Top 15 Must-Watch Rick and Morty Episodes

After seven seasons, Rick and Morty has firmly established itself as one of the best animated sitcoms ever created. The show's unique mix of high-concept storytelling, absurd humor, and emotionally charged character development sets it apart, even as fans eagerly await new episodes that can sometimes take months or even years to arrive.

While Rick and Morty had shifted to an annual release schedule, Season 8's arrival this year was delayed due to the 2023 five-month Writers Guild strike. As we eagerly anticipate 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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15. "The Ricklantis Mixup" (S3E7)

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This Season 3 episode masterfully subverts expectations. Initially billed as a journey to the underwater kingdom of Atlantis, "The Ricklantis Mixup" instead focuses on the Citadel, showcasing the lives of various Ricks and Mortys who don't enjoy the typical adventure-filled lifestyle. The episode's unexpected ending brilliantly ties up a loose thread from a previous episode, paving the way for a significant Season 5 confrontation.

14. "Solaricks" (S6E1)

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Although Season 6 might not be the strongest in the series, its premiere, "Solaricks," stands out. Picking up after the dramatic Season 5 finale, the episode follows Rick and Morty navigating a portal-less universe, leading to a humorous misadventure that sends displaced beings back to their dimensions. It sheds more light on the rivalry between Rick and Rick Prime and effectively utilizes the Beth/Space Beth dynamic. Plus, who knew Jerry could be such a hero?

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 them is a delightful twist. This Season 4 episode features a hilariously complex plot involving Rick's Heist-o-Tron and its nemesis, Rand-o-Tron. It's a perfect example of the show's ability to take a silly premise and expand it into something wildly entertaining. The episode also brings back the beloved Mr. Poopybutthole and delivers a memorable meme-worthy line.

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

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Ever wondered how Rick powers his versatile spaceship? This episode dives into the microverse that fuels Rick's battery, leading to a mind-bending journey and a feud with Zeep Zanflorp, voiced by Stephen Colbert. The episode explores existential themes while providing a hilarious subplot where Rick's ship fiercely protects Summer.

11. "Rickmurai Jack" (S5E10)

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Following the resolution of Birdperson's fate in "Rickternal Friendshine of the Spotless Mort," the Season 5 finale, "Rickmurai Jack," answers the burning question about Evil Morty's plans. The episode starts with a humorous nod to Rick's crow obsession and anime influences, then shifts focus to Evil Morty's goal to escape Rick's influence, revealing a poignant twist on the typical villain narrative.

10. "Meeseeks and Destroy" (S1E5)

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This episode showcases the potential of supporting characters like Beth and Jerry. While Morty's adventure goes awry, Mr. Meeseeks steals the show with his mission to help others achieve their goals. Beth's quest for emotional fulfillment and Jerry's golfing debacle provide both humor and heart.

9. "Mort Dinner Rick Andre" (S5E1)

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Season 5's premiere introduces Mr. Nimbus, a hilarious parody of Aquaman and Namor. While Mr. Nimbus's feud with Rick adds humor, the episode's focus on Morty's encounter with beings from a faster-moving dimension, combined with Beth and Jerry's comedic subplot about a potential threesome, makes it a strong start to the season.

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

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Starting with a misleading premise, this episode quickly shifts gears as Morty gains the ability to rewind time with a save point button. The blend of high-concept sci-fi, humor, and emotional twists showcases Rick and Morty's storytelling prowess, culminating in a deeply affecting conclusion for Morty.

7. "Pickle Rick" (S3E3)

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The episode that became a cultural phenomenon, "Pickle Rick" sees Rick transform into a sentient pickle to avoid family therapy. The ensuing wild adventure, complete with rat battles and a showdown with Jaguar, epitomizes the show's wackiest moments.

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

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Early in its run, Rick and Morty found its unique voice with "Rick Potion No. 9." The episode perfectly balances sci-fi, humor, and nihilism as Morty's attempt to win Jessica's affection goes disastrously wrong, leading to a shocking ending that leaves lasting repercussions on the series.

5. "The Wedding Squanchers" (S2E10)

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Starting as a celebration, "The Wedding Squanchers" quickly turns chaotic when the Galactic Federation targets Rick. The episode's emotional climax sees Rick's sacrifice to protect his family, making it one of the series' most poignant moments.

4. "Mortynight Run" (S2E2)

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"Mortynight Run" pits Rick and Morty against each other over the fate of an alien named Fart. The episode is packed with twists, emotional depth, and standout moments like Jermaine Clement's musical number and Morty's traumatic arcade game experience. It also features a memorable Jerry subplot at a Jerry-only daycare.

3. "Rixty Minutes" (S1E8)

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An episode about watching TV becomes one of the show's best. "Rixty Minutes" introduces the multiverse of bad television through Rick's interdimensional cable box, featuring memorable characters like Ants in My Eyes Johnson. It also delves into deeper themes as the Smith family confronts alternate realities and the aftermath of "Rick Potion No. 9."

2. "Auto Erotic Assimilation" (S2E3)

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This episode reunites Rick with his ex-lover Unity, leading to a hedonistic spiral that underscores their incompatibility. The tragic conclusion, with Rick on the brink of suicide, reveals the depth of his loneliness and instability beneath the humor.

1. "Total Rickall" (S2E4)

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"Total Rickall" encapsulates what makes Rick and Morty exceptional. An alien parasite invades the Smiths' memories, creating a mix of humor and emotional turmoil. The episode introduces unforgettable characters like Hamurai and Sleepy Gary, while the emotional impact of memory loss resonates deeply.