Top 15 Must-Watch Rick and Morty Episodes

After seven seasons, *Rick and Morty* has solidified its status as one of the best animated sitcoms ever. The series masterfully blends high-concept storytelling, absurd humor, and emotionally raw characterization, making it a standout in the genre. Fans, however, often find themselves eagerly awaiting new episodes, sometimes facing waits of months or even years. Although *Rick and Morty* had shifted to an annual release schedule, Season 8's arrival this year was delayed due to the 2023 five-month Writers Guild strike.

As we eagerly anticipate 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 discover their positions on the list.

The Top 15 Rick and Morty Episodes

View 16 Images15. "The Ricklantis Mixup" (S3E7)

Image credit: Adult SwimThis Season 3 episode masterfully defies expectations. Initially billed as an adventure in the underwater kingdom of Atlantis, "The Ricklantis Mixup" instead focuses on the Citadel, showcasing the diverse lives of various Ricks and Mortys. Far from the glamour of adventure, these alternate versions face their own unique challenges. The episode's surprising conclusion ties up a loose end from a previous season, paving the way for a significant confrontation in Season 5.

14. "Solaricks" (S6E1)

Image credit: Adult SwimDespite Season 6 not being the strongest in the series, its premiere, "Solaricks," shines brightly. Picking up where the dramatic Season 5 finale left off, Rick and Morty navigate a universe without portals. The episode unfolds into a humorous misadventure where displaced beings are returned to their home dimensions. "Solaricks" deepens the lore around Rick's rivalry with Rick Prime and cleverly utilizes the Beth/Space Beth dynamic. Plus, it offers an unexpected glimpse of Jerry's inner badass.

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

Image credit: Adult SwimHeist movies can be convoluted, but Rick and Morty turns this trope on its head with a hilariously complex plot in this Season 4 gem. The episode introduces Rick's Heist-o-Tron and its nemesis, Rand-o-Tron, pushing the absurdity to new heights. "One Crew Over the Crewcoo’s Morty" also brings back the beloved Mr. Poopybutthole and delivers a line that became an instant meme: "I’m Pickle Rick!!!!"

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

Image credit: Adult SwimCurious about the power source of Rick's versatile spaceship? This episode delves into the microverse that fuels it, leading Rick and Morty on a mind-bending journey. As Rick clashes with his microscopic rival Zeep Zanflorp, voiced by Stephen Colbert, the episode explores existential themes and the sacrifices behind Rick's interdimensional adventures. Meanwhile, a subplot involving Summer adds a layer of humor and heart.

11. “Rickmurai Jack” (S5E10)

Image credit: Adult SwimAfter "Rickternal Friendshine of the Spotless Mort" resolved the fate of Birdperson, the Season 5 finale tackled the mystery of Evil Morty's intentions. "Rickmurai Jack" begins with an entertaining nod to Rick's crow obsession, morphing into a Vampire Hunter D-style spectacle. Evil Morty's return sheds light on his quest for a place free from Rick's influence, showcasing that Rick's greatest adversary might just be himself.

10. "Meeseeks and Destroy" (S1E5)

Image credit: Adult SwimThis episode highlights the potential of supporting characters like Beth and Jerry. Morty's adventure goes awry, but the real star is Mr. Meeseeks, whose existence is dedicated to fulfilling others' goals. While helping Beth find emotional fulfillment is straightforward, assisting Jerry with his golf game proves disastrously funny.

9. “Mort Dinner Rick Andre” (S5E1)

Image credit: Adult SwimIntroducing Mr. Nimbus, Rick's previously unmentioned nemesis, this Season 5 premiere is a comedic gem. Mr. Nimbus, a parody of Aquaman and Namor, brings a fresh dynamic to the show. While his feud with Rick plays out, the episode focuses on Morty's encounter with beings from a dimension where time moves much faster. A subplot about Beth and Jerry contemplating a threesome with the King of Atlantis adds to the episode's humor and charm.

8. “The Vat of Acid Episode” (S4E8)

Image credit: Adult SwimThis episode starts with a misleading premise, leading viewers down one path before taking a wild, hilarious turn. Morty's frustration over not controlling their adventures leads to the creation of a time-rewinding save point. The power's misuse leads to comedic chaos and emotional twists, showcasing Rick and Morty's blend of sci-fi and humor.

7. "Pickle Rick" (S3E3)

Image credit: Adult Swim"Pickle Rick" became a cultural phenomenon, spawning countless memes. Rick's transformation into a sentient pickle to avoid family therapy leads to an over-the-top adventure involving rats and a showdown with a killer named Jaguar. It's a testament to the show's willingness to push boundaries with its wacky and absurd storytelling.

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

Image credit: Adult Swim"Rick Potion No. 9" marks a turning point for the series, finding its unique voice. Morty's attempt to win Jessica's love goes disastrously wrong, resulting in a Cronenberg-infested dimension that Rick and Morty must abandon. This episode's shocking ending sets a precedent for the series' blend of sci-fi, humor, and nihilism.

5. "The Wedding Squanchers" (S2E10)

Image credit: Adult SwimStarting as a celebration of Birdperson and Tammy's wedding, "The Wedding Squanchers" quickly descends into chaos with the Galactic Federation's intervention. As Earth falls under occupation, Rick sacrifices himself in one of the series' most emotionally charged moments, marking a dramatic end to the season.

4. "Mortynight Run" (S2E2)

Image credit: Adult SwimIn "Mortynight Run," Rick and Morty clash over the fate of a rogue alien named Fart. The episode is packed with twists, emotional depth, and memorable moments, from Jermaine Clement's David Bowie-inspired musical number to Morty's traumatic experience with the arcade game Roy: A Life Well Lived. Jerry's subplot at a Jerry-only daycare adds a comedic touch.

3. "Rixty Minutes" (S1E8)

Image credit: Adult SwimAn episode centered around watching TV becomes one of the series' best. The Smiths explore Rick's interdimensional cable box, encountering bizarre shows and characters like Ants in My Eyes Johnson and Gazorpazorpfield. Amid the humor, the episode delves into the emotional struggles of Jerry and Beth as they glimpse alternate lives, with Morty revealing the tragic aftermath of "Rick Potion No. 9" to Summer.

2. "Auto Erotic Assimilation" (S2E3)

Image credit: Adult SwimThis episode features a clever storyline where Rick reunites with his ex-lover Unity, a hive mind controlling an entire planet. Their hedonistic reunion spirals out of control, revealing why they were incompatible. The episode's tragic conclusion, with Rick nearly committing suicide, underscores his loneliness and instability beneath the surface.

1. "Total Rickall" (S2E4)

Image credit: Adult Swim"Total Rickall" epitomizes Rick and Morty's brilliance. An alien parasite invades the Smith household, creating false memories and a host of quirky characters like Hamurai and Sleepy Gary. The episode seamlessly blends humor with emotional depth, culminating in a poignant realization about the fragility of memory and identity, especially with the unforgettable impact on Mr. Poopybutthole.