The essential episodes of Battlestar Galactica
Watch these 15 in order and you've got Battlestar Galactica — each pick states its reason.
- 01
The remnants of an ambushed space fleet, one huge mothership and 220 smaller vessels, undertake a new mission.
- 02
Adama becomes concerned when Sire Uri (Ray Milland) authorizes much of the fleet population to visit Carillon.
- 03
The Lost Planet of the Gods (1)
A mysterious disease strikes the fleet's fighter pilots after they investigate a Cylon base on an asteroid.
- 04
While on the test flight of a new ship, Starbuck loses the craft to a convict and finds himself marooned on a prison world.
- 05
The Gun on Ice Planet Zero (1)
The Galactica faces destruction from a crew of Cylons manning the most powerful weapon in history.
- 06
Adama clashes with the reckless, legendary commander (Lloyd Bridges) of another battlestar.
- 07
Adama reluctantly joins with Cain (Lloyd Bridges) as the two fleets merge for a surprise attack on the Cylons.
- 08
After a Cylon kamikaze attack, Adama lies critically injured while fire threatens Athena and Boxey.
- 09
An old con man (Fred Astaire) on the run gains sanctuary aboard Galactica by hinting he may be Starbuck's long-lost father.
- 10
Apollo uncovers a blackmail plot and finds his own life in danger when he tries to clear Starbuck of a murder charge.
- 11
Apollo and Starbuck discover a family of humans held in suspended animation aboard a primitive alien vessel.
- 12
When Galactica's atmosphere proves unfit for the humans, Adama orders them sent to their original destination.
- 13
Adama is forced to surrender himself to Baltar when the traitor leads a revolt during a Council-ordered prisoner transfer.
- 14
Starbuck's long-lost love becomes involved in a mutiny led by a power-hungry junior officer.
- 15
As the fleet prepares for an imminent Cylon attack, Apollo and Starbuck attempt to penetrate the enemy base star.
Shows like Battlestar Galactica
The closest matches on shared genres, ranked by match strength and popularity.
- 01Action·Adventure·Science-FictionThe essential episodes of Stargate SG·11997–2008·Syfy
Stargate SG-1 is a science fiction series based on the original film Stargate. - 02Action·Adventure·Science-FictionThe essential episodes of The Mandalorian2019–2023·Disney+
After the stories of Jango and Boba Fett, another warrior emerges in the Star Wars universe. - 03Action·Adventure·Science-FictionThe essential episodes of Lanterns2026·HBOLanterns follows new recruit John Stewart and Lantern legend Hal Jordan, two intergalactic cops drawn into a dark, Earth-based mystery as they investigate a murder in the American heartland.
- 04Action·Adventure·Science-FictionThe essential episodes of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds2022–present·Paramount+
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds follows Captain Pike, Science Officer Spock and Number One in the decade before Captain Kirk boarded the U.S.S. - 05Action·Adventure·Science-FictionThe essential episodes of Ahsoka2023–present·Disney+Set after the fall of the Empire, Ahsoka follows the former Jedi knight Ahsoka Tano as she investigates an emerging threat to a vulnerable galaxy.
- 06Action·Adventure·Science-FictionThe essential episodes of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters2023
After surviving Godzilla's attack on San Francisco, Cate is shaken yet again by a shocking secret.
Keep going
Episodes, ratings, cast and the full series dossier.
ChartsBest episodesThe highest-rated hours of Battlestar Galactica, ranked.
ChartsRatings graphEvery rated episode of Battlestar Galactica on one chart.
StreamWhere to watchEvery service carrying Battlestar Galactica, region by region.