One of the many factors that attributed to Supernatural's unprecedented success and length was the unique storytelling in many of its episodes. Throughout the show's fifteen-year run, the series was unafraid to break down the fourth wall and get wonderfully meta, creating some of the best-loved episodes in the show.
Most of these meta episodes are loved by fans and rightly so because they offer something that one doesn't see every day in television and films. Their ratings on IMDb will help in getting a clearer picture of which meta episodes are superior to others.
Fallen Idols — 8.0
'Fallen Idols' was episode 5 of season 5 that aired in 2005. In the same year, Jared Padalecki starred in the horror remake, House of Wax, and his co-star in the movie, Paris Hilton, appears in this episode.
Not only this, Dean mentions the movie while taking a jab at Paris Hilton, thus, making a meta-reference. The shot is immediately cut to Jared aka Sam and a look of confusion crosses his face. This was written in the episode to please the cult fan following of the slasher remake as well as that of the show.
Meta Fiction — 8.2
Just like Fleabag constantly breaks the fourth wall while directly talking to her audience, Supernatural also does the same thing in episode 18 of season 9. Curtis Armstrong's character Metatron narrates and gives monologues throughout the episode.
The episode shows Metatron as a God-like figure as he talks to the viewers and philosophically examines the relationship between them and creators or authors of their beloved works. This can allude to the relationship of creators of Supernatural with the fans of the show.
Atomic Monsters — 8.4
At the outset, this season 15 episode seems like any normal Supernatural monster-of-the-week episode. However, director Jensen Ackles and writer Davey Perez provide a meta twist to the episode. Chuck reunites with his superfan Becky and they discuss the future of his Supernatural books.
This nicely sets up the remainder of the season as they talk about the flawed structure of the story, the heartbreaking ending, and the fate of the main characters. This conversation may be a reference to the reaction that some of the fans may have upon seeing the ending of their beloved show, Supernatural.
Hollywood Babylon — 8.5
Since its beginning, Supernatural has been making subtle meta-references but the first time it went all out was in episode 18 of season 2, "Hollywood Babylon". In the episode, Sam and Dean visit a Hollywood set for a case and while taking a tour of the studio, Jared Padalecki's other show, Gilmore Girls is mentioned.
The tour guide even says that they might spot a star of the show while Sam gives a confused look, thus, hitting hard at the fourth wall. The episode used the actual notes that the network had given to Eric Kripke for Supernatural and also mocks his film, Boogeyman.
The Real Ghostbusters — 8.9
Episode 9 of season 5 centered around a Supernatural Fan Convention for the Carver Edlund books. This was a meta-reference to the house-packed Supernatural conventions that happen in reality in the US and other countries.
There are direct references to the characters of Sam and Dean and many characters in the episode are seen cosplaying them. The episode also tries to show how creators often feel trapped or dumbfounded by the questions put up by fans about their creations.
The Monster At the End of This Book — 9.3
The first time the Supernatural books were introduced in the show was in season 4, episode 18. These books accurately detail the lives of the Winchester brothers and the author, Carver Edlund or Chuck Shurley, dreams everything about Sam and Dean before it happens to them.
The episode also talks about Supernatural fan fiction and fan theories, which is a direct commentary on the actual happenings in the show's fandom. This makes up for an exciting 40 minutes as the fans felt seen in a show they love entertainingly.
Fan Fiction — 9.5
The 200th episode of the show, "Fan Fiction" was the fifth episode of season 10 The episode is among the most memorable episodes for fans because it featured a musical production of the Supernatural book series.
A self-deprecating jab at the long-running show, the episode puts the perspective of Supernatural fans at the forefront. It is a meta reflection on the series, its legacy, and its fandom. There is also a blatant discussion about the most popular ship in the fandom, Destiel, proving that the creators wanted to leave no stone unturned when it comes to meta-references.
Scoobynatural — 9.6
One of the many unusual things that Supernatural has done, this is surely one of the most outrageous ones. "Scoobynatural" was episode 6 of season 9 and it was a crossover with the famous kids' show, Scooby-D00.
An amazing treat for kids who grew up with the long-running cartoon, "Scoobynatural" provides an abundance of nostalgia as viewers enjoy animated Sam, Dean, and Cas partnering with the Scooby gang. Fans always theorized a crossover with other shows but a crossover with a 90s animated show is hardly anyone could have expected. However, it made for a fascinating experience anyway.
The French Mistake — 9.6
When Supernatural fans think of breaking the fourth wall and going meta, "The French Mistake" is the first thing that comes to their mind. This fifteenth episode of season 6 broke so many fourth walls, that it is one of the most rewatchable episodes of the Supernatural.
The degree of fun and hilarity is at an all-time high in this episode with Sam and Dean making fun of Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki's lives. The cherry on top of the cake was that Misha Collins plays himself and in the scenes where he was tweeting, he sent out those tweets from his account. The episode also did not shy away from including its creative team and poking fun at them such as Eric Kripke, Sera Gamble, and Robert Singer.
Changing Channels — 9.7
"Changing Channels" is episode 8 of Season 5 and it is the highest-ranked meta episode on IMDb. The episode mimics and parodies several popular shows. The opening credits scene starts with mimicry of the 70s and 80s sitcom and leads on to shows such as CSI and Grey's Anatomy.
The playful jabs at other shows were certainly a daring thing for Supernatural to do back in season 5. However, the episode does it brilliantly and the result is a roller-coaster of an episode with Sam getting 'nut-crackered' to Dean geeking out over Dr. Sexy.