of her pregnancy and receives a covert message leading her to escape.
With Nick’s help, she changes her identity, burns her clothes, and removes her tracking device. This pivotal episode sets the tone for a more rebellious, determined June and launches a new chapter of resistance.
3. “Night” — Season 1, Episode 10 (IMDb Rating: 9.0)
The season one finale closely mirrors the novel’s conclusion. After enduring torment and manipulation from Serena, who forces her to take a pregnancy test, June receives a chilling threat involving her daughter Hannah.
At a brutal public execution, the Handmaids are told to kill Janine — but they refuse in a rare act of collective defiance. June is then taken away by Guardians, with Nick assuring her safety. Meanwhile, Moira reaches safety in Canada and reunites with Luke. This episode marks a critical turning point, showing the power of unity and the first flicker of rebellion.
2. “Liars” — Season 3, Episode 11 (IMDb Rating: 9.2)
June and Commander Lawrence begin organizing a covert mission to smuggle Gilead’s children to freedom. During a risky trip to Jezebels, June is attacked by Commander Winslow — and kills him in self-defense, hiding the body afterward.
Meanwhile, Fred and Serena fall into a trap set by Tuello. Once they cross into Canadian territory, Fred is arrested for rape, kidnapping, and other war crimes. Packed with tension, this episode delivers both a brutal confrontation and a clever reversal of power.
1. “Mayday” — Season 3, Episode 13 (IMDb Rating: 9.3)
This dramatic season finale sees June’s plan to rescue 53 children come to life. Handmaids and Marthas work together in secret — preparing food, securing routes, and clearing the path to freedom.
In Canada, Fred begins cooperating with the authorities and implicates Serena in Gilead’s crimes, leading to her arrest. Back in Gilead, June is wounded during the rescue but survives long enough to watch the plane take off. It’s a moment of triumph and sacrifice that captures the heart of the series.
These episodes not only highlight the strength of the show’s writing and performances but also demonstrate how The Handmaid’s Tale continues to challenge, disturb, and inspire.
You can stream all seasons of The Handmaid’s Tale in the U.S. on Hulu.