The Top 15 Rick and Morty Episodes

After seven seasons, Rick and Morty has solidified its place as one of the best animated sitcoms ever. Its unique mix of high-concept storytelling, absurd humor, and emotionally raw characterization is unmatched, though fans often endure long waits between seasons. While the show typically follows an annual release schedule, Season 8 arrives this year after a delay due to the 2023 Writers Guild strike that 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. Where do fan favorites like "Pickle Rick" and "Rixty Minutes" rank? Keep reading to find out.

The Top 15 Rick and Morty Episodes

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15. "The Ricklantis Mixup" (S3E7)

This Season 3 episode masterfully subverts expectations. Initially teased as an adventure to the underwater kingdom of Atlantis, "The Ricklantis Mixup" instead focuses on the Citadel, showcasing the struggles of various Ricks and Mortys who don't lead lives of adventure and hedonism. The surprising conclusion brilliantly ties up a loose end from a previous episode, setting the stage for a major confrontation in Season 5.

14. "Solaricks" (S6E1)

While Season 6 may not be the strongest overall, it kicks off with one of the series' best premiere episodes. "Solaricks" follows the dramatic Season 5 finale, showing Rick and Morty navigating a universe without portals. This leads to a humorous misadventure where displaced beings are returned to their home dimensions. The episode also deepens the rivalry between Rick and Rick Prime and cleverly utilizes the Beth/Space Beth dynamic. Who knew Jerry could be such a hero?

13. "One Crew Over the Crewcoo’s Morty" (S4E3)

Heist movies are thrilling, but their complexity can be overwhelming. That is, until Rick and Morty spoofs them. This Season 4 gem features a delightfully convoluted plot that only escalates in absurdity. It introduces Rick's Heist-o-Tron and his nemesis, Rand-o-Tron, and successfully builds upon a ludicrous premise. The episode also brings back the beloved Mr. Poopybutthole and delivers the internet's latest meme-worthy line since "I'm Pickle Rick!!!!"

12. "The Ricks Must Be Crazy" (S2E6)

Ever wondered how Rick powers his versatile spaceship? This episode answers that question, taking Rick and Morty on a mind-bending journey through the microverse that fuels Rick's battery. As Rick clashes with his microscopic rival Zeep Zanflorp (voiced by Stephen Colbert), the series explores existential themes and the sacrifices enabling Rick's interdimensional travels. Meanwhile, a hilarious subplot sees Rick's ship fiercely protecting Summer.

11. "Rickmurai Jack" (S5E10)

If "Rickternal Friendshine of the Spotless Mort" answered questions about Birdperson, the Season 5 finale reveals what Evil Morty has been plotting. "Rickmurai Jack" opens with Rick's crow obsession reaching its peak, complete with a Vampire Hunter D-style makeover and anime fight scenes. Evil Morty then takes center stage, unveiling his plans for the Citadel. Rather than a predictable battle for the multiverse, viewers discover that "Evil" Morty seeks a place free from Rick's influence, highlighting how Rick is often his own worst enemy.

10. "Meeseeks and Destroy" (S1E5)

This episode was pivotal in showcasing that supporting characters like Beth and Jerry can steal the spotlight. While Morty's attempt to choose an adventure is memorable and traumatic, the true star is Mr. Meeseeks, whose brief existence is dedicated to helping others achieve their goals. Helping Beth find emotional fulfillment is far easier than helping Jerry improve his golf game. Nice going, Jerry!

9. "Mort Dinner Rick Andre" (S5E1)

"Riiiiiichard!!!"

While Season 5's direction was divisive, the season opener introduced Rick's nemesis, Mr. Nimbus, a hilariously over-the-top Aquaman/Namor parody. The episode smartly keeps Mr. Nimbus from overstaying his welcome, focusing instead on Morty's encounter with beings from a dimension where time moves faster. Add a humorous subplot about Beth and Jerry considering a threesome with the King of Atlantis, and you have a fantastic season premiere.

8. "The Vat of Acid Episode" (S4E8)

This episode starts with a misleading title and opening scene before veering into unexpected territory. Frustrated by his lack of control over their adventures, Morty creates a save point button, allowing him to rewind time and undo his mistakes. Of course, this power quickly leads to chaos. "The Vat of Acid Episode" exemplifies Rick and Morty's ability to blend high-concept sci-fi with biting humor and emotionally gripping twists, leaving Morty to learn a painful lesson about heartbreak.

7. "Pickle Rick" (S3E3)

The episode that sparked countless memes, "Pickle Rick" sees Rick transforming into a sentient pickle to avoid family therapy. After navigating a rat-filled sewer and facing off against a killer named Jaguar, even Rick admits he might have gone too far. This episode epitomizes the series' wackiness and over-the-top humor.

6. "Rick Potion No. 9" (S1E6)

In its early days, Rick and Morty faced some challenges, but "Rick Potion No. 9" marked the moment the series found its voice. This episode perfectly balances high-concept sci-fi, absurd humor, and brutal nihilism. Morty's attempt to win over Jessica leads to catastrophic results, forcing Rick and Morty to abandon their Cronenberg-infested dimension, an event whose repercussions echo through future seasons.

5. "The Wedding Squanchers" (S2E10)

"The Wedding Squanchers" starts as a light-hearted celebration of Birdperson and Tammy but quickly descends into chaos as the Galactic Federation targets Rick. With Earth occupied and the Smith family struggling to adapt to life on a remote alien planet, Rick makes a heart-wrenching sacrifice, delivering one of the series' most emotionally charged moments and a powerful season finale.

4. "Mortynight Run" (S2E2)

In "Mortynight Run," Rick and Morty clash over Morty's insistence on protecting a rogue alien named Fart (voiced by Jermaine Clement). The episode is filled with twists, turns, and emotional turmoil, but it's the small details that make it stand out—from Clement's David Bowie-inspired musical number to Morty's traumatic experience with the arcade game Roy: A Life Well Lived. The episode also features what might be the best Jerry subplot ever, as he encounters his alter egos at a Jerry-only daycare.

3. "Rixty Minutes" (S1E8)

Only Rick and Morty could create an entire episode about watching TV and produce one of its finest. The Smiths discover Rick's interdimensional cable box, opening up a multiverse of bizarre television. The episode introduces fan-favorite characters like Ants in My Eyes Johnson, Two Brothers, and Gazorpazorpfield, while also delving into deeper themes as Jerry and Beth confront glimpses of their alternate lives and Morty consoles Summer about the tragic events of "Rick Potion No. 9."

2. "Auto Erotic Assimilation" (S2E3)

This episode features one of Rick and Morty's cleverest storylines as Rick reunites with his ex-lover Unity (voiced by Christina Hendricks), a hive mind controlling an entire planet. As Rick and Unity indulge in hedonistic excess, it becomes clear why they were a disastrous match. The episode's tragic ending sees a heartbroken Rick nearly taking his own life, poignantly revealing the loneliness and instability beneath his bravado.

1. "Total Rickall" (S2E4)

"Total Rickall" encapsulates everything that makes Rick and Morty great. Its premise—an alien parasite invading the Smith household and manipulating memories—is brilliantly executed. The episode introduces a memorable cast of one-off characters, from Hamurai to Sleepy Gary and Photography Raptor. It transitions seamlessly from humor to emotional drama as the Smiths grapple with the destruction of their memories, but none suffer as much as Mr. Poopybutthole.

That's our (likely controversial) list of the best Rick and Morty episodes! Did your favorite episode make the list? Share your thoughts in the comments.