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 "The Springfield Files" is a gag-fest featuring FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully coming to Springfield to investigate an out of this world incident. While the episode is mostly comedic, there is a faint thread of an arc which follows Homer's struggle to have someone believe him. David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson do a good job, and Leonard Nimoy makes a hilarious appearance.
The jokes in the episode make it click. From Moe hauling a whale out to see to the bus that couldn't slow down, the writers are clearly having fun with the absurdity of the situation and the seriousness of Mulder and Scully. The episode also has some great one-liners, such as when Mulder says "Let me write it down on my invisible typewriter." All in all, this episode is a great example of The Simpsons' writers embracing the comedy of the show while also developing a story.
The episode was rated 8.17 from 640 votes.
The Simpsons episode, Homer's Enemy, follows the story of a hardworking new employee at the power plant who is consumed with resentment at Homer's undeserved success. The episode begins with the employee, Frank Grimes, expressing his frustration with the lack of reward for his hard work. In a moment of despair, he laments "I have had to work hard everyday of my life and what do I have to show for it? This briefcase and this haircut!"
The episode follows Frank Grimes as he attempts to prove himself to the other employees at the power plant, but his efforts are continually undermined by Homer's incompetence. As the episode comes to an end, viewers are left shocked as Frank Grimes is killed off with a cutaway gag. Despite his untimely death, fans have come to appreciate this classic Simpsons episode for its witty dialogue and satire of the American work ethic.
The episode was rated 8.16 from 627 votes.
In the episode You Only Move Twice of the beloved show The Simpsons, Homer is given a job opportunity at a new company in the idyllic town of Cyprus Creek. His new boss, played by Albert Brooks, is a great match for Homer and the first scene of the two together is a great showcase of the episode’s brilliance. The rest of the family also has difficulty adjusting to their new life in the bucolic burg.
This episode of The Simpsons has been praised by fans for its wit and writing, and Albert Brooks’ performance as Hank Scorpio. People have often referred to it as one of the greatest episodes of The Simpsons and as a perfect example of the show. With its humor, intelligence and subtle implications, it is a joy to watch and rewatch time and time again. You Only Move Twice is quite possibly the best episode of The Simpsons.
The episode was rated 8.15 from 805 votes.
In the episode "Homer vs. the Eighteenth Amendment", Springfield revives the Prohibition and Homer and Bart become the town's beer barons. The episode is filled with humour, ranging from Rex Banner's uptight, old-timey talk to Chief Wiggum's rise and fall during the sud-soaked mayhem. The plot follows Homer and Bart's crazy scheme to dig up barrels, make their own liquor, and help Wiggum with his position. At the end of the episode, the hilarious final line will live on in infamy.
The episode is a great commentary on beer culture, featuring a St. Patrick's day homage, and a green-themed intro. Dave Thomas' Rex Banner is a classic character, and his inability to laugh makes for some great jokes. Homer and Bart's antics throughout the episode are priceless, from their digging up of the barrels to their bowling situation and their making of the liquor. Marge's reaction to all of this is also hilarious. The ending with the catapult is a bit out there, but memorable nonetheless.
The episode was rated 8.09 from 575 votes.
To promote teamwork amongst the power plant's employees, Mr. Burns makes them go on a corporate retreat up in the mountains.
The episode was rated 8.00 from 541 votes.
The Simpsons befriend a shop owner, but when Homer discovers the man is gay, he worries about his influence on Bart.
The episode was rated 7.92 from 565 votes.
A Halloween trilogy. This time, Bart meets his "pure evil" Siamese twin; Lisa's science project attacks Bart; aliens Kang and Kodos invade as Clinton and Dole's replicas just before the 1996 Presidential election.
The episode was rated 7.92 from 758 votes.
After eating a dish laced with potent peppers during the chili cookoff, Homer has hallucinations where a mystical coyote urges him to find his soulmate.
The episode was rated 7.87 from 564 votes.
A hurricane destroys the Flanders' home and they have to move into the church basement. The people of Springfield gather to rebuild their house, but when Ned sees the poor workmanship, he has a complete breakdown.
The episode was rated 7.86 from 588 votes.
When Sideshow Bob is released from prison, his brother Cecil puts him in charge of building Springfield's new hydroelectric dam.
The episode was rated 7.80 from 499 votes.
After trespassing and damaging property at a mysterious old house, Bart is required to work there as a punishment... but it turns out to be a burlesque house.
The episode was rated 7.78 from 561 votes.
When Moe sees that Homer can absorb massive blows to the head, he turns him into a prizefighter and sets up a match with heavyweight champion Drederick Tatum.
The episode was rated 7.77 from 610 votes.
Disturbed that Reverend Lovejoy has lost interest in counseling parishioners, Marge volunteers as the "Listen Lady." Meanwhile, Homer sees his likeness on a box of Japanese detergent.
The episode was rated 7.75 from 480 votes.
Financially ruined, Mr. Burns turns to Lisa for help in building a recycling business. Lisa believes he's changed, but his new business venture takes a shocking new direction.
The episode was rated 7.71 from 483 votes.
In an attempt to boost ratings, the Itchy and Scratchy Show adds a new "in-your-face" character voiced by Homer.
The episode was rated 7.70 from 553 votes.
Lisa joins the all-male military school where Bart is sent for discipline. Then comes the hazing.
The episode was rated 7.68 from 489 votes.
Kirk and Luann Van Houten are getting a divorce. Homer is confident that it will never happen to him, but Kirk tells him how quickly things can change.
The episode was rated 7.67 from 596 votes.
Lisa has a stellar reputation as a babysitter, but when Homer and Marge leave her in charge of Bart and Maggie, everything starts going wrong.
The episode was rated 7.65 from 485 votes.
Bart discovers Principal Skinner and Mrs. Krabappel kissing, and it's not long before the whole town knows of their secret affair.
The episode was rated 7.65 from 454 votes.
Lisa develops a crush on Nelson and tries to change him into a better person. Meanwhile, Homer finds an autodialer and starts a telemarketing scam.
The episode was rated 7.63 from 536 votes.
Last updated: aug 22, 2023
