Episode Rankings: Sailor Moon

The Sailor Moon anime is pretty much a classic, and even watching it today, I can see why. It may be disjointed, it may have its poorly-aged elements, it may have some truly awful romantic subplots, and it may have plenty of weak monster-of-the-week episodes, but even with its flaws, the anime has a dorky melodramatic charm that made it a joy to watch. The characters are fleshed-out and likable, the villains are charismatic and fascinating, the plot twists are grand, the comedy usually lands, and when the anime goes for a darker tone, it almost always leads to its best episodes. I think Sailor Moon is greater than the sum of parts and still stands out as a top-notch magical girl show, and I'd say it's still worth watching today. I watched 200 episodes of this thing thoroughly engaged, so while it may not go down as one of my absolute favs, I'm sure Sailor Moon and its characters will stick with me for years to come. Here's my ranking of its episodes:  

1. The Shining Shooting Star: Saturn And The Messiah (S3.36)
2. Death Of The Sailor Guardians: The Tragic Final Battle (S1.45)
3. The Death Of Uranus And Neptune: The Talisman Appears (S3.21)
4. Dreams Forever: Fill The Heavens With Light (S4.39)
5. The Stolen Pure Heart: Usagi's Crisis (S3.13)
6. Countdown To Destruction: The Sailor Guardians' Last Battle (S5.30)
7. Saphir Dies: Wiseman's Trap (S2.40)
8. Moon Power Of Love: The Nightmare Ends (S5.06)
9. Mirror Of Dreams: The Amazon's Last Stage (S4.22)
10. Battle Inside The Demonic Space: The Sailor Guardians Gamble (S3.29)
11. The Shining Silver Crystal: The Moon Princess Appears (S1.34)
12. Shadow Of Destruction: The Messiah Of Silence Awakens (S3.34)
13. Defeat Rubeus: The Battle In Space (S2.28)
14. Steal A Kiss From Mamoru! An's Project Snow White (S2.10)
15. Usagi's Eternal Wish: A Brand New Life (S1.46)
16. Seiya And Usagi's Heart-Pounding Date (S5.15)
17. Usagi's Love: The Moonlight Illuminates The Galaxy (S5.34)
18. The Coming Terror Of Darkness: Struggle Of The Eight Guardians (S3.35)
19. The Final Battle Between Light And Dark: Pledge Of Love For The Future (S2.42)
20. Naru's Tears: Nephrite Dies For Love (S1.24)
21. Storm Of Love: Minako's Grand Two-Timing Plan (S4.14)
22. The Shocking Moment: Everyone's Identities Revealed (S3.20)
23. An Invasion From Another Dimension: Mystery Of Mugen Academy (S3.31)
24. For Love: The Endless Battle In The Dark World (S5.05)
25. Wiseman's Evil Hand: Chibiusa Disappears (S2.38)
26. Invitation To Terror: Usagi's Night Flight (S5.22)
27. Returning Memories: Usagi And Mamoru's Past (S1.35)
28. Higher And Stronger: A Cheer From Usagi (S3.28)
29. Dream To Be An Adult: The Amazoness' Confusion (S4.33)
30. Princess Kakyuu Perishes: Advent Of Galaxia (S5.29)
31. True Love Awakens: The Makai Tree's Secret (S2.13)
32. Protect Chibiusa: Clash Of The Ten Warriors (S2.22)
33. A New Transformation: Usagi's Power Up (S2.05)
34. Sailor Venus' Past: Minako's Tragic Love (S1.42)
35. A Night Alone Together: Usagi In Danger (S5.18)
36. The Golden Crystal Appears: Nehelenia's Magic (S4.37)
37. Shadow Of Evil: The Trio's Last Chance (S4.21)
38. Ruler Of The Galaxy: The Menace Of Galaxia (S5.31)
