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 is a beloved TV show that has been around for decades. In the episode “The City of New York vs. Homer Simpson,” Homer and his family are left stranded in the Big Apple when Barney absconds to Manhattan in Homer’s car. The family travels to New York to retrieve the car, only to find out that it has been booted.
This episode is especially memorable to fans of the show due to its references to the Twin Towers. The episode originally aired in 1997, years before their tragic destruction, and watching it now serves as a reminder of their beauty and importance. Additionally, the episode also features scenes filmed in Flushing Meadows, which viewers adore.
Overall, “The City of New York vs. Homer Simpson” is an iconic episode of The Simpsons that fans continue to talk about even today. It’s been praised for its unique setting, its references to the Twin Towers, and its classic jokes that have stood the test of time. Many fans even consider this episode to be one of the best of all the seasons.
The episode was rated 8.05 from 728 votes.
A cult lures in most of Springfield to toil for “The Leader.” After Marge escapes and has the family deprogrammed, Homer exposes the man behind the spaceship.
The episode was rated 7.92 from 518 votes.
After Lisa’s saxophone is destroyed, the Simpsons reminisce about how she originally got the instrument. On the hottest day of the year, Homer must decide whether to buy an air conditioner or replace Lisa’s sax.
The episode was rated 7.86 from 566 votes.
When a skeleton is unearthed at the site of a future shopping mall, all Springfield is convinced it is the skeleton of an angel – except Lisa.
The episode was rated 7.80 from 550 votes.
In “The Homega Man,” Homer faces a post-apocalyptic Springfield. Next, Bart attempts to become Superfly in "Fly vs. Fly." In “Easy-Bake Coven,” amidst a witch hunt in 1649, Marge and her sisters invent trick-or-treating.
The episode was rated 7.79 from 687 votes.
Bart’s latest stunt thwarts Lisa’s plan to attend a museum exhibit. When she tries to go alone and takes the wrong bus, Homer sets out to find her.
The episode was rated 7.78 from 423 votes.
Lisa struggles with solving a simple puzzle and fears that the "Simpson gene” is suddenly wiping out her intelligence. Homer stages a family reunion in hopes of introducing Lisa to some Simpsons she can respect.
The episode was rated 7.78 from 491 votes.
Homer feuds with the Springfield garbage men and decides to run for Sanitation Commissioner. After winning the election with a sleazy campaign, Homer can’t keep the extravagant promises he made to the town.
The episode was rated 7.76 from 470 votes.
Alarmed by a soccer riot, Homer buys a handgun. His reckless behavior drives Marge and the kids out of the house, and even his new gun club buddies desert him.
The episode was rated 7.75 from 643 votes.
When Otto drives the school bus off a bridge, the kids wind up on a deserted island, fending for themselves in a “Lord of the Flies” parody. Back in Springfield, Homer takes on Bill Gates.
The episode was rated 7.70 from 509 votes.
After Rainier Wolfcastle helps Homer get in shape, Homer accepts a challenge to climb the Murderhorn, the tallest mountain in Springfield.
The episode was rated 7.70 from 477 votes.
At Marge’s insistence, Bart has a “play date” with Ralph. Bart suddenly sees the upside of this friendship when he discovers Chief Wiggum’s “master key” and goes to explore Springfield’s abandoned prison.
The episode was rated 7.69 from 454 votes.
When Marge gets her real estate license, she learns to put a positive spin on the flaws of the houses she’s selling. But when the Flanders buy the Murder House, she realizes she has to tell the truth.
The episode was rated 7.67 from 522 votes.
When Homer joins the Naval Reserve, a captain takes a liking to him and leaves him in charge of a nuclear submarine.
The episode was rated 7.67 from 449 votes.
Homer and Marge try to spice up their love life and are caught baring it all in public. Bart and Lisa discover an alternate ending to Casablanca.
The episode was rated 7.64 from 433 votes.
Lisa becomes the anchor of a kids’ news program but is upstaged by Bart’s treacly human interest stories. At home, Homer corrupts a helper monkey.
The episode was rated 7.64 from 452 votes.
After accidentally ruining the family’s Christmas tree and presents, Bart buries the evidence and claims a burglar stole everything. When Kent Brockman does a human interest story on the family’s tragic loss, the townspeople shower the family with generosity… until the truth comes out.
The episode was rated 7.62 from 523 votes.
When the carnival comes to town, Homer and Bart wind up working the ring toss. A father-son team of grifters shows them the downside of the “carny code,” but the Simpsons beat them at their own game.
The episode was rated 7.60 from 468 votes.
Facing an IRS audit, Homer agrees to help the feds bust Mr. Burns for a missing trillion-dollar bill. When Burns makes an anti-government stand, Homer flees with him to Cuba.
The episode was rated 7.56 from 453 votes.
Trying to escape his arranged marriage, Apu asks Marge to pose as his wife during his mother’s visit. When the ruse fails, Homer makes a last-ditch attempt to intervene, but Apu is smitten with his new bride Manjula.
The episode was rated 7.51 from 488 votes.
Last updated: aug 22, 2023
