Top 15 Rick and Morty Episodes Ranked

After seven seasons, "Rick and Morty" has firmly established itself as one of the greatest animated sitcoms ever produced. The show masterfully combines high-concept storytelling with absurd humor and deeply emotional character development, making it a standout in its genre. However, fans often endure lengthy waits between seasons, with Season 8 arriving later this year following delays due to the 2023 Writers Guild strike.

As we eagerly anticipate the next installment, let's dive into IGN's selection of the top Rick and Morty episodes. From the iconic "Pickle Rick" to the thought-provoking "Rixty Minutes," here's a closer look at what makes these episodes stand out.

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 defies expectations. Initially billed as an adventure to the underwater kingdom of Atlantis, "The Ricklantis Mixup" instead focuses on the Citadel, exploring the lives of various Ricks and Mortys who don't lead the typical adventurous lifestyle. The episode's surprising conclusion ties up a loose plot thread from a previous season, setting the stage for a significant confrontation in Season 5.

14. "Solaricks" (S6E1)

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Despite Season 6 being one of the weaker seasons, its premiere episode, "Solaricks," shines brightly. Picking up after the dramatic Season 5 finale, the episode follows Rick and Morty as they navigate a universe without portals. The narrative weaves a hilarious misadventure, returning displaced beings to their home dimensions, while also deepening the rivalry between Rick and Rick Prime. It's also notable for its clever use of the Beth/Space Beth dynamic and an unexpected showcase of Jerry's bravery.

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

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Heist movies get a hilarious twist in this Season 4 gem. The episode introduces Rick's Heist-o-Tron, a robot designed to calculate the perfect heist, and pits it against its nemesis, Rand-o-Tron. The plot becomes increasingly absurd, yet brilliantly executed. The episode also brings back the beloved character Mr. Poopybutthole and delivers a line that became an instant internet meme: "I'm Pickle Rick!!!!"

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

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Ever curious about the power source of Rick's versatile spaceship? This episode delves into the microverse that fuels Rick's battery, leading to a mind-bending journey. As Rick clashes with Zeep Zanflorp, voiced by Stephen Colbert, the show explores existential themes while providing a humorous subplot where Rick's ship fiercely protects Summer.

11. "Rickmurai Jack" (S5E10)

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The Season 5 finale, "Rickmurai Jack," resolves the mystery surrounding Evil Morty's intentions. Starting with a humorous take on Rick's crow obsession and anime-style fight scenes, the episode shifts focus to Evil Morty's plan to escape Rick's influence. It's a refreshing deviation from typical high-stakes battles, highlighting Rick's self-destructive tendencies.

10. "Meeseeks and Destroy" (S1E5)

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This episode showcases the potential of supporting characters like Beth and Jerry. While Morty's adventure goes awry, the real star is Mr. Meeseeks, whose brief existence is dedicated to helping others achieve their goals. The episode humorously contrasts Beth's quest for emotional fulfillment with Jerry's struggle to improve his golf game.

9. "Mort Dinner Rick Andre" (S5E1)

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The Season 5 premiere introduces Rick's nemesis, Mr. Nimbus, a comedic parody of Aquaman and Namor. The episode balances the feud between Rick and Mr. Nimbus with Morty's encounter with beings from a dimension where time moves faster. A subplot involving Beth and Jerry contemplating a threesome with the King of Atlantis adds to the episode's humor.

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

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This episode cleverly subverts expectations with its title and opening. Morty's desire to take charge leads to the creation of a save point button, allowing him to rewind time. However, this power quickly spirals out of control, blending high-concept sci-fi with dark humor and emotional twists, culminating in a heart-wrenching conclusion for Morty.

7. "Pickle Rick" (S3E3)

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"Pickle Rick" is the episode that spawned countless memes. Rick's transformation into a sentient pickle to avoid family therapy leads to a wild journey involving rat battles and a showdown with a killer named Jaguar. It's a testament to the show's ability to embrace absurdity and over-the-top humor.

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

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"Rick Potion No. 9" marks a turning point for the series, finding its signature blend of high-concept sci-fi, absurd 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 forever. The repercussions of this episode continue to resonate throughout the series.

5. "The Wedding Squanchers" (S2E10)

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"The Wedding Squanchers" starts as a lighthearted celebration but quickly escalates into chaos as the Galactic Federation targets Rick. The episode culminates in an emotionally charged moment where Rick sacrifices himself, leaving Earth under occupation and the Smith family to adapt to life on an alien planet.

4. "Mortynight Run" (S2E2)

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In "Mortynight Run," Morty's mission to protect a rogue alien named Fart leads to numerous twists and emotional upheavals. The episode is notable for its details, including Jermaine Clement's David Bowie-inspired musical number and Morty's traumatic arcade game experience. It also features an exceptional Jerry subplot at a Jerry-only daycare.

3. "Rixty Minutes" (S1E8)

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"Rixty Minutes" brilliantly showcases the show's ability to turn a simple premise—watching TV—into a standout episode. The Smiths explore the multiverse through Rick's interdimensional cable box, introducing fan-favorite characters and providing depth with glimpses into alternate lives and the aftermath of "Rick Potion No. 9."

2. "Auto Erotic Assimilation" (S2E3)

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

1. "Total Rickall" (S2E4)

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"Total Rickall" encapsulates everything that makes "Rick and Morty" exceptional. An alien parasite invades the Smith household, creating false memories and characters like Hamurai and Sleepy Gary. The episode seamlessly blends humor with emotional depth, culminating in a poignant resolution that leaves a lasting impact.