10 of the All-Time Best “PAW Patrol Episodes” (Totally Objective, Of Course!)

At a certain point as a parent, I stopped just turning on PAW Patrol for my daughter and began to develop some rather strong opinions about it. I went from casually screening while multitasking to somehow knowing which pup definitely deserves more screen time (Zuma), which rescue my daughter would request on repeat (“Pups Save a Mer-Pup” from Season 2), and how to sing the opening theme song (in practically perfect pitch, might I add).

So, with PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie stomping its way into theaters on August 14, I figured now is the perfect time to revisit what myself and my daughter consider to be the best PAW Patrol moments to rewatch.

But first, a note. This beloved series has been around since 2013 (which, shockingly, was 13 years ago) so narrowing down hundreds of rescues to just 10 is no small feat — although, as Ryder says, “No job is too big…”  

So, these 10 picks include sweet beginnings, standout holiday adventures, mer-pups, dinosaurs, dragons, superpowers, and of course, lots of nonsense from Mayor Humdinger. 

Whether your kid is loyal to the original pups or prefers the bigger, flashier missions from later seasons, these best PAW Patrol episodes (in no particular order) deliver the humor, teamwork, mild suspense, and reassuringly happy endings that make the show such a reliable family favorite.

There are few things kids love more than an origin story, especially when it involves an adorable stray puppy, a skateboard, and one very important rescue. In this season one episode, viewers learn how Rubble first met Ryder and earned his spot on the team. It’s sweet without being overly sentimental, and seeing the famously snack-loving construction pup before he officially becomes a member of the PAW Patrol makes him even more lovable. Plus, any episode that answers a question your child has asked 47 times — “But how did Rubble join?” — deserves a place near the top.

Episode length: standard 11-minute half-episode
Where to watch: Paramount+

When the holiday season strikes, it’s time to queue up this quest. Santa’s sleigh crashes, the reindeer scatter, and suddenly the pups are responsible for saving Christmas. No pressure! This extra-festive season one adventure has everything you could want from a holiday special: snow, presents, Santa, and a rescue important enough to involve the entire team. It’s exciting without being scary and cozy without feeling slow, making it an easy December tradition. Parents may also appreciate the rare opportunity to suggest a seasonal episode instead of watching the same random rescue for the sixth time that morning.

Episode length: special 22-minute episode
Where to watch: Paramount+

Another origin story. Everest fans should go straight to this episode, which introduces the fearless snow-rescue pup and the enormous PAW Patroller. When Jake becomes stranded in the icy wilderness, Everest steps in to help the team complete the rescue. She is brave, capable, and super likable, and her snowy setting gives the story a fun change of scenery from Adventure Bay. It’s one of the best PAW Patrol episodes for kids who love meeting new characters or who might be facing situations where they’re the “new kid” and for parents who enjoy watching a newcomer prove she belongs without sitting through a complicated backstory.

Episode length: special 22-minute episode
Where to watch: Paramount+

In this episode, Marshall’s feeling down about himself and decides to leave the PAW Patrol squad, worrying that his clumsiness keeps ruining everyone’s fun. Naturally, the rest of the team realizes things aren’t the same without him. The rescue plot is engaging, but the real reason this episode stands out is its sweet and reassuring lessons about friendship, self-doubt, and recognizing what each person — or accident-prone fire pup — brings to a group. It offers a gentle reminder that making mistakes is a part of life.

Episode length: standard 11-minute half-episode
Where to watch: Paramount+

During a beachside campout, the pups spot a mysterious mer-pup who needs help, launching one of the show’s most magical early adventures. The underwater setting, glowing mer-pups, and transformation of familiar characters make this episode feel extra special — especially for kids who like their rescue vehicles with a side of whimsy and fantasy. It also introduced an entire mer-pup corner of the PAW Patrol universe, so don’t be surprised if one viewing leads to several follow-up sessions. 

Episode length: special 22-minute episode
Where to watch: Paramount+

The team travels to Barkingburg to protect the royal crown, but Sweetie — the princess’s very ambitious pup — has other plans. The castle vibes and royal mystery make this season 4 premiere feel more like a mini movie than a standard Adventure Bay rescue. Chase gets a particularly strong storyline, while Sweetie provides the sort of delightfully dramatic hijinks that children find hilarious and adults may recognize from anyone who has ever been told they can’t have a third snack. It’s fast, funny, and packed with enough fancy vehicles and palace intrigue to hold everyone’s attention.

Episode length: special 22-minute episode
Where to watch: Paramount+

Treasure hunting sounds like a wonderful family activity for Carlos and Tracker until they become stranded on an island — which, to be fair, is exactly the kind of thing that happens whenever anyone in this show plans a relaxing outing. Ryder and the pups launch a pirate-themed sea rescue filled with boats, maps, treasure, and tropical scenery. It’s one of the best PAW Patrol episodes for kids who love sea struggles and pirates, but it still offers the teamwork and problem-solving that make the series so comforting.

Episode length: special 22-minute episode
Where to watch: Paramount+

The Mighty Pups episodes take the familiar formula but turn every dial up several notches: The pups have superpowers, the villains have bigger plans, and Adventure Bay becomes even more chaotic than usual. In this one, the Copycat uses his own powers to imitate the pups and cause trouble, giving the team a challenge that cannot be solved with one vehicle and a well-positioned ladder. It’s bright, action-packed, and wonderfully over-the-top — basically the preschool equivalent of a superhero blockbuster.

Episode length: special 22-minute episode
Where to watch: Paramount+

You should definitely watch (or rewatch) this one as your family’s warm-up for the highly anticipated PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie. When a hidden world of dinosaurs is discovered, Mayor Humdinger attempts to bring dinosaur eggs back to Foggy Bottom — an objectively disastrous plan that quickly puts a baby Brachiosaurus in danger. The enormous animals and prehistoric setting make the rescue feel fresh, while new pup Rex adds a lovable personality to the team. Dinosaur-loving kids are guaranteed to be thrilled, and the episode is a  convenient refresher before the pups return to the dino world — this time on the big screen.

Episode length: special 22-minute episode
Where to watch: Paramount+

The pups are knighted by the Princess of Barkingburg and almost immediately have to defend the castle from an angry former knight controlling a dragon. In other words, the ceremony does not remain peaceful for long. The episode combines medieval adventure, fantasy, comedy, and a genuinely exciting rescue, making it a great choice for children who have moved beyond the simpler early-season stories but are still devoted to the pups. Dragons plus rescue vehicles should not make perfect sense together, yet somehow they absolutely do.

Episode length: special 22-minute episode
Where to watch: Paramount+

I’d be remiss to not give a nod to a personal family favorite of mine (and probably of any other New York Yankee fans out there), which is the first segment of episode 12, season two. Essentially, Yankee’s star Aaron Judge gets stuck in Builder Cove and can’t make it to the home run derby, so Rubble and the crew do what they do best: build an entire ballpark so the game can come to him. Judge actually voices himself, and his real-life dogs (Penny and Gus) even make an appearance. It’s adorable and will definitely hold meaning for any young sports fans out there.

Episode length: standard 11-minute half-episode
Where to watch: Paramount+

Another cool thing about PAW Patrol is that there’s truly no wrong episode to begin with — most kids will happily watch whichever rescue appears first on the screen. But these best PAW Patrol episodes and segments offer a little bit of everything the series does well. They’re funny, comforting, exciting, and built around the reassuring idea that problems become much more manageable when everyone brings their own strengths to the mission.