Top 15 Rick and Morty Episodes Revealed

After seven groundbreaking seasons, Rick and Morty has solidified its status as one of the most acclaimed animated sitcoms ever. The show's unique combination of high-concept storytelling, outlandish humor, and deeply emotional character arcs sets it apart, even as fans eagerly (and sometimes impatiently) await new episodes.

While Rick and Morty had settled into an annual release pattern, the arrival of Season 8 this year was delayed due to the 2023 five-month Writers Guild strike. As we anticipate the next installment, let's dive into IGN's curated list of the top 15 Rick and Morty episodes, spotlighting 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)

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This Season 3 episode masterfully subverts expectations. Initially teased as an adventure in the underwater kingdom of Atlantis, "The Ricklantis Mixup" instead focuses on the Citadel, exploring the lives of various Ricks and Mortys who don't enjoy the same adventurous lifestyle. The episode's surprising conclusion ties up a lingering plot thread, paving the way for a significant confrontation in Season 5.

14. "Solaricks" (S6E1)

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Although Season 6 may not be the strongest in the series, its premiere episode, "Solaricks," is a standout. Following the cliffhanger of Season 5, Rick and Morty navigate a universe without portals, leading to a chaotic return of displaced characters to their home dimensions. The episode deepens the lore surrounding Rick's nemesis, Rick Prime, and cleverly utilizes the Beth/Space Beth dynamic. Additionally, it showcases an unexpected heroic side of Jerry.

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

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Heist movies can be overwhelming, but Rick and Morty's take on the genre is pure delight. This Season 4 episode features an increasingly absurd plot centered around Rick's Heist-o-Tron and its rival, Rand-o-Tron. It's a testament to the show's ability to escalate a ridiculous premise entertainingly. The episode also brings back the beloved Mr. Poopybutthole and delivers the iconic line, "I'm Pickle Rick!"

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

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Ever curious about Rick's spaceship power source? This episode delves into that mystery, taking Rick and Morty on a journey through the microverse powering Rick's battery. Amidst a feud with Zeep Zanflorp, voiced by Stephen Colbert, the show ponders existential themes while providing a humorous subplot involving Summer's protection by Rick's ship.

11. "Rickmurai Jack" (S5E10)

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After addressing Birdperson's fate in "Rickternal Friendshine of the Spotless Mort," the Season 5 finale, "Rickmurai Jack," resolves the mystery of Evil Morty's plans. The episode kicks off with a humorous nod to Rick's crow obsession and anime aesthetics before unveiling Evil Morty's quest for a Rick-free existence, highlighting Rick's self-destructive tendencies.

10. "Meeseeks and Destroy" (S1E5)

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This episode demonstrates that secondary characters like Beth and Jerry can steal the spotlight. While Morty's adventure goes awry, the real star is Mr. Meeseeks, whose mission to help others leads to comedic and poignant moments, especially with Jerry's golfing woes.

9. "Mort Dinner Rick Andre" (S5E1)

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Introducing Mr. Nimbus, a hilarious Aquaman/Namor parody, this Season 5 opener balances the new character's antics with Morty's accidental encounter with fast-moving interdimensional beings. The subplot involving Beth and Jerry contemplating a threesome with the King of Atlantis adds to the episode's comedic flair.

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

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Misleading from the start, this episode begins with a simple premise before spiraling into a time-rewinding adventure. Morty's quest for control over their escapades leads to the creation of a save point button, resulting in both humorous and heart-wrenching moments.

7. "Pickle Rick" (S3E3)

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The episode that spawned countless memes, "Pickle Rick" showcases Rick's most bizarre transformation to avoid family therapy. The ensuing adventures, from battling rats to facing Jaguar, epitomize the show's wild and over-the-top nature.

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

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Marking a turning point for the series, this episode blends sci-fi, humor, and nihilism as Morty's attempt to win Jessica's affection goes catastrophically wrong, forcing Rick and Morty to abandon their dimension. The consequences reverberate through subsequent seasons.

5. "The Wedding Squanchers" (S2E10)

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Starting as a lighthearted wedding, "The Wedding Squanchers" quickly escalates into chaos as the Galactic Federation targets Rick, leading to Earth's occupation and the Smith family's struggle to adapt. Rick's self-sacrifice adds an emotional depth to the season finale.

4. "Mortynight Run" (S2E2)

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This episode pits Rick against Morty as they clash over the fate of an alien named Fart. Notable for its twists, emotional depth, and standout moments like Jermaine Clement's musical number, it also features an unforgettable Jerry subplot at a Jerry daycare.

3. "Rixty Minutes" (S1E8)

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Turning TV watching into a multiverse exploration, "Rixty Minutes" introduces iconic characters like Ants in My Eyes Johnson through Rick's interdimensional cable. The episode balances humor with poignant moments as the Smiths confront alternate realities and past traumas.

2. "Auto Erotic Assimilation" (S2E3)

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Reuniting Rick with his ex-lover Unity, this episode delves into themes of love and addiction as Rick's relationship with a hive mind spirals out of control. The tragic ending underscores Rick's profound loneliness and instability.

1. "Total Rickall" (S2E4)

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"Total Rickall" encapsulates Rick and Morty's essence with its clever premise of memory-invading parasites. From the introduction of memorable characters like Hamurai and Sleepy Gary to the emotional turmoil of memory loss, this episode blends humor and drama seamlessly, with Mr. Poopybutthole's fate leaving a lasting impact.