The BEST episodes of Pretty Little Liars season 4

Every episode of Pretty Little Liars season 4, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of Pretty Little Liars season 4!

Four friends band together against an anonymous follower who threatens to reveal their darkest secrets, while unraveling the mystery of the murder of their best friend.

Last Updated: 3/6/2024Network: FreeformStatus: Ended
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A is for Answers
star
8.15
870 votes

#1 - A is for Answers

Season 4 - Episode 24 - Aired 3/18/2014

After years of questions and mystery surrounding the night Alison DiLaurentis disappeared, her four best friends come face to face with Ali and finally learn what really happened to her that September night. Now with their newfound knowledge of Ali’s long-held secrets, can Aria, Emily, Hanna and Spencer help Alison finally figure out who “A” is?

Directors: I. Marlene King
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Now You See Me, Now You Don't
star
8.00
930 votes

#2 - Now You See Me, Now You Don't

Season 4 - Episode 12 - Aired 8/27/2013

An intriguing riddle from “A” has the Liars hitting the road and heading to Ravenswood, where they are surrounded by some familiar faces. During a very special magic show, one Liar pulls a disappearing act, leaving the other three scrambling to make sure she hasn’t succumbed to “A’s” tricks. But before they can hightail it out of Ravenswood, they make a shocking discovery that proves that everything they thought they knew about “A” and the “A” team might be wrong. With this discovery, the Liars may just have started “World War A." Meanwhile, Hanna and her mother’s joyous reunion is cut short when “A’s” sights are set on a new target. And Toby uncovers some surprising information about Wren.

Directors: Norman Buckley
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Bite Your Tongue
star
7.94
695 votes

#3 - Bite Your Tongue

Season 4 - Episode 17 - Aired 1/28/2014

Hanna's new interest in crime novels helps her to come up with a plan to try and figure out whose body is in Ali's grave. While Hanna is on her hunt, Spencer is working overtime to decipher the stories in Ali's diary which she hopes will reveal the identity of Ali's mystery man. But with both girls hot on the trail, will their work lead them straight into "A's" path? Meanwhile, Aria is upset with the new friend Mike has made and Emily's dad is concerned about her behavior.

Directors: Arlene Sanford
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Grave New World
star
7.87
893 votes

#4 - Grave New World

Season 4 - Episode 13 - Aired 10/22/2013

Aria, Emily, Hanna and Spencer crash the Ravenswood Founders Day Celebration after finding a clue in "A's" new lair that Ali may indeed be alive. Dressed in their finest Edwardian wear, the ladies hit the creepy cemetery party to find Ali before "A" can. But if Ali is truly alive, could the PLLs be leading "A" straight to their friend without knowing it? With Ezra lurking in the shadows, "A" may be closer than the girls realize. Meanwhile, Caleb heads to Ravenswood to help the girls and meets kindred soul Miranda along the way.

Directors: Ron Lagomarsino
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Free Fall
star
7.83
724 votes

#5 - Free Fall

Season 4 - Episode 20 - Aired 2/18/2014

Spencer is determined that it is finally time to tell Aria about what she has found out about Ezra, but Emily and Hanna are worried about what it could do to their friend. A wrench is thrown into the plan when Ezra tells Aria about his concern and suspicion of Spencer's recent addiction problem. Now with Spencer's credibility being questioned, can the girls trust what Spencer has been telling them about Ezra — could this all be a figment of Spencer's tired brain or really just a clever ploy by Ezra to cover his tracks?

Directors: Melanie Mayron
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Cover For Me
star
7.80
699 votes

#6 - Cover For Me

Season 4 - Episode 22 - Aired 3/4/2014

Emily takes up the sleuthing reins as she searches for answers about Ezra and Mona. After confronting both, Emily tries to make sense of the heartbreaking situation. Hanna, on the other hand, begins a new search after being confronted by Det. Holbrook and Lt. Tanner with a possible new lead in Alison’s case. Meanwhile, Spencer and Aria lean on new men in their lives to recover.

