Top 15 Rick and Morty Episodes Ranked

After seven seasons, Rick and Morty has solidified its place as one of the most acclaimed animated sitcoms ever created. The show's unique mix of high-concept storytelling, absurd humor, and emotionally charged character development is unparalleled, even if fans often endure long waits between seasons. While Rick and Morty typically follows an annual release schedule, Season 8's arrival this year was delayed due to the 2023 Writers Guild strike, which lasted five months.

As we eagerly await the next installment of Rick and Morty, let's dive into IGN's selection of the top 15 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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15. "The Ricklantis Mixup" (S3E7)

This Season 3 episode masterfully subverts expectations. Initially billed as an adventure to the underwater kingdom of Atlantis, "The Ricklantis Mixup" shifts focus to the Citadel, exploring the 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 significant confrontation in Season 5.

14. "Solaricks" (S6E1)

While Season 6 may not be the strongest, its premiere, "Solaricks," stands out. Following the dramatic Season 5 finale, Rick and Morty navigate a universe without portals, leading to a humorous misadventure where displaced beings return to their home dimensions. The episode deepens the rivalry between Rick and Rick Prime and cleverly utilizes the Beth/Space Beth dynamic. Plus, it showcases Jerry's unexpected badassery.

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

Heist movies can be convoluted, but Rick and Morty turns this trope on its head with a hilariously complex plot. This Season 4 episode introduces Rick's Heist-o-Tron and his nemesis, Rand-o-Tron, building on an absurd premise with each twist. It also brings back fan-favorite Mr. Poopybutthole and delivers the iconic line, "I'm Pickle Rick!!!!"

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

Ever wondered about the power source of Rick's versatile spaceship? This episode delves into the microverse that fuels Rick's battery, sparking a feud with Zeep Zanflorp (voiced by Stephen Colbert). It explores existential themes while delivering a hilarious subplot involving Summer's protection by Rick's ship.

11. "Rickmurai Jack" (S5E10)

The Season 5 finale resolves the mystery of Evil Morty's intentions. Starting with Rick's crow obsession and anime-inspired fight scenes, the episode shifts focus to Evil Morty's plan to escape Rick's influence. It's a clever twist on the expected high-stakes battle, highlighting Rick's self-destructive tendencies.

10. "Meeseeks and Destroy" (S1E5)

This episode showcases the potential of supporting characters like Beth and Jerry. While Morty's adventure goes awry, Mr. Meeseeks steals the show, struggling to help Beth and Jerry achieve their goals. It's a humorous yet poignant look at the challenges of existence.

9. "Mort Dinner Rick Andre" (S5E1)

Season 5 introduces Mr. Nimbus, a hilarious parody of Aquaman and Namor. While the feud with Rick plays out in the background, the episode focuses on Morty's encounter with beings from a dimension where time moves faster. It also includes a quirky subplot about Beth and Jerry considering a threesome with the King of Atlantis.

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

This episode starts with a misleading premise before taking a wild turn. Morty's desire to control their adventures leads to the creation of a save point button, allowing him to rewind time. The episode blends high-concept sci-fi with humor and emotional twists, culminating in a heart-wrenching conclusion.

7. "Pickle Rick" (S3E3)

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, is both wacky and over-the-top, cementing its place in Rick and Morty lore.

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

This episode marks a turning point for the series, blending high-concept sci-fi with dark humor and nihilism. Morty's attempt to win Jessica's love goes disastrously wrong, leading to a shocking ending where Rick and Morty must abandon their dimension. The repercussions of this episode echo through subsequent seasons.

5. "The Wedding Squanchers" (S2E10)

Starting as a lighthearted wedding celebration, this episode quickly escalates into chaos as the Galactic Federation targets Rick. The emotional climax sees Rick sacrificing himself, leaving the Smith family to adapt to life on an alien planet. It's a powerful end to Season 2.

4. "Mortynight Run" (S2E2)

In this episode, Morty's insistence on protecting an alien named Fart leads to numerous twists and emotional moments. Highlights include Jermaine Clement's David Bowie-inspired musical number and Morty's traumatic experience with the arcade game Roy: A Life Well Lived. The Jerry subplot at a Jerry-only daycare is also a standout.

3. "Rixty Minutes" (S1E8)

An episode centered around watching TV becomes one of the series' best. The Smiths explore Rick's interdimensional cable, introducing memorable characters like Ants in My Eyes Johnson and Gazorpazorpfield. It also delves into deeper themes as Jerry and Beth confront alternate life choices, and Morty consoles Summer about the events of "Rick Potion No. 9."

2. "Auto Erotic Assimilation" (S2E3)

This episode reunites Rick 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, with Rick nearly committing suicide, underscores his deep loneliness and instability.

1. "Total Rickall" (S2E4)

"Total Rickall" encapsulates everything that makes Rick and Morty great. An alien parasite invades the Smith household, creating false memories and introducing quirky characters like Hamurai and Sleepy Gary. The episode balances humor with emotional depth, culminating in the heartbreaking revelation about Mr. Poopybutthole.

And that's our (likely controversial) pick of the best Rick and Morty episodes of all time! Did your favorite episode make the list? Let us know in the comments.