The Simpsons isn’t only a profitable animated sitcom; it’s an American establishment. With over 700 episodes since its 1989 inception, The Simpsons is the longest-running animated collection, American sitcom, and scripted primetime TV collection.

America’s favourite dysfunctional household, Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and little Maggie, have greater than 30 years’ value of hijinks within the bag. Whereas each fan has their favourite episode, most agree that these high 10 Simpsons episodes have the right mixture of satire and irreverence that makes The Simpsons magic. With the present’s just lately concluded its thirty fourth season, it cemented its place because the longest-running American animated collection. One of the best Simpsons episodes on IMDb proceed to barely shift with every new season, however nonetheless largely function titles from the beloved traditional Simpsons period.

The Simpsons

Launch Date

December 17, 1989

Major Style

Comedy

Seasons

36

Watch on Disney+

25 “Bart Sells His Soul” (Season 7, Episode 4)

IMDb Ranking: 8.8/10

Within the Season 7 episode “Bart Sells His Soul,” a uncertain and conceited Bart impulsively sells his soul to his finest buddy Milhouse for 5 {dollars}, ridiculing anybody who factors out its significance. Whereas Bart does not assume a lot of it initially, he begins to doubt his personal beliefs after a collection of unusual occurrences level to the existence of the soul. Bart quickly fears the implications of his actions and tries to take it again.

“Bart Sells His Soul” proves that existentialist themes may be explored past movie, with the present cleverly addressing philosophical and religious topics whereas nonetheless delivering loads of laughs. The episode’s author Greg Daniels was truly impressed by a childhood expertise the place he “purchased” a bully’s soul, making Bart’s story even funnier because it’s rooted in actuality.

24 “Treehouse of Horror IV” (Season 5, Episode 5)

IMDb Ranking: 8.8/10

Any fan of the collection is probably going conversant in the Halloween-themed Simpsons episodes, with “Treehouse of Horror IV” among the many best ones. Within the first section, “The Satan and Homer Simpson,” Homer sells his soul to the satan, who seems to be suspiciously like Ned Flanders, for a donut. In “Terror at 5½ Toes,” Bart discovers a gremlin dismantling the varsity bus throughout a stormy experience. Lastly, in “Bart Simpson’s Dracula,” the Simpsons go to Mr. Burns’ mansion and turn into the goal of his vampire ambitions.

With intelligent references to reveals and flicks like The Twilight Zone, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and The Misplaced Boys, “Treehouse of Horror IV” was on level for its time and shortly turned a preferred episode. The choice to have Flanders present up because the satan was a specific stroke of genius, which was topped by Homer’s gut-busting choice to not eat the final little bit of his donut to avoid wasting his soul from everlasting damnation.

23 “Rosebud” (Season 5, Episode 4)

IMDb Ranking: 8.8/10

Some episodes of The Simpsons showcase a extra human facet to the often villainous and inhumane Mr. Burns, with “Rosebud” arguably being the most effective of these. A Season 5 traditional, the episode follows Mr. Burns who, after seeing a nostalgic documentary about his life, turns into obsessive about taking again his childhood teddy bear, Bobo. Nevertheless, Bobo is now owned and deeply liked by Maggie – Mr. Burns goes to nice lengths to alter this.

Except for Maggie being cute, the episode is memorable for Homer’s refusal to surrender Bobo. Regardless of sealing a candy deal for Mr. Burns giving him “1,000,000 {dollars} and three Hawaiian Islands” only for the ratty outdated bear, Maggie’s unhappy face is sufficient for Homer to name it off. As anticipated, the episode additionally escalates to some absurd ranges, mixing humor with emotional nostalgia.

22 “One Fish, Two Fish, Blowfish, Blue Fish” (Season 2, Episode 11)

IMDb Ranking: 8.8/10

“One Fish, Two Fish, Blowfish, Blue Fish” sees Homer panicked after having eaten a toxic fugu fish at a sushi restaurant. He is informed that he solely has 24 hours to stay, so he decides to benefit from it by making a listing of issues he desires to do earlier than his dying. Going through his fears, Homer embarks on this bucket list-style quest… solely to get caught dashing and put in jail.

