The possibilities for the science-fiction genre are seemingly endless, and yet so many sci-fi stories cover the same ground. It’s why Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon’s Adult Swim series Rick and Morty has been such a breath of fresh air since it debut in 2013. The show is genuine hard sci-fi, with well thought-out premises and situations that aren’t simply forgotten or discarded after one episode. Roiland and Harmon double down on these stories, while adhering to the rules of the universe they’ve created. But Rick and Morty is also sharply, sometimes darkly funny, offering up a variety of ridiculous, crude, and hilarious situations and moments.
The show endures, however, because of its heart. You may not immediately think of compassion when it comes to Rick and Morty, but it’s there. The love that Roiland and Harmon have for these characters permeates, and they’re not afraid to approach difficult situations and subject matter with real, sometimes tough emotions. That is what makes Rick and Morty far more than a raunchy cartoon or strange sci-fi series.
With that in mind, I went back and revisited all the Rick and Morty episodes from the first three seasons and ranked them from worst to best, in an effort to further dive into what makes this show special episode by episode. Truth be told, there’s really not a single worthless episode of Rick and Morty—there’s good to be found in even the least memorable of the bunch, so think of this as a way of appreciating each episode of the show rather than an episode-by-episode judgment.
Without further ado, let’s get started…
41.) “Pilot”
AKA “The First One” Season 1, Episode 1
The first episode of Rick and Morty is a little rough, which isn’t entirely unexpected. Pilots are hard, and this show was born out of a silly Back to the Future parody, so this episode leans a little too heavy on nods to that film and the constant “Morty!” spouting from Rick gets a bit grating. But there was certainly enough here to show promise for the series to come, and the show absolutely understood the dynamic between Rick and Morty from the start—this is a relationship in which Rick will ask his grandson to shove alien seeds waaaaaay up his butt. The episode’s conclusion, with Morty writhing in pain on the floor while Rick screams at him, is also a foundational piece of their relationship and tells viewers this is definitely going to be a “no hugging, no learning,” kind of show.
40.) “Something Ricked This Way Comes”
AKA “The One with The Devil” Season 1, Episode 9
Rick and Morty is very much its own thing, but this episode is the one that feels the most like an homage to Futurama (or maybe it’s just the inclusion of the Devil). It’s a fun episode with an interesting premise, and Jerry’s subplot about going to Pluto has some solid jokes. But this one doesn’t exactly stick the emotional landing it’s going for in regards to the Jerry subplot, and the Devil storyline fizzles out in an uncharacteristically expected conclusion.
39.) “Raising Gazorpazorp”
AKA “The One with the Sex Doll” Season 1, Episode 7
After the heftiness of “Rick Potion #9”, we get a relatively lighter episode in which Morty becomes a parent. There are some great jokes in this episode, and exploring the difficulties of fatherhood through this young boy is a fun premise, but ultimately it’s more of a middle-of-the-road entry.
38.) “Lawnmower Dog”
AKA “The One with Scary Terry” Season 1, Episode 2
Rick and Morty is at its best when it’s doing its own thing, which makes this Inception parody just a little subpar in the overall legion of Rick and Morty episodes. That said, there’s enough of Roiland and Harmon’s distinct flavor here to make it interesting, and the subversion of expectations for Scary Terry makes for a hilarious payoff. As is true of most of these early episodes, the domestic stuff is a bit iffy, but again the lengths to which Roiland and Harmon are willing to take a silly premise like a talking dog make Rick and Morty a very twisted cut above.
37.) “Ricksy Business”
AKA “The One with the Titanic Getaway” Season 1, Episode 11
Season 1 comes to a close with a fun, crazy character-filled installment that’s enjoyable enough, but not especially memorable. The Jerry/Beth Titanic getaway subplot has a few interesting surprises but lacks any big, memorable moment, while the party at the house is a bit unfocused. It does, however, go off on a high note with Rick breaking the fourth wall to dance and tease Season 2.
36.) “Look Who’s Purging Now”
AKA “The One with Tony! Toni! Toné!” Season 2, Episode 9
It was a bit surprising to see Roiland and Harmon tackle a Purge parody in their second season, and as such it’s probably the least memorable of that bunch. It’s fun enough, but after so much great original sci-fi it was a bit of a bummer to just see a full-on lift of another premise. That said, Morty’s interaction with the lighthouse keeper is a definite highlight, and it’s impossible not to have “Feels Good” stuck in your head long after watching.
35.) “Anatomy Park”
AKA “The One with Pirates of the Pancreas” Season 1, Episode 3
This was the first episode to really showcase the dynamism and extent of the science-fiction aspect of the show. While “Lawnmower Dog” deals in dreamscapes, “Anatomy Park” brings to life a fully functioning theme park inside a dead hobo. That in and of itself is the joke, but the park has a tremendous amount of specificity to it that makes it tangible and compelling as genuine sci-fi, aside from the jokes. Plus John Oliver is perfect casting as the John Hammond-esque park director. The domestic subplot, however—involving a polyamorous relationship for Jerry’s parents—is kind of dead weight here.
34.) "One Crew over the Crewcoo’s Morty"
AKA “The One Where Dan Harmon Clearly Hates Heist Movies” Season 4, Episode 3
Okay so the Heist Con episode is at once incredibly fun and incredibly frustrating. It’s hilarious how severely Dan Harmon hates heist movies, and you can feel that anger seething through in the entirety of the episode. But this is also one where the joke goes on and on and on and on, and while the punchline works, getting there is sometimes a little repetitive. Which of course is the point, so I imagine this one hits differently for different people, but for me it doesn’t quite get there. Despite the fact that it includes one of the show’s best jokes ever when Rick tells the con-goers, “Your boos mean nothing, I’ve seen what makes you cheer!”
33.) "Edge of Tomorty: Rick Die Rickpeat"
AKA “The One with All the Nazis” Season 4, Episode 1
The Season 4 opener came after a long, long wait for new episodes, and it delivered by giving us a story in which Rick really and truly dies. Of course he has a contingency plan, but watching Morty obsess over dying with Jessica at his side while Rick keeps being resurrected in worse and worse timelines is tons of fun. The episode is also poignant, which is Rick and Morty at its best. Morty’s wrongheaded obsession with this supposed endpoint leads him to live a life lacking in any substance at all, driven by a single fear. But what’s truly touching is seeing how Rick may finally have changed—he genuinely cares about Morty’s well-being, working to save him from the death crystal’s grip. Solid ep, bro.
32.) “Get Schwifty”
AKA “The One with Ice-T” Season 2, Episode 5
The “alien invasion threatens the planet” premise has been done to death, so Roiland and Harmon offer a counterpoint: “aliens force Earth into an American Idol-style singing competition.” It’s as ridiculous as it sounds, and credit to Roiland and Harmon for crafting genuinely memorable songs for this. The episode is also bolstered by a subplot involving Jerry, Beth, Summer and other townspeople mistaking the giant alien heads for new gods, and while this story probably could’ve been improved by taking the lead in an episode, it’s enjoyable enough.
