10 Most Rewatchable Smallville Episodes, Ranked

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Before interconnected superhero universes became popular, the TV show Smallville premiered in 2001. Created by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, it ran for ten seasons and 217 episodes, essentially pioneering the format for many of today’s superhero dramas on streaming services. The show deliberately avoided the typical Superman imagery – no capes or costumes – focusing instead on the human side of Clark Kent (played by Tom Welling) before he became the iconic hero. This realistic approach allowed viewers to connect with the characters, like Lex Luthor (Michael Rosenbaum) and Chloe Sullivan (Allison Mack), and stay invested in their stories for ten years.

Smallville is historically important because it successfully updated the DC Comics universe for a new generation, all while staying true to the original stories. The show introduced many now-famous characters, like Oliver Queen (Justin Hartley) and Lois Lane (Erica Durance), years before they became well-known in movies and TV. Even today, Smallville is considered a key show in the superhero genre, and it holds up well on re-watches thanks to its focus on characters and its ambitious special effects. While some episodes work best as individual stories, many are memorable for their strong drama, entertainment value, or importance to the overall Smallville mythology.

10) “Luthor” (Season 10, Episode 10)

Season ten of Smallville introduced the idea of alternate realities, dramatically contrasting the paths one can take based on upbringing. The episode “Luthor” sends Clark Kent to a parallel universe where he was raised by Lex Luthor’s father, Lionel, instead of the Kents. This allows the show to present a darker take on Clark – a version called Clark Luthor – offering a compelling “what if” scenario for devoted fans. The episode is particularly enjoyable to rewatch, as the lead actor brilliantly portrays the differences between the two versions of Clark through subtle changes in his posture and voice. This alternate reality also emphasizes how crucial the Kent family was in developing Clark’s heroic character, connecting the show’s sci-fi elements to its heartfelt emotional core.

9) “Transference” (Season 4, Episode 6)

While body-swap stories are usually just for laughs, the show Smallville used one to deepen the complex rivalry between Clark Kent and Lionel Luthor. In the episode “Transference,” a special stone causes them to switch bodies, leading to a dark look at power and manipulation. The episode is memorable because of the incredible acting, especially from John Glover, who perfectly portrays Clark’s confusion and strong moral compass. Tom Welling is equally impressive as Luthor, convincingly capturing the billionaire’s cold and ruthless personality. This switch forces viewers to see Clark’s familiar world in a dangerous new light, making the episode’s conclusion both rewarding and important to the larger story about the powerful stones.

8) “Onyx” (Season 4, Episode 17)

The core tragedy of Smallville lies in the divided nature of Lex Luthor, and the episode “Onyx” brings this internal struggle to life with Black Kryptonite. An accident splits Lex into two distinct personalities – one embodying his good side, the other his ruthless ambition – offering a chilling look at the villain he will become. Michael Rosenbaum delivers a captivating performance, portraying one Lex as a cold, calculating sociopath lacking empathy, while the other desperately tries to control the escalating damage. Fans love this episode because it proves Lex’s darkness wasn’t just caused by his upbringing; it was a powerful force within him waiting to emerge. The intense conflict between these two sides of Lex foreshadows the worldwide danger he will eventually represent.

7) “Memoria” (Season 3, Episode 19)

As a fan, I found “Memoria” to be a really powerful episode because it showed us how both Clark and Lex were shaped by difficult childhoods. It used this amazing technology – a memory tank – to take us back to a heartbreaking moment in Lex’s life: the death of his baby brother and the terrible way his father, Lionel, treated him afterward. At the same time, I finally got to see Clark’s Kryptonian mother, Lara, which was a really special and moving connection to his past. What I loved most was how beautifully shot the episode was and how it didn’t shy away from the complicated feelings between fathers and sons. Seeing those hidden secrets come to light made me understand why Clark and Lex would eventually become rivals, and it felt like a crucial piece of their story. It really set the stage for everything that happens later.

