After seven seasons, Rick and Morty has solidified its status as one of the best animated sitcoms ever created. The show's unique mix of high-concept storytelling, absurd humor, and deeply emotional character development sets it apart, even as fans eagerly await new episodes that often arrive after long intervals.
Although Rick and Morty had shifted to an annual release schedule, Season 8 faced a longer delay due to the five-month Writers Guild strike in 2023. As we anticipate the next installment, let's dive into IGN's selection of the top Rick and Morty episodes. Where do classics like "Pickle Rick" and "Rixty Minutes" rank? Keep reading to find out.
The Top 15 Rick and Morty Episodes
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"The Ricklantis Mixup" (S3E7)
Image credit: Adult Swim
This Season 3 episode masterfully defies expectations. Initially billed as a journey to Atlantis, it pivots to focus on the Citadel, exploring the lives of various Ricks and Mortys. The surprising twist ties up a loose end from a previous episode, setting the stage for a significant confrontation in Season 5.
"Solaricks" (S6E1)
Image credit: Adult Swim
Season 6 might not be the strongest, but "Solaricks" stands out as one of the best premiere episodes. It follows the dramatic Season 5 finale, with Rick and Morty navigating a portal-less universe. The episode humorously resolves the displacement of characters across dimensions, deepens the rivalry with Rick Prime, and highlights the Beth/Space Beth dynamic. Jerry also gets a chance to shine as a surprising hero.
"One Crew Over the Crewcoo’s Morty" (S4E3)
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This Season 4 episode hilariously parodies heist movies with a convoluted plot that only grows more absurd. It introduces Rick's Heist-o-Tron and his nemesis Rand-o-Tron, culminating in a ridiculous yet captivating narrative. The return of Mr. Poopybutthole and the iconic line "I'm Pickle Rick!!!!" add to its charm.
"The Ricks Must Be Crazy" (S2E6)
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This episode delves into the mechanics of Rick's spaceship, revealing a microverse powering its battery. As Rick clashes with Zeep Zanflorp, the series touches on existential themes while providing a comedic subplot involving Summer's protection by the ship's AI.
"Rickmurai Jack" (S5E10)
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The Season 5 finale resolves the mystery of Evil Morty's motives. Beginning with Rick's crow obsession and anime-inspired fight scenes, it shifts focus to Evil Morty's desire to escape Rick's influence, emphasizing Rick's self-destructive tendencies.
"Meeseeks and Destroy" (S1E5)
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This episode showcases the potential of supporting characters like Beth and Jerry. While Morty's adventure is memorable, the real star is Mr. Meeseeks, whose mission to help others leads to both humor and poignant moments, especially in Jerry's golfing fiasco.
"Mort Dinner Rick Andre" (S5E1)
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Season 5's premiere introduces Mr. Nimbus, a hilarious parody of Aquaman/Namor. While his feud with Rick takes a backseat, the episode focuses on Morty's encounter with beings from a faster-moving dimension and a humorous subplot about Beth and Jerry's marital dynamics.
"The Vat of Acid Episode" (S4E8)
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This episode cleverly subverts expectations with Morty's time-rewinding save point button, leading to both comedic and emotionally intense moments. It showcases the series' blend of sci-fi, humor, and dramatic plot twists.
"Pickle Rick" (S3E3)
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A cultural phenomenon, this episode sees Rick transform into a pickle to avoid therapy, leading to a wild adventure and a showdown with Jaguar. It epitomizes the show's wackiness and over-the-top humor.
"Rick Potion No. 9" (S1E6)
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This episode marks a turning point for the series, balancing sci-fi, humor, and nihilism. Morty's attempt to win Jessica's love goes disastrously wrong, forcing Rick and Morty to abandon their dimension, an event that continues to impact the series.
"The Wedding Squanchers" (S2E10)
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What begins as a celebration turns into chaos as the Galactic Federation targets Rick, leading to an emotional climax where Rick sacrifices himself. This episode encapsulates the series' ability to shift from lighthearted to intense.
"Mortynight Run" (S2E2)
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This episode pits Rick and Morty against each other over the protection of an alien named Fart. It's filled with twists and memorable moments, including a David Bowie-inspired musical number and Jerry's hilarious encounters with his alternate selves.
"Rixty Minutes" (S1E8)
Image credit: Adult Swim
An entire episode about watching TV becomes one of the show's best. The interdimensional cable box introduces quirky characters and provides deep insights into the Smith family's dynamics, particularly Jerry and Beth's reflections on their alternate lives.
"Auto Erotic Assimilation" (S2E3)
Image credit: Adult Swim
This episode explores Rick's past with Unity, a hive mind, leading to a tragic and intense conclusion. It highlights the emotional depth beneath Rick's bravado, as he confronts his loneliness and instability.
"Total Rickall" (S2E4)
Image credit: Adult Swim
This episode exemplifies Rick and Morty at its best, with a clever premise involving memory-altering parasites. It balances humor with emotional depth, introducing memorable characters and delivering a poignant narrative about the fragility of memory.
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.
