Rick and Morty Seasons Ranked: From the Best to the Worst

In a playful, unconventional manner, the multiverse of “Rick and Morty” offers a blend of humor, surprise, and even moments that might make you uncomfortable – yet we’re more than happy to indulge! This adult-oriented series made its debut on Adult Swim in 2013 without any prior notice but has managed to hold our interest for an impressive eighth season. Given this, it seems ideal to revisit the initial seven seasons and arrange them from least favorite to most beloved.

The adult animated show revolutionized storytelling by offering fans an unusual yet appealing premise. It delved into the special relationship between its main characters, Rick Sanchez – a genius but alcoholic scientist – and his grandson Morty, who is awkward and prone to anxiety. As a team, they journeyed through various universes, encountered outlandish alien societies, narrowly avoided disasters, and engaged in numerous unlawful escapades.

The outcome was a wacky, extravagant, heavily sci-fi series that incorporated social critique as well. “Rick and Morty” deviated from the conventional family sitcom structure and opted for a surreal one immersed in themes of existential anxiety and sincere emotion instead. Here is our ranking of all 7 seasons of “Rick and Morty“.

7
Season 5 (2021)

As a die-hard cinema enthusiast, I’m thrilled to dive into my perspective on the fifth season of “Rick and Morty.” Right off the bat, this installment hurls us back into the whimsical chaos that the series is renowned for. The opener, titled “Mort Dinner With Andre,” introduces Rick’s age-old foe, Mr. Nimbus in a grand fashion, though he promptly exits the stage.

The season is brimming with intricate sci-fi concepts and anarchy at every turn. For instance, we witness Morty’s ill-fated romance with Planetina in “A Rickconvenient Mort,” and the unintentional monster born in “Rickdependence Spray.” This episode, one of the most debatable and contentious of the season, is a testament to this.

While the show remains faithful to its absurd nature, it seems that narrative consistency takes a back seat in the process.

Wildly Ambitious but Uneven

The fifth season of this show is undeniably innovative, featuring some truly imaginative episodes, but it often lacks uniformity. The humor can be quite raw, and at times certain episodes seem more like fillers than substantial additions to the storyline and continuity. However, the season finale, titled “Rickmurai Jack,” was a real turning point. It delves into Rick’s past, explaining why he created his portal gun for traversing multiple universes. Moreover, it sheds light on Evil Morty and disrupts the existing order in a way that left viewers eagerly anticipating Season 6.

From a critical standpoint, Season 5 was quite polarizing. It boasts an 86% score on Rotten Tomatoes and 89 on Metacritic. Critics raised concerns about its erratic rhythm and the assortment of episodes that vary from brilliant to bewildering. Despite featuring some unforgettable, fantastically creative scenes, Season 5 is rated lower than Season 6 primarily because of its inconsistency.

6
Season 6 (2022)

Following the intense climax of Season 5, Rick and Morty launches into Season 6 with a refreshingly lighter mood. This season explores the ripple effects of Evil Morty’s escape and the devastation of the Citadel. The narrative delves deeper into Rick’s vulnerabilities than ever before, revealing aspects of his past, his decisions, and the repercussions of Rick Prime murdering his wife, Diane, and daughter, Beth. Morty is still struggling to establish an identity separate from his grandfather’s shadow. The Smith family also finds themselves embroiled in the chaos, with the relationship between Beth and Space Beth taking center stage in “Bethic Twinstict,” and Summer demonstrating her action-hero abilities in “Rick: A Mort Well Lived.

A Season of Growth

In simpler terms, while Season 6 might not be the best one overall, it’s unique because it doesn’t shy away from change. The character of Rick has grown even more this season, revealing flaws that were previously hidden beneath his seemingly infallible exterior. Episodes like “Full Meta Jackrick” push the boundaries of the show’s narrative by interacting with elements outside of the story itself, which keeps the humor fresh and engaging. Critics also appreciated Season 6 for its blend of comedy and introspection, praising it for striking a good balance between the two.

boasting an 86 Metascore, a 91% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and positive feedback from audiences, it’s widely regarded as surpassing Season 5. The humor is off-the-wall and thought-provoking, yet occasionally veers excessively into complex story arcs.

5
Season 4 (2019)

In the fourth series of “Rick and Morty,” the debut episode titled “Edge of Tomorty: Rick Die Rickpeat” is a thought-provoking one as it delves into themes of destiny, parallel worlds, and sets the stage for episodes that range from outrageous humor to intellectual brilliance. In this season, Rick displays an even greater level of arrogance while Morty gains more independence, leading him into the riskiest predicaments ever. The highlights of the season are episodes such as “The Vat of Acid Episode” and “Rattlestar Ricklactica,” which are not only amusing but also display a remarkable blend of wit and intelligence.

A Season of Wild Lows and Wilder Highs

Season 4, once more, is a blend with its fair share of ups and downs. Unlike Season 6, it’s not as disappointing because certain episodes effectively deliver sharp wit, such as “One Crew Over the Crewcoo’s Morty,” where a master thief steals a massive prize right from under Rick and Morty during their treasure hunt adventure. The season’s main strength is its willingness to explore new territories, even when the risks don’t always yield favorable results. While Rick’s character remains largely unchanged, Morty’s shows signs of growing discontent and an eagerness to step out of his comfort zone.

Season 4 received generally positive feedback from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, it has an impressive 94% approval rating, with critics collectively praising it as “an exhilarating advancement” and “a charming comeback to its original essence,” suggesting that the two-year wait was well worth it.

