Top 15 Must-Watch Rick and Morty Episodes
- By Evelyn
- May 22,2025
After seven seasons, Rick and Morty has solidified its status as one of the best animated sitcoms ever created. The show's unique mix of high-concept storytelling, absurd humor, and emotionally resonant characters is unmatched, though 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, let's dive into IGN's selection of the top 15 Rick and Morty episodes. Where do classics like "Pickle Rick" and "Rixty Minutes" rank? Keep reading to find out.
The Top 15 Rick and Morty Episodes
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"The Ricklantis Mixup" (S3E7)
Image credit: Adult Swim
This episode from Season 3 masterfully subverts expectations. Initially set up as a journey to Atlantis, "The Ricklantis Mixup" shifts focus to the Citadel, exploring the lives of various Ricks and Mortys who don't lead the adventurous lives we're used to seeing. The surprising twist at the end ties up a previous plot thread and sets the stage for a major conflict in Season 5.
"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 yet insightful misadventure. The episode deepens our understanding of Rick's rivalry with Rick Prime and cleverly utilizes the Beth/Space Beth dynamic, while also showcasing Jerry's unexpected heroism.
"One Crew Over the Crewcoo’s Morty" (S4E3)
Image credit: Adult Swim
Heist movies can be convoluted, but Rick and Morty's take on them is delightfully absurd. This Season 4 episode introduces Rick's Heist-o-Tron and his nemesis, Rand-o-Tron, in a plot that spirals into delightful chaos. The episode also features the return of fan-favorite Mr. Poopybutthole and delivers the iconic line, "I’m Pickle Rick!!!!"
"The Ricks Must Be Crazy" (S2E6)
Image credit: Adult Swim
Ever curious about how Rick powers his versatile spaceship? This episode delves into the microverse powering Rick's battery, leading to a mind-bending adventure. As Rick clashes with Zeep Zanflorp, the series explores existential themes while providing a hilarious subplot involving Summer's protection by Rick's ship.
"Rickmurai Jack" (S5E10)
Image credit: Adult Swim
The Season 5 finale finally unveils Evil Morty's true intentions. Starting with Rick's amusing crow obsession and anime-inspired fight scenes, the episode shifts to reveal Evil Morty's desire to escape Rick's influence. This nuanced portrayal of Evil Morty adds depth to the narrative, emphasizing Rick's self-destructive tendencies.
"Meeseeks and Destroy" (S1E5)
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This episode highlights the potential of supporting characters like Beth and Jerry. While Morty's adventure goes awry, Mr. Meeseeks steals the show, struggling to help Jerry improve his golf game. It's a comedic yet poignant look at the lengths one will go to achieve their goals.
"Mort Dinner Rick Andre" (S5E1)
Image credit: Adult Swim
Season 5 kicks off with the introduction of Mr. Nimbus, a hilarious parody of Aquaman/Namor. While the feud between Rick and Mr. Nimbus adds humor, the episode's focus on Morty's encounter with beings from a dimension with accelerated time, along with Beth and Jerry's comedic subplot, makes it a strong start to the season.
"The Vat of Acid Episode" (S4E8)
Image credit: Adult Swim
This episode cleverly misleads viewers with its title and opening, only to take a wild turn. Morty's frustration leads to the creation of a save point button, which he uses to rewind time. The blend of sci-fi concepts, dark humor, and emotional twists showcases Rick and Morty's storytelling prowess.
"Pickle Rick" (S3E3)
Image credit: Adult Swim
Transforming into a sentient pickle to avoid family therapy, Rick's adventure in this episode is both wacky and memorable. The showdown with Jaguar and Rick's eventual admission of his extreme actions make "Pickle Rick" a standout episode that spawned countless memes.
"Rick Potion No. 9" (S1E6)
Image credit: Adult Swim
This episode marks a turning point for Rick and Morty, blending high-concept sci-fi with dark humor and nihilism. Morty's attempt to win Jessica's love goes disastrously wrong, leading to a shocking conclusion where Rick and Morty must abandon their dimension, setting a tone that resonates through future seasons.
"The Wedding Squanchers" (S2E10)
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Starting as a lighthearted wedding celebration, "The Wedding Squanchers" quickly escalates into chaos with the Galactic Federation's attack on Rick. The emotional climax where Rick sacrifices himself to protect his family is one of the series' most poignant moments, perfectly capping off the season.
"Mortynight Run" (S2E2)
Image credit: Adult Swim
In this episode, Rick and Morty clash over the fate of an alien named Fart, leading to emotional and comedic twists. Highlights include Jermaine Clement's David Bowie-inspired musical number and Morty's traumatic experience with the Roy: A Life Well Lived arcade game. The episode also features one of the best Jerry subplots, involving a Jerry daycare.
"Rixty Minutes" (S1E8)
Image credit: Adult Swim
Watching TV might not sound like an exciting premise, but Rick and Morty turns it into one of its best episodes. The Smith family's encounter with interdimensional cable introduces hilarious characters and explores the emotional impact of alternate realities, with Jerry and Beth reflecting on their lives and Morty comforting Summer.
"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 tumultuous relationship leads to a hedonistic spiral and a heart-wrenching conclusion where Rick nearly takes his own life. It's a stark reminder of Rick's underlying loneliness and instability.
"Total Rickall" (S2E4)
Image credit: Adult Swim
"Total Rickall" encapsulates everything that makes Rick and Morty great. An alien parasite invades the Smiths' memories, introducing a parade of bizarre characters while shifting from comedy to emotional drama. The episode's impact is felt deeply, especially with the tragic fate of Mr. Poopybutthole.
AnswerSee ResultsAnd that concludes our (potentially contentious) list of the best Rick and Morty episodes. Did your favorite make the list? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