6) “Reckoning” (Season 5, Episode 12)

The 100th episode of Smallville, titled “Reckoning,” dramatically changed the show’s direction. Clark Kent faced an impossible choice: his own happiness or the natural cycle of life. After sharing his secret and proposing to Lana Lang, tragedy struck when she died, leading Clark to desperately ask his father for a way to undo what happened. This attempt to change the past came at a terrible cost – the death of Jonathan Kent, a truly heartbreaking moment in the series. “Reckoning” is a must-watch episode because it signifies the end of Clark’s childhood and the start of his adult life and responsibilities. The powerful funeral scene and the permanent loss of his father shaped the moral path of the show for the rest of its run.

5) “Crimson” (Season 6, Episode 13)

Episodes featuring Red Kryptonite are reliably fun because they allow Clark Kent to act without his usual restraints, and “Crimson” is no exception, adding the unpredictable energy of Lois Lane (Erica Durance). After Lois uses a Red Kryptonite-laced lipstick, she develops a strong, public infatuation with Clark, causing a scene at Lex Luthor’s dinner party. The episode really showcases the chemistry between Tom Welling and Erica Durance, playfully hinting at the attraction between their characters. Beyond the comedic moments, the story also gives Clark a chance to express his annoyance with Lex and Lana’s relationship, leading to a fight that damages what’s left of his friendship with Lex.

4) “Rosetta” (Season 2, Episode 17)

The ‘Rosetta’ episode of Smallville is particularly memorable thanks to its innovative filmmaking and the special appearance of Christopher Reeve, the iconic Superman actor. Reeve plays Dr. Virgil Swann and essentially passes the mantle to the new generation of Superman, Clark Kent. In this episode, Clark discovers the name of his home planet, Krypton, and receives guidance from his father about his future. The use of John Williams’ famous Superman theme during their meeting adds a powerful, legendary feel that’s rare in television. ‘Rosetta’ is a must-watch because it firmly establishes Smallville’s place in the larger Superman story while also deepening the show’s own unique mythology, taking it beyond the confines of Smallville, Kansas.

3) “Homecoming” (Season 10, Episode 4)

The 200th episode of Smallville, titled “Homecoming,” is a special look back at the show’s history and a peek at what’s to come, using time travel as a device. With help from Brainiac 5, Clark Kent goes to his high school reunion and then jumps ahead to 2017, where he sees himself as the confident superhero he’s destined to be, working at the Daily Planet. The episode skillfully blends heartwarming nostalgia with the ongoing story, allowing Clark to finally come to terms with his father’s death. Seeing Clark, now a self-assured man with glasses, interacting with a future Lois Lane is a satisfying moment for longtime viewers. Ultimately, “Homecoming” sets the stage for Clark’s final journey to becoming Superman, making it one of the best episodes of Smallville’s final season.

2) “Run” (Season 4, Episode 5)

The introduction of other people with superpowers, beyond those created by the meteor, was a key moment for Smallville. The arrival of Bart Allen (Kyle Gallner) in the episode “Run” brought a lot of energy to the show’s fourth season. As a super-fast teenage thief, Bart forces Clark Kent to think about all the different ways he could use his own powers. The episode is well-known for the rivalry between the two speedsters, which leads to a race where Bart proves Clark isn’t the only one with incredible speed. This encounter was the first step towards building the Justice League, and it broadened the Smallville universe to include a wider world of superheroes. With its fun, upbeat tone and impressive visuals of the Speed Force, “Run” remains one of the most enjoyable episodes to watch.

1) “Pilot” (Season 1, Episode 1)

The first episode of Smallville is still the best way to start the series, setting a remarkably high standard for quality and character development that most TV pilots rarely reach. Directed by David Nutter, it brilliantly combines the dramatic imagery of a meteor shower with the personal challenges of a teenage boy trying to find his place. From the memorable scene of Clark Kent tied up in a cornfield to the first meeting between Clark and Lex Luthor on a bridge, the episode introduces all the major conflicts that drive the show. It also establishes Smallville’s distinct visual style, contrasting the warm, inviting atmosphere of the Kent farm with the cool, modern look of LuthorCorp. Even today, the pilot stands on its own as a compelling story that perfectly captures both the excitement and the difficulties of being Clark Kent.

What are your favorite episodes of Smallville that you rewatch? Share your thoughts in the comments and discuss them with other fans in the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-01-25 01:16