Buffy The Vampire Slayer: All 7 seasons ranked from worst to best

3. Season 2

Buffy The Vampire Slayer started on an incredibly strong note, but there is no denying that its first season was full of standalone villain-of-the-week episodes. Yes, it had an overarching story, but season 2 was the first real example of how it really tackled a season-long storyline (especially as that season was a much longer 22 episodes).

It’s undeniable that season 2 encapsulates the very essence of Buffy, masterfully navigating the shift from the vibrant metaphoric monsters of high school and adolescence seen in the first season to a more sophisticated, darker exploration. The joy is still there, too, as it’s a season filled with joyous quirks (such as the arrivals of Spike and Drusilla, Kendra, and Oz), but it’s also a more mature season.

The obvious example of that is Angel’s greater role and the exploration of his troubled past, and how the return of the demonic “Angelus” brings nothing but horrors to the present. It’s heartbreaking to watch for Buffy and Angel who just want to be together, but also for those forced to bear witness to Angelus’ reign of terror.

This balance of supernatural responsibilities and everyday teenage life, paired with some of the best acting of the series, makes season 2 a remarkable feat. This is where the show truly found its footing, and it set a high standard for anything that came next.