After seven remarkable seasons, *Rick and Morty* has cemented its place as one of the greatest animated sitcoms of all time. The show's unique combination of high-concept storytelling, absurd humor, and emotionally charged character development is unparalleled, though fans often endure long waits between seasons. Despite shifting to an annual release schedule, Season 8 arrives this year after a significant delay due to the 2023 Writers Guild strike, which lasted five months.
As we eagerly anticipate the next installment of *Rick and Morty*, let's dive into IGN's selection of the top 15 episodes. Discover where fan favorites like "Pickle Rick" and "Rixty Minutes" rank in this comprehensive list.
The Top 15 Rick and Morty Episodes
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"The Ricklantis Mixup" (S3E7)
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This Season 3 episode masterfully subverts expectations. Initially billed as an adventure to the underwater kingdom of Atlantis, "The Ricklantis Mixup" shifts focus to the Citadel, showcasing the lives of various Ricks and Mortys. The episode's unexpected ending ties up a previous plot thread brilliantly, paving the way for a significant confrontation in Season 5.
"Solaricks" (S6E1)
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Though Season 6 might not be the strongest, it kicks off with a stellar premiere in "Solaricks." Following the dramatic Season 5 finale, Rick and Morty navigate a universe without portals, leading to a humorous misadventure that returns displaced characters to their home dimensions. This episode deepens the rivalry between Rick and Rick Prime and cleverly utilizes the Beth/Space Beth dynamic, while showcasing Jerry's unexpected heroism.
"One Crew Over the Crewcoo’s Morty" (S4E3)
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Heist movies are entertaining, but Rick and Morty's spoof elevates the genre to new comedic heights. This Season 4 episode features a delightfully convoluted plot centered around Rick's Heist-o-Tron and its nemesis, Rand-o-Tron. The episode not only builds on a ridiculous premise but also brings back fan-favorite Mr. Poopybutthole and delivers the iconic line, "I’m Pickle Rick!!!!"
"The Ricks Must Be Crazy" (S2E6)
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Ever curious about the power source behind Rick's versatile spaceship? This episode delves into the microverse that fuels it, sparking a mind-bending journey for Rick and Morty. As Rick clashes with Zeep Zanflorp, the show explores existential themes and the sacrifices required for Rick's dimension-hopping lifestyle, all while featuring a hilarious subplot involving Summer's protection.
"Rickmurai Jack" (S5E10)
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Following the resolution of Birdperson's fate in "Rickternal Friendshine of the Spotless Mort," the Season 5 finale finally unravels Evil Morty's intentions. "Rickmurai Jack" begins with Rick's crow obsession reaching a humorous climax, complete with anime-inspired fight scenes. Evil Morty's true plan—to escape Rick's influence—is revealed, emphasizing Rick's self-destructive tendencies over traditional villainy.
"Meeseeks and Destroy" (S1E5)
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This episode showcases the potential of supporting characters like Beth and Jerry to steal the spotlight. Morty's traumatic adventure is memorable, but Mr. Meeseeks steals the show with his mission to help others achieve their goals. While Beth's emotional journey is manageable, Jerry's golfing woes provide comedic relief.
"Mort Dinner Rick Andre" (S5E1)
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Season 5 introduces Mr. Nimbus, a hilarious parody of Aquaman and Namor. The episode cleverly balances the feud between Rick and Mr. Nimbus with Morty's unwitting encounter with beings from a faster-moving dimension. The subplot involving Beth and Jerry's contemplation of a threesome with the King of Atlantis adds to the episode's comedic flair.
"The Vat of Acid Episode" (S4E8)
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This episode misleads viewers with its title and opening, only to take a wild turn. Morty's desire to control their adventures leads to the creation of a save point button, allowing him to rewind time. However, this power soon leads to disastrous consequences, blending high-concept sci-fi with humor and emotional twists.
"Pickle Rick" (S3E3)
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The episode that birthed countless memes, "Pickle Rick" sees Rick transform into a sentient pickle to avoid family therapy. His journey through rat-infested sewers and a showdown with a killer named Jaguar is both wacky and over-the-top, highlighting the show's unique humor.
"Rick Potion No. 9" (S1E6)
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"Rick Potion No. 9" marks a turning point for the series, blending high-concept sci-fi, absurd humor, and nihilism. Morty's attempt to win Jessica's love goes disastrously wrong, leading to a shocking conclusion where Rick and Morty must abandon their dimension. The episode's impact lingers throughout the series.
"The Wedding Squanchers" (S2E10)
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"The Wedding Squanchers" starts as a lighthearted celebration but quickly descends into chaos as the Galactic Federation targets Rick. The episode's emotional climax sees Rick sacrifice himself, leaving the Smith family to adapt to life on an alien planet. A powerful and poignant end to the season.
"Mortynight Run" (S2E2)
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In "Mortynight Run," Morty's determination to protect the alien Fart leads to unexpected twists and emotional turmoil. The episode shines with its details, from Jermaine Clement's Bowie-inspired performance to Morty's harrowing arcade game experience. The Jerry subplot at a Jerry-only daycare adds an extra layer of humor.
"Rixty Minutes" (S1E8)
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Only Rick and Morty could make an episode about watching TV one of its best. The Smiths explore Rick's interdimensional cable box, introducing beloved characters like Ants in My Eyes Johnson and Gazorpazorpfield. The episode also delves into deeper themes, with Jerry and Beth confronting their alternate lives and Morty consoling Summer about "Rick Potion No. 9."
"Auto Erotic Assimilation" (S2E3)
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This episode features a clever storyline as Rick reconnects with his ex-lover Unity, a hive mind controlling an entire planet. Their reunion spirals into excess, revealing why they were a toxic match. The tragic ending, with Rick nearly committing suicide, underscores the show's emotional depth beneath its humor.
"Total Rickall" (S2E4)
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"Total Rickall" embodies everything great about Rick and Morty. The premise of an alien parasite invading the Smiths' memories is both clever and hilarious, featuring memorable one-off characters like Hamurai and Sleepy Gary. The episode shifts from humor to emotional drama as the family grapples with their altered memories, with Mr. Poopybutthole's fate adding a poignant touch.
AnswerSee ResultsAnd that's our (likely controversial) pick of the best Rick and Morty episodes of all time! Did your favorite Rick and Morty episode make the cut? Let us know in the comments.
