For eight seasons, “The Vampire Diaries” brought us drama, romance, and horror.

Here are the episodes that stand out as the series' best.

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The Vampire Diarieswas a landmark series for the CW when it began in 2009.

Masquerade

Paul Wesley, Ian Somerhalder, and Nina Dobrev on ‘The Vampire Diaries’.Credit:Bob Mahoney/The CW

Based on the book series of the same name by L.J.

The flagship supernatural drama aired from 2009 to 2017, airing a whopping 171 episodes across eight seasons.

From those 171, we’ve whittled down our picks for the 20 best episodes ofThe Vampire Diaries.

Haunted

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(Hint: expect quite a few from the series' prime, seasons 2 and 3.)

However, it didn’t take long for her to wake up.

What it’s like to transition into a vampire and 2.

The Birthday

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Just how easy it is to die in Mystic Falls.

As the hour ends, Damon kisses Elena…only it isn’t Elena.

It’s Katherine Pierce, the Petrova doppelganger we’ve heard about all season.

Founder’s Day

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Stefan and Klaus first met.

But just as Klaus shows his humanity, Elena questions whether Stefan has lost his.

And if that’s not enough, where Katherine goes, death follows.

The End of The Affair

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(Plus, this episode also marks the introduction of Hot Uncle Mason!

), the season 4 finale left fans stunned and, even better, wanting more.

And he’s back with a vengeance.

Stand by Me

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Then, he compels Stefan to feed on Elena when the gym clock strikes zero.

Good luck catching your breath during this hour.

It was filled with several paradigm-shifting revelations for both the characters and us: Jenna (finally!)

Our Town

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Luckily, one of the areas whereTVDhas always excelled is nostalgia.

But she doesn’t make it there.

After Rebekah believes her brother is dead, she decides to kill Alaric, which means killing Elena.

The Return

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First, there’sMatt Davis, who loves playing Klaus-as-Alaric.

(Also, who doesn’t love to see Damon dance?

But, the hour isn’t an entirely salty affair.

Graduation

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Only, it’s not goodbye.

The Descent

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The Vampire Diaries - “Let Her Go”

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The Reckoning

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Klaus

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I’m Thinking of You All The While

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The Departed

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The Last Dance

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Dangerous Liaisons

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500 Years of Solitude

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The Sun Also Rises

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Do Not Go Gentle

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