39. The Holy Grail's Mystical Power! Moon's Double Transformation (S3.22)
40. Loved And Chased: Luna's Worst Day Ever (S1.31)
41. I Want To Quit Being A Sailor Guardian: Minako's Dilemma (S3.11)
42. Let's Become A Princess: Usagi's Bizarre Training (S1.37)
43. The Messiah Of Silence Awakens? Stars Of Destiny (S3.30)
44. Wish Upon A Star: Naru's First Love (S1.23)
45. We Love Fashion: The Stylish Guardians (S4.13)
46. Believing In Love And The Future: Usagi's Decision (S2.41)
47. Is Seijuro The Moonlight Knight? Mako Falls In Love (S2.09)
48. The Bond Of Destiny! The Distant Days Of Uranus (S3.17)
49. A Handsome Boy? Haruka Tenoh's Secret (S3.03)
50. Chibi-Usa's Little Rhapsody Of Love (S4.32)
51. Crusade For The Galaxy: Legend Of The Sailor Wars (S5.28)
52. A New Life: Parting Of The Stars Of Destiny (S3.37)
53. Rubeus The Heartless: The Tragic Sisters (S2.26)
54. Enter Venus, The Last Sailor Guardian (S1.33)
55. Calling Of The Shining Stars: Enter Haruka And Michiru (S5.14)
56. The Arrival Of A Small Pretty Guardian (S3.14)
57. Usagi's Awakening: A Message From The Distant Past (S1.44)
58. Shadow Of Silence: The Pale Glimmer Of A Firefly (S3.26)
59. The Dark Queen: Birth Of Black Lady (S2.39)
60. Night Of Destiny: The Sailor Guardians' Ordeals (S5.04)
61. Usagi's Joy: A Love Letter From Tuxedo Mask (S1.19)
62. The Labyrinth Of Water: Ami Targeted (S3.08)
63. The Painting Of Love: Usagi And Mamoru Get Closer (S1.28)
64. Usagi Vs Rei: Nightmare In Dream Land (S1.11)
65. Battle Of The Flames Of Love! Mars Vs Koan (S2.24)
66. The Light Of Hope: The Final Battle For The Galaxy (S5.33)
67. Labyrinth Of Mirrors: Chibi-Moon Captured (S4.36)
68. The Dark Gate Is Completed? The Targeted Elementary School (S2.35)
69. Usagi Dancing To The Waltz (S3.19)
70. Become A Prima: Usagi's Ballet (S4.18)
71. The Flower Of Nightmares Scatters: The Queen Of Darkness Returns (S5.01)
72. Fighter's Secret Identity: The Shocking Super Transformation (S5.10)
73. Believe In Love: Ami, The Kindhearted Guardian (S3.33)
74. Disconnecting Love: The Raging Makai Tree (S2.12)
75. Go For Your Dream: Minako Becomes An Idol (S5.26)
76. Don't Lose Sight Of Your Dreams: The Mirror Of Truth (S4.29)
77. The Snow, The Mountains, Friendship, And Monsters (S1.38)
78. The Targeted Kindergarteners: Venus To The Rescue (S2.06)
79. Premonition Of The Apocalypse: The Mysterious New Guardians Appear (S3.01)
80. A New Enemy Appears: Nephrite's Evil Crest (S1.14)
81. Crushing On Ami: The Boy Who Can See The Future (S1.27)
82. The Stolen Silver Crystal: Princess Kakyuu Appears (S5.27)
83. Journey To The Future: Battle In The Space-Time Corridor (S2.36)
84. The School Festival Is For Me?! Queen Rei's Song (S2.08)
85. Venus: Minako's Nurse Mayhem (S2.32)
86. For Friendship: Ami Vs Bertheir (S2.25)
87. Making New Friends: Chibi Moon's Adventure (S3.15)
88. Farewells And Encounters: The Transitioning Stars Of Destiny (S5.07)
89. Destined Partners? Makoto's Innocence (S4.20)
90. Coldhearted Uranus: Makoto In Danger (S3.07) - Side note: I'm just referring to the Viz version of this episode, the original sub did not age well
91. The Girl Genius Is A Monster: The Brainwashing Cram School Of Horror (S1.08)
92. I Love Idols: Mimete's Dilemma (S3.25)
93. Flames Of Passion: Mars's Raging Super Attack (S4.25)
