Top 15 Rick and Morty Episodes Revealed

After seven seasons, Rick and Morty has solidified its place as one of the most acclaimed animated sitcoms in television history. The show's unique combination of high-concept sci-fi storytelling, absurd humor, and emotionally complex character development is nearly unmatched. Even with long gaps between new episodes—sometimes stretching into years—the series continues to captivate fans worldwide.

Although Season 7 marked a shift toward an annual release schedule, Season 8 arrives this year after further delays linked to the five-month Writers Guild strike in 2023.

As we eagerly await the next chapter of Rick and Morty’s interdimensional misadventures, let’s revisit IGN’s list of the best episodes so far. How do fan favorites like “Pickle Rick” and “Rixty Minutes” stack up? Read on to find 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 surprised viewers by shifting focus away from Rick and Morty entirely. Instead, it explored life at the Citadel through the eyes of other Ricks and Mortys, revealing that not all alternate versions enjoy the same chaotic freedom. The story culminated in a powerful resolution that tied back to earlier plotlines, setting the stage for major developments in Season 5.

14. "Solaricks" (S6E1)

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Though Season 6 as a whole was uneven, its premiere stood out as a strong entry. Picking up after the dramatic events of Season 5, "Solaricks" follows Rick and Morty as they navigate a multiverse without portal technology. The episode cleverly reintroduces displaced characters while deepening the conflict between Rick and Rick Prime. It also makes excellent use of the Beth/Space Beth dynamic—and yes, even Jerry gets his moment to shine.

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

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Few episodes embrace chaos quite like this Season 4 heist parody. Introducing Rick’s AI Heist-o-Tron and its nemesis Rand-o-Tron, the storyline spirals into increasingly ridiculous territory. This wild ride also brought back Mr. Poopybutthole and gifted the internet one of its most quoted lines: “I’m Pickle Rick!!!!”

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

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In this mind-bending installment, Rick and Morty journey into a microverse powering Rick’s ship battery. Along the way, they encounter Zeep Zanflorp (Stephen Colbert), a microscopic rival who challenges Rick’s worldview. The episode cleverly explores existential themes while delivering laughs, especially in a side story where Rick’s ship goes to extreme lengths to protect Summer.

11. “Rickmurai Jack” (S5E10)

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The Season 5 finale finally answers the lingering question: what is Evil Morty truly after? After a surreal opening featuring Rick’s crow obsession, the episode reveals that Evil Morty simply wants to escape Rick’s influence. In a twist typical of the series, the real villain turns out to be Rick himself.

10. "Meeseeks and Destroy" (S1E5)

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This early standout introduced one of the show’s most memorable supporting characters: Mr. Meeseeks. Tasked with helping others achieve their goals, Mr. Meeseeks meets his match when trying to assist Jerry with his golf game. Meanwhile, Morty’s ill-fated adventure highlights the darker side of Rick’s reckless experimentation.

9. “Mort Dinner Rick Andre” (S5E1)

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While Season 5 divided fans, it kicked off strongly with the introduction of Mr. Nimbus—a hilariously over-the-top parody of Aquaman/Namor. The episode cleverly balances Morty’s encounter with beings from a faster-moving dimension alongside a quirky subplot involving Beth, Jerry, and the King of Atlantis.

8. “The Vat of Acid Episode” (S4E8)

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What starts as a simple sci-fi concept—Morty inventing a time-rewind button—quickly spirals into emotional chaos. This episode exemplifies Rick and Morty's ability to blend absurdity with heartbreak, pushing Morty to his limits in a story that’s both hilarious and deeply tragic.

7. "Pickle Rick" (S3E3)

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Arguably the most meme-worthy episode ever, "Pickle Rick" sees Rick transform into a sentient cucumber to avoid family therapy. The ensuing chaos includes rat battles, a showdown with Jaguar, and a rare moment of self-awareness from Rick—making it one of the series’ wildest adventures.

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

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This pivotal early episode helped define the show’s tone. When Morty tries to make Jessica fall for him, things go horribly wrong—leading to a shocking conclusion that forces Rick and Morty to abandon their dimension forever. The consequences continue to echo across future seasons.

5. "The Wedding Squanchers" (S2E10)

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A season finale packed with emotional weight, this episode begins with a joyful celebration but descends into chaos when the Galactic Federation targets Rick. The resulting fallout forces Rick to make a devastating sacrifice, delivering one of the series' most powerful moments.

4. "Mortynight Run" (S2E2)

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This Season 2 standout features Morty clashing with Rick over the fate of an alien named Fart (voiced by Jemaine Clement). Highlights include a Bowie-inspired musical number, Morty’s traumatic experience with the video game Roy: A Life Well Lived, and a surprisingly touching Jerry subplot involving dozens of alternate Jeremies.

3. "Rixty Minutes" (S1E8)

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Only Rick and Morty could turn watching TV into one of its strongest episodes. As the Smith family watches interdimensional cable, they're exposed to bizarre alternate realities and unforgettable characters like Ants in My Eyes Johnson and Gazorpazorpfield. Beneath the comedy lies a deeper exploration of identity and regret.

2. "Auto Erotic Assimilation" (S2E3)

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This emotionally charged episode sees Rick reunite with Unity, a former lover and hive mind capable of controlling entire planets. Their reunion quickly devolves into hedonistic excess, exposing Rick’s deep loneliness. The haunting conclusion—where Rick nearly takes his own life—reminds us how fragile his psyche truly is.

1. "Total Rickall" (S2E4)

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