The Season 2 episode is a superb instance of tragicomedy on the small display, with Homer’s plight being unsurprisingly rooted in existential and philosophical concepts. It is also only a nice episode due to the way in which it captures Homer’s character normally, as if giving viewers an image of his life as much as that time. Oh and spoiler alert, he does not die.

21 “Mr. Plow” (Season 4, Episode 9)

IMDb Ranking: 8.8/10

In “Mr. Plow,” Homer turns into an area hero after shopping for a snow plow and beginning his personal snow elimination enterprise, principally serving to his neighbors clear their driveways. His sudden success quickly results in a rivalry along with his buddy Barney, who additionally begins a snow plow enterprise and competes with Homer for purchasers. Barney finally places Homer out of enterprise, resulting in extra friction between the consuming buddies.

“Mr. Plow” is essential for The Simpsons for a lot of causes, certainly one of them being that Dan Castellaneta gained an Emmy Award for “Excellent Voice-Over Efficiency” for this episode. The Season 4 episode can be notable for the way in which its narrative and characters appear and feel extra just like the traditional Simpsons that followers would come to know and love. “Mr. Plow” seems like a turning level for the present that has lastly discovered its footing and has extra refined characters that will go on to turn into iconic.

20 “Homer’s Phobia” (Season 8, Episode 15)

IMDb Ranking: 8.8/10

An award-winning episode that includes the voice (and likeness of) filmmaker John Waters, “Homer’s Phobia” revolves round Homer’s decision-making after discovering that his new household buddy John (Waters) is homosexual. He quickly takes Bart looking simply to additional dissociate himself from John and embrace the extra “masculine” actions he and his son can bond over. After all, issues quickly go very fallacious.

The episode was controversial when it first premiered, as its anti-homophobia message and new character sparked debates amongst viewers. It managed to be a biting satire and a Simpsons episode that thoughtfully explored LGBTQ+ points whereas nonetheless being wildly entertaining (and value watching greater than as soon as).

19 “Homer vs. the 18th Modification” (Season 8, Episode 18)

IMDb Ranking: 8.8/10

“Homer vs. the Eighteenth Modification” showcases the wacky occasions that comply with Springfield’s enactment of a prohibition as a consequence of a too-rowdy Saint Patrick’s Day celebration. To counteract this, Homer and his mates begin a speak-easy (Moe’s) and he quickly takes on the persona of the Beer Baron.

A traditional Simpsons episode, there isn’t any scarcity of issues to like about it. Except for the hilarious hijinks courtesy of Homer and the gang, the episode truly reveals a uncommon scenario the place Homer makes use of his intelligence to resolve an issue, including to the hilarity of the premise. Something for beer!

18 “Flaming Moe’s” (Season 3, Episode 10)

IMDb Ranking: 8.8/10

In “Flaming Moe’s,” Homer tells the titular bartender about his latest invention – a weird cocktail with fireplace and drugs assured to catch individuals’s consideration. When Moe steals this recipe and claims it as his personal, Homer turns into enraged and vows he’ll get payback.

The episode is finest remembered for its apparent parody of the iconic long-running live-action sitcomCheers, with the opening sequence “The place All people Is aware of Your Identify” paralleled for Moe’s Tavern. Extra importantly, it’s the primary episode that basically focuses on Moe Szyslak’s persona and motivations (fortunately the primary of many).

17 “Deep House Homer” (Season 5, Episode 15)

IMDb Ranking: 8.8/10

A vital episode in The Simpsons, “Deep House Homer” marked an necessary second within the course the collection would go sooner or later. The episode follows Homer’s wacky area journey after he’s chosen by NASA to take part in a spaceflight. Whereas on the shuttle, he unsurprisingly causes some catastrophic however hilarious occasions.

Except for being a witty parody of 2001: A House Odyssey, the episode is memorable as a result of it marked The Simpsons’ choice to dive deeper into absurd humor. Not confined to the city of Springfield, it might sign the beginning of many out-of-this-world misadventures for the beloved characters. There’s additionally the truth that the episode’s visitor stars embody Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin and musician James Taylor.

16 “Homer the Heretic” (Season 4, Episode 3)

IMDb Ranking: 8.9/10

The Simpsons established itself as an animated collection for mature viewers early on, particularly by means of episodes like “Homer the Heretic.” The episode depicts Homer’s string of excellent luck after deciding to remain house on a Sunday as a substitute of going to church with the remainder of his household. As a substitute, he enjoys dancing round in his underwear, making his particular waffles, discovering a penny, and extra. When he decides by no means to return to church once more, God pays him a go to.

