Top 9 Most Outlandish 'Rick and Morty' Episodes: A Multiversal Countdown

9. The Decoy War: A Nihilistic Clone Clash

Starting our list at number nine, 'Mortyplicity' plunges us into a chaotic battle of Rick's own making. By setting up decoy Smith families, Rick inadvertently sparks an all-out clone war, blurring the lines between reality and illusion. The episode is a masterclass in existential dread, as decoy after decoy is eliminated in a series of increasingly inventive and gruesome ways. This bloodbath serves as a stark reminder of the show's nihilistic outlook on existence within an infinite multiverse, where the lives of clones are as disposable as the next universe.

Rick fights a decoy Rick in rick and morty

8. Rise of the Numbericons: A Numeric Nonsense

At number eight, 'Rise of the Numbericons: The Movie' stands out as a bizarre excursion into a conflict between numbers and letters. The episode, devoid of Rick's presence, is a bold narrative choice, showcasing the series’ penchant for surrealism. The Numbericons' war and Water-T's quest to unravel a prophecy are both ludicrous and captivating, reflecting 'Rick and Morty's ability to craft outlandish plots from the most mundane inspirations—in this case, a pun on Ice-T’s name. It's a testament to the show's creative freedom and the writers' willingness to dive deep into the rabbit hole of absurdity.

Water-T shoots sentient numbers while dual wielding guns in Rick and Morty

7. Tommy's Dark Survival in Froopyland

Seventh on our list is 'The ABC's of Beth,' an episode that takes a childhood fantasy land and twists it into a narrative of survival and insanity. Froopyland, created by Rick for young Beth, becomes the backdrop for one of the show's darkest tales. Tommy's methods of survival through cannibalism and breeding with the land's creatures are shocking, even for 'Rick and Morty's standards. The visual designs of his half-human offspring are unsettling, to say the least, and the episode leaves viewers contemplating the horrific consequences of Rick's inventions and the psychological impact on Beth.

Froopyland Rick and morty

6. The Battle of Blood Ridge: Birdperson's War-Torn Past

The sixth spot is claimed by 'Rickternal Friendshine of the Spotless Mort,' an episode that delves into the deep bond between Rick and Birdperson. Through an exploration of Birdperson's memories, we witness the Battle of Blood Ridge, a pivotal moment in his fight against the Galactic Federation and his relationship with Rick. This episode gives us a rare glimpse into Rick's capacity for friendship and loyalty, set against the backdrop of an intergalactic conflict. It's a powerful mix of character development and backstory, showcasing the emotional depth that 'Rick and Morty' can reach amidst its typical craziness.

Rick and Birdperson at Blood Ridge

5. The Time-Traveling Snake Fiasco

Midway through our list at number five is 'Rattlestar Ricklactica,' an episode that plays with the often-avoided concept of time travel within the 'Rick and Morty' universe. A snake astronaut and Morty's misguided compassion kick off a sequence of events that lead to a Terminator-esque war of snakes across time. The episode is a brilliant satire of time-travel tropes, complete with snake versions of familiar historical figures. The sheer absurdity of a snake civilization's rise and fall through the interference of time travel is a perfect example of the show's ability to take a simple idea to its most ludicrous conclusion.

A Terminator snake in Rick and Morty

4. Pickle Rick: The Brined Battler's Emotional Journey

Securing the fourth place, 'Pickle Rick' captures the essence of 'Rick and Morty's wild inventiveness. Rick's transformation into a pickle to dodge family therapy is bizarre enough, but his subsequent battle for survival, complete with a rat carcass mech-suit, elevates the episode to iconic status. Despite the memetic fame, the episode also completes an emotional arc for Rick, tying his absurd adventure back to the very human issue of family dynamics and personal growth. It's a stark reminder of the show's capability to weave meaningful narratives through the veil of its own strangeness.

Pickle Rick with two knife arms in Rick and Morty

3. Morty's Dystopian Reality Check

Claiming the third spot, 'Rick Potion #9' confronts Morty with the harsh realities of his adventures with Rick. The episode is a turning point, showcasing the series' willingness to explore the grimmer aspects of its multiverse. Morty's realization of the consequences of Rick's experiments, which leave their original dimension in apocalyptic ruin, is a defining moment for his character. The act of burying their own corpses in a new dimension is both chilling and thought-provoking, framing the show's humor within a much darker context.

The Smith family in the post-apocalyptic Prime dimension. (Rick and Morty)

2. Mr. Poopybutthole's Tragicomedy

At the runner-up spot, Mr. Poopybutthole's arc in 'Total Rickall' and subsequent episodes is a tragicomic exploration of a character who began as a joke. His life's downward spiral post-shooting adds layers of depth to what could have been a one-note gag. The progression of his story, including job loss and marital issues, is both humorous and heartrending, reflecting 'Rick and Morty's ability to surprise viewers with emotional depth in the most unexpected of places. Mr. Poopybutthole's journey through dimensions and personal struggles epitomizes the show's blend of comedy and pathos.

Mr. Poopybutthole sits on the floor drooling and clutching a bottle of booze while Beth looks on in Rick and Morty season 7

1. The Anthological Amusement of the Story Train

Topping our list at number one is 'Never Ricking Morty,' an episode that takes metanarrative to the extreme. The Story Train serves as a vehicle for a rapid succession of vignettes, each more bizarre than the last, all while being trapped in a literal narrative device by the Story Lord. This episode is 'Rick and Morty' at its most self-aware, simultaneously deconstructing and celebrating the art of storytelling. It shatters TV conventions with a sardonic wit, cementing itself as the pinnacle of the show's creative ambition and its ability to push the boundaries of what a sitcom can be.

Rick and Morty shill Story Train playset