Top 15 Must-Watch Rick and Morty Episodes

After seven seasons, Rick and Morty has solidified its place as one of the most acclaimed animated sitcoms ever. The show's unique mix of high-concept storytelling, absurd humor, and emotionally charged character development is unparalleled, even if fans often endure long waits between seasons. While Rick and Morty typically follows an annual release schedule, Season 8's arrival this year was delayed due to the 2023 Writers Guild strike, which lasted five months.

As we eagerly await the next installment of Rick and Morty, let's dive into IGN's selection of the top 15 episodes. Where do classics like "Pickle Rick" and "Rixty Minutes" rank? Let's find out.

The Top 15 Rick and Morty Episodes

View 16 Images

15. "The Ricklantis Mixup" (S3E7)

Image credit: Adult Swim

This Season 3 episode masterfully subverts expectations. Initially billed as an adventure to the underwater kingdom of Atlantis, "The Ricklantis Mixup" instead focuses on the Citadel, showcasing the diverse lives of various Ricks and Mortys. The episode's surprising conclusion ties up a loose end from a previous season, setting the stage for a significant confrontation in Season 5.

14. "Solaricks" (S6E1)

Image credit: Adult Swim

While 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 humorous misadventure where displaced beings return to their home dimensions. The episode deepens the rivalry between Rick and Rick Prime and cleverly utilizes the Beth/Space Beth dynamic, while also showcasing Jerry's unexpected heroism.

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

Image credit: Adult Swim

Heist movies can be convoluted, but Rick and Morty turns this trope on its head with a delightfully absurd plot. This Season 4 episode introduces Rick's Heist-o-Tron and his nemesis, Rand-o-Tron, resulting in a hilariously escalating heist scenario. 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)

Image credit: Adult Swim

Ever wondered about the power source of Rick's versatile spaceship? This episode delves into the microverse that fuels it, leading to a mind-bending adventure with Rick's microscopic rival, Zeep Zanflorp, voiced by Stephen Colbert. The episode explores existential themes while providing a comedic subplot involving Summer's protection by Rick's ship.

11. "Rickmurai Jack" (S5E10)

Image credit: Adult Swim

Following the resolution of Birdperson's fate in "Rickternal Friendshine of the Spotless Mort," the Season 5 finale, "Rickmurai Jack," unveils Evil Morty's true intentions. The episode begins with Rick's crow obsession climaxing in an anime-inspired fight scene, then shifts focus to Evil Morty's quest for freedom from Rick's influence, highlighting Rick's self-destructive tendencies.

10. "Meeseeks and Destroy" (S1E5)

Image credit: Adult Swim

This episode showcases the potential of supporting characters like Beth and Jerry. While Morty's adventure choice leads to trauma, the real star is Mr. Meeseeks, whose mission to help others results in comedic and poignant moments, especially as he tries to assist Jerry with his golf game.

9. "Mort Dinner Rick Andre" (S5E1)

Image credit: Adult Swim

Season 5's premiere introduces Mr. Nimbus, a hilarious parody of Aquaman and Namor. While the feud between Rick and Mr. Nimbus plays out in the background, the episode focuses on Morty's encounter with beings from a dimension where time moves faster, alongside a humorous subplot involving Beth and Jerry's threesome contemplation.

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

Image credit: Adult Swim

This episode starts with a misleading premise before taking a wild turn. Morty's desire to control their adventures leads to the creation of a save point button, allowing him to rewind time. The episode masterfully blends sci-fi concepts with humor and emotional twists, culminating in a heart-wrenching conclusion for Morty.

7. "Pickle Rick" (S3E3)

Image credit: Adult Swim

The episode that spawned countless memes, "Pickle Rick" sees Rick transform into a sentient pickle to avoid family therapy. His journey through a sewer, battling rats and a killer named Jaguar, showcases the show's penchant for wacky, over-the-top adventures.

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

Image credit: Adult Swim

As Rick and Morty found its voice, "Rick Potion No. 9" struck the perfect balance of sci-fi, humor, and nihilism. Morty's attempt to win Jessica's love goes disastrously wrong, leading to a shocking ending where Rick and Morty must abandon their dimension, a decision that continues to impact the series.

5. "The Wedding Squanchers" (S2E10)

Image credit: Adult Swim

Starting as a lighthearted wedding celebration, "The Wedding Squanchers" quickly escalates into chaos as the Galactic Federation targets Rick. The episode ends with Rick's self-sacrifice, one of the series' most emotionally charged moments, as the Smith family adjusts to life on an alien planet.

4. "Mortynight Run" (S2E2)

Image credit: Adult Swim

In this episode, Morty's insistence on protecting an alien named Fart leads to a series of twists and emotional confrontations. Highlights include Jermaine Clement's David Bowie-inspired musical number and Morty's traumatic experience with the arcade game Roy: A Life Well Lived, alongside a memorable Jerry subplot at a Jerry-only daycare.

3. "Rixty Minutes" (S1E8)

Image credit: Adult Swim

An episode centered around watching TV becomes one of the series' best. The Smiths explore Rick's interdimensional cable, introducing fan-favorite characters like Ants in My Eyes Johnson and Gazorpazorpfield. The episode also delves into the emotional struggles of Jerry and Beth as they glimpse alternate lives, with Morty revealing the aftermath of "Rick Potion No. 9" to Summer.

2. "Auto Erotic Assimilation" (S2E3)

Image credit: Adult Swim

This episode reunites Rick with his ex-lover Unity, a hive mind controlling an entire planet. Their reunion descends into hedonism, revealing why they were a poor match. The episode's tragic ending, with Rick nearly committing suicide, underscores his loneliness and instability beneath the humor.

1. "Total Rickall" (S2E4)

Image credit: Adult Swim

"Total Rickall" encapsulates everything that makes Rick and Morty great. An alien parasite invades the Smiths' memories, creating a host of memorable side characters like Hamurai and Sleepy Gary. The episode balances humor with emotional depth as the family grapples with the loss of their memories, culminating in the poignant fate of Mr. Poopybutthole.

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