Top 15 Must-Watch Rick and Morty Episodes

After seven seasons, Rick and Morty has cemented its status as one of the best animated sitcoms ever created. Its unique mix of high-concept storytelling, outlandish humor, and deep, emotional character development sets it apart, even if fans often have to endure long waits between seasons. While the series had shifted to an annual release, 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)

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This Season 3 episode masterfully defies expectations. Initially billed as a journey to the underwater kingdom of Atlantis, "The Ricklantis Mixup" shifts focus to the Citadel, exploring the lives of various Ricks and Mortys who don't lead lives of adventure and luxury. The episode's surprising conclusion ties up a loose thread from earlier seasons, setting the stage for a significant conflict in Season 5.

14. "Solaricks" (S6E1)

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While Season 6 may not be the strongest overall, its premiere, "Solaricks," stands out. Following the intense Season 5 finale, Rick and Morty face survival challenges in a universe without portals, leading to a humorous misadventure. The episode deepens the rivalry between Rick and Rick Prime and cleverly uses the Beth/Space Beth dynamic. It also showcases Jerry's unexpected badassery.

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

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Heist movies can be convoluted, but Rick and Morty's take on the genre is delightfully absurd. This Season 4 episode features an intricate plot centered around Rick's Heist-o-Tron and its nemesis, Rand-o-Tron. The episode brilliantly builds on its ridiculous premise and brings back the beloved Mr. Poopybutthole, delivering a line that became an instant meme: "I’m Pickle Rick!!!!"

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

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Ever wondered how Rick's spaceship runs? This episode delves into the microverse powering his battery, leading to a mind-bending adventure. As Rick clashes with Zeep Zanflorp, voiced by Stephen Colbert, the series explores existential themes while delivering a comedic subplot involving Summer's protection by Rick's ship.

11. "Rickmurai Jack" (S5E10)

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Following the revelations about Birdperson in "Rickternal Friendshine of the Spotless Mort," the Season 5 finale answers the burning question about Evil Morty's intentions. "Rickmurai Jack" starts with a humorous nod to Rick's crow obsession, morphing into a reveal of Evil Morty's plan to escape Rick's influence. The episode subverts expectations by focusing on Evil Morty's quest for freedom rather than a multiverse battle.

10. "Meeseeks and Destroy" (S1E5)

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This episode showcases the potential of supporting characters Beth and Jerry. While Morty's adventure choice leads to traumatic events, the real star is Mr. Meeseeks, whose mission to help others takes unexpected turns, especially when trying to assist Jerry with his golf game.

9. "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 between Rick and Mr. Nimbus plays out in the background, the focus is on Morty's encounter with beings from a dimension where time moves faster. The episode also features a humorous subplot about Beth and Jerry's threesome considerations.

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

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This episode misleads viewers with its title, only to deliver a wild ride. Morty's desire to control their adventures leads to the creation of a time-rewind button, resulting in a mix of high-concept sci-fi, dark humor, and emotional twists. Morty's experiences with the game Roy: A Life Well Lived pale in comparison to the heartbreak he faces here.

7. "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. His journey from rat-killing to a showdown with Jaguar showcases the series' wackiest moments, culminating in Rick's realization of his extreme actions.

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

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Rick and Morty found its voice in this episode, blending high-concept sci-fi, absurd humor, and nihilism. Morty's attempt to make Jessica fall in love with him goes disastrously wrong, leading to a shocking ending where Rick and Morty must abandon their dimension. The impact of this episode reverberates through later seasons.

5. "The Wedding Squanchers" (S2E10)

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Starting as a lighthearted celebration, this episode quickly turns chaotic as the Galactic Federation targets Rick. With Earth occupied and the Smith family adjusting to alien life, Rick's sacrifice marks one of the series' most emotionally charged moments, making for a powerful season finale.

4. "Mortynight Run" (S2E2)

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In this episode, Rick and Morty clash over protecting an alien named Fart. Full of twists and emotional highs, the episode is memorable for its details, including Jermaine Clement's David Bowie-inspired musical number and Morty's traumatic arcade game experience. Jerry's subplot at a Jerry-only daycare is also a standout.

3. "Rixty Minutes" (S1E8)

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An episode about watching TV becomes one of the series' best. The Smiths explore Rick's interdimensional cable, introducing iconic characters like Ants in My Eyes Johnson. Amidst the humor, the episode delves into Jerry and Beth's alternate lives and Summer's reaction to the events of "Rick Potion No. 9."

2. "Auto Erotic Assimilation" (S2E3)

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Rick reunites with his ex-lover Unity, a hive mind controlling an entire planet. Their reunion spirals into hedonistic excess, revealing why they were a bad match. The episode's tragic conclusion, with Rick nearly committing suicide, underscores the loneliness and instability beneath his bravado.

1. "Total Rickall" (S2E4)

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"Total Rickall" encapsulates Rick and Morty's essence with its clever premise of an alien parasite invading the Smiths' memories. The episode introduces memorable characters like Hamurai and Sleepy Gary, blending humor with emotional depth. The impact on the Smiths' memories adds a poignant layer, especially compared to Mr. Poopybutthole's fate.

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