Best Episodes
South Park is an iconic adult animated sitcom that has been airing on Comedy Central since 1997. It follows the misadventures of four grade-schoolers in South Park, Colorado. Its absurd humor and social commentary has earned it a cult following and critical praise. With 27 seasons, there are many great episodes to choose from. Here are our top picks for the best South Park episodes, ranked!
From classic episodes like "Scott Tenorman Must Die" and "Make Love, Not Warcraft" to more recent gems like "Band in China" and "Time to Get Cereal," South Park has offered up a wide variety of hilarious and thought-provoking stories over the years. With its blend of satire, parody, and wit, it's no wonder South Park is still going strong after 27 seasons.
Whether you're a die-hard fan or just getting into the show, these are the best South Park episodes you need to check out. From classic favorites to more recent standouts, there's something for everyone in this list of the best South Park episodes, ranked!
Warning: the following content contains spoilers!
This page was generated using automation technology and thoroughly edited and fact-checked by an editor on our editorial staff.
South Park's episode "Make Love, Not Warcraft" is considered to be one of the show's best episodes. In this episode, a renegade player threatens the Massively Multiplayer Online game World of Warcraft and it is up to Cartman, Kyle, Stan and Kenny to save the game. The four boys must put all of their gaming skills to the test to defeat the renegade player and save the game.
The episode is filled with hilarious jokes and a lot of references to the game. The boys must overcome many obstacles to succeed, including finding a powerful weapon to defeat the renegade player. The boys must also endure long gaming sessions and face the temptation of giving up. Through it all, the boys must stick together and use their gaming skills to save the game.
The episode was rated 8.66 from 968 votes.
The South Park episode "Scott Tenorman Must Die" is an absolute classic. It is a perfect example of South Park's dark humour, featuring Eric Cartman in all his evil glory. In this episode, Cartman goes to extreme lengths to get revenge on the ginger-haired Scott Tenorman, who tricked him into buying his pubic hair for $16.12. To make matters worse, Cartman's elaborate scheme involves Radiohead playing a role in it. The combination of Cartman's cold wit and Radiohead's presence make this episode a sheer brilliance and one of the best South Park has to offer.
The episode is filled with unexpected twists and turns that make it both hilarious and fun. Fans of the show have praised this episode as one of the best, with comments like "WTF!!!!!! This is the best episode of South Park so far!" and "Absolute classic. Twisted, hilarious and fun as hell." South Park fans will not be disappointed by this episode, as it is sure to have them laughing from start to finish.
The episode was rated 8.60 from 847 votes.
South Park's episode, Tsst, revolves around Cartman's mother looking for an expert to help her control her son. She finds Cesar Millan, who is known as "The Dog Whisperer" and decides to take on the challenge. However, Cartman is not willing to give in easily and provides a rather unsettling fight.
This episode is filled with some of the eeriest and most disturbing Cartman moments. His inner turmoil between being an angel and a demon, as well as his submissive dog behaviour, are especially unsettling. This episode is a great example of how South Park is always pushing the boundaries and creates unexpected, yet impactful moments.
The episode was rated 8.39 from 729 votes.
The South Park episode, "The Return of the Fellowship of the Ring to the Two Towers", is one of the show's best episodes and an absolute favorite. In this episode, the boys are on a mission to return a copy of "The Lord of the Rings" to the Two Towers Video Store in Conifer. However, this is no ordinary copy, as Butters, the evil sixth graders, and the boys' parents all try to steal the tape from the boys. The episode is full of hilarious moments as the boys try to complete their mission and keep the tape safe from the various people trying to take it from them.
This episode is truly a classic, as it captures the essence of kids being kids and folks jumping the gun. It is a great example of South Park's unique humor and shows the group's creativity in tackling complex topics and ideas. The episode is full of jokes and gags that make it an absolute favorite among fans of the show. From the boys' mission of returning the tape to the Two Towers Video Store in Conifer to the various people trying to take it from them, this episode has something for everyone to enjoy.
The episode was rated 8.37 from 709 votes.
