Home 
Navigation
After seven remarkable seasons, Rick and Morty has cemented its place as one of the greatest animated sitcoms ever created. The show's unique blend of high-concept storytelling, absurd humor, and emotionally resonant character development is unmatched, despite the often lengthy waits between new seasons. While Rick and Morty typically follows an annual release schedule, fans had to wait longer for Season 8 due to delays from the 2023 Writers Guild strike.
As we eagerly anticipate the next installment of Rick and Morty, let's delve into IGN's selection of the top 15 episodes. Where do classics like "Pickle Rick" and "Rixty Minutes" rank? Keep reading to discover.
The Top 15 Rick and Morty Episodes
View 16 Images
"The Ricklantis Mixup" (S3E7)
Image credit: Adult Swim
This Season 3 episode masterfully subverts expectations. Initially teased as a journey to the underwater kingdom of Atlantis, "The Ricklantis Mixup" shifts focus to the Citadel, showcasing the diverse lives of multiple Ricks and Mortys. The episode's unexpected ending ties up a loose thread brilliantly, paving the way for a significant confrontation in Season 5.
"Solaricks" (S6E1)
Image credit: Adult Swim
While Season 6 may not be the strongest, it kicks off with one of the series' most compelling premieres. "Solaricks" follows the aftermath of Season 5's dramatic finale, with Rick and Morty navigating a world without portals. The episode blends humor with deeper insights into Rick's rivalry with Rick Prime and the Beth/Space Beth dynamic, while also highlighting Jerry's surprising heroics.
"One Crew Over the Crewcoo’s Morty" (S4E3)
Image credit: Adult Swim
Heist movies can be convoluted, but Rick and Morty turns this trope on its head with humor and ingenuity. This Season 4 episode features a delightfully absurd plot centered around Rick's Heist-o-Tron and its nemesis, Rand-o-Tron. It also brings back the beloved Mr. Poopybutthole and delivers one of the internet's most memorable lines: "I'm Pickle Rick!!!!"
"The Ricks Must Be Crazy" (S2E6)
Image credit: Adult Swim
Ever wondered about the power source of Rick's versatile spaceship? This episode delves into that mystery, taking Rick and Morty on a mind-bending journey through a microverse. Amidst a feud with Zeep Zanflorp, voiced by Stephen Colbert, the episode explores existential themes while delivering a hilarious subplot involving Summer's protection.
"Rickmurai Jack" (S5E10)
Image credit: Adult Swim
Following the resolution of Birdperson's fate in "Rickternal Friendshine of the Spotless Mort," the Season 5 finale answers the burning question about Evil Morty's plans. "Rickmurai Jack" begins with a humorous nod to Rick's crow obsession before diving into Evil Morty's quest for freedom from Rick's influence, culminating in a poignant revelation about Rick's self-destructive nature.
"Meeseeks and Destroy" (S1E5)
Image credit: Adult Swim
This episode highlights the potential of supporting characters, with Beth and Jerry stealing the spotlight. While Morty's adventure goes awry, the introduction of Mr. Meeseeks adds a comedic and existential layer to the story, as these beings strive to help others achieve their goals, with varying degrees of success.
"Mort Dinner Rick Andre" (S5E1)
Image credit: Adult Swim
Season 5 introduces Mr. Nimbus, a hilarious parody of aquatic superheroes, in this standout premiere. While the feud between Rick and Mr. Nimbus provides background humor, the episode's focus on Morty's encounter with beings from a faster-moving dimension and Beth and Jerry's playful subplot make it a memorable start to the season.
"The Vat of Acid Episode" (S4E8)
Image credit: Adult Swim
This episode cleverly misleads viewers before taking a sharp turn into humor and emotional depth. 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 weave high-concept sci-fi with poignant storytelling, leaving Morty to face the consequences of his actions.
"Pickle Rick" (S3E3)
Image credit: Adult Swim
Perhaps the most iconic episode, "Pickle Rick" sees Rick transform into a sentient pickle to avoid family therapy, leading to a wild adventure filled with rat battles and a showdown with Jaguar. This episode epitomizes the show's blend of absurdity and introspection.
"Rick Potion No. 9" (S1E6)
Image credit: Adult Swim
As Rick and Morty found its voice, "Rick Potion No. 9" delivered a perfect mix of sci-fi, humor, and nihilism. Morty's attempt to win Jessica's love results in a Cronenberg-infested dimension, forcing Rick and Morty to abandon their world forever, a decision that reverberates through subsequent seasons.
"The Wedding Squanchers" (S2E10)
Image credit: Adult Swim
Starting as a joyous wedding celebration, "The Wedding Squanchers" quickly escalates into chaos with the Galactic Federation's intervention. The episode's emotional climax, where Rick sacrifices himself to protect his family, marks one of the series' most impactful moments.
"Mortynight Run" (S2E2)
Image credit: Adult Swim
In this episode, Morty's moral compass leads him to protect an alien named Fart, resulting in a series of twists and emotional highs. The episode is enriched by Jermaine Clement's musical performance and a standout Jerry subplot, showcasing the depth of character interactions.
"Rixty Minutes" (S1E8)
Image credit: Adult Swim
An episode centered around watching TV becomes one of the series' best, as the Smiths explore Rick's interdimensional cable. From bizarre clips to the introduction of fan-favorite characters, "Rixty Minutes" blends humor with poignant reflections on alternate lives and the aftermath of "Rick Potion No. 9."
"Auto Erotic Assimilation" (S2E3)
Image credit: Adult Swim
This episode reunites Rick with his ex-lover Unity, leading to a hedonistic spiral that reveals the toxic nature of their relationship. The tragic conclusion, with Rick on the brink of suicide, underscores the series' exploration of loneliness and instability beneath its comedic surface.
"Total Rickall" (S2E4)
Image credit: Adult Swim
"Total Rickall" encapsulates Rick and Morty's essence, with an alien parasite invading the Smiths' memories, introducing a host of memorable characters. The episode seamlessly transitions from humor to emotional depth, culminating in a heart-wrenching revelation about the impact of lost memories.
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.
Latest Articles
Latest Games
