The Simpsons is an iconic American show that has been airing since 1989 on FOX. Set in the average American town of Springfield, the show follows the antics and everyday adventures of the Simpson family. Over the 36 seasons of the show, there have been many memorable episodes that have made The Simpsons a household name. Here we will rank the best episodes of The Simpsons, from the highest to the lowest rated.
The Simpsons is filled with comedy, satire and commentary directed at politics, media and American life. It has attracted hundreds of celebrities to guest star in the show, making it even more popular. With so many great episodes, it can be hard to pick out the best. Here we will rank the top episodes based on their ratings, reviews and overall popularity.
So sit back and enjoy this list of the best episodes of The Simpsons, ranked from highest to lowest. There is sure to be something here to satisfy everyone, so let’s get started!
Warning: the following content contains spoilers!
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The family is greeted by folk singer Ewell Freestone when they visit a peach farm, but when Marge goes overboard with peach-inspired dishes, Lisa and Bart try to get rid of the unwanted fruit. Later, Lisa becomes a magician’s apprentice to the legendary Great Raymondo who helps her develop her craft, but a schoolgirl crush clouds her judgment when she is coaxed into revealing the Great Raymondo’s most famous magic trick to his phony archnemesis. But when the rival magician’s act takes a risky turn, the Great Raymondo has one last trick up his sleeve and stages showdown with Ricky Jay, Penn & Teller and David Copperfield, showing them why he is the master of the craft.
The episode was rated 7.55 from 438 votes.
Feeling guilty for getting Mrs. Krabappel suspended after one of his school pranks, Bart helps her escape detention, and Ned Flanders winds up saving her life in the process. When Edna and Ned start dating, he is surprised to learn she's been with many of Springfield's men, including Homer and Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer.
The episode was rated 7.55 from 437 votes.
Discovering that Marge was once a stellar A+ student whose grades plummeted after being distracted, Lisa fears that she will end up just like her mom unless she pledges to focus solely on academics in an encore episode. When Marge makes a secret deal allowing Lisa to attend her dream school, Lisa learns a lesson in family and altruism. Meanwhile, Bart puts Nelson Muntz in his place and unintentionally claims the title of "School Bully"
The episode was rated 7.55 from 505 votes.
When the Simpsons discover a collection of keys to every door in Springfield, Lisa stumbles upon an eerie hidden classroom beneath Springfield Elementary School. When she shares her discovery with Principal Skinner, the secret room mysteriously disappears and he takes the only key away. A determined Lisa uses her detective skills to lead her back to the room to solve an old school mystery.
The episode was rated 7.54 from 479 votes.
After Homer discovers a genius talent for styling hair and opens his own salon, he becomes Springfield’s most in-demand hair stylist. But having to listen to women’s problems and gossip all day long leads Homer to believe his gift may actually be a curse. Meanwhile, when Milhouse decides to live each day to the fullest, he comes out of his shell and professes his love for Lisa, only to have his heart broken. Milhouse then catches the eye of popular fifth-grader Taffy, causing Lisa to make a bold move.
The episode was rated 7.51 from 482 votes.
The episode consisted of three self-contained segments: In "War and Pieces", Bart and Milhouse discover a real-life board game that they must win to return home; in "Master and Cadaver", Marge and Homer go on a honeymoon on a sailboat, and rescue a mysterious castaway named Roger; and in "Tweenlight", Lisa falls in love with a vampire named Edmund.
The episode was rated 7.51 from 676 votes.
When the rest of the family seems to lack Christmas spirit, Marge contacts Martha Clause (Martha Stewart).
The episode was rated 7.43 from 496 votes.
Lisa starts coaching Bart's Little League team; Marge and Bart spend the day at an amusement park, where former MLB manager Mike Scioscia gives Bart advice.
The episode was rated 7.42 from 533 votes.
Homer is sentenced to ten years in jail and in order to reduce his sentence the FBI offers him a deal, so he agrees to infiltrate Fat Tony's mob, undercover.
The episode was rated 7.41 from 503 votes.
Lisa invests in Nelson's brand-new business venture, but soon realizes that her friend's instant success might lure him away from the classroom. Worried that his judgment might be clouded, Lisa introduces Nelson to the well-educated and successful creator of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, only to find out that he too dropped out of school.
The episode was rated 7.38 from 513 votes.
Lisa's school project leads to the discovery of a new drug that makes the elderly less cranky and more tolerable.
The episode was rated 7.36 from 440 votes.
When Homer insists Bart must earn the new dirt bike he wants, Bart comes up with a scheme; James Lipton interviews a TV cast.
The episode was rated 7.35 from 450 votes.
Fat Tony (voice of Joe Mantegna) woos Marge's sister Selma, and they marry. Marge worries that Selma is choosing her new lifestyle over family after the whirlwind romance, but Tony invites Homer and Marge to join them on a getaway at the Jersey shore. Meanwhile, Bart develops a gift for finding truffles, much to Lisa's delight.
The episode was rated 7.35 from 434 votes.
Bart and Homer make a film based on Bart's comic book character Angry Dad. The cartoon becomes a critical favorite and begins to win a number of awards, but Bart becomes upset when Homer takes all of the credit during acceptance speeches.
The episode was rated 7.32 from 449 votes.
Moe gets Homer to be his wingman, but becomes distraught when the women are drawn to Homer as well. Meanwhile, Marge discovers some gray hairs and tries a new more mature hair style to go along with it, much to Bart's dismay.
The episode was rated 7.30 from 467 votes.
After learning that he is suffering from multiple illnesses and has only a few weeks to live, Mr. Burns becomes distraught by the town’s less-than-sensitive reaction to his announcement. Following an unexpected turn of events, Bart finds Mr. Burns weak and vulnerable in the wilderness and secretly takes him into the Simpsons’ home. But when Homer and Marge learn about their new houseguest, they decide it’s payback time, and Lisa, determined to stand up for Mr. Burns, learns that old habits die hard.
The episode was rated 7.29 from 500 votes.
When Smithers transforms Moe's pub into a refined and trendy lounge, the establishment becomes Springfield's local gay hangout; Principal Skinner falls for the new, free-spirited music teacher (Kristen Wiig).
The episode was rated 7.29 from 473 votes.
Bart helps nurse an injured pigeon back to health. After Santa's Little Helper eats the bird, Bart has a hard time coping with the loss. Worried that Bart needs some help getting over the loss, Marge and Homer take him to a therapy session with Dr. Thurston, who advises that the only cure for Bart’s blues is to give away the family dog, but when the Simpsons visit the pup’s new home, a shock causes them to rethink their decision.
The episode was rated 7.28 from 464 votes.
Marge sends Lisa to a performing arts camp, where counselors and fellow campers inspire her to embrace her creative side; upon returning to Springfield, Lisa grows restless with her boring suburban lifestyle.
The episode was rated 7.26 from 525 votes.
The tables are turned for Homer and Bart after a therapist cures Homer of his violent tendencies toward the boy.
The episode was rated 7.23 from 416 votes.
Last updated: aug 22, 2023