In the South Park episode "Casa Bonita", Kyle is going to celebrate his birthday at the popular amusement park Casa Bonita. He is only allowed to bring three friends and decides to take Stan, Kenny, and Butters. Cartman, who was not invited, is outraged and comes up with a plan to take Butters out of the picture. After his plan fails, Cartman has an epic anti-Semitic rant at Kyle, causing the whole town to panic and leading him to juvenile hall for a week.
The episode "Casa Bonita" is full of mayhem and surprises. Cartman's plan to take Butters out of the picture is dramatic and outrageous. His epic anti-Semitic rant at Kyle is a twisted beauty that causes the entire town to panic and leads him to juvenile hall. In the end, despite the chaos he caused, Cartman proudly proclaims that it was all worth it.
The episode was rated 8.32 from 702 votes.
In the episode Grounded Vindaloop of South Park, Butters is convinced that he is living in a virtual reality. In an attempt to escape the virtual world, he goes rogue and starts causing havoc around South Park. As the townspeople attempt to figure out what is real and what is not, Butters' outrageous attempt to escape from his fictional world is explored.
This episode is praised for its clever and imaginative take on classic sci-fi thrillers such as The Matrix and Red Dwarf's total-immersion video game Better Than Life. However, some viewers find the episode dull, leaving them confused and asking "what just happened?".
The episode was rated 8.26 from 1585 votes.
Good Times with Weapons, an episode from South Park, is a comedic take on the look of Japanese Anime. The episode follows the misadventures of the show's protagonists, Stan, Kyle, Eric, and Kenny, as they buy martial arts weapons at a local flea market and are transformed into Japanese warriors. Afterward, they face off against their sworn enemy, Professor Chaos, in a highly stylized battle.
The episode is filled with humorous references to Japanese culture, such as the characters' transformation into anime-style warriors, the use of Japanese instruments in the soundtrack, and the inclusion of samurai-inspired weapons. Through this, the show manages to bring a lighthearted and humorous take on the popular genre of anime. Despite its humorous tone, the episode still captures the intensity of an anime battle, as the boys and Professor Chaos engage in an epic showdown.
The episode was rated 8.24 from 780 votes.
South Park's episode AWESOM-O follows Eric Cartman as he dresses up like a robot and calls himself AWESOM-O. His plan is to move in with Butters and learn all of his secrets in order to use them against him. Butters is overjoyed to have a new best friend and finds AWESOM-O's robotic ways endearing, however the Army believes AWESOM-O is a secret weapon and Hollywood is after him to create their next blockbuster.
This episode brings a humorous take on the idea of a robot companion, as Cartman's antics are amusing and often outrageous. The comedy comes from the contrast between Cartman's robotic facade and his true personality. It is a fun exploration of human-robot relations and showcases the dangers of letting secrets and technology fall into the wrong hands.
The episode was rated 8.24 from 700 votes.
In South Park's episode "The Death of Eric Cartman", Butters is confronted with his fears of ghosts when he believes he can communicate with the dead. Despite his parents' insistence that there are no such things as ghosts, Butters is certain one is haunting him and knows he must either give up his ghost pal or be put into a mental institution. The episode opens with a humorous take on how Butters deals with bullies, and it's clear his character is still very much in tact. However, Cartman is also portrayed in a very different light as he expresses genuine sadness and regret, proving he may have a good heart after all.
The episode deals with the concept of death and the fear associated with it, while also exploring the depths of Cartman's character. Butters eventually learns to accept his fear and come to terms with the fact that the ghost he's been communicating with is actually himself. Through the episode, characters learn to confront their fears and accept death, while Cartman's character development is taken to a new level. All in all, it's a poignant episode that offers a unique perspective on death and human emotion.
The episode was rated 8.23 from 693 votes.
In the third episode of South Park's Imaginationland trilogy, Stan and Butters must fight an army of evil imaginary forces. Meanwhile, Cartman goes to extreme measures and takes Kyle to the Supreme Court to make him fulfill his promise of sucking his balls. This episode is famously offensive in true South Park fashion, but is also said to be the peak of the series.