4
Season 7 (2023)

Season 7 of “Rick and Morty” witnesses a noticeable change in mood, as Ian Cardoni and Harry Belden step into the roles of Rick and Morty, respectively, following Justin Roiland’s departure from the show, both as creator and voice actor. Despite this transition, the season continues to preserve its strongest aspects, with fans expressing their unanimous approval. The main storyline follows Rick in his quest for revenge against Prime Rick, culminating in “Unmortricken,” where he confronts his arch-enemy and kills him.

A New Era with Familiar Tropes

As a film enthusiast, I must say that Season 7 doesn’t disappoint! It’s packed with delightful standalone episodes like “Wet Kuat Amortican Summer,” where summer camp clichés are hilariously skewered, and “Fear No Mort,” which delves deep into the heart of Morty’s fears. What truly sets Season 7 apart is its remarkable ability to strike a perfect balance between moments that make you laugh out loud and those that provoke thought. It tackles existential themes and serves up sharp commentary, demonstrating its unique ability to be both absurdly entertaining and profoundly impactful at the same time.

The response from viewers during this season presents a unique narrative, and a 77% rating on Rotten Tomatoes is supported by critical reviews praising the smooth transition of the voice cast. Admittedly, some fans may miss Roiland’s signature performance, but the captivating storylines and humorous character arcs more than compensate for the change, ensuring that the show maintains its freshness.

3
Season 1 (2013)

The beginning of everything was marked by the unanticipated debut of Season 1 on Adult Swim, which brought us the characters of Rick Sanchez and his grandson Morty Smith from the series Rick and Morty. Right off the bat in the “Pilot” episode, the show established its unique blend of dark humor, existential dread, eccentric characters, and thought-provoking sci-fi aspects. Rick’s risky experiments and Morty’s personal struggles; they journeyed through dimensions, leaving a trail of episodes such as “Meeseeks and Destroy” and “Rick Potion #9.

The Captivating Birth of Madness and Genius

As a die-hard fan, I must admit that Season 1 of Rick and Morty was nothing short of extraordinary for me. It marked the introduction of the Smith family – Beth, Jerry, and Summer – each grappling with their own issues as Rick’s influence on their lives became more profound. The genius behind this series can be attributed to the brilliant minds of Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon.

The debut season is a marvel because it lays the foundation for an entirely new universe. From its unique setting, the intriguing concept of the multiverse, and the surreal dimensions, to the fast-paced humor, emotional depth, and themes that would later unfold – it’s all there in Season 1, like a jigsaw puzzle waiting to be put together.

I must admit, as a fan, the first season of “Rick and Morty” was surprisingly captivating despite its inexperienced installation. To my delight, it skyrocketed to fame, earning an impressive 97% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It didn’t take long for it to amass a dedicated fanbase, eventually solidifying itself as the most popular adult animated series. Later seasons may have perfected the formula, but this one will always hold a special place in my heart for being the introduction to this remarkable series.

2
Season 3 (2017)

In the third season of “Rick and Morty,” the story kicks off with an episode titled “The Rickshank Rickdemption,” where the character Rick manages to break free from the Galactic Federation following a masterful act of manipulation. Throughout this season, Rick’s overarching themes of arrogance and nihilism take center stage. An example is the episode “Pickle Rick,” in which Rick transforms himself into a pickle as a way to evade therapy and confront his feelings. Meanwhile, Morty and Summer become increasingly ruthless as they assume control of their own destiny.

The Darkest and Most Subversive of All Seasons

This third season of “Rick and Morty” delves deeply into its own narrative structure, maintaining humor throughout while intensely exploring its darker themes. Rick’s god-like ego reaches new heights, contrasting sharply with Morty’s growing desire for independence. One particularly notable aspect is Beth’s character development, subtly unfolding in “The ABCs of Beth.” As she recognizes similarities between herself and her father, she starts to question her own identity.

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but sing praises for Season 3, a standout chapter with an impressive 96% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have hailed it as the series’ most engaging and daring season yet, packed with bold narrative decisions, mind-bending plot twists, sharp social commentary, and an unwavering dedication to exploring the limits of animation. Simply put, it’s a visual and storytelling masterpiece that keeps me on the edge of my seat!

1
Season 2 (2015)

Without a doubt, Season 2 builds upon everything fantastic from Season 1 and takes it to new heights, making it still incomparable. The season presented some of the series’ top episodes. It begins with “A Rickle in Time,” an intriguing episode that sends Rick and Morty on a mind-bending adventure that splits reality, followed by Albert Einstein creating the famous mass-energy equation out of spite towards Rick. Another standout, titled “Auto Erotic Assimilation,” delves into Rick’s relationships and his romance with Unity, an old flame, only to reveal his fundamental loneliness beneath the surface.

Bigger, Bolder, and More Existential

In Season 2, “Rick and Morty” begins delving into its own absurdity, making us question reality. This is the time where Rick’s tender side becomes more evident. The narrative gets intricate yet crucial for the show’s development. Meanwhile, Morty continues his struggle to comprehend his role in his grandfather’s universe. For instance, episodes like “The Ricks Must Be Crazy” depict a miniature world inside Rick’s car battery, which he rules entirely. The season ends with a powerful blow in “The Wedding Squanchers,” as it compels Rick to make a monumental choice.

With a remarkable approval rating of 91% on Rotten Tomatoes, many agree that Season 2 of Rick and Morty stands out as the finest season. It strikes an excellent balance between humor and sci-fi, incorporates just the right amount of quirky elements and substance, and flourishes with its darker undercurrents. In comparison to Season 1, it appears more refined, more creative, and offers a more consistent experience.

2025-05-18 01:35

Rick and Morty Seasons Ranked: From the Best to the Worst

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