After seven seasons, Rick and Morty has solidified its place as one of the greatest animated sitcoms in television history. The show masterfully blends high-concept sci-fi, biting satire, and emotionally raw storytelling, all wrapped in a layer of absurd, often surreal humor. While fans have grown accustomed to long waits—sometimes stretching years—between seasons, the payoff is always worth it.
Though the series shifted toward an annual release pattern, Season 8 is arriving after an extended delay due to the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike, which lasted five months and disrupted production across the industry.
In the meantime, let’s dive into IGN’s definitive ranking of the top Rick and Morty episodes. Where do fan favorites like "Pickle Rick" and "Rixty Minutes" land on the list? 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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What was initially teased as an underwater adventure to Atlantis turned into one of the series’ most unexpectedly profound episodes. Instead of following Rick and Morty, “The Ricklantis Mixup” shifts focus to the Citadel of Ricks, offering a gritty, socially conscious look at the lives of lesser-known Rick and Morty pairs. From systemic inequality to political corruption, this episode expands the show’s universe in meaningful ways. Its haunting ending not only resolves a lingering plot thread but also sets up the explosive conflict that would define Season 5.
"Solaricks" (S6E1)
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While Season 6 received mixed reactions, its premiere “Solaricks” stands out as a strong, action-packed return. Picking up immediately after the Season 5 finale, the episode throws Rick and Morty into a portal-less universe, forcing them to adapt in increasingly chaotic ways. As displaced versions of themselves are flung across dimensions, the story delivers both laughs and momentum. The episode deepens the mystery around Rick Prime and explores the Beth/Space Beth dynamic with surprising nuance. And in a rare twist, Jerry shines—proving he’s more than just comic relief.
“One Crew Over the Crewcoo’s Morty” (S4E3)
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A love letter to heist films, this episode cranks the absurdity to eleven. Rick builds Heist-o-Tron, a robot designed to orchestrate the perfect crime, only to face off against its nemesis, Rand-o-Tron. What follows is a convoluted, fast-paced, and wildly entertaining caper that escalates with every passing minute. The return of Mr. Poopybutthole adds to the fun, and the episode gifts fans one of the most quoted lines in the series: “I’m Pickle Rick!!!!” It’s a perfect example of the show’s ability to take a silly concept and turn it into a narrative masterpiece.
"The Ricks Must Be Crazy" (S2E6)
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Ever wonder how Rick powers his spaceship? This episode dives into the answer—literally. Rick and Morty journey into the microverse, a tiny universe created to power Rick’s battery, only to discover a rebellion brewing beneath their feet. As Rick battles his microscopic counterpart Zeep Zanflorp (voiced by Stephen Colbert), the story explores themes of exploitation, rebellion, and existential futility. Meanwhile, a hilarious B-plot sees Rick’s ship developing sentience and going to extreme lengths to protect Summer. It’s sci-fi satire at its finest.
“Rickmurai Jack” (S5E10)
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Following the emotional revelations of “Rickternal Friendshine,” this season finale shifts focus to Evil Morty’s long-gestating plan. Dressed in a sleek anime-inspired suit and wielding a katana, Rick kicks off the episode with a crow-fueled rampage reminiscent of Vampire Hunter D. But the real story belongs to Evil Morty, who finally breaks free from the Citadel and the oppressive influence of Ricks across the multiverse. The climax isn’t a battle—it’s a quiet, powerful moment of liberation. In a show full of chaos, this ending is refreshingly introspective.
"Meeseeks and Destroy" (S1E5)
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This early episode proved that Rick and Morty could deliver more than just sci-fi madness—it could craft deeply human stories. While Morty’s misguided adventure leads to disturbing consequences, the spotlight belongs to the Meeseeks, blue creatures whose sole purpose is to complete tasks and die. Their growing frustration as they fail to help Jerry improve his golf game is both hilarious and tragic. The episode also gives Beth and Jerry rare moments of emotional depth, showing that even the most dysfunctional family can have moments of connection.
“Mort Dinner Rick Andre” (S5E1)
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“Riiiiiichard!!!”
The arrival of Mr. Nimbus—a flamboyant, narcissistic parody of Aquaman and Namor—kicks off Season 5 with a splash. His rivalry with Rick provides plenty of laughs, but the real story unfolds in the background, where Morty accidentally opens a portal to a dimension where time moves exponentially faster. The result is a heartbreaking glimpse into a life lived and lost in seconds. Meanwhile, Beth and Jerry’s bizarre threesome fantasy with the King of Atlantis adds a layer of absurdity that only Rick and Morty could pull off.
“The Vat of Acid Episode” (S4E8)
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What starts as a simple do-over mechanism spirals into one of the show’s most emotionally intense episodes. Frustrated with always being dragged into danger, Morty convinces Rick to build a “save point” button that lets him rewind time. At first, it’s empowering—until it isn’t. The episode masterfully subverts expectations, building from comedy to tragedy in a way that leaves viewers stunned. By the end, Morty learns a brutal lesson about consequence, choice, and the illusion of control.
"Pickle Rick" (S3E3)
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An instant classic. To avoid family therapy, Rick transforms himself into a pickle—because of course he does. What follows is a gloriously over-the-top action sequence involving sewer rats, a Russian assassin, and a brutal showdown with Jaguar. The episode balances insane physical comedy with a surprisingly poignant look at Rick’s self-destructive tendencies. It’s chaotic, creative, and endlessly quotable—no wonder it became a cultural phenomenon.
"Rick Potion No. 9" (S1E6)
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This episode marks the moment Rick and Morty truly found its voice. Morty’s attempt to win Jessica’s affection with a love potion backfires catastrophically, mutating the entire population into grotesque Cronenbergs. Unable to fix it, Rick abandons their dimension entirely—setting the stage for the “C-137” storyline that would echo through future seasons. It’s a perfect blend of humor, horror, and heartbreak, establishing the show’s signature tone of nihilism masked by comedy.
"The Wedding Squanchers" (S2E10)
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What begins as a joyful celebration at Birdperson’s wedding descends into utter chaos when the Galactic Federation raids the ceremony. The season finale delivers relentless tension, cul