The episode is made even more memorable by Kyle's speech in this one, which shifts viewers' perspectives on their own interests. Kyle's speech speaks to the ridiculousness of children being able to break into the Pentagon, and is a great example of South Park's satirical genius. This episode is a great example of what makes South Park so iconic - its ability to make people think while still having a good laugh.
The episode was rated 8.23 from 578 votes.
In the episode of South Park titled “Cartman Sucks”, Butters is sent off to a “Pray the Gay Away” camp by his father after he believes his son is bi-curious. During this time, Cartman does everything he can to retrieve a photo of him in a compromising position before too many people see it. This episode is highly praised, with many noting its clever way of tackling misguided homophobia, as well as its comedic moments.
Cartman’s efforts to avoid being thought of as gay provides for great comedy, as his maliciousness and ignorance come back to bite him. His attempts to humiliate Butters backfire, and the reveal of his actions at the end is outstanding. Meanwhile, Butters’ story provides more insight and is more affective. The comedy in the fact that Butters doesn't even realize what kind of camp he’s been sent to, as well as the dark but cutting gags of the recurring suicides, is both depressing and loony but trenchant. Butters’s speech at the end is also inspiring and sweet, providing a frank rebuke from the show’s most innocent character.
The episode was rated 8.22 from 745 votes.
In the South Park episode "Imaginationland," Stan and Kyle's imaginations run wild when they enter the world of Imaginationland, a place where all of the world's imagination is held and the possibilities are endless. The boys find themselves in a magical world filled with characters from fairy tales and myths, and they explore everything it has to offer. Meanwhile, back in South Park, Cartman swears that he has seen a leprechaun.
The episode is a great example of how South Park uses its unique style of comedy and storytelling to explore the world of imagination. The boys are able to explore their own world of imagination and discover new things about themselves. In addition, Cartman's quest to find the leprechaun is a hilarious subplot that adds to the overall comedy of the episode. South Park continues to push the boundaries of traditional animation and storytelling, and this episode is no exception.
The episode was rated 8.21 from 635 votes.
This mini episode series of South Park's Game of Thrones-inspired arc is a must-watch for gamers. In the finale of the arc, "Titties and Dragons," the doors to the mall finally open for the biggest Black Friday sale in history, and the boys are divided over which gaming device to buy. The episode uses the setting of a Westeros-style battle to satirize the harshness of consumer conflicts like the console wars, while also incorporating more casual Game of Thrones references. In the aftermath of the conflict, it becomes clear that this was, at best, a hollow victory in a war whose spoils prove not quite worthy of the conflict it took to get them. Cartman then makes a heartfelt observation about how the boys had more fun fighting for their consoles than they did in actually playing it, and the episode ends on an uncharacteristically sincere affirmation of the spirit of the season. During the holidays or any other time of the year, it’s not things that move us, but the people in our lives.
The episode was rated 8.21 from 1326 votes.
In the South Park episode Marjorine, the 4th grade girls are having a sleepover. The boys are desperate to know what goes on behind those closed doors and devise a plan to send Butters undercover. Butters is chosen to fake his death, transform into a girl, and infiltrate the girls' sleepover.
The episode is full of hilarity, from Butters' reactions to the things he experiences at the sleepover to the boys' attempts to make him appear more feminine. One of the most memorable lines from the episode is when Butters exclaims "Can I just have some Spaghetti-Os?!" This memorable line resonates with many fans of the show and has become a beloved quote. Fans of the show love this episode for its humor and its unexpected twists, making it one of the most popular episodes of South Park.
The episode was rated 8.20 from 640 votes.
In the South Park episode "Medicinal Fried Chicken," Randy is desperate to get a doctor's note in order to legally smoke marijuana in Colorado. Although he is turned away because he is healthy, Randy stops at nothing to get what he wants. Meanwhile, Cartman is determined to get his beloved fried chicken restaurant back.
This episode showcases Randy's wit and determination as he goes above and beyond to get his hands on legal marijuana. The Scarface references were also funny and clever, making the episode even more entertaining. Fans of the show will definitely enjoy Randy's antics in this episode and appreciate his dedication to his mission.
