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After seven seasons, Rick and Morty has solidified its status as one of the most iconic animated sitcoms ever created. The show masterfully combines high-concept storytelling with absurd humor and deeply emotional character development, making it a standout in its genre. Despite the long waits between seasons, which can stretch into months or even years, the anticipation only adds to its allure.
Season 8, which arrives this year, was delayed due to the 2023 Writers Guild strike that lasted five months. This extended the usual annual release schedule, but the wait is always worth it for fans eager for more adventures with Rick and Morty.
As we eagerly await the next installment, let's dive into IGN's selection of the top 15 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 defies expectations in the best way possible. Initially billed as a journey to the underwater kingdom of Atlantis, "The Ricklantis Mixup" shifts focus to the Citadel, showcasing the diverse lives of various Ricks and Mortys. The episode's surprising conclusion ties up a loose end from a previous season, setting the stage for a major event in Season 5.
"Solaricks" (S6E1)
Image credit: Adult Swim
While Season 6 may not be the strongest overall, it opens with one of the show's best premiere episodes. "Solaricks" follows the dramatic Season 5 finale, with Rick and Morty navigating a universe without portals. The episode blends hilarious misadventures with deeper context on Rick's rivalry with Rick Prime and the Beth/Space Beth dichotomy. It also highlights Jerry's unexpected badassery.
"One Crew Over the Crewcoo’s Morty" (S4E3)
Image credit: Adult Swim
Heist movies are fun, but Rick and Morty takes the genre to new heights with this Season 4 episode. The plot is hilariously complex, introducing Rick's Heist-o-Tron and his nemesis, Rand-o-Tron. The episode successfully builds on its absurd premise, bringing back fan-favorite Mr. Poopybutthole and delivering memorable lines that became instant memes.
"The Ricks Must Be Crazy" (S2E6)
Image credit: Adult Swim
Ever wondered how Rick powers his versatile spaceship? This episode delves into that question, taking Rick and Morty on a mind-bending journey through the microverse that fuels Rick's battery. Amidst philosophical musings on existence, the episode also features a hilarious subplot involving Summer's protection by Rick's ship.
"Rickmurai Jack" (S5E10)
Image credit: Adult Swim
The Season 5 finale answers the burning question about Evil Morty's plans. Starting with Rick's crow obsession climaxing in a Vampire Hunter D-style makeover, the episode shifts focus to Evil Morty's desire to escape Rick's influence. It's a refreshing twist that showcases Rick as his own worst enemy.
"Meeseeks and Destroy" (S1E5)
Image credit: Adult Swim
This episode proves that Beth and Jerry can steal the spotlight when given the right narrative. While Morty's adventure is memorable, Mr. Meeseeks' quest to help Beth and Jerry achieve their goals steals the show. Jerry's golfing fiasco adds a comedic touch to this standout episode.
"Mort Dinner Rick Andre" (S5E1)
Image credit: Adult Swim
Season 5 kicks off with the introduction of Mr. Nimbus, a hilarious parody of Aquaman and Namor. While the feud with Mr. Nimbus plays out in the background, the episode focuses on Morty's encounter with beings from a dimension where time moves faster. A subplot involving Beth and Jerry contemplating a threesome with the King of Atlantis adds to the humor.
"The Vat of Acid Episode" (S4E8)
Image credit: Adult Swim
This episode starts with a misleading premise before taking a hilariously unexpected turn. Morty's frustration leads to the creation of a save point button, allowing him to rewind time. The episode showcases Rick and Morty's ability to blend high-concept sci-fi with scathing humor and emotional twists.
"Pickle Rick" (S3E3)
Image credit: Adult Swim
The episode that launched a thousand memes, "Pickle Rick" sees Rick transform into a sentient pickle to avoid family therapy. His journey, filled with rat slayings and a showdown with Jaguar, exemplifies the show's wackiness and over-the-top humor.
"Rick Potion No. 9" (S1E6)
Image credit: Adult Swim
This episode marks a turning point for the series, finding its unique voice. Morty's attempt to win Jessica's affection goes disastrously wrong, leading to a shocking ending where Rick and Morty must abandon their dimension. The repercussions of this episode resonate throughout the series.
"The Wedding Squanchers" (S2E10)
Image credit: Adult Swim
What begins as a lighthearted celebration quickly turns chaotic as the Galactic Federation targets Rick. The episode ends with Rick's self-sacrifice, one of the most emotionally charged moments in the series, leaving the Smith family to adapt to life on a new alien world.
"Mortynight Run" (S2E2)
Image credit: Adult Swim
In this episode, Morty's insistence on protecting a rogue alien named Fart leads to several twists and emotional moments. Highlights include Jermaine Clement's David Bowie-inspired musical number and Morty's harrowing experience with the arcade game Roy: A Life Well Lived. The Jerry subplot at a Jerry-only daycare is a standout.
"Rixty Minutes" (S1E8)
Image credit: Adult Swim
An entire episode centered around watching TV becomes one of the best in the series. The Smiths explore Rick's interdimensional cable box, introducing fan-favorite characters and bizarre clips. The episode also delves into deeper themes as Jerry and Beth confront alternate realities, and Morty reveals the tragic aftermath of "Rick Potion No. 9."
"Auto Erotic Assimilation" (S2E3)
Image credit: Adult Swim
This episode features Rick reuniting with his ex-lover Unity, a hive mind controlling an entire planet. Their hedonistic reunion quickly unravels, showcasing why they were a bad match. The tragic ending, with Rick nearly committing suicide, underscores the series' deeper emotional undercurrents.
"Total Rickall" (S2E4)
Image credit: Adult Swim
"Total Rickall" encapsulates everything that makes Rick and Morty great. The clever premise involves an alien parasite invading the Smiths' memories, introducing a slew of memorable one-off characters. The episode balances humor with emotional depth, particularly with the impact of memory manipulation on the family.
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.
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