Top 15 Rick and Morty Episodes Ranked

After seven groundbreaking seasons, *Rick and Morty* has cemented its place as one of the most celebrated animated sitcoms ever. The series masterfully combines high-concept storytelling, wildly absurd humor, and deeply emotional character development. Although fans often endure long waits between seasons, the anticipation only heightens the excitement. With Season 8 arriving this year after a delay due to the 2023 Writers Guild strike, fans are eager for more. While we wait, let's dive into IGN's selection of the top 15 *Rick and Morty* episodes, and see where classics like "Pickle Rick" and "Rixty Minutes" rank.

The Top 15 Rick and Morty Episodes

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15. "The Ricklantis Mixup" (S3E7)

Image credit: Adult SwimThis episode defies expectations brilliantly. Initially billed as a trip to Atlantis, "The Ricklantis Mixup" shifts focus to the Citadel, exploring the lives of various Ricks and Mortys. It's a poignant look at the less glamorous side of their multiverse. The surprising conclusion ties up a loose plot thread, paving the way for a major Season 5 showdown.

14. "Solaricks" (S6E1)

Image credit: Adult SwimThough Season 6 may not be the strongest, its premiere, "Solaricks," stands out. Following the dramatic Season 5 finale, Rick and Morty navigate a universe without portals, leading to a hilarious misadventure of returning displaced beings to their home dimensions. The episode deepens the rivalry with Rick Prime and cleverly utilizes the Beth/Space Beth dynamic. Plus, it showcases Jerry's unexpected heroism.

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

Image credit: Adult SwimHeist movies get a thrilling parody in this Season 4 episode. With a plot that becomes increasingly absurd, "One Crew Over the Crewcoo’s Morty" introduces the Heist-o-Tron and its nemesis, Rand-o-Tron. The episode successfully builds on its ridiculous premise and brings back the beloved Mr. Poopybutthole, delivering a memorable line that became an instant meme.

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

Image credit: Adult SwimCurious about Rick's spaceship power source? This episode delves into the microverse powering Rick's battery, leading to a mind-bending adventure with Zeep Zanflorp. It explores existential themes while providing a humorous subplot with Summer, showcasing the incredible sacrifices behind Rick's dimension-hopping.

11. "Rickmurai Jack" (S5E10)

Image credit: Adult SwimThe Season 5 finale resolves the mystery of Evil Morty's intentions. With a humorous start involving Rick's crow obsession, the episode shifts to Evil Morty's plan to escape Rick's influence. It's a clever twist that avoids the predictable multiverse battle, highlighting Rick's self-destructive nature.

10. "Meeseeks and Destroy" (S1E5)

Image credit: Adult SwimThis episode proves that Beth and Jerry can steal the show. While Morty's adventure is memorable, the real star is Mr. Meeseeks, whose existence is dedicated to helping others. Beth's quest for emotional fulfillment contrasts with Jerry's golfing woes, resulting in comedic chaos.

9. "Mort Dinner Rick Andre" (S5E1)

Image credit: Adult SwimIntroducing Mr. Nimbus, a hilarious parody of Aquaman/Namor, this episode kicks off Season 5 with a bang. While the feud with Mr. Nimbus plays in the background, the focus is on Morty's encounter with beings from a faster-moving dimension. The episode also includes a humorous subplot about Beth and Jerry's threesome contemplation with the King of Atlantis.

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

Image credit: Adult SwimThis episode starts with a seemingly straightforward plot but quickly takes a wild turn. Morty's desire to control their adventures leads to the creation of a save point button, which backfires spectacularly. It blends high-concept sci-fi with sharp humor and emotional twists, showcasing Morty's growth through heartbreak.

7. "Pickle Rick" (S3E3)

Image credit: Adult SwimThe episode that became a cultural phenomenon. Rick turns himself into a pickle to avoid family therapy, leading to an outrageous journey involving rats and a showdown with Jaguar. It's the epitome of Rick and Morty's wackiness and over-the-top humor.

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

Image credit: Adult SwimIn this pivotal episode, Rick and Morty finds its voice. Morty's attempt to win Jessica's love goes disastrously wrong, resulting in a Cronenberg-infested dimension. The shocking ending, where Rick and Morty abandon their world, sets a tone of high-concept sci-fi mixed with dark humor.

5. "The Wedding Squanchers" (S2E10)

Image credit: Adult SwimStarting as a joyous celebration, this episode quickly turns chaotic as the Galactic Federation targets Rick. With Earth occupied and the Smiths adjusting to alien life, Rick's self-sacrifice marks one of the series' most emotional moments, perfectly capping off the season.

4. "Mortynight Run" (S2E2)

Image credit: Adult SwimRick and Morty clash over the fate of Fart, leading to twists and emotional turmoil. Highlights include Jermaine Clement's David Bowie-inspired performance and Morty's traumatic arcade game experience. The episode also features a standout Jerry subplot at a Jerry-only daycare.

3. "Rixty Minutes" (S1E8)

Image credit: Adult SwimThis episode turns TV-watching into an unforgettable adventure. The Smiths explore Rick's interdimensional cable, introducing fan-favorite characters like Ants in My Eyes Johnson. It blends humor with depth, as Jerry and Beth confront their alternate lives and Morty consoles Summer about "Rick Potion No. 9."

2. "Auto Erotic Assimilation" (S2E3)

Image credit: Adult SwimRick reunites with Unity, leading to a hedonistic spiral that reveals their toxic past. The episode's tragic ending, where Rick nearly commits suicide, underscores his loneliness and instability beneath the humor and big ideas.

1. "Total Rickall" (S2E4)

Image credit: Adult SwimThis episode encapsulates Rick and Morty's brilliance. An alien parasite invades the Smiths' memories, introducing memorable characters like Hamurai and Sleepy Gary. The episode shifts from humor to emotional drama, with Mr. Poopybutthole's fate adding a poignant touch.