After seven seasons, Rick and Morty has solidified its place as one of the best animated sitcoms ever produced. The show's unique combination of high-concept storytelling, absurd humor, and emotionally charged character development sets it apart, even if fans sometimes endure long waits between seasons. Although Rick and Morty had shifted to an annual release schedule, Season 8's arrival this year was delayed due to the 2023 Writers Guild strike, which lasted five months.

As we eagerly anticipate the next installment of Rick and Morty, let's dive into IGN's selection of the top 15 episodes. Where do classics like "Pickle Rick" and "Rixty Minutes" rank? Keep reading to discover the rankings.

The Top 15 Rick and Morty Episodes

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15. "The Ricklantis Mixup" (S3E7)

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This Season 3 episode masterfully defies expectations. Billed as a journey to Atlantis, "The Ricklantis Mixup" instead focuses on the Citadel, exploring the lives of various Ricks and Mortys. The episode's surprising conclusion ties up a loose end from a previous season, paving the way for a major confrontation in Season 5.

14. "Solaricks" (S6E1)

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While Season 6 may not be the strongest, it kicks off with a stellar premiere in "Solaricks." Following the dramatic Season 5 finale, Rick and Morty navigate a universe without portals, leading to a hilarious misadventure. The episode deepens the rivalry between Rick and Rick Prime and cleverly utilizes the Beth/Space Beth dynamic. Plus, Jerry's unexpected heroism adds a delightful twist.

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

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Heist movies get a hilarious twist in this Season 4 episode. Rick's Heist-o-Tron and his nemesis Rand-o-Tron lead to an increasingly absurd plot. The episode brings back fan-favorite Mr. Poopybutthole and delivers a memorable line that became an internet sensation: "I’m Pickle Rick!!!!"

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

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Ever curious about Rick's spaceship power source? This episode delves into the microverse that fuels it, pitting Rick against Zeep Zanflorp. The series reflects on existential themes while providing a comedic subplot involving Summer's protection by Rick's ship.

11. "Rickmurai Jack" (S5E10)

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The Season 5 finale answers lingering questions about Evil Morty's motives. Starting with Rick's crow obsession and anime-inspired fight scenes, the episode shifts focus to Evil Morty's desire for freedom from Rick's influence, highlighting Rick's self-destructive tendencies.

10. "Meeseeks and Destroy" (S1E5)

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This episode showcases Beth and Jerry's potential to steal the spotlight. While Morty's adventure goes awry, Mr. Meeseeks' quest to help Beth and Jerry achieve their goals leads to comedic and poignant moments, especially with Jerry's golfing misadventures.

9. "Mort Dinner Rick Andre" (S5E1)

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Season 5 introduces Mr. Nimbus, a hilarious parody of Aquaman/Namor. The episode balances the feud between Rick and Mr. Nimbus with Morty's encounter with beings from a faster-moving dimension and Beth and Jerry's contemplation of a threesome with the King of Atlantis.

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

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This episode starts with a misleading premise before taking a wild, humorous turn. Morty's quest for control over his adventures leads to a time-rewind button, resulting in a mix of sci-fi concepts, biting humor, and emotional twists, including Morty's heart-wrenching experience with the game Roy: A Life Well Lived.

7. "Pickle Rick" (S3E3)

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The episode that spawned countless memes, "Pickle Rick" sees Rick transform into a pickle to avoid family therapy. His subsequent adventures, including a showdown with Jaguar, highlight the show's wackiest and most over-the-top moments.

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

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Early in its run, Rick and Morty found its voice with this episode. Morty's attempt to win Jessica's love goes disastrously wrong, leading to a shocking conclusion where Rick and Morty must abandon their dimension. The ripple effects of this episode are felt throughout the series.

5. "The Wedding Squanchers" (S2E10)

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What begins as a celebration of Birdperson and Tammy's wedding turns into chaos as the Galactic Federation targets Rick. The episode's emotional climax sees Rick sacrifice himself, marking one of the series' most poignant moments.

4. "Mortynight Run" (S2E2)

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Rick and Morty clash over protecting an alien named Fart. The episode stands out with its details, from Jermaine Clement's David Bowie-inspired performance to Morty's harrowing experience with Roy: A Life Well Lived. Jerry's subplot at a Jerry-only daycare is a highlight.

3. "Rixty Minutes" (S1E8)

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An episode centered around watching TV becomes one of the series' best. The Smiths explore Rick's interdimensional cable, encountering bizarre shows and characters like Ants in My Eyes Johnson. The episode also delves into the emotional struggles of Jerry and Beth as they glimpse alternate lives, and Morty consoles Summer about the events of "Rick Potion No. 9."

2. "Auto Erotic Assimilation" (S2E3)

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Rick reunites with his ex-lover Unity, leading to a hedonistic spiral that reveals why they're a bad match. The episode's tragic ending, with Rick nearly committing suicide, underscores the loneliness and instability beneath his bravado.

1. "Total Rickall" (S2E4)

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"Total Rickall" epitomizes Rick and Morty's brilliance. An alien parasite invades the Smiths' memories, creating a host of memorable side characters. The episode seamlessly blends humor and emotional depth, culminating in the poignant fate of Mr. Poopybutthole.