After seven seasons, Rick and Morty has solidified its place as one of the premier animated sitcoms of all time. Its unique combination of high-concept storytelling, absurd humor, and emotionally resonant character development sets it apart, even as fans eagerly await each new season, often enduring long waits between episodes. The show has now moved to an annual release schedule, but Season 8 faced delays due to the 2023 Writers Guild strike, extending the wait for fans.

As we anticipate the next installment of Rick and Morty, let's dive into IGN's selection of the top 15 episodes. Where do fan-favorites like "Pickle Rick" and "Rixty Minutes" rank? Read on to discover.

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. Initially teased as an adventure to the underwater realm of Atlantis, "The Ricklantis Mixup" pivots to focus on the Citadel, exploring the lives of various Ricks and Mortys who don't lead lives of adventure and excess. The episode's unexpected conclusion ties up a loose thread from a previous episode and sets the stage for a significant confrontation in Season 5.

14. "Solaricks" (S6E1)

Image credit: Adult SwimWhile Season 6 might not be the strongest, it kicks off with a stellar premiere. "Solaricks" follows the dramatic Season 5 finale, with Rick and Morty navigating a universe devoid of portals. The episode humorously resolves the displacement caused by portal travel and delves deeper into Rick's rivalry with Rick Prime, while also exploring the Beth/Space Beth dynamic. It even showcases Jerry's surprising heroism.

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

Image credit: Adult SwimThis Season 4 episode hilariously parodies heist movies with its convoluted plot and endless twists. Introducing Rick's Heist-o-Tron and his nemesis Rand-o-Tron, the episode builds on its absurd premise with great success. It also brings back the beloved Mr. Poopybutthole and delivers one of the show's most memorable lines, cementing its place in internet culture.

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

Image credit: Adult SwimThis episode delves into the mechanics of Rick's spaceship, powered by a microverse. As Rick and Zeep Zanflorp (voiced by Stephen Colbert) clash, the show ponders the futility of existence and the sacrifices required for Rick's lifestyle. Meanwhile, a humorous subplot sees Rick's ship fiercely protecting Summer.

11. "Rickmurai Jack" (S5E10)

Image credit: Adult SwimThe Season 5 finale resolves the mystery of Evil Morty's intentions. Starting with a playful nod to Rick's crow obsession and anime influences, the episode reveals Evil Morty's quest for freedom from Rick's influence. It's a testament to the show's ability to surprise and engage its audience with complex character motivations.

10. "Meeseeks and Destroy" (S1E5)

Image credit: Adult SwimThis episode showcases the potential of secondary characters like Beth and Jerry. While Morty's adventure is memorable, Mr. Meeseeks steals the show with his mission to help others, hilariously struggling with Jerry's golf game and Beth's quest for fulfillment.

9. "Mort Dinner Rick Andre" (S5E1)

Image credit: Adult SwimIntroducing Mr. Nimbus, a parody of aquatic superheroes, this episode kicks off Season 5 with a bang. While the feud with Mr. Nimbus plays out in the background, the main focus is on Morty's encounter with beings from a dimension where time moves differently. The episode also features a humorous subplot involving Beth, Jerry, and the King of Atlantis.

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

Image credit: Adult SwimThis episode cleverly misleads viewers with its title and opening, only to take a wild turn with Morty's time-rewinding save point button. It's a perfect blend of sci-fi, humor, and emotional depth, culminating in a heart-wrenching lesson for Morty.

7. "Pickle Rick" (S3E3)

Image credit: Adult SwimThe episode that spawned countless memes, "Pickle Rick" sees Rick transform into a pickle to avoid family therapy. His journey through the sewers, battling rats and a killer named Jaguar, is both wacky and over-the-top, embodying the show's unique humor.

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

Image credit: Adult SwimThis episode marks a turning point for the series, balancing sci-fi, humor, and nihilism. Morty's attempt to win Jessica's love goes disastrously wrong, leading to a shocking conclusion where Rick and Morty must abandon their dimension, a decision that continues to impact the series.

5. "The Wedding Squanchers" (S2E10)

Image credit: Adult SwimThis episode transitions from a light-hearted wedding to a dramatic confrontation with the Galactic Federation. As Earth falls under occupation, Rick's sacrifice to protect his family is one of the series' most emotional moments, making for a powerful season finale.

4. "Mortynight Run" (S2E2)

Image credit: Adult SwimIn this episode, Morty's insistence on saving an alien named Fart leads to several twists and emotional highs and lows. The episode's highlights include Jermaine Clement's musical number and a standout Jerry subplot at a Jerry-only daycare.

3. "Rixty Minutes" (S1E8)

Image credit: Adult SwimThis episode transforms the act of watching TV into a journey through the multiverse, introducing beloved characters and exploring alternate lives of the Smith family. It balances humor with poignant moments, including Morty's revelation about "Rick Potion No. 9."

2. "Auto Erotic Assimilation" (S2E3)

Image credit: Adult SwimReuniting Rick with his ex-lover Unity, this episode explores the destructive nature of their relationship. As their world spirals into chaos, Rick's near-suicide provides a stark reminder of his underlying loneliness and instability.

1. "Total Rickall" (S2E4)

Image credit: Adult SwimThis episode encapsulates everything great about Rick and Morty. An alien parasite invades the Smiths' memories, creating a host of quirky characters. The episode seamlessly blends humor with emotional depth, culminating in the tragic yet humorous revelation about Mr. Poopybutthole.