Best ‘How I Met Your Mother’ Episodes Ranked by IMDb
Airwaves were graced by How I Met Your Mother for nine delightful seasons from 2005 to 2014, captivating millions of fans with its clever humor and relatable storytelling. This iconic sitcom delivered countless laughs and unforgettable moments, featuring an impressive total of 208 episodes. Each season brought its own unique highlights, filled with memorable characters and running gags that continue to resonate with audiences long after the series finale.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City, the narrative follows Ted Mosby (Josh Radnor) as he recounts the story of how he met the mother of his children. Ted navigates the ups and downs of life and love as an aspiring architect, supported by his close-knit group of friends: Marshall (Jason Segel), Lily (Alyson Hannigan), Robin (Cobie Smulders), and the unforgettable Barney (Neil Patrick Harris). Elements like pineapples, slap bets, and the eventual reveal of the mother are just a few highlights from the top 10 HIMYM episodes, as rated by IMDb’s audience.
- Release Date
- September 19, 2005
- Directors
- Carter Bays
- Seasons
- 9
- Network
- CBS
20 “Mary the Paralegal” (Season 1, Episode 19)
IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
When Robin takes her new co-anchor Sandy Rivers (Alexis Denisof) to an awards night, Barney decides to set Ted up with Mary (Erinn Bartlett)—whom he claims is a prostitute—in an attempt to make Robin jealous. Ted, skeptical about the arrangement, surprisingly finds himself connecting with Mary. However, his preconceived notions and misplaced trust in Barney’s dubious honesty put his budding romance at risk.
This episode expertly navigates the nuances of misunderstanding and judgment in relationships, utilizing humor to explore deeper themes. Beneath the comedic surface lies a thoughtful commentary on how unwarranted judgments can cloud our perceptions of others. Many fans consider Mary to be one of Ted’s best dates, reflecting on the missed potential that arose from his stubbornness throughout “Mary the Paralegal.” The episode also showcases a particularly hilarious yet juvenile prank orchestrated by Barney Stinson.
19 “Come On” (Season 1, Episode 22)
IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
After 22 episodes filled with Ted’s romantic misadventures, Season 1 reaches its poignant finale with “Come On.” In this episode, Ted grapples with his unresolved feelings for Robin, despite their mutual agreement to remain friends. The episode captures his desperate attempt to win her heart while Marshall and Lily’s engagement faces unexpected challenges that could threaten their future together.
In “Come On,” the stakes of love are at their highest, encapsulating Ted’s willingness to risk his friendship with Robin for a chance at romance. Meanwhile, Marshall and Lily face their own relationship crossroads, prompting them to reflect on their individual desires and future as a couple. Infused with Barney’s signature humor, this episode balances emotional depth with comedic relief, making it a memorable installment in the How I Met Your Mother series.
18 “The End of the Aisle” (Season 9, Episode 22)
IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
As the series approaches its finale, “The End of the Aisle” serves as a crucial turning point for the characters. This episode, which can be seen as the penultimate chapter of How I Met Your Mother, features both Barney and Robin experiencing panic attacks just moments before their wedding. While grappling with their emotions, Marshall and Lily take this opportunity to revisit their own wedding vows.
Blending comedy and heartfelt moments, “The End of the Aisle” is celebrated for how it poignantly encapsulates Ted’s enduring love for Robin, marking a significant realization that he must move forward in his search for true love. The episode dives deep into the complexities of relationships, offering mature reflections on love and commitment while maintaining the humor and charm that fans adore.
17 “Ducky Tie” (Season 7, Episode 3)
IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
The episode titled “Ducky Tie” showcases the hilarious antics of How I Met Your Mother and its unforgettable character Barney Stinson at their finest. With Lily’s body going through the changes of pregnancy, Barney becomes increasingly curious about her physical transformation. This leads to a bet between Marshall and Barney, where if Barney successfully executes certain cooking techniques, he earns the right to touch Lily’s breasts. If he fails, however, he faces a year of humiliation wearing a hideous tie covered in rubber ducks.
While the episode exemplifies some dated humor that may not resonate with modern audiences, it also highlights Barney’s loss, as he ultimately becomes the butt of the joke. In parallel, Ted’s storyline revolves around his rekindled feelings for Victoria (Ashley Williams), where he confronts hard truths about their relationship, especially after discovering she is now dating someone else.
