The WORST episodes of Once Upon a Time (2011)

Every episode of Once Upon a Time (2011) ever, ranked from worst to best by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The worst episodes of Once Upon a Time (2011)!

Emma Swan, a 28-year-old bail bonds collector, has always been a fiercely independent person since being abandoned as a baby. Her son Henry, who she gave up for adoption years ago, finds and tries to convince Emma that she is Snow White's missing daughter. Henry shows Emma that in the fairytale, Prince Charming and Snow White sent her away to protect her. Emma doesn't believe him and takes Henry back to Storybrooke...

Last Updated: 10/30/2024Network: ABC (US)Status: Ended
A Taste of the Heights
star
7.35
758 votes

#1 - A Taste of the Heights

Season 7 - Episode 12 - Aired 3/9/2018

On the day of Tiana's coronation, a confrontation with Dr. Facilier compels her to take a trip through the Bayou, where a surprising encounter changes her life and the hunt for an alligator takes a dark turn. In Hyperion Heights, Sabine reconnects with an old friend whose plans could jeopardize her culinary dreams. Meanwhile, Rogers and Weaver investigate a Blind Witch, leading them to a shocking discovery about The Coven.

Watch Now:Apple TV
Hyperion Heights
star
7.39
1420 votes

#2 - Hyperion Heights

Season 7 - Episode 1 - Aired 10/6/2017

Henry leaves Storybrooke in search of his own story. Years later in another realm, he encounters a troubled Cinderella, changing the trajectory of his quest forever. When Cinderella’s evil step-mother, Lady Tremaine, poses a threat, Henry discovers that following his heart will require him to make more difficult choices than he ever could have imagined. Years later, a young Lucy finds a disillusioned Henry at his home in Seattle, determined to make him remember his true self in order to defeat the curse afflicting the fairytale characters of “Hyperion Heights.”

Directors: Ralph Hemecker
Watch Now:Apple TV
Selfless, Brave and True
star
7.43
2753 votes

#3 - Selfless, Brave and True

Season 2 - Episode 18 - Aired 3/24/2013

While off on her own to deal with what happened with Cora, Mary Margaret comes across an entirely wooden August; Neal invites his fiancee to Storybrooke.

Directors: Ralph Hemecker
Watch Now:Apple TV
Greenbacks
star
7.43
985 votes

#4 - Greenbacks

Season 7 - Episode 5 - Aired 11/3/2017

Tiana seeks help from a traveling soothsayer, the iconic Dr. Facilier, in an attempt to save her kingdom. But when it's revealed that he has an ulterior motive she's forced to take matters into her own hands. In Hyperion Heights, Sabine and Jacinda take on a risky business venture, but the strength of their friendship is tested when Victoria interferes with their plans. Meanwhile, Ivy recruits Henry to investigate Victoria, and Roni makes a discovery that could change her relationship with Henry forever. Rogers uncovers a crucial clue in his search for Eloise Gardener.

Directors: Geofrey Hildrew
Watch Now:Apple TV
Secret Garden
star
7.44
793 votes

#5 - Secret Garden

Season 7 - Episode 11 - Aired 3/2/2018

Eager to harness her burgeoning magical skills, Robin engages in a risky relationship with Mother Gothel. Meanwhile in Hyperion Heights, Roni and Kelly strike a deal with Eloise, desperate to save Lucy from her mysterious illness. But nothing comes without a price. As things finally come to a head between Victoria and Ivy, someone may have to pay with their life.

Directors: Mick Garris
Watch Now:Apple TV
Knightfall
star
7.46
700 votes

#6 - Knightfall

Season 7 - Episode 13 - Aired 3/16/2018

Rogers strikes a deal with Eloise despite Tilly’s fair warning. Ivy struggles to find herself after Victoria’s death. Hook confronts Captain Ahab over a legendary magical talisman which can free Alice, only to learn that his quest may have unintended consequences.

Directors: Steve Miner
Watch Now:Apple TV
Eloise Gardener
star
7.48
918 votes

#7 - Eloise Gardener

Season 7 - Episode 7 - Aired 11/17/2017

In pursuit of revenge, Hook seeks a dark and powerful magic, but an encounter with Rapunzel could alter his fate forever. Meanwhile, in Hyperion Heights, Ivy’s plot to take down Victoria intensifies and has unexpected consequences for Jacinda and Lucy. Rogers enlists Henry and Tilly’s help in his ongoing quest to find the missing Eloise Gardner, but what he discovers isn’t what meets the eye.

Watch Now:Apple TV
The Bear King
star
7.48
1796 votes

#8 - The Bear King

Season 5 - Episode 9 - Aired 11/15/2015

Zelena and Arthur journey to DunBroch on a mission to retrieve an enchanted relic that will provide the advantage they need to vanquish Emma and our heroes. Their path will cross with Merida's, who is on a journey of her own to pay a debt that her father, King Fergus, owed to the Witch when he died. Merida enlists the help of two friends, Mulan and Ruby, but, in order to satisfy the Witch and save DunBroch, she first must discover the identity of the knight who killed her father. In flashbacks, Merida learns about bravery and honor as she trains for combat and rides alongside Fergus into the infamous battle that claims his life.

