The Ultimate Ranking: Unveiling the Top Rick & Morty Episodes That Will Blow Your Mind!

Summary

Rick and Morty has gained a dedicated following due to its subversive themes, mind-bending twists, and layered storylines.

The show skillfully blends situational comedy and character development, with Rick and Morty both undergoing notable growth as the series progresses. Noteworthy episodes, including "Rickmurai Jack" and "The Rickshank Redemption," feature captivating narratives, profound character exploration, and comedic moments that rank them among the series' finest.

Rick and Morty has experienced tremendous success in the past decade, but there are certain episodes that truly stand out. This irreverent animated series, intended for a more mature audience, has garnered numerous accolades for its subversive themes, mind-bending plot twists, and complex storylines. The show cleverly incorporates elements of parody culture, with many episode titles being playful twists on famous film and TV show titles. This unique blend of intricate storytelling and nostalgic references to other shows has cultivated a passionate fanbase.

The series follows Rick, a brilliant scientist who can manipulate time and space, and his average teenage grandson, Morty, as they embark on a series of absurd, often repulsive, and occasionally transformative adventures across various universes and dimensions. While animated shows typically prioritize episodic, disconnected comedy and neglect character growth, Rick and Morty seamlessly straddles that line. Over the course of its six seasons, Rick undergoes significant character development, gradually unveiling more about his past. Likewise, Morty has evolved from a clueless and subservient sidekick into a resolute and independent young man.

10 "Star Mort Rickturn of the Jerry" - Season 4, Episode 10

9 "Rickternal Friendshine of the Spotless Mind" - Season 5, Episode 8

: A Game-Changing Episode for Rick and Morty Season 4, Episode 10

This episode delves deeper into the intriguing character of Birdperson, shedding light on Rick's intricate backstory. From the origins of his nihilism to his twisted genius as a scientist, this installment unveils the layers of complexity that define Rick throughout the series. As Rick reluctantly reveals glimpses of his vulnerability and affection towards friends like Birdperson, we gain insight into the devastating events that have shaped his jaded worldview and transformed him into the cynical individual we know today.

8 "Rickmurai Jack" - Season 5, Episode 10

Rick and Morty season 5, episode 8 excels in delivering hilarious comedy while simultaneously diving deeper into the characterization of the protagonist. By delving into his past through the perspective of a close friend, the narrative unfolds beautifully and seamlessly. The episode skillfully incorporates a multitude of elements within its runtime, although its only flaw lies in the slightly rushed pacing. Nevertheless, it undeniably earns its rightful place among the greatest Rick and Morty episodes of all time.

In just two episodes, the fifth season of Rick and Morty comes to a close with "Rickmurai Jack." Tensions escalate in the Citadel as Rick remains engrossed in his anime superhero phase, but Morty manages to persuade him to address more pressing matters. Together, they journey to the citadel and unexpectedly encounter none other than Evil Morty, who had previously appeared in earlier seasons but had been absent for a while. By infiltrating the Central Finite Curve, which links countless realities, Evil Morty spreads his malevolent influence far and wide. This season finale leaves viewers in a rather grim moment, delivering the most thrilling cliffhanger in the series thus far.

7 "Close Rick-Counters of the Rick Kind" - Season 1, Episode 10

The subsequent entry in this lineup hails from an earlier installment in season 1, yet is intricately linked to the previous mention. Commencing with Rick and Morty season 1, episode 10, the groundwork is laid for a large portion of the series' principles and dynamics involving the multiverse and inter-dimensional exploration. This particular episode marks the inception of the Council of Ricks and the enduring adversary, Evil Morty, while also establishing enigmas such as the identities of those responsible for murdering 27 Ricks spanning across various dimensions and their connection to the central Rick. Exemplifying one of the series' initial enthralling episodes, it truly sets the precedent for the unfolding narrative.