94. Jupiter, The Powerful Girl In Love (S1.25)
95. The Mysterious New Guardian: Sailor Pluto Appears (S2.29)
96. Dying Stars: The End Of Uranus And Neptune (S5.32)
97. The Terrifying Illusion: Ami All Alone (S2.34)
98. A Bewitching Flower That Steals Hearts: Tellu, The Third Witch (S3.32)
99. Saturn Awakens: The Ten Sailor Guardians Unite (S5.02)
100. Truth Revealed: The Star Lights' Past (S5.24)
101. I Won't Run Away From Love Anymore: Ami Vs Mamoru (S1.41)
102. Terror In Motion: The Dark Queen's Evil Hand (S4.34)
103. Girls Unite: The End Of Jadeite (S1.13)
104. Becoming An Idol: Minako's Ambition (S5.09)
105. Catch Pegasus: The Amazon's Trap (S4.04)
106. To Save Our Friends: Moon And Uranus Join Forces (S3.09)
107. Usagi's Crisis: The Tiara Stops Working (S2.04)
108. Who Is The True Messiah? Chaos Of Light And Darkness (S3.23)
109. Usagi's Parental Love: The Curry Romance Triangle (S2.20)
110. For Love And For Justice: Sailor Guardians Once Again (S2.02)
111. Juban Holiday: The Carefree Princess (S4.19)
112. A UFO Appears: The Sailor Guardians Abducted (S2.27)
113. When The Crystal Shines: The Beautiful Power Of Dreams (S4.65)
114. The Shocking Future: Demande's Dark Ambition (S2.37)
115. Usagi Abandoned: The Falling-Out Of The Sailor Guardians (S1.43)
116. Drive To The Heavens: The Dream Car Fueled With Love (S4.11)
117. Usagi In Tears: A Glass Slipper For My Birthday (S3.12)
118. True Power Explodes: Ami's Melody Of The Heart (S4.24)
119. Invaders From Outer Space: The Coming Of Siren (S5.16)
120. The Crybaby: Usagi's Beautiful Transformation (S1.01)
121. The Summer, The Beach, Youth And Ghosts (S1.20)
122. Shared Feelings: Usagi And Mamoru In Love Once Again (S2.31)
123. Usagi's Confusion: Is Tuxedo Mask Evil? (S1.36)
124. Meeting Of Destiny: The Night Pegasus Dances (S4.01)
125. Overcome Your Fear: The Jump To Freedom (S4.28)
126. Sunny Skies After A Storm: A Friendship Dedicated To Hotaru (S3.27)
127. Usagi's Idol! The Graceful Genius Michiru (S3.04)
128. Shining Summer Days: Ami Under The Sea-Breeze (S4.17)
129. Grandpa Loses Control: Rei In Danger (S1.30)
130. A Guardian's Friendship: Goodbye, Ami (S2.16)
131. The Cursed Bus: Enter Mars, The Guardian Of Fire (S1.10)
132. A House Filled With Evil Presence: The Beautiful Hotaru's Secret (S3.24)
133. After School Trouble: Usagi Is A Target (S2.11)
134. Taiki's Song Filled With Passion And Faith (S5.19)
135. Restore Naru's Smile: Usagi's Friendship (S1.26)
136. The Mysterious Sleeping Sickness: Protect The Girls In Love (S1.03)
137. Art Is An Explosion Of Love: Chibiusa's First Love (S3.18)
138. Let Moon Help With Your Love Problems (S3.06)
139. A School Storm: The Transfer Students Are Idols (S5.08)
140. Protect Mom's Dream: Double Moon's New Attack (S4.03)
141. Duty Or Friendship: Conflict Between The Sailor Guardians (S5.23)
142. A Guardian's Realization: Strength Lies Within A Pure Heart (S3.38)
143. Usagi's Panic: Rei's First Date (S1.15)
144. Moon Returns: The Mysterious Aliens Appear (S2.01)
145. The Amazoness: Nightmare From Behind The Mirrors (S4.23)
146. The Cursed Mirror: Mamoru Caught In A Nightmare (S5.03)
147. I Want A Boyfriend: The Luxury Cruise Ship Is A Trap (S1.12)
