The essential episodes of Dawson's Creek

Watch these 15 in order and you've got Dawson's Creek — each pick states its reason.

1. 01

   S01E01 · Pilot · January 20, 1998 · 1h

   Pilot8.3

   Film buff / Steven Spielberg obsessive Dawson Leery finds his best friend Joey, growing jealous of his attraction to a newly arrived neighbors granddaughter. While his friend Pacey falls for a mystery older woman ,who in turn finds out is a new teacher at his school.

2. 02

   S01E05 · Top rated · February 17, 1998 · 1h

   Hurricane8.7

   As a major hurricane moves inland towards Capeside, everyone takes refuge at the Leery House.With tensions already high, the flames are fanned when Mitch learns of Gale's affair.Dawson takes his emotions out on Joey and Jen.Elsewhere Pacey tries to sabotage his brother's , Deputy Doug's moves on Tamara.

3. 03

   S01E06 · Top rated · February 24, 1998 · 1h

   Baby9.0

   Capeside is abuzz with rumors of a teacher's indiscretion, rumors that prove fateful for Pacey and Tamera. Meanwhile, Joey and Jen get a life lesson when Bessie is aided by an unlikely source when she gives birth in Dawson's living room.

4. 04

   S01E07 · Season 1 peak · March 3, 1998 · 1h

   Detention9.7

   In what is said to be one of the best episodes, the gang, after committing various violations at school, gets stuck together for an 8 hour Saturday detention, where Dawson and Pacey turn against each another; and Joey offers a tearful partial explanation for her anger toward Jen.

5. 05

   S01E11 · Top rated · May 5, 1998 · 1h

   The Scare9.0

   Friday the 13th is a traditional time for Dawson to try to scare the life out of his friends and this year he plans a seance.News reports of The LadyKiller ,a serial killer possibly heading towards Capeside add to the tension. Jen starts to receive letters and a phone call that go beyond a harmless prank.

6. 06

   S01E12 · Top rated · May 12, 1998 · 1h

   Beauty Contest9.0

   Joey and Pacey enter a beauty competition; Jen regrets her breakup with Dawson.

7. 07

   S01E13 · Top rated · May 19, 1998 · 1h

   Decisions9.0

   Joey debates leaving for France to study for a semester. Then goes to see her father in prison. This makes Dawson finally act on his feelings for Joey.Jen is hit hard by a family loss.

8. 08

   S02E14 · Top rated · February 10, 1999 · 1h

   To Be or Not to Be...9.0

   Jack is forced to read his poem out loud for an English assignment.However the nature of the work, leaves the Capeside gossip mill working overtime...is Jack gay?While Joey ponders how to talk to him about this..Pacey trying to defend Jack goes too far with an overbearing teacher and then questions the lack of support from Andie.

9. 09

   S02E15 · Top rated · February 17, 1999 · 1h

   ...That Is the Question9.0

   An unexpected visit from their estranged father makes Andie happy, but forces Jack to confront his own feelings, his father's attitude towards him and then to tell Joey.Pacey decides to make a stand against an abusive teacher , but there are unimagined consequences.

10. 10

    S02E20 · Season 2 peak · May 12, 1999 · 1h

    Reunited9.7

    Dawson and Joey's romantic dinner is ruined by the presence of his parents; Pacey suspects Andie of being unfaithful to him.

11. 11

    S02E21 · Top rated · May 19, 1999 · 1h

    Ch... Ch... Ch... Changes9.7

    Dawson looks for a subject for the end of his film class, and Andie and Jack's father insists on taking them from Capes.

12. 12

    S06E15 · Season 6 peak · February 12, 2003 · 1h

    Castaways10.0

    After agreeing to pose as Pacey's sister at a business party, Joey demands to be taken home. When Pacey makes a quick stop at a local K-Mart they are accidentally locked inside the store. They're forced to spend the night there and talk about their friendship and relationship, both past and future. After the night is over they are both left to ponder what the future has in store for them.

13. 13

    S06E22 · Top rated · May 7, 2003 · 1h

    Joey Potter and the Capeside Redemption9.5

    Joey rallies the group to help make Dawson's film; Pacey returns to live with his brother after losing his job.

14. 14

    S06E23 · Top rated · May 14, 2003 · 1h

    All Good Things...9.5

    After five years, the gang reconvenes in Capeside for Gail's wedding but one of them faces a health crisis.

15. 15

    S06E24 · Series finale · May 14, 2003 · 1h

    ...Must Come to an End9.5

    The gang rallies around one of their own as they face a major health concern.