Top 15 Rick and Morty Episodes Ranked

After seven remarkable seasons, Rick and Morty has solidified its status as one of the greatest animated sitcoms ever created. The show's unique mix of high-concept storytelling, absurd humor, and deeply emotional character development is unparalleled, even though fans often endure long waits between seasons. While Rick and Morty typically follows an annual release schedule, Season 8's arrival has been delayed due to the five-month Writers Guild strike in 2023.

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

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This Season 3 episode masterfully subverts expectations. Billed as an adventure to Atlantis, "The Ricklantis Mixup" instead focuses on the Citadel, exploring the lives of various Ricks and Mortys. The episode's surprising conclusion ties up a loose end from a previous season, paving the way for a major showdown in Season 5.

14. "Solaricks" (S6E1)

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Although Season 6 isn't the strongest, it kicks off with one of the series' best premieres. "Solaricks" follows the aftermath of Season 5's cliffhanger, with Rick and Morty navigating a universe without portals. This leads to a humorous misadventure involving displaced beings returning home. The episode deepens the rivalry between Rick and Rick Prime and cleverly utilizes the Beth/Space Beth dynamic, while showcasing Jerry's unexpected badassery.

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

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Heist movies get a hilarious spoof in this Season 4 episode. Featuring a convoluted plot and the introduction of Rick's Heist-o-Tron and its nemesis, Rand-o-Tron, the episode continuously builds on its absurd premise. It also brings back the beloved Mr. Poopybutthole and delivers the internet's latest meme sensation since "I'm Pickle Rick!!!!"

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

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This episode delves into the mechanics behind Rick's spaceship, revealing a microverse battery system. As Rick clashes with Zeep Zanflorp, voiced by Stephen Colbert, the show explores existential themes while delivering a humorous subplot involving Summer's protection by Rick's ship.

11. "Rickmurai Jack" (S5E10)

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The Season 5 finale answers the burning question about Evil Morty's intentions. Beginning with Rick's crow obsession reaching its peak, complete with anime-style fight scenes, the episode shifts focus to Evil Morty's plan to escape Rick's influence, highlighting Rick's self-destructive tendencies.

10. "Meeseeks and Destroy" (S1E5)

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This episode showcases the potential of supporting characters like Beth and Jerry. Morty's adventure goes awry, but the real star is Mr. Meeseeks, whose mission to help others leads to comedic and poignant moments, particularly with Jerry's golfing woes.

9. "Mort Dinner Rick Andre" (S5E1)

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Season 5's premiere introduces Mr. Nimbus, a hilarious parody of aquatic superheroes. The episode cleverly balances the feud between Rick and Mr. Nimbus with Morty's encounter with beings from a faster-moving dimension, and a humorous subplot about Beth and Jerry's potential threesome with the King of Atlantis.

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

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This episode masterfully misleads viewers before taking a wild turn. Morty's desire for control leads to a time-rewinding save point button, resulting in both comedic and heart-wrenching moments, cementing Rick and Morty's blend of sci-fi and emotional storytelling.

7. "Pickle Rick" (S3E3)

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The episode that spawned countless memes, "Pickle Rick" follows Rick's transformation into a sentient pickle to avoid family therapy. His subsequent adventures, including a showdown with Jaguar, showcase the series at its most wacky and over-the-top.

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

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This episode marks a turning point for Rick and Morty, blending high-concept sci-fi with dark humor. Morty's attempt to win Jessica's affection goes disastrously wrong, leading to a shocking conclusion where Rick and Morty must abandon their dimension, setting the stage for future emotional arcs.

5. "The Wedding Squanchers" (S2E10)

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Starting as a joyous wedding, "The Wedding Squanchers" quickly turns chaotic as the Galactic Federation targets Rick. The episode ends with Rick's self-sacrifice and the Smith family adjusting to life on an alien planet, delivering one of the series' most emotionally charged moments.

4. "Mortynight Run" (S2E2)

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In this episode, Rick and Morty's mission to protect an alien named Fart leads to unexpected twists. Highlights include Jermaine Clement's musical number and Morty's traumatic experience with the arcade game Roy: A Life Well Lived, alongside a hilarious Jerry subplot at a Jerry-only daycare.

3. "Rixty Minutes" (S1E8)

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"Rixty Minutes" turns a simple TV-watching session into a showcase of the multiverse's bizarre entertainment. Featuring iconic characters like Ants in My Eyes Johnson, the episode also delves into deeper themes as the Smiths confront their alternate realities and the aftermath of "Rick Potion No. 9."

2. "Auto Erotic Assimilation" (S2E3)

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This episode reunites Rick with Unity, a hive mind voiced by Christina Hendricks. As their relationship spirals into chaos, the episode poignantly explores Rick's loneliness and instability, culminating in a near-suicide scene that underscores his vulnerability.

1. "Total Rickall" (S2E4)

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"Total Rickall" encapsulates the essence of Rick and Morty with its clever premise of memory-invading parasites. The episode introduces memorable side characters and shifts from humor to emotional drama, leaving a lasting impact with the introduction of Mr. Poopybutthole.