The episode was rated 8.20 from 822 votes.
The South Park episode, Le Petit Tourette revolves around Cartman's discovery of Tourette's Syndrome and its ensuing implications. After discovering that he can say whatever he wants without consequence, Cartman sets up a national TV coverage to capitalize on his new found power. The episode was acknowledged by the Tourette's Association of America, and serves as a learning opportunity for both the characters in the show and its viewers. Despite Cartman's attempts to take advantage of his newfound power, he is ultimately burned in the end. This episode of South Park is highly acclaimed, with many awarding it 10 out of 10 stars for its comedic take on an important and real issue.
Le Petit Tourette serves as an educational opportunity for those watching the episode. The Tourette's Association of America acknowledged the episode and its accuracy in portraying the condition. It provides viewers with an understanding and knowledge on Tourette's Syndrome they may not have had prior to the episode. The episode also serves to highlight the impact of Tourette's Syndrome on those affected, while simultaneously providing comic relief. Cartman's antics while under the influence of the condition are entertaining, yet also instructive as to how people with Tourette's Syndrome are treated.
The episode was rated 8.19 from 687 votes.
The episode 'Black Friday' from South Park is a brilliant parody of Game of Thrones, while also cleverly subverting the craziness of Black Friday shopping. By using the mall security guards as parodies of the Night's Watch, the mall as a local version of The Wall and Randy Marsh as South Park's version of Jon Snow, the show takes the absurd seriousness of Black Friday and amplifies it in a humorous way.
The absurdity of the episode is further highlighted by its jokes, such as the 'please don't touch me Elmo' doll, as South Park has a unique way of playing in offensive spaces and taking the jokes to absurd places. The show also does a great job of imitating the plotting and style of Game of Thrones, with unexpected divisions and rallying of support ahead of a seemingly gigantic battle. The episode culminates in the reveal that Princess Kenny has switched sides to Stan's PS4 crew, a fun twist that captures the spirit of Game of Thrones.
Overall, 'Black Friday' is a great episode that works on many levels, delivering parody, commentary and great storytelling all in one package.
The episode was rated 8.19 from 1480 votes.
In the South Park episode "A Song of Ass and Fire," the kids prepare for an epic Black Friday battle where one faction's favorite gaming device will come out on top. This episode takes jabs at both Game of Thrones and its author George R.R. Martin, poking fun at Martin's tendency to delay and withhold events in-universe, and his promise of pizzas that never come, as well as the "just keep promising more" spirit of the show. The episode also takes aim at the various entities and institutions that stoke the flames of the Black Friday madness, while also criticizing the media and corporations who benefit from the hoopla around it. Despite all of this social commentary, the episode still manages to blend the two with wit and aplomb as the divisions between the boys continue to grow, and the climax of the tale draws near.
The episode was rated 8.18 from 1386 votes.
In the episode "Butters' Bottom Bitch", Butters has been made fun of by his friends due to the fact that he has never kissed a girl. Determined to prove them wrong, Butters attempts to catch up with the other boys in his class. Meanwhile, a cop is determined to take down prostitution in South Park. What the characters don't know is that Butters has become a pimp and the cop is actually a prostitute.
This episode is full of humorous moments, as Butters attempts to find a way to make a kiss happen while he is also dealing with the cop's mission to take down the prostitution in South Park. The characters are unaware of what is going on and it leads to some funny moments as Butters attempts to make a kiss happen. It is a humorous episode that is sure to make the audience laugh.
The episode was rated 8.17 from 749 votes.
In the South Park episode "The Last of the Meheecans", the boys decide to play a game of catching Mexicans as if they were wild animals. Cartman then decides to join the U.S. Border Patrol, and his efficiency in catching Mexicans surprises everyone.
Butters steals the show in this episode with his adorable antics and his commitment to the game. His father even references the classic Monty Python movie Life of Brian when he tells Butters that he's "not the Mexican inspiration, he's a very naughty boy!"
The episode was rated 8.17 from 766 votes.
Last updated: may 30, 2023
