The Ultimate Ranking of South Park's Top 10 Episodes Ever!

Which episode of South Park is considered the best? With over 300 episodes to choose from, there are plenty of options. While it may not always be recognized as one of the greatest TV shows ever, South Park has consistently remained a powerful force in the industry. Regarded by fans as one of the finest animated series, even non-viewers are familiar with its best episodes. This is quite remarkable considering that the show was initially disregarded as a crudely illustrated cartoon filled with crude humor during its beginnings in the 1990s.

Even after all these years, the show still includes low-brow jokes but has also proven to possess a significant amount of substance. In contrast to other similar shows like The Simpsons, South Park's quality has remained consistently high. The creators of South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, fearlessly target any situation or individual they deem fit. Their formula has seldom changed. The best episodes tackle profound and thought-provoking themes while still being outrageously funny. Notably, the inclusion of the best guest stars in South Park highlights the show's enduring popularity beyond its dedicated fan base. Now, which episodes are regarded as the best South Park episodes of all time?

10 Woodland Critter Christmas

Season 8, Episode 14 (2004)

IMDB Rating: 9.1

9 Fishsticks

: "Woodland Critter Christmas" - the Greatest South Park Christmas Episode

South Park is known for its classic Christmas episodes, but none compare to the greatness of season 8, episode 14 - "Woodland Critter Christmas". In this unforgettable installment, Stan is unwillingly immersed in the festive celebrations of seemingly innocent forest creatures. However, as the episode progresses, he uncovers the disturbing truth behind these adorable critters. What makes this episode truly remarkable is its daring exploration of dark themes within a seemingly heartwarming holiday story. It demonstrates that even in South Park's Christmas episodes, the show fearlessly tackles taboo subjects. Combined with the uproariously enthusiastic narration, "Woodland Critter Christmas" solidifies its place as a genuine Christmas classic.

Season 13, Episode 5 (2009)

IMDB Rating: 8.7

"Fishsticks" is an episode of South Park that proves even the most ludicrous ideas can result in hilarious situations. It explores what would happen if the funniest joke ever was created and if a famous rapper failed to comprehend it, considering it an insult. Jimmy devises a clever wordplay involving "fish sticks" that leaves everyone in fits of laughter. On the other hand, Cartman takes it upon himself to claim the joke as his own, while Kanye West embarks on a quest to uncover its origins and significance.

8 All About The Mormons

Season 7, Episode 12 (2003)

IMDB Rating: 8.9

7 The Return Of The Fellowship Of The Ring To The Two Towers

: The exploration of various religions is a clear source of enjoyment for the creators of South Park, Stone and Parker. Their particular fascination with the Mormon religion is evident, considering their co-creation of the critically acclaimed musical, The Book of Mormon. However, this interest also contributes to one of the standout episodes of South Park. In "All About the Mormons," the arrival of a Mormon family in South Park introduces the townspeople to their unique beliefs. What makes this episode truly remarkable is its remarkable even-handedness, as it humorously critiques Mormon beliefs while also examining the reactions of others towards those beliefs.

Season 6, Episode 13 (2002)

IMDB Rating: 9.3

In this highly entertaining adventure reminiscent of the "Black Friday" episode, the show takes us into the world of Middle Earth. The kids, who are passionate fans of Lord of the Rings, embark on a quest to deliver a movie. However, they mistakenly end up with Randy Marsh's adult film. With amusing references to the Peter Jackson movie, the standout performance comes from Butters as Gollum. The episode turns a seemingly ordinary quest into an exhilarating experience, with the parents hilariously horrified at the idea of their children watching the inappropriate tape.

6 Christian Rock Hard

Season 7, Episode 9 (2003)

IMDB Rating: 9

Just about anyone growing up in the early 2000s can recall the conundrum and hype surrounding the illegal downloading of music through an emerging platform named Napster. The amusing episode of South Park provides clever commentary, poking fun at the moral panic and outrage associated with people downloading mp3s. It alternates between Cartman's unlikely rise to fame by capitalizing on a Christian rock band, while the rest of the group struggles to form a new band only to go on strike immediately. There's plenty to appreciate about "Christian Rock Hard" - from its social commentary and religious satire to its humorous themes and musical showdowns.

5 Casa Bonita

Season 7, Episode 11 (2003)

IMDB Rating: 9.2

South Park's most captivating moments occur when they center their focus on Eric Cartman. As a mischievous, ruthless, and self-centered young boy, Cartman delivers highly entertaining performances. "Casa Bonita" amusingly showcases the lengths he will go to fulfill his desires. Eager to secure an invitation to Kyle's birthday celebration at their beloved restaurant, Cartman crafts a scheme to exclude Butters from the guest list. What transpires is a series of ill-advised choices that spiral out of control, resulting in one of South Park's most outstanding episodes. The comedic brilliance lies in Cartman's failure to recognize his excessive behavior.

4 Good Times With Weapons

Season 8, Episode 1 (2004)

IMDB Rating: 9.1

3 AWESOM-O

Despite the show's now famous crude animation, it is not afraid to venture into different styles from time to time. In this particular episode, the characters adopt a captivating anime aesthetic as they enjoy playing with their new ninja weapons. It is worth noting that this episode stands out not for its comedy, but for its impressive animation, which adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the storytelling. Additionally, the episode once again serves as an opportunity to subject Butters to further comedic abuse. Just seeking to partake in the fun, poor Butters finds himself in another hilarious and perilous situation, much to the amusement of the viewers.

Season 8, Episode 5 (2004)

IMDB Rating: 9.2

The pairing of Cartman and Butters leads to numerous enjoyable moments. Cartman is incredibly malicious towards Butters, while Butters remains completely unaware of his intentions. In "AWESOM-O," Cartman cleverly disguises himself as a robot in order to deceive Butters, but his scheme ultimately backfires disastrously. This episode further highlights Cartman's propensity for his plans escalating beyond his control. Witnessing Cartman receive his well-deserved comeuppance is incredibly entertaining, and "AWESOM-O" is abundant with these satisfying moments. It comes as no surprise that "AWESOM-O" is cherished by the creators of South Park.

2 Make Love, Not Warcraft

Season 10, Episode 8 (2006)

IMDB Rating: 9.5

1 Scott Tenorman Must Die

"Make Love, Not Warcraft" is yet another outstanding South Park episode that employs a unique style of animation to tell its story. This particular installment delves into the world of World of Warcraft, brilliantly showcasing the obsession surrounding this popular game. The show cleverly capitalizes on the comedic potential of the gaming community, effectively satirizing those individuals who dedicate an excessive amount of time and effort solely to become proficient in the game, inevitably neglecting other important aspects of their lives. Through its simplistic yet meaningful storytelling, South Park effectively critiques this phenomenon.

Season 5, Episode 4 (2001)

With an IMDB rating of 9.6, "Scott Tenorman Must Die" stands as one of the best South Park episodes. It showcases Eric Cartman's unparalleled brilliance as he seeks vengeance against an older boy who humiliated him. Despite constant setbacks, Cartman's determination only grows, leading him to concoct increasingly absurd and extreme schemes. In a jaw-dropping twist, Cartman's final act of cruelty leaves fans astounded and rendered speechless.