Top 15 Rick and Morty Episodes Ranked

After seven acclaimed seasons, Rick and Morty has solidified its status as one of the greatest animated sitcoms ever created. The series masterfully blends high-concept narratives, outlandish humor, and deeply emotional character moments, though fans often endure long waits between seasons. While the show had settled into an annual release pattern, Season 8's arrival has been delayed due to the 2023 five-month Writers Guild strike.

As we eagerly anticipate the next installment, let's dive into IGN's selection of the top Rick and Morty episodes. From the iconic "Pickle Rick" to the beloved "Rixty Minutes," where do these classics rank? Let's explore.

The Top 15 Rick and Morty Episodes

View 16 Images

15. "The Ricklantis Mixup" (S3E7)

Image credit: Adult Swim

This Season 3 episode masterfully subverts expectations. Initially teased as an adventure to the underwater kingdom of Atlantis, "The Ricklantis Mixup" shifts focus to the Citadel, exploring the diverse lives of numerous Ricks and Mortys. The episode's surprising conclusion ties up a loose thread from earlier seasons, paving the way for a significant conflict in Season 5.

14. "Solaricks" (S6E1)

Image credit: Adult Swim

Despite Season 6 being less than stellar overall, "Solaricks" stands out as one of the show's most compelling premieres. Following the intense Season 5 finale, Rick and Morty navigate a universe without portals, leading to a humorous yet chaotic return of displaced characters to their dimensions. The episode also delves deeper into Rick's feud with Rick Prime and cleverly utilizes the Beth/Space Beth dynamic, while showcasing an unexpectedly heroic side of Jerry.

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

Image credit: Adult Swim

This episode brilliantly parodies heist films, delivering a delightfully convoluted plot that only escalates in absurdity. Introducing Rick's Heist-o-Tron and his nemesis Rand-o-Tron, the episode continuously builds on its ridiculous premise. It also brings back the fan-favorite Mr. Poopybutthole and delivers a memorable line that became an instant meme: "I’m Pickle Rick!!!!"

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

Image credit: Adult Swim

Ever curious about the power source of Rick's versatile spaceship? This episode delves into the microverse that fuels it, sparking a mind-bending adventure. As Rick clashes with Zeep Zanflorp (voiced by Stephen Colbert), the show contemplates existential themes and the sacrifices behind Rick's interdimensional travels. Meanwhile, a humorous subplot sees Rick's ship fiercely protecting Summer.

11. "Rickmurai Jack" (S5E10)

Image credit: Adult Swim

After "Rickternal Friendshine of the Spotless Mort" resolved Birdperson's fate, the Season 5 finale tackled the burning question: What is Evil Morty's endgame? "Rickmurai Jack" begins with Rick's crow obsession reaching a peak, featuring anime-inspired fight scenes. The episode then shifts to Evil Morty, revealing his desire for freedom from Rick's influence, highlighting Rick's self-destructive tendencies.

10. "Meeseeks and Destroy" (S1E5)

Image credit: Adult Swim

This episode showcases how Beth and Jerry can steal the spotlight. Morty's adventure choice leads to chaos, but Mr. Meeseeks, designed to help others achieve their goals, steals the show. Beth's emotional journey contrasts sharply with Jerry's comedic struggle to improve his golf game, resulting in memorable moments and classic lines.

9. "Mort Dinner Rick Andre" (S5E1)

Image credit: Adult Swim

Kicking off Season 5 with a bang, this episode introduces Mr. Nimbus, a hilarious Aquaman/Namor parody and Rick's nemesis. The episode cleverly balances the feud with Mr. Nimbus against Morty's encounter with beings from a dimension where time accelerates. Additionally, a quirky subplot sees Beth and Jerry contemplating a threesome with the King of Atlantis, making for a memorable season opener.

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

Image credit: Adult Swim

This episode starts with a misleading premise before veering into a wild and funny direction. Morty's frustration leads to the creation of a time-rewinding save point button, which quickly spirals out of control. "The Vat of Acid Episode" masterfully combines sci-fi concepts with sharp humor and emotional twists, leaving Morty to learn the true meaning of heartbreak.

7. "Pickle Rick" (S3E3)

Image credit: Adult Swim

The episode that spawned countless memes, "Pickle Rick" sees Rick transform into a sentient pickle to avoid family therapy. His journey through a sewer, battling rats and a killer named Jaguar, exemplifies the show's knack for over-the-top absurdity, culminating in Rick acknowledging his extreme actions.

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

Image credit: Adult Swim

As Rick and Morty found its footing, "Rick Potion No. 9" established the show's signature blend of sci-fi, humor, and nihilism. Morty's attempt to win Jessica's affection goes disastrously wrong, leading to a shocking conclusion where Rick and Morty must abandon their dimension, an event that continues to impact the series.

5. "The Wedding Squanchers" (S2E10)

Image credit: Adult Swim

Starting with a seemingly joyful celebration, "The Wedding Squanchers" quickly descends into chaos as the Galactic Federation targets Rick. With Earth occupied and the Smith family struggling on an alien planet, Rick's self-sacrifice marks one of the series' most emotionally intense moments, delivering a powerful season finale.

4. "Mortynight Run" (S2E2)

Image credit: Adult Swim

In this episode, Morty's mission to protect a rogue alien named Fart (voiced by Jermaine Clement) leads to intense conflicts with Rick. The episode shines with details like Clement's David Bowie-inspired song and Morty's traumatic arcade game experience. It also features one of the best Jerry subplots, as he encounters his alternate selves at a Jerry daycare.

3. "Rixty Minutes" (S1E8)

Image credit: Adult Swim

Only Rick and Morty could turn TV-watching into one of its best episodes. The Smiths explore Rick's interdimensional cable, encountering a plethora of bizarre shows and characters like Ants in My Eyes Johnson and Gazorpazorpfield. The episode also delves into deeper themes as Jerry and Beth confront alternate realities, while Morty consoles Summer about the events of "Rick Potion No. 9."

2. "Auto Erotic Assimilation" (S2E3)

Image credit: Adult Swim

This episode reunites Rick with his ex-lover Unity (voiced by Christina Hendricks), a hive mind controlling an entire planet. As their reunion spirals into chaos, the episode reveals the tragic dynamics of their relationship, culminating in Rick's near-suicide, a stark reminder of his underlying loneliness and instability.

1. "Total Rickall" (S2E4)

Image credit: Adult Swim

"Total Rickall" encapsulates the essence of Rick and Morty, with its clever premise of an alien parasite creating false memories and a host of memorable characters like Hamurai and Sleepy Gary. The episode seamlessly transitions from humor to emotional depth as the Smiths confront the destruction of their memories, with Mr. Poopybutthole's fate adding a poignant twist.

And there you have it—our (possibly contentious) list of the top Rick and Morty episodes! Did your favorite make the list? Share your thoughts in the comments.