After seven seasons, "Rick and Morty" has solidified its status as one of the most acclaimed animated sitcoms ever. Its unique mix of high-concept storytelling, absurd humor, and emotionally resonant character development is unmatched, though fans often face long waits between seasons. While the show had shifted to an annual release schedule, Season 8's release was delayed due to the 2023 Writers Guild strike, which lasted five months.
As we eagerly await the next installment, let's delve into IGN's selection of the top 15 "Rick and Morty" episodes. Where do classics like "Pickle Rick" and "Rixty Minutes" rank? Let's 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 cleverly subverts expectations. Initially teased as an adventure to the underwater kingdom of Atlantis, "The Ricklantis Mixup" instead focuses on the Citadel, exploring the lives of various Ricks and Mortys who don't enjoy the typical adventures. The surprising conclusion ties up a loose plot thread brilliantly, paving the way for a significant conflict in Season 5.
"Solaricks" (S6E1)
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While Season 6 may not be the strongest, its premiere episode, "Solaricks," stands out. Following the dramatic Season 5 finale, Rick and Morty navigate a universe without portals, leading to a comical misadventure involving displaced characters returning to their dimensions. The episode deepens the rivalry between Rick and Rick Prime and cleverly uses the Beth/Space Beth dynamic. Plus, Jerry's unexpected heroics add a delightful twist.
"One Crew Over the Crewcoo’s Morty" (S4E3)
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Heist movies can be overwhelming, but "Rick and Morty" turns the genre on its head with this Season 4 episode. Introducing Rick's Heist-o-Tron and its rival, Rand-o-Tron, the episode spins a hilariously complex plot that only escalates. It also brings back the beloved Mr. Poopybutthole and gives us one of the internet's most memorable lines since "I'm Pickle Rick!"
"The Ricks Must Be Crazy" (S2E6)
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Ever curious about how Rick's spaceship functions? This episode delves into the microverse powering Rick's battery, leading to a mind-bending adventure. As Rick clashes with Zeep Zanflorp, voiced by Stephen Colbert, the show ponders existential themes while providing a hilarious subplot involving Summer's protection by Rick's ship.
"Rickmurai Jack" (S5E10)
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After "Rickternal Friendshine of the Spotless Mort" resolved Birdperson's fate, the Season 5 finale tackled Evil Morty's mysterious agenda. "Rickmurai Jack" begins with an amusing nod to Rick's crow obsession and anime, then shifts focus to Evil Morty's quest for freedom from Rick's influence, offering a fresh take on villainy and self-sabotage.
"Meeseeks and Destroy" (S1E5)
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This episode showcases the potential of supporting characters like Beth and Jerry. While Morty's adventure choice is memorable, the real star is Mr. Meeseeks, whose mission to help others leads to comedic and touching moments, particularly in helping Beth find fulfillment and Jerry with his golf game.
"Mort Dinner Rick Andre" (S5E1)
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Introducing Mr. Nimbus, a hilarious parody of Aquaman/Namor, this episode kicks off Season 5 with a bang. While the feud with Mr. Nimbus plays out in the background, the focus is on Morty's encounter with beings from a dimension with accelerated time, complemented by a quirky subplot involving Beth, Jerry, and the King of Atlantis.
"The Vat of Acid Episode" (S4E8)
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Starting with a misleading premise, this episode quickly shifts as Morty gains a time-rewind button, leading to both humorous and heart-wrenching outcomes. It brilliantly showcases the show's ability to blend sci-fi concepts with emotional storytelling, leaving Morty with a profound lesson in heartbreak.
"Pickle Rick" (S3E3)
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The episode that spawned countless memes, "Pickle Rick" sees Rick transform into a pickle to avoid family therapy, leading to a wild adventure involving rats and a showdown with Jaguar. It's a perfect example of the show's wacky and over-the-top style.
"Rick Potion No. 9" (S1E6)
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As "Rick and Morty" found its voice, "Rick Potion No. 9" established the show's signature blend of sci-fi, humor, and nihilism. Morty's attempt to win Jessica's love backfires spectacularly, leading to a Cronenberg-infested dimension and a poignant ending that still resonates seasons later.
"The Wedding Squanchers" (S2E10)
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What begins as a joyous celebration for Birdperson and Tammy quickly turns chaotic as the Galactic Federation targets Rick. With Earth occupied and the Smiths adjusting to alien life, Rick's self-sacrifice marks one of the series' most emotional moments, wrapping up the season with a bang.
"Mortynight Run" (S2E2)
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In this episode, Morty's determination to save an alien named Fart leads to conflict with Rick. From Jermaine Clement's David Bowie-inspired performance to Morty's harrowing arcade game experience, the episode shines with clever details and the best Jerry subplot involving a Jerry daycare.
"Rixty Minutes" (S1E8)
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An episode about watching TV becomes one of the series' best, as the Smiths explore Rick's interdimensional cable box. It introduces fan favorites like Ants in My Eyes Johnson and delves into deeper themes as Jerry and Beth confront alternate realities, and Morty comforts Summer about past traumas.
"Auto Erotic Assimilation" (S2E3)
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This episode features a clever storyline with Rick reuniting with his ex-lover, Unity, a hive mind controlling an entire planet. Their reunion descends into chaos, revealing why they were a toxic match. The episode's tragic ending highlights Rick's loneliness and instability beneath his bravado.
"Total Rickall" (S2E4)
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"Total Rickall" encapsulates everything great about "Rick and Morty." With an ingenious premise of memory-invading parasites, it delivers a mix of humor and emotional depth. From Hamurai to Sleepy Gary, the episode introduces memorable characters while exploring the devastating impact of memory manipulation, with Mr. Poopybutthole's fate adding a poignant twist.
AnswerSee ResultsAnd there you have it—our (likely controversial) ranking of the best "Rick and Morty" episodes! Did your favorite episode make the list? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