6 "The Vat of Acid" - Season 4, Episode 8

This episode devotes its focus to Morty's solo plot as Rick invents a device known as the "save point." This innovative device grants Rick the power to rewrite any aspect of his life, even evading death. The episode delves into the ethical responsibility of learning from our mistakes and striving for self-improvement. It exemplifies Morty's inclination to rewrite fragments of his life in order to evade obligations, responsibilities, and even the most trivial errors. As Morty discovers love with someone who could potentially be his soulmate, it appears that he could cultivate a more fulfilling existence and embrace whatever the future may hold. However, due to an unfortunate turn of events resulting from his unintended usage of the device, that life and love are irrevocably erased, making it impossible for Morty to ever regain that relationship.

5 "Meeseeks and Destroy" - Season 1, Episode 5

4 "Pickle Rick" - Season 3, Episode 3

One of the most iconic episodes in Rick and Morty, season 1, episode 5, features a beloved character that has become a popular meme among fans. This episode introduces Mr. Meeseeks, a unique being created solely to fulfill tasks and assist their user. When a Mr. Meeseeks is summoned, it exists until its assigned task is completed, and then it promptly vanishes. However, the Smith family's knack for misusing Rick's inventions leads to a hilarious turn of events when Jerry creates a Mr. Meeseeks and assigns them the extremely challenging task of improving his golf skills. Jerry's incompetence proves to be overwhelming, leading Mr. Meeseeks to call upon another to aid him, and the cycle continues. The chaos and clever interactions in this episode, along with the introduction of Mr. Meeseeks, solidify its status as one of the greatest episodes in the series.

Another hugely popular character variant is born in the episode known as "Pickle Rick". In a clever attempt to evade a family therapy session, Rick transforms himself into a pickle. Simple as that. The absurdity escalates rapidly as Pickle Rick accidentally plummets down a drain and is compelled to devise elaborate strategies to return to his laboratory and regain his human form. The combination of Rick's zany antics, his ingenious problem-solving, and his unwavering determination to avoid familial obligations converge to make this episode one of the series' absolute finest, narrowly missing a spot among the top three.

3 "The Rickshank Redemption" - Season 3, Episode 1

2 "Total Rickall" - Season 2, Episode 4

: "The Rickshank Redemption" marks the beginning of season 3, revisiting captivating storylines such as the Council of Ricks, the Cronenberged Earth, and the colonization plot from episode 10 of Rick and Morty season 2, titled "The Wedding Squanchers". This episode offers a delightful combination of elements. It also generated one of the most significant real-world impacts from the series, resulting in a collaboration with McDonald's to reintroduce Szechuan sauce for a limited duration. In addition to providing a redemption arc for Rick, as he obliterates the Galactic Federation, this episode propels the story forward significantly. Hence, it rightfully claims the third spot on this list.

"Total Rickall" stands out as the ultimate standalone story in the entire series, detached from the overarching plots. Drawing inspiration from movies like John Carpenter's The Thing and Total Recall, an alien being infiltrates the Smith family, embedding false memories to make them believe it has always been a part of their lives. The characters introduced into the family are beyond absurd, featuring the now infamous Mr. Poopybutthole, a unicorn, a sentient pencil, iconic creatures from classic horror, and numerous others.

The family sincerely considers each of these creatures as a beloved member of their tight-knit family, and when the time comes to weed out the fakes, tensions run high. This episode unquestionably delivers on everything that Rick and Morty guarantees. It serves up surreal comedy, a gamut of emotions, and impeccably coherent storytelling, even when exploring the most outlandish concepts.

1 "The Ricklantis Mixup" - Season 3, Episode 7

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discusses how episode 7 of Rick and Morty season 3, titled "The Ricklantis Mixup," returns to the Citadel and explores the interconnected stories of various versions of Rick and Morty. This episode intelligently tackles complex themes such as poverty, LGBTQ+ rights, police violence, and politics in a thought-provoking manner. Despite the weightiness of these topics, the episode maintains a delightful and mischievous tone, propelling the overall storyline forward. The ability of this episode to seamlessly blend numerous concepts into an enjoyable and outrageous segment of an inherently absurd animated comedy is truly remarkable, solidifying it as the finest episode of Rick and Morty thus far.