Directors: Geofrey Hildrew
Watch Now:Apple TV
The Garden of Forking Paths
star
7.48
1086 votes

#9 - The Garden of Forking Paths

Season 7 - Episode 3 - Aired 10/20/2017

When Cinderella finds herself staring danger in the eye, she receives help from an unlikely source. Her rescue leads to an alliance that could aid in the defeat of Lady Tremaine’s rule and reveals a dark secret from Cinderella’s past. In Hyperion Heights, Jacinda goes to extreme measures to stop Victoria Belfrey from destroying Lucy’s beloved community garden, while Lucy tries to convince Henry that Victoria is after more than just a plot of land. Meanwhile, Victoria makes a discovery that could alter everyone’s fate.

Directors: Ron Underwood
Watch Now:Apple TV
The Girl in the Tower
star
7.52
691 votes

#10 - The Girl in the Tower

Season 7 - Episode 14 - Aired 3/23/2018

Rogers works to prove Tilly’s innocence in the case of the Blind Baker’s death, while Ivy attempts to make amends with Anastasia, and Samdi makes a revealing confession to Roni. Meanwhile, in a faraway realm, Alice forms an unbreakable bond.

Directors: Antonio Negret
Watch Now:Apple TV
Pretty in Blue
star
7.53
890 votes

#11 - Pretty in Blue

Season 7 - Episode 8 - Aired 11/17/2017

In an attempt to prevent a distressed Alice from running away, Henry and Ella follow her into Wonderland. Once there, Henry realizes that Ella has a surprising connection to this strange world. In Hyperion Heights, Jacinda reconnects with an old friend in a last ditch effort to regain custody of Lucy, but her decision to enlist outside help could put a strain on her burgeoning relationship with Henry.

Directors: Ralph Hemecker
Watch Now:Apple TV
Sisterhood
star
7.55
662 votes

#12 - Sisterhood

Season 7 - Episode 15 - Aired 3/30/2018

When the Candy Killer attacks, Ivy will have to risk what remains of her family, while Jacinda and Henry grow closer and Roni questions her relationship with Samdi. Meanwhile, Drizella faces an unthinkable challenge in her attempt to join the Witch’s Coven.

Watch Now:Apple TV
Ruby Slippers
star
7.55
1888 votes

#13 - Ruby Slippers

Season 5 - Episode 18 - Aired 4/17/2016

In flashbacks, Ruby and Mulan find themselves in Oz, where they meet Dorothy. After the three witness Zelena’s return to Oz, they look for a way to defeat her once and for all. However, Dorothy mysteriously disappears, and Ruby’s search for her new friend lands her in the Underworld. Reunited with the heroes, Ruby teams up with Emma, Regina and Snow to continue looking for Dorothy. Meanwhile, Snow and David struggle with not being able to be with their son, Neal, and devise a plan so that one of them can escape the Underworld.

Directors: Eriq La Salle
Watch Now:Apple TV
A Pirate's Life
star
7.55
1205 votes

#14 - A Pirate's Life

Season 7 - Episode 2 - Aired 10/13/2017

When Henry finds himself in trouble, he calls upon his Storybrooke family for help, and together they set off on a mission to find Cinderella. Along the way, Hook is confronted by an unexpected foe who threatens the group’s success. In Hyperion Heights, Jacinda searches for a way to see Lucy with some unwelcome assistance from Henry, while Victoria Belfrey enlists the help of Gold and Weaver to push Henry out of the neighborhood.

Directors: Tara Nicole Weyr
Watch Now:Apple TV
Enter the Dragon
star
7.56
1619 votes

#15 - Enter the Dragon

Season 4 - Episode 15 - Aired 3/15/2015

In order to infiltrate the Queens of Darkness as a spy for the heroes, Regina must prove she's still willing to get her hands dirty. Meanwhile, Emma, David and Mary Margaret scramble to keep tabs on their undercover operative. Hook requests an unusual favor from Belle as Henry makes progress on his search for the Author. In a Fairy Tale Land flashback, Regina befriends Maleficent and helps her to rekindle her lost spark.

Directors: Ralph Hemecker
Watch Now:Apple TV
Breadcrumbs
star
7.56
678 votes

#16 - Breadcrumbs

Season 7 - Episode 16 - Aired 4/6/2018

Henry grapples with an important decision when a job prospect in New York threatens to take him away from Jacinda and Lucy, but a revelation in the case of The Candy Killer could make it even harder to leave Hyperion Heights. Meanwhile, Margot confides in Tilly, and in a flashback, Hook helps Henry find a way to prove himself to Ella.

Directors: Ron Underwood
Watch Now:Apple TV
The Savior
star
7.58
2331 votes

#17 - The Savior

Season 6 - Episode 1 - Aired 9/25/2016

Our heroes set out to stop Hyde, Emma develops a mysterious side effect, and Storybrooke becomes a haven for refugees from the Land of Untold Stories. Meanwhile, Regina and Zelena embrace their newfound sisterhood by becoming roommates, while Rumple tries to free Belle from the sleeping Curse with the help of a stranger. In flashback, Jafar confronts an afflicted Aladdin in Agrabah, and a secret about the Savior is revealed.

