10 most essential episodes of Voltron: Legendary Defender

In the wake of Voltron’s final season, we look back at the series and select the 10 most essential episodes based on different criteria.

As 2018 gradually comes to an end, so does DreamWorks Television’s Voltron: Legendary Defender. It’s hard to believe the journey with 5 earthlings hurtled across the universe in a mechanical lion premiered on Netflix on June 10, 2016. A total of 8 seasons have debuted since then.

The rebooted story follows Shiro, Keith, Lance, Pidge, and Hunk. They’re thrust into an epic adventure of self-discovery and saving the universe from evil forces bent on destroying it. Leading them every step of the way are Princess Allura and Coran, two Alteans who desperately want to finish her father’s work in stopping Emperor Zarkon. Together, they make new friends and enemies along the way, they’re challenged at every turn, and they become a family.

The battle for the universe and multiple realities rages on in the final season. Lives are lost in the process, but it ends on an inspiring note. After all, Voltron is known for hitting us right where it hurts, but it also has a knack for making us laugh. Not only that, but the series features many top-notch episodes dedicated to the development of each character as well as fleshing out the backstory and history of the fictional universe it’s set in.

The series has a total of 78 episodes, and each one uniquely expands upon the characters and the story. We carefully looked through the seasons and selected episodes based on the following criteria: emotional impact, genuine silliness, character development, and worldbuilding.

Hop into a lion and take a flight down memory lane with these 10 essential episodes of Voltron: Legendary Defender.