Top 15 Must-Watch Rick and Morty Episodes

After seven acclaimed seasons, Rick and Morty stands as a pinnacle of animated television, masterfully weaving together high-concept storytelling, absurd humor, and deeply emotional character arcs. Despite fans often enduring long waits between seasons, the series continues to captivate audiences with its unique blend of science fiction and family dynamics. 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, exploring where iconic episodes like "Pickle Rick" and "Rixty Minutes" rank among the best.

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 viewer expectations by shifting focus from Rick and Morty's anticipated adventure in Atlantis to a compelling narrative at the Citadel. "The Ricklantis Mixup" showcases the diverse lives of other Ricks and Mortys, revealing the less glamorous aspects of their existence. The episode's surprising conclusion ties up a loose thread from a previous season, paving the way for a significant confrontation in Season 5.

14. "Solaricks" (S6E1)

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Despite Season 6 being less robust overall, "Solaricks" shines as one of the series' best premieres. Following the dramatic end of Season 5, this episode sees Rick and Morty navigating a universe without portals, leading to a humorous misadventure involving displaced beings returning home. "Solaricks" deepens the lore around Rick's rivalry with Rick Prime and cleverly utilizes the Beth/Space Beth dynamic, all while showcasing an unexpected side of Jerry.

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

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Heist movies can be convoluted, but Rick and Morty turns this trope into comedic gold in this Season 4 episode. Introducing Rick's Heist-o-Tron and its nemesis, Rand-o-Tron, the episode spirals into an increasingly absurd plot. It also brings back fan-favorite Mr. Poopybutthole and delivers a memorable line that became an internet sensation.

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

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This episode delves into the mechanics of Rick's spaceship, leading Rick and Morty on a mind-bending journey through the microverse powering his battery. As Rick clashes with Zeep Zanflorp, voiced by Stephen Colbert, the series ponders the futility of existence and the sacrifices necessary for Rick's adventures. Meanwhile, a subplot involving Summer adds a humorous counterpoint to the main narrative.

11. "Rickmurai Jack" (S5E10)

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The Season 5 finale finally sheds light on Evil Morty's true intentions, moving away from a predictable multiverse battle. "Rickmurai Jack" starts with a humorous nod to Rick's crow obsession and anime influences, then pivots to reveal Evil Morty's quest for freedom from Rick's influence, highlighting Rick's self-destructive tendencies.

10. "Meeseeks and Destroy" (S1E5)

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This episode demonstrates the potential of supporting characters like Beth and Jerry, who steal the show while Morty's adventure goes awry. The introduction of Mr. Meeseeks adds a comedic layer, as these beings struggle to help Beth and Jerry achieve their goals, with hilariously disastrous results.

9. "Mort Dinner Rick Andre" (S5E1)

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Season 5 kicks off with the introduction of Mr. Nimbus, a hilarious parody of aquatic superheroes. While the episode focuses on Morty's encounter with beings from a dimension where time moves differently, it also features a comedic subplot involving Beth and Jerry's consideration of a threesome with the King of Atlantis.

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

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This episode starts with a deceptive premise before veering into a tale of time manipulation and emotional depth. Morty's frustration leads to the creation of a save point button, which soon spirals out of control, blending high-concept sci-fi with poignant drama.

7. "Pickle Rick" (S3E3)

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"Pickle Rick" is an iconic episode that spawned countless memes. Rick's transformation into a sentient pickle to avoid family therapy leads to a wild adventure, showcasing the series' penchant for absurdity and over-the-top action.

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

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This episode marks a turning point for Rick and Morty, blending sci-fi, humor, and nihilism. Morty's attempt to win Jessica's love goes disastrously wrong, leading to a shocking conclusion that forces Rick and Morty to abandon their dimension, setting the tone for the series' emotional depth.

5. "The Wedding Squanchers" (S2E10)

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Starting as a celebration, this episode quickly turns into a chaotic confrontation with the Galactic Federation. As Earth falls under occupation, Rick's self-sacrifice becomes one of the series' most emotionally charged moments, delivering a powerful season finale.

4. "Mortynight Run" (S2E2)

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In this episode, Morty's mission to protect an alien named Fart leads to emotional twists and memorable moments, including a standout musical number and a harrowing arcade game experience. The episode also features a hilarious Jerry subplot at a Jerry daycare.

3. "Rixty Minutes" (S1E8)

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Rick and Morty turns TV-watching into an adventure in this episode, introducing fans to interdimensional cable and a host of bizarre characters. Amidst the humor, the episode delves into deeper themes, with Jerry and Beth confronting alternate realities and Morty revealing 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, exploring their toxic relationship and Rick's emotional turmoil. As Unity's world descends into chaos, Rick's near-suicidal despair underscores the series' ability to blend humor with profound sadness.

1. "Total Rickall" (S2E4)

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"Total Rickall" encapsulates the essence of Rick and Morty with its clever premise of memory-altering parasites. Featuring a parade of memorable side characters and a rollercoaster of emotions, this episode exemplifies the series' balance of humor and heartfelt storytelling.

What's the best Rick and Morty episode of all time?

• Total Rickall
• Auto Erotic Assimilation
• Rixty Minutes
• Mortynight Run
• The Wedding Squanchers
• Rick Potion No. 9
• Pickle Rick
• The Vat of Acid Episode
• Mort Dinner Rick Andre
• Meeseeks and Destroy
• Rickmurai Jack
• The Ricks Must Be Crazy
• One Crew Over the Crewcoo’s Morty
• Solaricks
• The Ricklantis Mixup
• Another one (let us know in the comments!)

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