148. Luna's Discovery: The Real Face Of Yaten (S5.12)
149. Makoto's Friendship: The Girl Who Admired Pegasus (S4.07)
150. Artemis's Adventure: The Monster Animal Kingdom (S2.33)
151. In Search Of The Silver Crystal: Chibiusa's Secret (S2.18)
152. The Source Of Darkness: Dead Moon Circus (S4.35)
153. I Want Power: Mako Lost In Doubt (S3.16)
154. The Rod Of Love Is Born: Usagi's New Transformation (S3.02)
155. Protect The Melody Of Love: Usagi Plays Cupid (S1.06)
156. Magic Of Darkness: Esmeraude's Invasion (S2.30)
157. Forest Of Illusion: A Beautiful Fairy's Invitation (S4.10)
158. Awaken The Sleeping Beauty: Mamoru's Distress (S2.23)
159. The Shining Power Of A Star: Chibi-Chibi's Transformation (S5.21)
160. Clash Of Dreams: Minako And Makoto's Broken Friendship (S4.27)
161. Total Chaos: The Messy Love Rectangle (S1.29)
162. Usagi's Disaster: Beware Of The Clock Of Confusion (S1.09)
163. Romance Under The Moon: Usagi's First Kiss (S1.22)
164. Protect The Pure Heart: The Three-Way Battle (S3.05)
165. Super Transformation Once Again: Pegasus's Power (S4.02)
166. Umino's Resolve: I'll Protect Naru (S1.32)
167. Angel Or Devil? The Mysterious Girl From The Sky (S2.14)
168. Butterflies Of Light: A New Chapter On The Horizon (S5.25)
169. The Secret Mansion: A Menu Of Love For You (S4.15)
170. Friend Or Foe? Starlights And The Sailor Guardians (S5.13)
171. Usagi's A Model: The Flash Of The Monster Camera (S1.17)
172. Aiming For The Top: The Pretty Swordswoman's Dilemma (S4.12)
173. The Legendary Lake Youkai: The Bond Of Usagi's Family (S1.40)
174. For Whom Is The White Rose? The Moonlight Knight Appears (S2.03)
175. The Perfect Couple: Usagi And Mamoru's Love (S4.05)
176. Dispute Over Love: Minako And Makoto's Conflict (S2.19)
177. Dentist Of Horrors: PallaPalla's House (S4.26)
178. Scent Of A Monster! Chanela Will Steal Your Love (S1.05)
179. A Star Of Dreams And Wishes: Taiki's Transformation (S5.11)
180. Paired With A Monster: Mako, The Ice Skating Queen (S1.39)
181. Shingo's Love: The Grieving Doll (S1.18)
182. Punishment Awaits! The House Of Fortune Is The Monster Mansion (S1.02)
183. Usagi Devastated: Mamoru Declares A Break-Up (S2.15)
184. Connecting Hearts: Chibiusa And Pegasus (S4.08)
185. The Screaming Dead: Terror Of The Camp Monster (S5.17)
186. Pegasus Disappears: Wavering Friendship (S4.30)
187. A Man's Kindness: Yuichiro Heartbroken By Rei (S3.10)
188. Mamoru And Usagi's Babysitting Mayhem (S2.07)
189. Usagi Learns Her Lesson: Becoming A Star Is Hard Work (S1.07)
190. Women Must Be Strong And Beautiful: Rei's New Special Technique (S2.17)
191. A Girl's Dream: Usagi Becomes A Bride (S1.16)
192. Artemis Is Cheating? Enter The Mysterious Kitten (S4.06)
193. Protect The Children's Dreams: Friendship Through Anime (S1.21)
194. Chibi Chibi's Mystery: The Big Noisy Chase (S5.20)
195. Pegasus's Secret: The Boy Who Protects The Dream World (S4.31)
196. Learn How To Be Skinny From Usagi (S1.04)
197. Protect Mamoru: Ninja Usagi's Jealousy (S4.09)
198. The Beach, The Island, And A Vacation: The Guardian's Break (S2.21)
199. Usagi And The Girls' Resolve: Prelude To A New Battle (S2.43) - It's better than Shades Of Grey, I'll give it that much
200. Believe In Pegasus: The Four Guardians' Super Transformation (S4.16)