Directors: Eagle Egilsson
Watch Now:Apple TV
The Broken Kingdom
star
7.58
1732 votes

#18 - The Broken Kingdom

Season 5 - Episode 4 - Aired 10/18/2015

After receiving a cryptic warning from Lancelot about Arthur's intentions, Mary Margaret realizes Arthur may be the heroes' biggest threat, but when she is unable to convince David of the danger, she takes matters into her own hands. Meanwhile, Hook's unwavering love for Emma provides a glimmer of hope in her struggle against the unrelenting voice of Rumplestiltskin. In a Camelot flashback, Guinevere senses that Arthur is losing his way, consumed by his obsession with making Excalibur whole, so she sets out with Lancelot on her own quest into the heart of darkness. In Storybrooke, Dark Emma unleashes a secret weapon in the next phase of her plan to find the brave soul she needs to draw Excalibur from the stone.

Directors: Alrick Riley
Watch Now:Apple TV
What Happened to Frederick
star
7.58
4411 votes

#19 - What Happened to Frederick

Season 1 - Episode 13 - Aired 2/19/2012

With their love for each other growing stronger, David finally agrees to tell Kathryn about his relationship with Mary Margaret and put an end to his loveless marriage. Meanwhile, in the fairytale land that was, while runaway groom Prince Charming searches for Snow White, he agrees to aid Abigail on a dangerous mission to recover something precious that was lost to her.

Directors: Dean White
Watch Now:Apple TV
The Price of Gold
star
7.59
5097 votes

#20 - The Price of Gold

Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired 11/13/2011

A pregnant woman enlists Emma's help to escape from Storybrooke - and from the enigmatic Mr. Gold - while a secret deal made between Cinderella and Rumpelstiltskin is revealed.

Directors: David Solomon
Watch Now:Apple TV
Dark Hollow
star
7.59
2404 votes

#21 - Dark Hollow

Season 3 - Episode 7 - Aired 11/10/2013

Ariel is sent back to Storybrooke with an item that will help Belle find a hidden artifact; Hook, Neal and Emma set out to capture Peter Pan's shadow; Mary Margaret is upset that David concealed his poisoning.

Directors: Guy Ferland
Watch Now:Apple TV
Her Handsome Hero
star
7.59
1893 votes

#22 - Her Handsome Hero

Season 5 - Episode 17 - Aired 4/10/2016

Belle turns to Rumplestiltskin with hope of finding a way to protect their child from Hades. However, they disagree over whether to use dark magic, as Belle forbids Rumplestiltskin from using his powers for evil. Meanwhile, Hades secretly meets with Gaston in the Underworld and encourages him to seek revenge on Rumplestiltskin. As the heroes try to find a way to defeat Hades, Emma has a terrifying nightmare that she realizes is beginning to come true. And in flashbacks, Belle and Gaston meet for the first time, but their blossoming romance comes to a halt on the eve of the Ogre wars.

Directors: Romeo Tirone
Watch Now:Apple TV
Ill-Boding Patterns
star
7.59
1760 votes

#23 - Ill-Boding Patterns

Season 6 - Episode 13 - Aired 3/19/2017

When Gideon resumes his mission to kill Emma and become the Savior, Mr. Gold steps in to ensure that the use of dark magic does not poison his son. Meanwhile, Robin proves willing to ally himself with anyone offering the possibility of escape from Regina and Storybrooke. Hook gathers the courage to come clean to Emma, but not before she discovers he's been keeping a secret. And in a flashback to Fairy Tale Land, the legendary folk hero Beowulf sets his sights on Rumplestiltskin after the Dark One uses his powers to defeat the ogres and win the war for humanity.

Directors: Ron Underwood
Watch Now:Apple TV
The Shepherd
star
7.59
4816 votes

#24 - The Shepherd

Season 1 - Episode 6 - Aired 12/4/2011

David - aka John Doe - must choose between staying with Kathryn or leaving her to be with Mary Margaret, with whom he's fallen deeply, and inexplicably, in love; and Emma catches Sheriff Graham in a lie. Meanwhile, back in the fairytale world that was, Prince Charming is about to encounter a life-changing event that will forever alter his destiny.

Directors: Victor Nelli
Watch Now:Apple TV
Wake-Up Call
star
7.60
973 votes

#25 - Wake-Up Call

Season 7 - Episode 6 - Aired 11/10/2017

Feeling like a third wheel as Henry and Cinderella's relationship strengthens, Regina is surprised to find herself needed by Drizella, who is searching for magic. But when a brutal truth is revealed, it could lead Drizella down a dangerous path. In Hyperion Heights, Roni seeks Weaver's help in finding answers, and Tilly offers Rogers some intriguing advice concerning Eloise Gardener.

Directors: Sharat Raju
Watch Now:Apple TV