Top 15 Rick and Morty Episodes Ranked

After seven seasons, Rick and Morty has cemented its status as one of the most celebrated animated sitcoms ever created. The series captivates audiences with its unique blend of high-concept storytelling, absurd humor, and deeply emotional character development. While fans eagerly await new episodes, delays, such as the five-month Writers Guild strike in 2023, have extended the wait for Season 8. In the meantime, let's dive into IGN's curated list of the top 15 Rick and Morty episodes, and see where classics like "Pickle Rick" and "Rixty Minutes" rank.

The Top 15 Rick and Morty Episodes

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15. "The Ricklantis Mixup" (S3E7)

This Season 3 episode masterfully subverts expectations. Billed as a journey to the underwater kingdom of Atlantis, "The Ricklantis Mixup" instead focuses on the Citadel, showcasing the diverse lives of multiple Ricks and Mortys. The surprising ending ties up a loose thread from a previous episode and sets the stage for a significant showdown in Season 5.

14. "Solaricks" (S6E1)

While Season 6 may not be the strongest overall, it kicks off with "Solaricks," one of the show's best premiere episodes. Following the dramatic Season 5 finale, Rick and Morty navigate a universe without portals, leading to a comedic misadventure. The episode enriches the rivalry between Rick and Rick Prime and cleverly uses the Beth/Space Beth dynamic. Plus, it's a surprising showcase for Jerry's unexpected heroism.

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

Heist movies get the Rick and Morty treatment in this Season 4 gem, featuring a hilariously complex plot that escalates with each twist. The episode introduces the Heist-o-Tron and its nemesis, Rand-o-Tron, and brilliantly builds on a ridiculous premise. It also brings back fan-favorite Mr. Poopybutthole and delivers the internet's most meme-worthy line since "I'm Pickle Rick!"

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

Curious about the power source of Rick's versatile spaceship? This episode dives into the microverse that fuels Rick's battery, sparking a mind-bending quest and a feud with Zeep Zanflorp. It explores existential themes while providing a hilarious subplot involving Summer's protection by Rick's ship.

11. "Rickmurai Jack" (S5E10)

The Season 5 finale, "Rickmurai Jack," finally reveals Evil Morty's true intentions. The episode starts with Rick's crow obsession climaxing in a Vampire Hunter D-style adventure, leading into Evil Morty's spotlight moment. His quest for freedom from Rick's influence is a clever twist, showcasing Rick's self-destructive tendencies.

10. "Meeseeks and Destroy" (S1E5)

This early episode demonstrates the potential of supporting characters like Beth and Jerry. While Morty's adventure is memorable, Mr. Meeseeks steals the show with his mission to help others. Helping Beth find emotional fulfillment contrasts sharply with the comedic struggles of Jerry's golf game.

9. "Mort Dinner Rick Andre" (S5E1)

The Season 5 premiere introduces Mr. Nimbus, a hilarious parody of Aquaman/Namor, and sets the tone for the season. The episode cleverly balances Rick's feud with Mr. Nimbus and Morty's encounter with time-displaced beings, all while Beth and Jerry contemplate a threesome with the King of Atlantis.

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

This episode cleverly subverts expectations, starting with a seemingly straightforward premise before diving into a high-concept sci-fi adventure. Morty's time-rewind button leads to hilarious and heartbreaking twists, showcasing the show's blend of humor and emotional depth.

7. "Pickle Rick" (S3E3)

"Pickle Rick" became an instant meme sensation. Rick transforms into a pickle to avoid family therapy, leading to an absurd journey involving rats and a killer named Jaguar. This episode epitomizes the show's wackiness and over-the-top humor.

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

"Rick Potion No. 9" marks a turning point for the series, balancing high-concept sci-fi, absurd humor, and nihilism. Morty's attempt to win Jessica's affection leads to catastrophic consequences, forcing Rick and Morty to abandon their dimension, a decision that reverberates through future episodes.

5. "The Wedding Squanchers" (S2E10)

This season finale starts as a celebration but quickly turns chaotic as the Galactic Federation targets Rick. The episode's emotional climax sees Rick sacrificing himself, leaving the Smith family to adjust to life on an alien planet. It's a powerful end to the season.

4. "Mortynight Run" (S2E2)

"Mortynight Run" showcases Rick and Morty's dynamic as Morty tries to protect an alien named Fart. The episode is filled with twists, emotional depth, and memorable moments, including a David Bowie-inspired musical number and Jerry's hilarious experience at a Jerry-only daycare.

3. "Rixty Minutes" (S1E8)

"Rixty Minutes" brilliantly uses the concept of interdimensional TV to deliver a parade of bizarre clips and introduce fan-favorite characters. The episode also delves into deeper themes, as the Smiths confront alternate realities and the aftermath of "Rick Potion No. 9."

2. "Auto Erotic Assimilation" (S2E3)

This episode features a clever storyline as Rick reconnects with Unity, a hive mind. Their reunion descends into chaos, highlighting why they were a disastrous match. The tragic ending is a poignant reminder of Rick's loneliness and instability beneath his bravado.

1. "Total Rickall" (S2E4)

"Total Rickall" encapsulates everything great about Rick and Morty. The clever premise involves an alien parasite creating false memories, leading to a mix of humor and emotional drama. The episode introduces memorable side characters and ends on a poignant note with Mr. Poopybutthole's fate.