A improbable instance of how the collection presents social commentary in humorous methods, the Simpsons episode highlights the absurd obsession with faith and conformity (and the social repercussions of selecting in any other case).

15 “And Maggie Makes Three” (Season 6, Episode 13)

IMDb Ranking: 8.9/10

In one of many most emotional and iconic Simpsons episodes ever, Homer explains to Bart and Lisa why there aren’t any child photos of Maggie of their household albums. He tells them about how he saved up and stop his job on the energy plant to use for his dream place at a bowling alley, however when Marge turns into pregnant, he has to make some robust selections.

“And Maggie Makes Three” is understood for its tear-jerking ending, which reveals how Homer lined the massive plaque Mr. Burns positioned close to his desk, which initially learn “Remember: you are right here without end.” After falling in love with Maggie after she was born, these letters would quickly be lined along with her child photos to disclose the phrases “Do it for her.”

14 “22 Brief Movies About Springfield” (Season 7, Episode 21)

IMDb Ranking: 8.9/10

A unfastened parody of Pulp Fiction, “22 Brief Movies About Springfield” is an episode with a title that reveals your complete plot. It portrays a wide range of Springfield’s residents – Bart and Milhouse, Apu, Mr. Burns and Smithers, Moe, and extra – experiencing their very own little tales which can be quickly revealed to be interconnected.

The Simpsons episode is a superb view into the lives and personalities of the characters followers know and love. Every story is artistic and entertaining, from Principal Skinners’ disastrous roast and Lisa’s hair concern to Bart’s daring prank and Chief Wiggum’s dialog about McDonald’s.

13 “Who Shot Mr. Burns? Half Two” (Season 7, Episode 1)

IMDb Ranking: 9.0/10

As Mr. Burns lies within the hospital with a gunshot wound, the investigation into his tried homicide will get intense. Everybody in Springfield has a motive, however when Chief Wiggum depends on an Agatha Christie novel to information him, issues don’t go nicely till Simpson DNA turns up on Burns’ go well with.

This episode opens with Burns in Smithers’ bathe, and for a second, followers are led to consider it’s all been only a dream, harking back to Dallas’ notorious cliffhanger. Sideshow Mel pulls a Sherlock Holmes, Lisa speaks in Twin Peaks tongue, and Groundskeeper Willie channels Sharon Stone in Primary Intuition. To maintain the ending from leaking, a number of alternates have been animated, a few of which aired throughout “The Simpsons 138th Episode Spectacular!,” together with Apu, Barney, Smithers, and Santa’s Little Helper because the gunmen.

12 “The Metropolis of New York vs. Homer Simpson” (Season 9, Episode 1)

IMDb Ranking: 9.0/10

On Barney’s flip as designated driver, Duffman reveals up with bottomless beer. This breaks poor Barney; when he drops Homer off that evening, he disappears with the Simpson automobile, leaving it illegally parked on the World Commerce Centre for 2 months. Whereas the remainder of the household goes sightseeing in NYC, Homer has to attend by his automobile from 9 to five, although some clam juice derails his finest intentions.

Followers love this episode – which comes from one of many finest seasons of The Simpsons – for the pickled egg draw, Homer’s Flushing Meadows fantasy, the parking enforcement division that solely hires Steves, Marge’s humble dream “of being in a Broadway viewers,” and Bart’s go to to MAD Journal. This episode was faraway from syndication after 9/11 however went again into rotation in 2006 with some scenes edited out. Producers later donated a hand-drawn cel from the episode to the Nationwide September 11 Memorial & Museum.

11 “Final Exit to Springfield” (Season 4, Episode 17)

IMDb Ranking: 9.0/10

Eight-year-old Lisa wants braces. It’s dangerous timing because the energy plant has simply nixed the union’s dental plan in favor of a beer keg in any respect their conferences. As a substitute of braces, Lisa will get a headset that predates chrome steel, “so you possibly can’t get it moist.” Homer takes over as union president and goes head-to-head with Mr. Burns, main the plant staff on strike.

