Running from 2001 to 2004 on Cartoon Network, Genndy Tartakovsky's Samurai Jack left a strong impact on fans who were left devastated by the wandering warrior ending too soon like many other Cartoon Network series. Thankfully, in 2017 fans got closure in a critically acclaimed and harrowing season 5.
This list examines the first four seasons that helped to build the lore of Jack, the inspirations that forged him into the iconic samurai, and a dose of humor that fans came to love (under the amazing voice talents of Phil Lamarr). So we venture "back to the past" once again to celebrate our favorite warrior.
10 Jack And The Scotsman (8.9)
Squeaking into the list on the number of votes over ranking, with other notable episodes landing at 8.9, we get the introduction of one of the few returning allies of Jack, the boisterous "Scotsman." In their first meeting the two cross paths on a narrow bridge, refusing to let the other one pass.
Jack's annoyance with the brashness of the character, from speech to his bagpipes, gives us the first glimpse of the potential humor that would come from frustrating the otherwise calm Samurai.
9 The Birth Of Evil (9.0)
In one of the few episodes told in two parts, the history of Aku is finally revealed, from his primordial beginnings to his rise to prominence.
The constant antagonist and greatest enemy to Jack finally got his own stand-alone episode and offered fans a more defined history of the all-powerful Aku. Additionally, the episode gave the antagonist a degree of depth which was not experienced in previous seasons. Given this episode and the follow-up helped further define the world of Samurai Jack. It is no surprise it remains a fan favorite.
8 Samurai Vs. Ninja (9.0)
Sometimes inspiration comes from the most bizarre places within the series and this hyper-stylized take on Spy vs. Spy remains as one of the most memorable in the series. With night encroaching, Jack finds a worthy adversary in a silent and highly-skilled ninja who uses the setting of the sun in his favor to cloak himself in darkness.
This clash will remain one of the most beloved in the series, as the mix of play on light to convey action and urgency for Jack to beat the sun made for an intense battle.
7 The Princess And The Bounty Hunters (9.0)
One of the few episodes where Jack does not mutter a single word happens to carry one of the more memorable structures heavily told through dialogue. In this case, the majority of the episode is told by a group of Bounty Hunters who have been hired to kill him. As each one goes into detail about their skill and their plan, we slowly head into the final showdown.
Ultimately, Jack's appearance is super brief as he takes out each member with the skill and grace of the iconic swordsman Zatoichi (similarly calm and skilled warrior and possible inspiration for the episode). Overall, it is the perfect set up and showcases the world outside of Jack that drives and inspires many to think they can take him on.
6 Jack And The Spartans (9.1)
One way in which the legacy of Jack was cemented within the fan base was by putting him side to side with some of the greatest heroic figures of all time. Additionally, these alliances would often reflect different techniques to bring further validity to the Samurai as a warrior who can match any form or style of fighting.
In further cementing the character's ability, his run-in with the Spartans (inspired by 300), had Jack up in arms with the strongest group of warriors. Consequently, Jack proves himself to be among the best as a brother in arms, and it also does not hurt that the action was top notch in this episode.
5 Jack And The Zombies (9.1)
This particular episode may not be the most innovative, action-packed, or humorous entry in the series, but it does highlight the show's ability to homage other properties to create fun episodes for fans.
Undeniably, zombies will bring some fans into the fold in any genre, but the references to the cult film Evil Dead is perhaps the most pleasant surprise. Overall, "Jack and the Zombies" is a fun trip into the world of horror for Jack, offering a different scenario seeped in pop culture worship.
4 Jack And The Haunted House (9.2)
If "Jack and the Zombies" proved anything, is that fans love seeing their favorite heroes thrust into the horror genre from time to time. Consequently, it is not surprising that Jack's visit to a haunted house also landed on this list.
However, where his battles with zombies were a more action-heavy affair, this episode focused more on the atmosphere and paying homage too more traditional Asian horror literature and film. For fans really drawn into the Asian influences throughout the series it was an episode that captured traditional horror like none other.
3 The Birth Of Evil Part 2 (9.2)
The follow up to the origin of Aku tells the story of Jack's sword, one of the strongest weapons as powerful as other god-slaying weapons. The sword crafted by gods from different mythologies, finally explained why Jack's sword held the power to hurt the all-powerful Aku.
Ultimately, the two-part episodes helped deepen the lore within the series, and set the groundwork for the critically acclaimed final season in 2017.
2 Tale Of X49 (9.2)
There is one thing you could always count on in Samurai Jack, and that was that he lived by a moral code in which he could not and would not kill a living being. With that said, he killed an unquantifiable amount of robots, if it was getting sliced in half it was definitely going to end in flying sparks and oil.
However, "The Tale of X49" added more dimension to the countless slain robots by offering up one that not only had emotions but was also manipulated by Aku. It rests as one of the best tragic tales outside of Jack's own trials and tribulations. Additionally, it added some weight to Jack's actions that were previously just a trope in the series fans accepted.
1 Jack And The Three Blind Archers (9.3)
The episode opens with an ominous story from a man who lost an entire army to three archers who protected a portal that would grant its user any wish. This obviously piques the interest of Jack and he ventures to see it for himself.
What follows becomes one of the best experimental episodes within the entire run, as after Jack learns the archers hunt by hearing begins arduous training to change his senses and fight blindfolded. The training sequences follow Jack as he remaps his surrounding based on sound, leading to a final, adrenaline-inducing, siege on the tower. Overall, this episode helped establish the immense talent of Jack and is very deserving of the top spot.