Top 15 Rick and Morty Episodes Ranked

After seven remarkable seasons, Rick and Morty has solidified its reputation as one of the most acclaimed animated sitcoms ever. The series masterfully combines high-concept storytelling, absurd humor, and deeply emotional character development, making it a standout despite the often lengthy waits between new seasons.

While Rick and Morty has generally shifted to an annual release schedule, fans had to endure a longer wait for Season 8, which arrives this year following delays 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. How do fan favorites 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 cleverly defies expectations. Initially billed as an adventure to Atlantis, "The Ricklantis Mixup" shifts focus to the Citadel, exploring the diverse lives of other Ricks and Mortys. Its surprise ending ties up a previous loose end brilliantly, paving the way for a significant Season 5 confrontation.

14. "Solaricks" (S6E1)

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Despite Season 6 being less stellar overall, "Solaricks" stands out as one of the show's best opening episodes. Following the dramatic Season 5 finale, Rick and Morty navigate a universe without portals, leading to a humorous misadventure. The episode enriches the ongoing rivalry between Rick and Rick Prime while cleverly utilizing the Beth/Space Beth dynamic. Plus, it showcases Jerry in an unexpectedly heroic light.

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

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Heist movies often have convoluted plots, but Rick and Morty takes this to new heights with a hilariously complex storyline. This Season 4 episode introduces Rick's Heist-o-Tron and his nemesis, Rand-o-Tron, turning an absurd premise into a comedic masterpiece. It also brings back the beloved character Mr. Poopybutthole and delivers a memorable meme-worthy line.

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

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Ever curious about the power source of Rick's versatile spaceship? This episode delves into the microverse that fuels Rick's battery, sparking a mind-bending adventure. As Rick clashes with Zeep Zanflorp, the show reflects on the futility of existence. Meanwhile, a hilarious subplot unfolds with Rick's ship fiercely protecting Summer.

11. "Rickmurai Jack" (S5E10)

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The Season 5 finale answers the burning question about Evil Morty's intentions. Opening with Rick's crow obsession reaching a comedic peak, the episode shifts to Evil Morty's plan to escape Rick's influence. It's a refreshing twist that highlights Rick's self-destructive nature.

10. "Meeseeks and Destroy" (S1E5)

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This episode showcases the potential of supporting characters Beth and Jerry. While Morty's adventure is memorable, Mr. Meeseeks steals the show with his mission to help others achieve their goals. Beth's journey to emotional fulfillment contrasts sharply with Jerry's golfing woes, adding to the episode's humor.

9. "Mort Dinner Rick Andre" (S5E1)

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Season 5 kicks off with the introduction of Rick's nemesis, Mr. Nimbus, a hilarious parody of aquatic superheroes. The episode cleverly balances the feud with Morty's encounter with beings from a faster-moving dimension and a humorous subplot involving Beth, Jerry, and the King of Atlantis.

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

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Starting with a misleading premise, this episode explores Morty's desire for control over their adventures, leading to the creation of a time-rewind button. The blend of high-concept sci-fi, biting humor, and emotional twists exemplifies Rick and Morty's storytelling prowess.

7. "Pickle Rick" (S3E3)

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A cultural phenomenon, "Pickle Rick" sees Rick transform into a sentient pickle to avoid family therapy, leading to an over-the-top adventure. This episode epitomizes the show's wild creativity and humor.

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

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As Rick and Morty found its voice, "Rick Potion No. 9" showcased the series' signature mix of sci-fi, humor, and nihilism. Morty's attempt to win Jessica's love goes disastrously wrong, leading to a dimension-shifting conclusion with lasting repercussions.

5. "The Wedding Squanchers" (S2E10)

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What begins as a joyous celebration turns into chaos as the Galactic Federation targets Rick. The episode's emotional climax, with Rick's sacrifice, marks a poignant end to the season.

4. "Mortynight Run" (S2E2)

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In this episode, Morty's determination to protect an alien named Fart leads to unexpected twists and emotional moments. Standout details include Jermaine Clement's musical number and Morty's harrowing arcade game experience, complemented by a stellar Jerry subplot.

3. "Rixty Minutes" (S1E8)

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An entire episode centered on watching TV becomes a showcase of Rick and Morty's brilliance. Rick's interdimensional cable box introduces a host of memorable characters and touches on deeper themes as the Smiths grapple with alternate realities.

2. "Auto Erotic Assimilation" (S2E3)

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This episode reunites Rick with Unity, leading to a tragic exploration of their toxic relationship. The poignant ending, with Rick's near-suicide, underscores the series' ability to blend humor with profound emotional depth.

1. "Total Rickall" (S2E4)

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"Total Rickall" encapsulates everything that makes Rick and Morty great. A clever premise involving memory-altering parasites, a parade of quirky characters, and a shift from humor to emotional drama cement its status as the top episode.

What's your favorite Rick and Morty episode? Let us know in the comments!