The episode’s most memorable parts embody Grampa’s pointless story, Lisa’s protest track, Mr. Burns’ likeness to The Grinch, the horrifying Huge E-book of British Smiles, and the primary of many gags involving Burns’ by no means remembering who Homer Simpson is. The Simpsons episode is an ode to activism and the facility of united employees.

10 “King-Dimension Homer” (Season 7, Episode 7)

IMDb Ranking: 9.0/10

When Mr. Burns enacts a required morning calisthenics program on the nuclear energy plant, Homer does no matter he can to get out of it. In “King Dimension Homer,” followers watch as he embarks on a harmful journey to qualify as disabled by consuming sufficient meals to extend his weight to 315 kilos. As soon as he does, Homer lastly will get what he desires and is allowed to work at home, which quickly turns into his worst nightmare.

Highlighting the present’s signature satire and wit, the episode from certainly one of the most effective Simpsons seasons prods on the prevalent obsession with weight in popular culture. It additionally has some gut-busting and unforgettable moments like Homer’s donning of a vibrant muumuu and his climactic soar.

9 “Homer the Nice” (Season 6, Episode 12)

IMDb Ranking: 9.0/10

“Homer the Nice” revolves across the historical group generally known as the Springfield chapter of the Stonecutters, which Homer joins after feeling envious of Lenny and Carl. Issues predictably go fallacious when Homer destroys certainly one of their sacred gadgets, which results in his exile. However, Homer’s uncommon birthmark quickly does not simply get him a approach again in, however brings him to the very high.

The wacky episode of The Simpsons pokes enjoyable at secret societies and elite teams normally in absurdly hilarious methods. A searing critique of groupthink and the unusual issues individuals will do to be a part of the “it crowd,” it is a fan-favorite episode for a motive (that is nonetheless related at present).

8 “Homer Badman” (Season 6, Episode 9)

IMDb Ranking: 9.0/10

A misunderstanding with their new babysitter Ashley places Homer in an terrible scenario in “Homer Badman.” After the babysitter, who can be a feminist graduate scholar, errors Homer’s drooling for sweet as a sexual advance, the Simpsons’ lives are rotated by the following media frenzy across the case.

Definitely certainly one of The Simpsons‘ extra daring social commentaries, the episode critiques media sensationalism and highlights its results on once-unknown residents (just like the goofy however likable Homer Simpson). It does so with the identical humor, wit, and absurdity that the collection has turn into identified for at this level.

7 “The Springfield Recordsdata” (Season 8, Episode 10)

IMDb Ranking: 9.1/10

After scoring “Boris Yeltsin” on the breathalyzer check, Homer makes an attempt to stroll house, however crossing by means of a spooky forest; he encounters an alien. The glowing creature tells him, “Don’t be afraid,” which has the other impact on Homer. Brokers Mulder and Scully (of The X-Recordsdata) go to Springfield (with Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny offering voices) to analyze Homer’s claims.

Followers keep in mind this one fondly for Purple Tick Beer which “wants extra canine,” Chief Wiggum’s invisible typewriter, a turtle sporting Grampa’s enamel, and a cameo by the Cigarette Smoking Man. “The Springfield Recordsdata” is positively bursting with sci-fi references, together with Shut Encounters of The Third Variety and E.T. An alien lineup consists of Marvin the Martian, Gort from The Day The Earth Stood Nonetheless, Chewbacca from Star Wars, ALF, and both Kang or Kodos, which producer Mike Reiss calls essentially the most unlawful shot within the present’s historical past.

6 “Marge vs. The Monorail” (Season 4, Episode 12)

IMDb Ranking: 9.1/10

Mr. Burns is compelled to pay a $3 million polluter’s high-quality, and Springfield will get to resolve how they’ll spend this sudden inflow of money. Marge has the city enthused to lastly repair up Major Avenue when in walks Lyle Lanley (voiced by Phil Hartman). After a really catchy track and dance quantity, the city impulsively buys a monorail from him. Lanley’s hasty coaching and random appointment of Homer as conductor leaves Marge to avoid wasting Springfield from its harmful new funding.

Written by Conan O’Brien, this episode was immediately embraced by each followers and critics. It continues to be beloved on account of its Flintstones-inspired opening, a spectacular Simpsons musical quantity, a shocking cameo by Leonard Nimoy, iconic particulars such because the popsicle stick skyscraper and the escalator to nowhere, and memorable strains like “I name the massive one Bitey.”