Supernatural: 15 best Dean Winchester moments, ranked

2. Dean Winchester’s Passionate Speech

In Season 8, Sam and Dean stumble upon a possible way to seal the gates between Hell and Earth and end the barrage of monster attacks. As Sam undergoes the three Trials, Dean discovers that the final trial will lead to Sam’s death.

Yet when Dean reveals this information to Sam, he shrugs it off with “So?” Sam is too disillusioned by how much he’s failed Dean to care about living any more. According to Sam, Dean is better off without him, and he’ll have other more powerful people to lean on. But Dean refuses to let his little brother go, even if it’s for a greater good.

Dean’s impassioned plea to Sam is some of the most emotional minutes you’ll see on any show. Ackles delivers each line with heated perfection, especially this one:

“Don’t you dare think that there is anything, past or present, that I would put in front of you!”

The entire exchange between the two brothers is extremely impactful. What sells it is how much Dean is willing to forget and forgive to save Sam. Sam hasn’t always been the best brother, which is what makes him like most other siblings in real life. Dean believing in Sam irrespective of his flaws is as realistic as this show gets.

1. Dean Winchester Sings “Dead or Alive”

Dean’s journey to Hell is paved with the brothers’ desperate hunt for a way to break the crossroads deal. Once Sam learns of Dean’s deal, he is certain they can find a way to save Dean.

As the third season comes to a close, it becomes evident that perhaps the Winchesters’ luck might have run out. With Hell’s doors waiting, in the Season 3 finale “No Rest for the Wicked”, Dean pleads with Sam to make peace with the deal.

Ever the older brother, instead of ignoring Sam’s fear, Dean starts up a loud rendition of Bon Jovi’s “Dead or Alive.” He sings to distract Sam, before Sam joins the sing-along, allowing him to channel his emotions into the song.

But, while Sam sings, Dean’s face falls and fear engulfs him. He won’t let Sam see how afraid he is, but Dean allows himself this brief moment to confront how he really feels about what lays ahead.

The scene is one of the earlier testaments to Ackles’ outstanding acting abilities. His look of horror could have been comical, but Ackles perfectly captures the sense of doom Dean is feeling.

The entire segment is an emotional rollercoaster as we, the audience, are placed in the shoes of two loving brothers accepting the fate of one.

There you have it, folks—Dean Winchester’s best moments on Supernatural. Which moment is your favorite? Tell us in the comments below.

Supernatural Season 15 will air on The CW from October 8.