Top 15 Must-Watch Rick and Morty Episodes

After seven seasons, Rick and Morty has solidified its status as one of the best animated sitcoms ever created. The show's unique mix of high-concept storytelling, absurd humor, and emotionally raw character development has captivated audiences worldwide, despite the often lengthy waits between new seasons. Although Rick and Morty typically follows an annual release schedule, Season 8's arrival this year was delayed due to the 2023 five-month Writers Guild strike.

As fans eagerly await the next installment, let's dive into IGN's selection of the top 15 Rick and Morty episodes. Discover where iconic episodes like "Pickle Rick" and "Rixty Minutes" rank on this list.

The Top 15 Rick and Morty Episodes

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15. "The Ricklantis Mixup" (S3E7)

This Season 3 episode masterfully defies expectations. Initially promoted as an adventure to the underwater kingdom of Atlantis, "The Ricklantis Mixup" shifts focus to the Citadel, showcasing the lives of various Ricks and Mortys. The episode's surprise ending cleverly ties up a loose plot thread from a previous season, setting the stage for a significant confrontation in Season 5.

14. "Solaricks" (S6E1)

While Season 6 might not be the strongest in the series, its premiere episode, "Solaricks," stands out. Following the dramatic Season 5 finale, Rick and Morty navigate a world without portals, leading to a humorous yet insightful adventure. The episode enriches the lore surrounding Rick's rivalry with Rick Prime and cleverly utilizes the Beth/Space Beth dynamic. Plus, it showcases an unexpected side of Jerry.

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

Heist movies are fun, but Rick and Morty's spoof in this Season 4 episode takes it to another level. The labyrinthine plot, centered around Rick's Heist-o-Tron and its nemesis Rand-o-Tron, is both ridiculous and brilliant. The episode also marks the return of fan-favorite Mr. Poopybutthole and delivers a meme-worthy line that echoes the famous "I'm Pickle Rick!"

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

Ever curious about the power source of Rick's versatile spaceship? This episode dives into the microverse that fuels Rick's battery, leading to a mind-bending adventure with his rival, Zeep Zanflorp. While exploring the futility of existence, the episode also offers a hilarious subplot involving Rick's ship protecting Summer.

11. "Rickmurai Jack" (S5E10)

The Season 5 finale resolves the mystery of Evil Morty's intentions. Opening with Rick's crow obsession reaching a dramatic peak, the episode transitions into Evil Morty's reveal of his plan to escape Rick's influence. It's a testament to the show's ability to subvert expectations, focusing on themes of freedom and self-destruction.

10. "Meeseeks and Destroy" (S1E5)

This episode highlights the potential of supporting characters like Beth and Jerry. While Morty's adventure goes awry, Mr. Meeseeks steals the show with his quest to help others, especially in the humorous and poignant attempts to improve Jerry's golf game.

9. "Mort Dinner Rick Andre" (S5E1)

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

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

Misleading viewers with its title, this episode explores Morty's desire for control through a time-rewinding save point button. It showcases the show's blend of high-concept sci-fi, humor, and emotional depth, culminating in a heart-wrenching twist for Morty.

7. "Pickle Rick" (S3E3)

The episode that spawned countless memes, "Pickle Rick" sees Rick transform into a pickle to avoid therapy, leading to an absurd and over-the-top adventure. It's a prime example of the show's wild creativity and humor.

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

This episode marks a turning point for the series, blending high-concept sci-fi with dark humor and nihilism. Morty's attempt to win Jessica's affection leads to catastrophic results, forcing Rick and Morty to abandon their dimension, a decision that echoes throughout subsequent seasons.

5. "The Wedding Squanchers" (S2E10)

Starting as a lighthearted wedding celebration, this episode quickly escalates into chaos with the Galactic Federation's pursuit of Rick. The emotional climax, where Rick sacrifices himself, is one of the series' most poignant moments, perfectly encapsulating Rick and Morty's blend of humor and drama.

4. "Mortynight Run" (S2E2)

In this episode, Morty's mission to protect an alien named Fart leads to a series of twists and emotional confrontations. The episode shines with its details, from Jermaine Clement's musical performance to the harrowing arcade game experience, and a standout Jerry subplot.

3. "Rixty Minutes" (S1E8)

"Rixty Minutes" transforms a simple premise of watching TV into a showcase of the multiverse's weirdest shows. It introduces beloved characters like Ants in My Eyes Johnson and offers a deep look at the Smith family's alternate lives, making it both entertaining and emotionally resonant.

2. "Auto Erotic Assimilation" (S2E3)

This episode delves into Rick's past with his ex-lover Unity, a hive mind controlling an entire planet. The narrative cleverly explores the destructive nature of their relationship, culminating in a heart-wrenching near-suicide scene that underscores Rick's loneliness and instability.

1. "Total Rickall" (S2E4)

"Total Rickall" encapsulates the essence of Rick and Morty with its clever premise of memory-invading parasites. The episode balances humor with emotional drama, introducing a memorable cast of characters and culminating in a poignant twist involving Mr. Poopybutthole.

And that's our (likely controversial) selection of the best Rick and Morty episodes of all time! Did your favorite episode make the list? Share your thoughts in the comments.