The Ultimate Ranking of Futurama's Mind-Blowing Non-Canon Anthology Episodes!

Summary

"The Prince and the Product" is a lackluster non-canon anthology episode that falls short of its predecessors, lacking in unique storytelling and a meaningful framing device.

"Naturama" brings a refreshing variation to season 9 by incorporating animal-themed segments and a nature documentary framework. While it may not possess the same level of zaniness as other anthology episodes, it still delivers an enjoyable experience.

"Anthology of Interest II" stands as one of the standout anthology episodes in the world of Futurama. It presents side-splitting tales that can only thrive within this format and introduces the beloved What-If Machine as a framing device, which has become iconic in the series.

After more than a decade, Futurama has made a highly anticipated comeback with its eleventh season. The show features seven non-canon anthology episodes, which have been a consistent element since season 2's "Anthology of Interest I." These special compilations have appeared in nearly every season, showcasing a range of quality but always offering something valuable. Let's delve into each segment of Futurama's diverse non-canon anthology episodes and determine the best among the seven.

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7 "Saturday Morning Fun Pit"

"Futurama" season 10's "Saturday Morning Fun Pit" marked the final anthology episode before the show's cancellation. However, it regrettably falls short compared to its counterparts. This episode parodies well-known Saturday morning cartoons, such as Scooby-Doo, G.I. Joe, and Strawberry Shortcake. Although not entirely unfavorable, the humor mostly relies on predictable jokes about the shows it mocks. Consequently, "Saturday Morning Fun Pit" lacks the distinctiveness often witnessed in other anthology episodes of "Futurama." It serves as one of the last glimpses of a dying show during its final moments.

6 "The Prince And The Product"

5 "Naturama"

Episode 9 of season 11 of Futurama, titled "The Prince and the Product," marks the return of non-canonical anthology episodes to the forefront. Regrettably, this particular installment falls short of its predecessors. In this episode, the focus is on toys, with the first segment exploring wind-up toys, the second delving into Hot Wheels, and the third revolving around rubber ducks and Weebles. While the amusing altered designs of the Planet Express crew are enjoyable, the narratives of each segment lack depth. Furthermore, the main story of the episode fails to effectively serve as a framing device, rendering it somewhat purposeless.

In "Naturama," the thirteenth episode of Futurama season 9, the show veers into another non-canonical anthology format. This time, the Planet Express crew is imaginatively portrayed as animals in each of the three segments. Presented in the guise of a nature documentary, the episode takes the audience on a wild ride as the gang morphs into various creatures like salmon, turtles, seals, and more. While not as zany as some of Futurama's previous anthology episodes, "Naturama" offers a delightful change of pace in season 9, making it an enjoyable watch.

4 "The Futurama Holiday Spectacular"

In Futurama season 7, episode 13, titled "The Futurama Holiday Spectacular," a combination of two well-known elements is presented: Futurama holiday specials and anthology episodes that deviate from the show's established canon. Instead of focusing solely on Robot Santa Claus, "The Futurama Holiday Spectacular" features three distinct segments that correspond to the major winter holidays of the 31st century: Xmas, Robanukah, and Kwanzaa.

What sets "The Futurama Holiday Spectacular" apart is the absence of a framing device, allowing each segment to receive adequate attention. Notably, every segment includes a memorable musical number, culminating in the amusing demise of all the characters. While it may not surpass the excellence of other Futurama anthology episodes, the episode still delivers a thoroughly enjoyable experience and successfully embraces the distinctiveness of the anthology format.

3 "Reincarnation"

Futurama season 8, episode 13 titled "Reincarnation" bears similarities to its predecessor, "Saturday Morning Fun Pit," as it also utilizes an anthology format to satirize popular animated shows. However, instead of directly parodying specific shows, "Reincarnation" focuses on different animation styles and video games. Within the episode, "Colorama" embraces the 1930s rubber hose cartoon style, "Future Challenge 3000" adopts an 8-bit 1980s gaming style, and "Action Delivery Force" adds an anime twist to Futurama.

The episode effectively mocks these various styles, but its anthology format does not hinder its storytelling. Each segment within the episode possesses a narrative arc that could stand as an independent episode of Futurama. This distinction sets "Reincarnation" apart from other non-canon anthology episodes, although it may not achieve the same level of acclaim as some of Futurama's other anthology episodes. Regardless, it remains one of the series' finest offerings.

2 "Anthology Of Interest II"

Futurama season 3, episode 18, "Anthology of Interest II" is the second installment in Futurama's anthology episodes, and it continues to captivate audiences even after twenty years. This episode cleverly utilizes the What-If Machine framing device from its predecessor, delivering a collection of amusing Futurama narratives that thrive within this unique format. The initial segment, "I, Meatbag," explores the hilarious consequences of Bender transforming into a human. In "Raiders of the Lost Arcade," we witness an epic clash between video game characters and Earth in a battle for supremacy. Lastly, "Wizzin'" provides a delightful parody of The Wizard of Oz, where the Planet Express team assumes the roles of the iconic film characters.

1 "Anthology Of Interest I"

The episode that started it all for Futurama season 2 is "Anthology of Interest I." This particular episode is the first of the show's seven non-canon anthology episodes. It revolves around Professor Farnsworth's What-If Machine, a device that simulates various hypothetical scenarios proposed by the crew of the Planet Express. Within the episode, "Terror at 500 Feet" presents a thrilling kaiju battle between Zoidberg and Bender. "Dial L for Leela" explores the consequences of Leela being more impulsive. Lastly, "The Un-Freeze of a Lifetime" delves into Fry's alternate life if he had never been frozen in the Futurama pilot.

These three stories, just like many other episodes of Futurama, have become iconic. In particular, the third segment finally reveals the answer to a long-standing question that viewers have been curious about since the show's inception. "Anthology of Interest I" not only stands out as the greatest anthology episode, but it also ranks among the top episodes of Futurama overall. That is why it claims the top spot on this list.

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