Directors: Michael Grossman
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Unbridled
star
7.78
762 votes

#7 - Unbridled

Season 4 - Episode 23 - Aired 3/11/2014

It is a rough time for all of the Liars as Spencer is reeling about the memories from her lost summer, Aria is still nursing a broken heart, Emily is reeling from Paige's Betrayal and Hanna unsuccessfully attempts to wade back into the dating pool. But as each girl tries to deal with her individual issues, they must focus their attention on their suspicions surrounding Mrs. DiLaurentis. Assuming that Mrs. D knows more about Ali and the night she went missing, girls decide to help out at her charity bridal fashion show to gain access to the DiLaurentis house to search for answers. Meanwhile, Ella and Jason return to Rosewood, each with something to hide.

Directors: Oliver Goldstick
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Hot for Teacher
star
7.78
799 votes

#8 - Hot for Teacher

Season 4 - Episode 18 - Aired 2/4/2014

With Spencer’s possible Board Shorts revelation, she is now more determined than ever to prove her theory before bringing it to the other girls’ attention — especially since it could have a devastating effect on one of the Liars. But with many sleepless nights fueled by prescription medication, Hanna starts to notice Spencer’s odd behavior. Will Detective Hanna be able to figure out Spencer’s secret before Spencer is ready to share? Meanwhile, Emily looks to make amends with Alison through Shana, and all of Aria’s lies start to take a toll on her.

Directors: Tripp Reed
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
She's Come Undone
star
7.72
765 votes

#9 - She's Come Undone

Season 4 - Episode 21 - Aired 2/25/2014

Emily, Hanna and Spencer are concerned for Aria as they watch their friend crumble after learning shocking news about Ezra. Not knowing what is true or what to trust, Aria goes looking for answers, not wanting to believe this revelation to be true. While concerned for Aria, Spencer is not doing so well herself. Trying to prove to her parents and Toby that she can kick the habit on her own, Spencer has to be careful because one misstep could send her to rehab. But can Spencer really rein it in, or will her constant curiosity and drive be her undoing? Meanwhile, Paige has had enough with Emily’s secrets and is determined to stop it.

Directors: Chad Lowe
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Love ShAck, Baby
star
7.68
717 votes

#10 - Love ShAck, Baby

Season 4 - Episode 15 - Aired 1/14/2014

Now that Hanna has shared with Aria, Emily and Spencer that she has Ali’s diary, the girls hope it can shed light on their many questions. But with the diary full of stories that have been coded to cover the truth, each girl must take a turn to figure out which stories are about them. Hopefully when they are through they will find the story that could finally give them answers to who has been going after Ali. But with each story more personal than the last, do Aria, Emily, Hanna and Spencer really want to admit which story is about them? Meanwhile, Spencer is suspicious of her father’s latest interaction with Mrs. DiLaurentis.

Directors: Norman Buckley
Writer: Lijah Barasz
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Close Encounters
star
7.66
719 votes

#11 - Close Encounters

Season 4 - Episode 16 - Aired 1/21/2014

Shana returns to Ravenswood to tell Emily that she has a message from Ali, but can Emily and the girls trust Shana with all that they know about her? And when Shana ups the stakes and says that Ali wants to meet Emily — and only Emily — could it all be part of an "A" plan, or is Emily really Alison's favorite? With Emily becoming more hopeful by the minute, Spencer is determined to not let her friend get hurt. Meanwhile, Aria and Hanna deal with matters of the heart.

Directors: Arthur Anderson
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
A is for A-l-i-v-e
star
7.66
904 votes

#12 - A is for A-l-i-v-e

Season 4 - Episode 1 - Aired 6/11/2013

The Liars are desperate to uncover what new scheme "A" has in store for them in the wake of the lodge fire, and have no choice but to turn to Mona for answers, now that she is also being targeted. Aria struggles with seeing Ezra in the wake of their breakup, and Emily starts to make plans for life after high school. Meanwhile, "A" sets Toby on a new path, what's in the trunk is revealed, and a shocking discovery reverberates through Rosewood.

