Which Peaky Blinders episode is the best? Ranking the top 10

Peaky Blinders, the adrenaline-packed British crime drama by Steven Knight, presents a thrilling, gritty tale of a gangster family in Birmingham. Following the WWII period of persistent, worldwide instability, the show delivers sharp dialogue, compelling character arcs, and stylistic flair has been making an undeniable mark in the entertainment realm.

Pinpointing the single "best" episode from the show is a challenge, but by the order of the Peaky Blinders, we have come up with the 10 best episodes from the show ranking by intense performances and lasting impact.

Peaky Blinders (Image via Amazon Prime Video)

Which Peaky Blinders episode is the best? Ranking the top 10

10. "Episode 6" (Season 1) The dramatic ending to the first season of Peaky Blinders fixes the benchmark for the future seasons. This episode is an all-around entertainer with a development towards an explosive showdown between Tommy and his rival, Billy Kimber.

Here, the growing conflict over control of the race tracks reaches a bubbling point. The season finale of Peaky Blinders puts Tommy Shelby on the map as a leader who can out-scheme and out-fight anyone in Birmingham in the gangster-styled, cinematic drama.

9. “Episode 6” (Season 2)

This thrilling finale of Season 2, puts Shelby's empire on the national map. Tommy gets abducted by the IRA. In a tense moment, he faces execution but is saved by a miraculous intervention.

Polly gets her thirst for revenge satisfied on Inspector Campbell, and Grace’s pregnancy is found to be pregnant. These events play an important role in paving the way for seismic changes for the next season.

We see Tommy emerging from the street politics to become an influential power player, building the ladder for his climb into legitimate influence.

8. “Heathens” (Season 4, Episode 2)

Season 4, Episode 1 ends with a daring cliffhanger with two of the most influential characters, Michael and John, gunned down by the Sicilian mafia. This episode marks a devastating loss when we learn that Michael survived, but John did not make it.

The backbone of the episode is the brilliant writing and emotional performances by the cast. The family's tragic fallout is visceral: Esme is shattered, Polly turns bitter, Arthur oscillates between tears and rage, but in all of this ,a quiet Tommy hides his pain with coldness.

This episode puts Aberama Gold (Aidan Gillen), on the map with his roguish gypsy whose charm and danger call for special mention.

7. "The Loop" (Season 5, Episode 4)

Tommy's dangerous alliance with Oswald Mosley emerges as the pivotal focal point of this episode as the rise of fascism grips 1920s England. Tensions arise when Tommy and Mosley confront each other at Lizzie's birthday party.

The episode pays attention to Tommy's inner turmoil, including his shattered heart after Grace's death. On a positive note, Polly and Aberama Gold become engaged. But the party does not end without violence.

6. "The Company" (Season 4, Episode 6)

The events of this episode unfold in London and center on Tommy’s uncompromising efforts to expand his territory. In signature Peaky Blinders fashion, the story of the episode culminates in a shocking, high-stakes battle for control of the Eden Club.

The rivalry with Darby Sabini also intensifies. This marks a defining moment for the gang, cementing their power and influence. Apart from Tommy, Arthur Shelby’s terrifying savagery adds to the thrill.

5. "The Duel" (Season 4, Episode 5)

This episode unfolds with signature Peaky Blinders energy. Tommy has a dramatic face-off against Luca Changretta’s gang while Michael is sent away for safety, and Alfie Solomons’ betrayal carves the path for more conflict.

Ada is troubled by her past, and Tommy’s ambitions come in the way of his family's safety. The final showdown is led up by intense tension. Hardy's gripping portrayal as Alfie makes this episode unforgettable.

4. "Black Day" (Season 6, Episode 1)

After a failed assassination attempt and the loss of Polly, the Shelby family is struggling. Tommy is also hurt but he keeps persisting in his work. He does not let go of his duty but Michael vows revenge and slowly sets his cards in place.

This Peaky Blinders episode opening is unconventional, at Miquelon, where we see a quiet Tommy dispatching local thugs. The balance of dreamy camera and tension makes this scene vis a vis the episode, remarkable.

3. "Episode 3.1" (Season 3, Episode 1)

This episode takes the route of heartfelt romance when Tommy Shelby and Grace Burgess (Annabelle Wallis) consummate their marriage. Grace makes a stand, and chooses Tommy over her commitment to the Crown.

It is in this moment that Tommy, who is created in the trenches of WWI, gets more entangled in a sweet, romantic relationship with Grace. His moral, ethical compass and emotional vulnerability is established. Her undeniable influence on Tommy and the absence thereof, becomes the defining specter haunting the Shelby leader.

2. "Gold" (Season 6, Episode 3)

This is probably one of the most profoundly emotional episodes from Peaky Blinders. The most affecting emotional collapse strikes Tommy after his beloved daughter, Ruby dies.

A heartbroken Tommy goes after the Gypsy curse and desperately tries to track the sapphire necklace he once gave Grace. His willingness to find the culprit establishes the ground for future conflict and plotlines.

1. The Company (Season 6 Episode 4)

This episode of Peaky Blinders is one of the most flawless entries that deals with the takeover of the Italian-American gang leader Luca Changretta's empire. Tensions arise to a whole new level when a set-piece boxing match acts as a decoy for a brilliant, multi-layered counter-plan.