Best Episodes
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!
This page was generated using automation technology and thoroughly edited and fact-checked by an editor on our editorial staff.
The Simpsons episode "King-Size Homer" is one of the all-time classics. In the episode, Homer attempts to gain sixty pounds in order to stay at home on disability. However, when he nearly causes a catastrophe at the plant, Homer reconsiders his plan.
The episode features many classic Simpsons moments, including Homer's attempts to gain weight, his outrageous behavior at the nuclear power plant, and his eventual realization that he needs to take responsibility for his actions. The episode also features some of the series' most memorable lines, such as Homer's famous line, "Mmm… doughnuts." This episode is a must-see for any Simpsons fan, and it's sure to deliver plenty of laughs.
The episode was rated 8.18 from 758 votes.
The second part of the famous 'Who Shot Mr. Burns?' episode of The Simpsons picks up with the investigation of Chief Wiggum after Mr. Burns was shot. Since almost everyone in town had a motive, the investigation is full of twists and turns. In the end, it comes down to the Simpson family's DNA, which is a surprisingly satisfying conclusion.
Fans of the show already knew it was Maggie who fired the shot beforehand, but it's still funny to watch it unfold. Maggie is one of the most beloved characters in the show and this episode is a perfect example of why. Although this episode isn't as good as part 1, it's still a funny and enjoyable story.
The episode was rated 8.14 from 695 votes.
The Simpsons episode "Summer of 4 Ft. 2" is a classic episode, showcasing the show at the peak of its power. This episode follows the Simpson family on their vacation, where Lisa is hoping to fit in with the other kids at the beach by trying on a new identity. However, her plan gets foiled by her brother Bart, who reveals her true nerdiness to the group.
The episode is incredibly relatable, as it captures the emotions of Lisa's struggle with fitting in, and makes Bart a compelling antagonist and then ally. It also includes lots of great comedy, and is definitely one of the show's best episodes. It even includes the peak of Milhouse's character, adding to the hilarity of the episode. All in all, "Summer of 4 Ft. 2" is an incredible episode with lots of heart, humor, and a meaningful story.
The episode was rated 8.08 from 516 votes.
Treehouse of Horror VI is an episode of The Simpsons that is sure to keep viewers entertained! In "Attack of the 50 Foot Eyesores," strange atmospheric conditions bring giant advertising statues to life. This segment is a favorite among viewers, who appreciate the rapid fire gags and the fact that it appeals to kaiju and giant monster fans. "Nightmare on Evergreen Terrace" is also popular, as it tells the story of Groundskeeper Willie, who is killed in a freak accident and seeks revenge in the childrens' dreams. Finally, "Homer (cubed)" is not as funny as the other two, but has a great reference to the original Twilight Zone episode "Little Girl Lost."
The ending of this episode is always rather upsetting, but the Homer 3D segment could have easily been a full episode on its own. While this episode may not be the best of the Treehouse of Horror series, it still offers something for everyone, from the gags in "Attack of the 50 Foot Eyesores" to the horror in "Nightmare on Evergreen Terrace." The Freddy Krueger-like character in this episode is still considered to be the best of the three segments.
The episode was rated 8.06 from 772 votes.
Nabbed for shoplifting, Bart manages to keep it a secret from the family... until it's time to have the family Christmas photo taken at the Try-N-Save.
The episode was rated 8.02 from 599 votes.
Forced to take a vacation, Smithers needs to find a temporary replacement who won't outshine him. Homer seems the perfect choice until a sudden outburst forces Mr. Burns to assert his independence.
The episode was rated 8.01 from 537 votes.
Bart and Milhouse wonder if anything interesting happens to the citizens of Springfield, which leads to a series of interconnected vignettes.
The episode was rated 7.99 from 550 votes.
Bart creates a fake driver's license for himself and uses it to go on a spring break road trip with Milhouse, Nelson, and Martin. Meanwhile, Homer and Lisa bond after spending some quality time together at work.
The episode was rated 7.98 from 578 votes.
When a fellow veteran dies, Grandpa Simpson and Mr. Burns fight for buried WWII treasure as the only surviving members of their battalion.
The episode was rated 7.97 from 460 votes.
After visiting a local petting zoo, Lisa becomes a vegetarian and faces ridicule from family and friends. When she lashes out and ruins Homer's barbecue, she learns a lesson in tolerance.
The episode was rated 7.96 from 625 votes.
Bart sells his soul to Milhouse for five dollars, but soon regrets his decision. Meanwhile, Moe turns the Tavern into a family-friendly restaurant.
The episode was rated 7.94 from 672 votes.
Homer catches Mr. Burns in an ether-induced haze and asks for $500 for his bowling team. When Burns' head clears, he demands to join the team. Meanwhile, Bart's inflammatory T-shirt provokes Principal Skinner to require school uniforms.
The episode was rated 7.92 from 533 votes.
Homer discovers that his mother is still alive, a former radical who is a fugitive from the law. When her old nemesis Burns spots her and tips off the FBI, she is forced to return to the underground.
The episode was rated 7.84 from 538 votes.
While researching into Jebediah Springfield's past for an essay, Lisa discovers that the town founder wasn't the hero that everyone thinks he was.
The episode was rated 7.84 from 495 votes.
When Homer and Marge are found to be unfit parents, the kids are placed with the Flanders family. Reluctant participants in the Flanderses' wholesome family activities, Bart and Lisa become the targets of an emergency baptism.
The episode was rated 7.83 from 650 votes.
Homer resents being upstaged when former president George Bush moves into the neighborhood. After Bush spanks Bart, an all-out prank war ensues.
The episode was rated 7.79 from 551 votes.
Bart auditions for the part of Fallout Boy in the movie "Radioactive Man," being filmed in Springfield.
The episode was rated 7.78 from 676 votes.
Bart meets the original animator who created Itchy, penniless some 70 years after the studio stole his idea. When Bart helps him sue for restitution, he unwittingly bankrupts Itchy & Scratchy.
The episode was rated 7.74 from 501 votes.
To show his kids how hip he is, Homer takes Bart and Lisa to a music festival, where he earns himself a place in the sideshow by catching a cannonball with his belly.
The episode was rated 7.73 from 499 votes.
When Mayor Quimby uses immigrants as a political scapegoat, the Simpsons discover that Apu is an illegal immigrant.
The episode was rated 7.73 from 503 votes.
Last updated: aug 22, 2023