Directors: I. Marlene King
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Into the Deep
star
7.63
754 votes

#13 - Into the Deep

Season 4 - Episode 9 - Aired 8/6/2013

Paige throws Emily a surprise birthday party with even more surprising guests — Jenna and Shana. But it’s “A’s” actions at the party that lead to the biggest shock of all. Mona’s selfless act provides Hanna and her mother with their first bit of good news, but sends Mona down a familiar path. And Ezra gets some distressing news from Maggie regarding her and Malcolm. Meanwhile, Aria and Jake continue trying to define their confusing relationship. And Emily meets with a world class coach in a last ditch effort to salvage her swimming career.

Directors: Chad Lowe
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Crash and Burn, Girl!
star
7.63
794 votes

#14 - Crash and Burn, Girl!

Season 4 - Episode 7 - Aired 7/23/2013

Caleb and Toby team up to investigate “A” and what really happened the night of the lodge fire, and encounter a source that points to a new possible identity for “Red Coat.” Hanna struggles to act like everything is normal and her friends are unsure about how to help her. Aria worries about Mike‘s behavior in light of an incident at school and Ezra struggles with how he now fits into her life. Meanwhile, The Liars are determined to find a new suspect in Wilden’s murder and their tactics have unintended consequences. And, “A’s” new plan threatens to send everything crashing down around one of the Liars.

Directors: Ron Lagomarsino
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
The Mirror Has Three Faces
star
7.62
795 votes

#15 - The Mirror Has Three Faces

Season 4 - Episode 10 - Aired 8/13/2013

Still living at a motel, Emily is taken aback when Mrs. DiLaurentis offers to let her move into Ali's old room and is even more distraught when the other Liars insist she take Mrs. D up on her offer. Hanna explodes when it appears her mother's recent good fortune has taken a turn for the worse. And Ezra continues to reel from Maggie's big news when he's dealt an even more crushing blow regarding his son. Meanwhile, Aria makes an effort to get involved in Jake's interests and finds herself with an opportunity to follow up on a lead. And "A" continues to toy with Toby's emotions regarding his mother's death, and Spencer is along for the ride.

Directors: Zetna Fuentes
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Who's in the Box?
star
7.61
884 votes

#16 - Who's in the Box?

Season 4 - Episode 14 - Aired 1/7/2014

Armed with the knowledge that Alison is alive, Aria, Emily, Hanna and Spencer have more questions now than ever before. Trying to put the pieces together, Hanna comes up with the idea that if they find out who is really buried in Ali’s grave, it may lead to much needed answers. But as the girls search, Emily has trouble dealing with how she feels about Alison being alive. Meanwhile, Caleb returns to Rosewood, and Ezra has clandestine meetings with Mona and Aria.

Directors: Chad Lowe
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
The Guilty Girl's Handbook
star
7.60
863 votes

#17 - The Guilty Girl's Handbook

Season 4 - Episode 8 - Aired 7/30/2013

Hanna comes up with a desperate plan to save her mother from a conviction and turns to the only person she thinks can help — Mona. Caleb tries to convince her Mona can’t be trusted, causing Mona to prove her loyalty in the most unexpected way. And Spencer returns to an old haunt to investigate new evidence relating to Wilden and his surprising ties to another mysterious death. Meanwhile, “A’s” recent machinations take their toll on Emily and her mom, driving Emily to reconnect with her old boss Zoe to look for an escape. And Aria relies on Jake to help her understand Mike’s new attitude, leaving them both confused about the nature of their relationship.

Directors: Janice Cooke
Writer: Jan Oxenberg
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Under the Gun
star
7.59
789 votes

#18 - Under the Gun

Season 4 - Episode 6 - Aired 7/16/2013

Hanna has some explaining to do to her parents and the police after she’s found with something she shouldn’t have. Mona spills a secret of Spencer’s to the other Liars — leading to hurt feelings amongst the group. Emily tries to help Hanna, only to have “A” turn the tables. And Aria helps out a friend of Mike’s, who gets the wrong impression of her. Meanwhile, Shana keeps popping up in the most unusual places. And Spencer’s investigation into who was on the other end of Ali’s mysterious phone number leads her and Toby to Ravenswood — which is unlike any place they’ve ever seen.

