Watch All of ‘Rick and Morty’ in 18 Episodes
How to learn everything you need to know about the characters and the story.
Not everyone can binge all 41 episodes at once, but what if you’re itching to watch TV’s favorite scientist go on adventures with his grandson? Below is a list comprised of key episodes in Rick and Morty which will allow you to understand the nature of the story and its characters.
These episodes focus on both the story behind the series and the relationships between Rick Sanchez and his family: specifically how those relationships are constantly evolving. Whether you’re looking to delve into the thrilling world of sci-fi, ironic self-aware humor, gleaming pop-culture, and historical references, or the sporadic shifts in tone, this article have you covered.
1. “Pilot” — Season 1, Episode 1
A must-watch. “Pilot” introduces Rick Sanchez and the relationship he has with his family, along with the humor you’ll grow accustomed to while watching the series.
2. “Rick Potion #9” — Season 1, Episode 6
Perhaps the most important episode in the series. A wild Morty-induced Rick mishap will change the direction of the series, and the relationships between our characters…forever.
3. “Close Rick-Counters of the Rick Kind” — Season 1, Episode 10
A brilliant addition to the series by the writers. We get a first-hand look into the Citadel of Rick’s, and the extensive universe beyond Rick and Morty’s adventures. More importantly, a reveal of Rick’s motives and an important step in the development of his relationship with Morty, and Morty’s stance with Rick…or against?
4. “Auto-Erotic Assimilation” — Season 2, Episode 3
Everyone has feelings, but it may be harder than one thinks to find a suitable partner for the smartest man in the universe. This episode puts an emphasis on what makes Rick so damaged; in other words what makes Rick…Rick.
5. “The Ricks Must Be Crazy” — Season 2, Episode 6
A refreshing detour from our well-paced character and story development exhibits Rick’s knack for making enemies — perhaps enemies that could come back to haunt him in the future.
6. “The Wedding Squanchers” — Season 2, Episode 10
The season 2 finale presents a new obstacle for Rick and the family. They must overcome devastating betrayal, loss, and sacrifice.
NOTE: The following includes a large portion of episodes from season 3. While difficult to select, many of the episodes in season 3 advance the dynamic between Rick and his family on a larger scale than other episodes within the series as a whole.
7. “The Rickshank Rickdemption” — Season 3, Episode 1
Following the events of the Season 2 finale, we get another look into Rick’s motives, and what drives his everlasting selfishness. Additionally, we see how the family deals with the absence of Rick.
8. “Pickle Rick” — Season 3, Episode 3
Arguably the most iconic episode to come out of the series. “Pickle Rick” depicts Beth’s growing attachment for her father as she defends his evident ploy to avoid a family-therapy session. Beth is clearly in denial about her need for her father’s love and approval.
9. “Vindicators 3: The Return of Worldender” — Season 3, Episode 4
Not only does it have a callback to Morty’s triumphant adventure from earlier in the series (not listed) but it provides a key moment in the evolution of Morty’s opinion of Rick.
10. “The Ricklantis Mixup” — Season 3, Episode 7
This standalone episode offers another peek into the expanded Citadel of Rick’s along with some major conflicts that could potentially effect the series’ future.
11. “Morty’s Mind Blowers” — Season 3, Episode 8
Rick reveals to Morty an arsenal of memories Morty has asked Rick to erase, some of which contain comedic skits into the past while others…contain troubling bouts of hidden history which Rick prefers to keep hidden from Morty.
12. “The ABC’s of Beth” — Season 3, Episode 9
While Morty and Summer tend to Jerry’s predilection for making mistakes, Rick and Beth adventure into a fantasy world to right a wrong from Beth’s past, ultimately leading to her making a decision that will once again lead to a major shift in the series’ tone. Additionally, we see how friction between Beth and Rick will dramatically effect their relationship.
13. “The Rickchurian Mortydate” — Episode 10
Immediately following the previous episode, Beth battles the aftermath of a troubling decision. We also get another look into Rick’s talent for making enemies, and how he must make a decision that will determine his future.
14. “Edge of Tomorty: Rick Die Rickpeat” — Season 4, Episode 1
Rick and Morty learn valuable lessons about themselves in different scenarios, which will change their behavior moving forward.
15. “The Old Man and the Seat” — Season 4, Episode 2
Another look into what makes Rick…Rick, gives us a new perspective on his emotions, how he deals with conflict, and how much that conflict can affect him. Overall, another great leap in Rick’s character development.
16. “One Crew over the Crewcoo’s Morty” — Season 4, Episode 3
An elaborate heist-filled episode with references to Indiana Jones, the Ocean’s franchise and more, makes for a humorous ploy from Rick to make fun of how stupid he thinks heist movies are…only to discover he has a hidden motive.
17. “The Vat of Acid Episode” — Season 4, Episode 8
A personal favorite. We see what lengths Rick is willing to go to prove to Morty he is always right — and that he can do anything.
Enjoy this first-hand look into the writers explanation of how the episode came to be, along with fascinating details of how much the director contributed to the episode.
18. “Star Mort: Rickturn of the Jerri” — Season 4, Episode 10
Our season 4 finale and most recent episode to date settles unturned stones from earlier in the series, some of which will affect certain characters’ relationship with Rick. Ultimately, this episode reveals a past decision that will once again change the direction of the series.
While watching these episodes will put you in a great position to understand the show and its characters, I highly encourage you to watch other episodes as well. Rick and Morty offer a unique combination of sci-fi, comedy, and drama that you won’t find anywhere else.
