Top 10 Best Glee Plots

You’ve read up on the Top 10 Worst Glee Plots. But what about the moments that made our hearts flutter, touched our souls, and made us cry (in a good way)? As a self-proclaimed Gleek, I can’t possibly publish a list of the worst Glee plots without showcasing the best. So here we go.

Please note spoilers abound.

Honorable Mention: Rachel Wins the Tony

In the final episode of Glee, Rachel accepts her Tony Award, thanking her teacher and friends from Glee Club. She says one of my favorite quotes on the show – “Being apart of something special doesn’t make you special. Something is special because you are a part of it.” This moment solidifies Rachel’s growth from a pompous, selfish teenager into a strong, kind, and intelligent woman. She finally realizes that art is not about impressing others, pretending to be someone you’re not, or getting attention. Real happiness comes from contributing to something greater and celebrating who you truly are.

Not only that, but this is such a powerful moment for Will. Throughout his life, he wondered whether he should pursue his Broadway dreams. This is the moment he realizes that his purpose in life is not to be on Broadway – but to bring the performing arts to these kids (“Dreams Come True,” Season 6, Episode 13).

10) The Glee Club Wins Nationals (in the Season 6 finale)

You may be wondering why I chose this Nationals win, as opposed to the OG New Directions win in Season 3. As I said for my number 10 pick, I feel that this particular win is a huge moment for both Rachel and Will. Rachel fully accepts that she has passed the torch onto new talent and gets to see them succeed, and Will revels in knowing that he has now coached two Glee clubs to the top. They both feel that they have found their artistic calling – sharing “glee” with others (“Dreams Come True,” Season 6, Episode 13).

9) Rachel and Quin Fight at Prom

I’m not gonna lie – I ship Faberry. (I also ship Finchel and St. Berry and…even St. Fabray sometimes…so I don’t know how valid my opinion is). That being said, it’s impossible to deny the chemistry between Quinn and Rachel. Whether you ship them romantically or platonically, this prom queen scene is so important and powerful. Rachel says the words that change Quinn’s life forever – “You’re a very pretty girl…the prettiest girl I’ve ever met, but you’re a lot more than that.” For so long, Quinn has felt defined by her beauty and popularity in Lima, but Rachel helps her to see that she has so much more to offer. Consequently, Quinn is accepted to Yale and is able to create an incredible life (“Prom Queen,” Season 2, Episode 20).  

8) Sam Tells Mercedes They Can Wait to Have Sex

Samcedes is one of my favorite Glee couples, and this moment always makes me tear up. Sam and Mercedes have a wonderful relationship, but there’s just one problem – Mercedes is not ready to have sex, and she may wait until marriage. She is understanding that this may cause Sam to break up with her – but he doesn’t. He decorates the room with candles and tells Mercedes that he’s willing to wait. He also tells her that listening to her sing is better than sex which like…has to be one of the most romantic things I’ve ever heard (“Tested,” Season 5, Episode 16).

7) Finn Lets Rachel Go

I get it – there are a lot of Finchel haters out there. Between their cheating, fighting, break-ups, and obvious personality differences, I can understand. But this scene is just unbelievable. Finn knows that Rachel cares for him and would do anything to stay together, even sacrifice her own dreams and ambitions – but he loves her too much to let that happen. He puts her happiness above his own and encourages her to choose her passion over him. Every other time that they have broken up, it has been over something petty. But in this moment, it is out of the love and respect they have for one another (“Goodbye,” Season 3, Episode 22).

6) Kurt Comes Out to His Dad

One thing that Glee got so, so right was Burt and Kurt’s father/son relationship. It was hard to pick just one moment that encompasses their bond (and the incredible acting skills of Chris Colfer and Mike O’Malley). However, I settled on this moment – when Kurt decides to come out to his dad (“Preggers, Season 1, Episode 4). It is such a critical moment for Kurt and his journey to come into his own.

5) Santana’s Abuela Shows Up to Her Wedding

I thought about including the scene where Santana comes out to her abuela, Alma. The acting is incredible, and it is definitely one of the most definitive moments of Glee. However, I feel that the purpose of this list is to not only celebrate Glee’s best moments – but its happiest moments. That is why, instead, I decided to include the scene where Santana’s abuela decides to support her on her wedding day  (“A Wedding, Season 6, Episode 8). After Santana came out, Alma stopped talking to her due to religious beliefs – but in this moment, she accepts her granddaughter for who she truly is, admits she was wrong, and shows up to support her on this important day.

4) Santana Sings Songbird to Brittany

This one doesn’t need much explanation. For the first time, Santana openly and honestly addresses her feelings for Brittany and what their relationship means to her. The look they share between 2:10 – 2:18 is so powerful. It always gives me chills (“Rumors,” Season 2, Episode 19).

3) Sue’s Speech at Her Sister’s Funeral

Sue is brash, rude, and steadfast in her hatred of the Glee Club. But in this moment, the kids put aside the cruelty that Sue has bestowed upon them and perform a number in her sister’s honor (“Funeral,” Season 2, Episode 21). When Sue stumbles in her speech, Will steps in to help, even after everything she has done to sabotage the Glee Club and his job. Not only does Sue find strength in her vulnerability, but the Glee Club realizes that music is about more than just dancing to pop songs (though that’s fun too!). It is a powerful vehicle of compassion, connection, and love. This episode is so important and one of the most pinnacle Glee plots.

2) Sue’s Dedicates the Auditorium to Finn Hudson

This speech is just perfect. Not only does Sue stay true to her sarcastic, uncouth nature – she speaks from heart. She describes performing in Glee as “just about the bravest thing that anyone could do,” and renames the auditorium in Finn Hudson’s honor.

I cry every time (“Dreams Come True,” Season Six, Episode 13).

1)  Blaine and Kurt’s First Kiss

This is undoubtedly the best moment of Glee. Blaine’s monologue in this scene is so poignant and heartfelt, and the look on Kurt’s face…just…ugh. So beautiful. “You move me, Kurt,” has got to be my favorite line spoken on the show. I’ll stop talking now, so you can just go watch it…because you seriously just need to watch it (“Original Song,” Season 2, Episode 16).