Directors: Wendey Stanzler
Writer: Lijah Barasz
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Face Time
star
7.57
835 votes

#19 - Face Time

Season 4 - Episode 4 - Aired 7/2/2013

Holbrook's partner, Lt. Tanner, comes to town, intensifying their investigation into the Liars and their possible connection to Wilden's death. Emily panics when her parents come under undue scrutiny due to "A's" manipulations. Hanna bristles when Caleb tries to help her through her this latest crisis, and tries to shift the focus of the police investigation. And Toby finds a new source of information into his mother's death, but it only leads to more questions. Meanwhile Aria has an uncomfortable encounter while out with Jake, and Spencer lays a trap for Melissa.

Directors: Norman Buckley
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Bring Down the Hoe
star
7.55
858 votes

#20 - Bring Down the Hoe

Season 4 - Episode 11 - Aired 8/20/2013

After uncovering recent evidence that suggest "A" is hiding out closer than they realized, the Liars step up their investigation into their most recent suspect. Hanna continues to crumble due to her newfound infamy as the daughter of a murder suspect. To complicate matters, Hanna is being stalked by fellow student Travis until she learns he is hiding a secret that may change her life. Meanwhile, Toby continues to be manipulated by "A," dangling insight into his mother's death. And Ezra tries to reach out to Aria for help in dealing with his recent troubles, right when she becomes more determined to move on with Jake at a Western themed dance that turns into a two-step with "A."

Directors: Melanie Mayron
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Gamma Zeta Die!
star
7.49
872 votes

#21 - Gamma Zeta Die!

Season 4 - Episode 5 - Aired 7/9/2013

Spencer and Emily make plans to visit a nearby college, but they have very different agendas for their time spent on campus. Spencer's singular focus in figuring out Ali's apparent connection to the school contradicts Emily's real fears about her plans for after she graduates. And after a stinging attack by "A," Aria and her brother Mike don't see eye to eye regarding what's best for their parents. Meanwhile, Hanna becomes increasingly frantic when she makes another horrifying discovery among her mom's things, leading her to make a desperate move — with disastrous results.

Directors: Mick Garris
Watch Now:Apple TV
Cat's Cradle
star
7.47
901 votes

#22 - Cat's Cradle

Season 4 - Episode 3 - Aired 6/25/2013

Hanna worries that her mother is keeping a dangerous secret and is determined to protect her at all costs, which leads her to an uncomfortable meeting with Detective Holbrook. A clue in Ali's things leads the Liars to a creepy mask maker, who takes a shine to Emily and may have ties to another Rosewood resident. Spencer and Toby continue their search into a painful chapter of Toby's past and Melissa returns to Rosewood. Meanwhile, A targets Emily's mom, leading Aria to make a desperate plea of Ella.

Directors: Norman Buckley
Watch Now:Apple TV
Turn of the Shoe
star
7.43
949 votes

#23 - Turn of the Shoe

Season 4 - Episode 2 - Aired 6/18/2013

Mrs. DiLaurentis' presence in Rosewood continues to unnerve all those around her, especially when she gives Hanna a family parrot, whose gift for mimicry provides startling insight into Alison's last days. Tired of feeling defenseless against "A," Aria decides to learn self defense and is intrigued by her sexy instructor. Meanwhile, Toby shares a heartbreaking secret with Spencer, and Hanna makes an alarming discovery regarding her mom. And to complicate matters even further, "A" nearly kills the newest PLL — Mona.

Directors: Joanna Kerns
Watch Now:Apple TV
Shadow Play
star
7.20
735 votes

#24 - Shadow Play

Season 4 - Episode 19 - Aired 2/11/2014

Spencer’s numerous sleepless nights with the help of prescription pills start to take a toll on her as her hunt for Ali and much needed answers continues. As she pours over newly acquired information, her world view takes a black and white turn. Now teleported into the world of 1940’s Film Noir, Spencer tries to come up with the answers she and her friends have been desperately looking for. But in this world of fedora hats, switchboards and 15 cent coffee, can Spencer finally put all of the pieces together that lay in front of her?

Directors: Joseph Dougherty
Watch Now:Apple TV