Top 15 Must-Watch Rick and Morty Episodes

After seven seasons, Rick and Morty has solidified its status as one of the greatest animated sitcoms ever produced. The show's unique mix of high-concept narratives, outlandish humor, and deeply emotional character arcs is truly unmatched. Although fans often endure long waits between seasons, the anticipation only heightens the excitement for new episodes. 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 of Rick and Morty, let's dive into IGN's selection of the top episodes. Curious about where classics like "Pickle Rick" and "Rixty Minutes" rank? Keep reading to find out.

The Top 15 Rick and Morty Episodes

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15. "The Ricklantis Mixup" (S3E7)

Image credit: Adult SwimThis Season 3 episode masterfully subverts expectations. Originally billed as an adventure in the underwater kingdom of Atlantis, "The Ricklantis Mixup" shifts focus to the Citadel, showcasing the struggles of various Ricks and Mortys who don't lead lives of adventure and excess. The episode's surprising conclusion ties up a loose end from previous seasons and sets up a significant confrontation in Season 5.

14. "Solaricks" (S6E1)

Image credit: Adult SwimAlthough Season 6 may not be the strongest overall, it kicks off with a standout premiere in "Solaricks." Following the dramatic Season 5 finale, Rick and Morty must navigate a universe without portals, leading to a humorous misadventure where displaced beings are returned to their home dimensions. This episode also deepens the lore surrounding Rick's rivalry with Rick Prime and cleverly utilizes the Beth/Space Beth dynamic. Plus, it showcases Jerry's unexpected heroism.

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 flair. This Season 4 episode features an outrageously complex plot that escalates hilariously over its runtime. Introducing Rick's Heist-o-Tron and his nemesis, Rand-o-Tron, the episode takes a wild premise and runs with it. It also brings back the beloved Mr. Poopybutthole and gives fans a new meme-worthy line.

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

Image credit: Adult SwimEver wondered about the power source behind 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 Zeep Zanflorp, voiced by Stephen Colbert, the show explores existential themes and the sacrifices required for Rick's lifestyle. Meanwhile, a humorous subplot follows Rick's ship protecting Summer.

11. “Rickmurai Jack” (S5E10)

Image credit: Adult SwimThe Season 5 finale, "Rickmurai Jack," provides answers about Evil Morty's motives. Starting with Rick's crow obsession climaxing in an anime-inspired sequence, the episode shifts to Evil Morty's plans for the Citadel. Rather than a typical multiverse showdown, viewers discover that Evil Morty seeks a realm free from Rick's influence, highlighting Rick's self-destructive tendencies.

10. "Meeseeks and Destroy" (S1E5)

Image credit: Adult SwimThis episode showcases 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 helping others. While helping Beth find emotional fulfillment is straightforward, assisting Jerry with his golf game proves disastrous.

9. “Mort Dinner Rick Andre” (S5E1)

Image credit: Adult SwimThe Season 5 premiere introduces Mr. Nimbus, a hilarious parody of Aquaman and Namor. Though the feud with Rick is entertaining, the episode's focus is on Morty's encounter with beings from a dimension where time moves rapidly. A subplot involving Beth, Jerry, and the King of Atlantis adds to the comedic chaos.

8. “The Vat of Acid Episode” (S4E8)

Image credit: Adult SwimThis episode cleverly misleads viewers before taking a humorous and dramatic turn. Morty's desire to control their adventures leads to the creation of a save point button, enabling time rewinds but with disastrous consequences. "The Vat of Acid Episode" exemplifies Rick and Morty's ability to blend sci-fi with sharp humor and emotional depth.

7. "Pickle Rick" (S3E3)

Image credit: Adult SwimThe episode that sparked countless memes, "Pickle Rick," sees Rick transform into a pickle to avoid family therapy. His journey involves rat battles and a confrontation with Jaguar, showcasing the show's wackiest side. Even Rick admits he might have taken things too far.

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

Image credit: Adult SwimAs Rick and Morty found its voice, "Rick Potion No. 9" became a turning point. Morty's attempt to win Jessica's love goes horribly wrong, leading to a Cronenberg-infested dimension that Rick and Morty must abandon. This episode's impact is felt throughout the series.

5. "The Wedding Squanchers" (S2E10)

Image credit: Adult SwimStarting as a celebration of Birdperson and Tammy, "The Wedding Squanchers" quickly escalates into chaos with the Galactic Federation's pursuit of Rick. As Earth falls under occupation, Rick sacrifices himself in one of the series' most emotionally charged moments, making for a powerful season finale.

4. "Mortynight Run" (S2E2)

Image credit: Adult SwimIn this episode, Morty's determination to protect the alien Fart, voiced by Jermaine Clement, leads to conflicts with Rick. Highlighted by Clement's Bowie-inspired performance and Morty's traumatic arcade experience, the episode also features an exceptional Jerry subplot at a Jerry daycare.

3. "Rixty Minutes" (S1E8)

Image credit: Adult SwimOnly Rick and Morty could make an episode about watching TV one of its best. Introducing Rick's interdimensional cable box, "Rixty Minutes" showcases a multiverse of bizarre TV shows and introduces fan-favorite characters. The episode also delves into deeper themes, with Jerry and Beth confronting their alternate lives and Morty consoling Summer.

2. "Auto Erotic Assimilation" (S2E3)

Image credit: Adult SwimThis episode features a clever storyline with Rick reuniting with his ex-lover Unity, voiced by Christina Hendricks. As their relationship spirals into hedonism, the episode's tragic ending underscores Rick's loneliness and instability, offering a poignant look at his character.

1. "Total Rickall" (S2E4)

Image credit: Adult Swim"Total Rickall" epitomizes what makes Rick and Morty great. An alien parasite invades the Smith household through memories, creating a host of memorable characters like Hamurai and Sleepy Gary. The episode seamlessly blends humor with emotional depth, culminating in the heart-wrenching impact on the Smiths' memories, especially the revelation about Mr. Poopybutthole.