Across seven seasons, Rick and Morty has cemented its status as a top-tier animated sitcom. Its unique mix of intricate storytelling, outrageous humor, and deep emotional resonance is unmatched, though fans often endure long waits between seasons.
With Season 8 delayed by the 2023 Writers Guild strike, the show has shifted from its annual schedule. While awaiting new episodes, explore our curated list of the finest Rick and Morty episodes. Curious about where "Pickle Rick" and "Rixty Minutes" rank? Dive in to find out.
The Top 15 Rick and Morty Episodes
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15. "The Ricklantis Mixup" (S3E7)
This Season 3 gem flips expectations brilliantly. Promoted as a trip to Atlantis, it instead dives into the Citadel, showcasing the struggles of various Ricks and Mortys. Not all live the high-flying life of adventure. A surprising twist ties up a lingering plot thread, paving the way for a major Season 5 conflict.
14. "Solaricks" (S6E1)
Season 6 may not be the show’s peak, but its opener shines. "Solaricks" follows the intense Season 5 finale, with Rick and Morty grappling in a portal-less universe. A chaotic adventure ensues as displaced characters return to their home dimensions. The episode deepens the Rick vs. Rick Prime rivalry and leverages the Beth/Space Beth dynamic, with a shockingly fierce Jerry stealing the show.
13. “One Crew Over the Crewcoo’s Morty” (S4E3)
Heist films can overwhelm with twists, but this Season 4 episode nails the parody. Its absurdly complex plot escalates hilariously. Introducing Heist-o-Tron, Rick’s perfect heist-calculating robot, and its rival Rand-o-Tron, the story spirals into glorious chaos. It also revives Mr. Poopybutthole and delivers a meme-worthy line rivaling “I’m Pickle Rick!”
12. "The Ricks Must Be Crazy" (S2E6)
Ever wondered what powers Rick’s rugged spaceship? This episode unveils a microverse fueling his battery, pulling Rick and Morty into a wild journey. As Rick clashes with Zeep Zanflorp (voiced by Stephen Colbert), the show ponders existence’s futility and the costs of Rick’s lifestyle. A side plot with the ship protecting Summer adds sharp humor.
11. “Rickmurai Jack” (S5E10)
Following “Rickternal Friendshine of the Spotless Mort,” which resolved Birdperson’s fate, this Season 5 finale tackles Evil Morty’s true motives. It kicks off with Rick’s crow obsession peaking in a dramatic, anime-style showdown. Evil Morty then unveils his Citadel plans, seeking freedom from Rick’s toxic influence in a refreshingly unpredictable climax.
10. "Meeseeks and Destroy" (S1E5)
This episode proves Beth and Jerry can steal the spotlight. Morty’s adventure choice falters, but Mr. Meeseeks, a helper devoted to fulfilling wishes, shines. Aiding Beth’s emotional growth is easy; helping Jerry’s golf game is not. Jerry’s antics make this one unforgettable.
9. “Mort Dinner Rick Andre” (S5E1)
“Riiiiiichard!!!”
Season 5’s quirky start introduces Mr. Nimbus, a hilarious Aquaman-esque rival to Rick. While not all fans loved the season’s direction, this premiere excels. Mr. Nimbus’ antics stay in the background as Morty accidentally tangles with a fast-time dimension. Beth and Jerry’s absurd subplot about a potential threesome adds to the chaotic fun.
8. “The Vat of Acid Episode” (S4E8)
This episode starts with a deceptive premise, only to swerve into brilliance. Morty’s desire to lead adventures leads to a time-rewinding save point device. Predictably, it spirals into chaos. Blending sharp sci-fi with biting humor and emotional depth, this episode redefines heartbreak for Morty beyond his Roy game trauma.
7. "Pickle Rick" (S3E3)
This iconic episode birthed countless memes. Rick turns himself into a pickle to dodge therapy, leading to a bizarre adventure with rat battles and a clash with Jaguar. It’s the show at its wildest, forcing even Rick to question his extremes.
6. "Rick Potion No. 9" (S1E6)
This episode marks when Rick and Morty hit its stride, mastering its blend of sci-fi, humor, and nihilism. Morty’s love potion for Jessica backfires, forcing Rick and Morty to flee their Cronenberg-ravaged world. The shocking ending reverberates through later seasons, defining the show’s stakes.
5. "The Wedding Squanchers" (S2E10)
Starting as a festive wedding for Birdperson and Tammy, this episode turns chaotic as the Galactic Federation targets Rick. With Earth occupied and the Smiths on an alien planet, Rick’s heart-wrenching sacrifice delivers one of the show’s most powerful season finales.
4. "Mortynight Run" (S2E2)
Morty’s push to save an alien, Fart (voiced by Jermaine Clement), sparks conflict with Rick. The episode dazzles with twists, from a Bowie-esque musical number to Morty’s traumatic Roy arcade game. Jerry’s daycare subplot, meeting his multiverse selves, is pure gold.
3. "Rixty Minutes" (S1E8)
An entire episode of the Smiths watching interdimensional TV shouldn’t work, but it’s a masterpiece. Rick’s cable box unveils bizarre shows and characters like Ants in My Eyes Johnson. Yet, it’s the emotional depth—Beth and Jerry facing alternate lives, Morty consoling Summer—that elevates this classic.
2. "Auto Erotic Assimilation" (S2E3)
Rick reunites with Unity (voiced by Christina Hendricks), a hive mind controlling a planet. Their indulgent reunion reveals their toxic dynamic. The episode’s gut-punching end, with Rick nearly ending his life, exposes his deep loneliness beneath the bravado.
1. "Total Rickall" (S2E4)
"Total Rickall" epitomizes Rick and Morty’s brilliance. An alien parasite manipulates the Smiths’ memories, spawning quirky characters like Hamurai. The episode shifts from hilarity to heartbreak as the family grapples with distorted realities, with Mr. Poopybutthole’s fate sealing its emotional impact.
Here’s our bold take on the greatest Rick and Morty episodes ever. Did your top pick make the list? Share your thoughts in the comments!
