TV Episodes The Greatest Simpsons Episodes Ever

Originally by Ranker Community

50.4k votes 2.5k voters 65.4k views 233 items

List Rules Includes any regular episode starting from 1989 (first season) to present day. Shorts and movies are not included.

The Simpsons was one of the strongest, best written shows in the history of TV and this is a list of the very best episodes for you to vote on, and rank your own version. If you are a Simpsons Fan, you will find this a particularly hard one to rank. The top ten might be easy, you think, but then you will find another one that should be in the top ten... and another, and soon you have a top 20, and its still not enough. Vote on your favorites, add any you see missing, and, if you are a true Simpsons Guru, rank your own version to really impact the master list!

list ordered by

1
574 135

Last Exit to Springfield Mar 11 1993 Homer negotiates his union's contract with Mr. Burns, mindful that he needs a dental plan for Lisa's new braces. Burns mistakes Homer's utter ineptitude for strategy and concedes, on the ...more

2
680 191

Cape Feare Oct 07 1993 When Bart receives death threats from newly paroled Sideshow Bob, the family goes into the Witness Relocation Program and starts a new life on a houseboat on Terror Lake.

3
677 212

Mr. Plow Nov 19 1992 "Mr. Plow" is the ninth episode of The Simpsons' fourth season, which originally aired on the Fox network in the United States on November 19, 1992. In the episode, Homer buys a snow ...more

4
805 153

Homer's Enemy May 04 1997 A hardworking new employee at the power plant is consumed with resentment at Homer's undeserved success.

5
686 226

You Only Move Twice Nov 03 1996 "You Only Move Twice" is the second episode of The Simpsons' eighth season. It first aired on the Fox network in the United States on November 3, 1996. The episode, based on a story ...more

6
471 85

Homer the Great Jan 08 1995 Homer joins the secret society of the Stonecutters and is suddenly exalted when the brethren discover his birthmark. The ancient order is shaken to the core by the ineptitude of its new Chosen

7
594 103

Homer the Heretic Oct 08 1992 After skipping church one Sunday morning, Homer decides to quit church altogether and spend Sundays worshiping in his own way -- with cigars and beer.

8
463 147

Rosebud Oct 21 1993 Mr. Burns pines away for Bobo, his beloved childhood teddy bear and symbol of lost innocence. When the bear turns up in Maggie's possession, the resulting tug of war affects the whole town.

9
637 115

22 Short Films about Springfield Apr 14 1996 The episode looks into the lives of other Springfield residents in a series of interconnected stories that take place over a single day. This episode serves as a loose parody of Pulp Fiction.

10
514 82

Lemon of Troy May 14 1995 The simmering rivalry between Springfield and a neighboring town heats up when Shelbyville kids steal Springfield's prized lemon tree.

11
496 121

Homer Badman Nov 27 1994 When Homer gropes for a gummy candy stuck to the babysitter's pants, she mistakes his intentions and turns the town against him.

12
478 116

Flaming Moe's Nov 21 1991 Moe steals the drink recipe Homer invented, and the rechristened “Flaming Moe” turns his tavern into a hotspot. When a national franchise wants to buy the recipe, Homer wants revenge.

13
458 115

Bart of Darkness Sep 04 1994 Stuck in his room with a broken leg, Bart hears a high-pitched scream. When he looks through his telescope, he sees a guilty Ned Flanders burying the evidence.

14
428 90

Bart Sells His Soul Oct 08 1995 "Bart Sells His Soul" is the fourth episode of The Simpsons' seventh season. It first aired in the United States on the Fox network, on October 8, 1995. In the episode, while being ...more

15
501 75

SnowLeopard44 added Who Shot Mr. Burns? 09 17 1995 "Who Shot Mr. Burns?" is a two-part episode of The Simpsons. Part One is the twenty-fifth and final episode of the sixth season and originally aired on Fox on May 21, 1995, while Part ...more

16
420 117

Deep Space Homer Feb 24 1994 Dejected by a lack of recognition at work, Homer makes a crank call to NASA and winds up being chosen to ride into space with astronauts.

17
579 49

BaruchLalaev added Treehouse of Horror V Oct 30 1994 "Treehouse of Horror V" is the sixth episode of The Simpsons' sixth season and the fifth episode in the Treehouse of Horror series. It premiered on October 30, 1994, and features three ...more

18
557 196

Marge vs. the Monorail Jan 14 1993 When Springfield gets a sudden windfall, a charismatic traveling salesman convinces the town to build a monorail.

19
401 73

$pringfield Dec 16 1993 When gambling is legalized in Springfield, Mr. Burns opens an extravagant casino on the waterfront. Meanwhile, Bart opens a casino in his treehouse. Burns becomes a germ-phobic recluse and Homer ...more

20
496 40

BaruchLalaev added Treehouse of Horror IV Oct 28 1993 In "The Devil and Homer Simpson," Homer sells his soul for a doughnut. Next, in the Twilight Zone spoof "Terror at 5 1/2 Feet," everyone doubts Bart's sanity when he's the ...more

21
450 48

Homer vs. The Eighteenth Amendment Mar 16 1997 When Prohibition is revived in Springfield, Homer and Bart supply the town with alcohol.

22
380 47

Treehouse of Horror VI Oct 29 1995 "Treehouse of Horror VI" is the sixth episode of The Simpsons' seventh season and the sixth episode in the Treehouse of Horror series. It first aired on the Fox network in the United ...more

23
453 61

Bart's Comet Feb 05 1995 When Bart is forced to assist Principal Skinner in early-morning astronomy observations, he discovers a giant comet heading towards Springfield. Facing impending doom, the entire town shows up ...more

24
479 57

birdiejay23 added The Springfield Files Jan 12 1997 Homer witnesses something out of this world in Springfield woods, but no one believes him -- not even FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully, who come to investigate the incident.

25
292 105

King-Size Homer Nov 05 1995 "King-Size Homer" is the seventh episode of The Simpsons' seventh season. It originally aired on FOX in the United States on November 5, 1995. In the episode, Homer despises the ...more

26
315 88

Homer the Smithers Feb 25 1996 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

27
401 43

Lisa's First Word Dec 03 1992 While trying to get Maggie to say her first word, Marge and Homer reminisce about Bart's and Lisa's first words.

28
298 48

Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? Feb 21 1991 "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?" is the fifteenth episode of The Simpsons' second season. It originally aired on Fox in the United States on February 21, 1991. In the episode, Grampa ...more

29
408 39

SnowLeopard44 added And Maggie Makes Three Jan 22 1995 The story of Maggie's birth is told in flashbacks: after Homer quits the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant to pursue his dream of working at a bowling alley, Marge reveals that she is pregnant.

30
322 161

Itchy & Scratchy Land Oct 02 1994 "Itchy & Scratchy Land" is the fourth episode of The Simpsons' sixth season and first aired on October 2, 1994. Wanting a perfect family vacation, the Simpson family visits Itchy ...more

31
428 49

SnowLeopard44 added Lisa on Ice Nov 13 1994 When she nearly flunks gym class, Lisa is forced to take up a sport. She's a natural at hockey, but things get complicated when her team faces off against Bart's. In a tense moment on the ice, ...more

32
420 35

Boy-Scoutz 'n the Hood Nov 18 1993 After a reckless Squishee bender with Milhouse, Bart wakes to the shocking realization that he joined the Junior Campers. Lured by pocketknives and knot-tying lessons, Bart assimilates into the ...more

33
311 152

Kamp Krusty Sep 24 1992 When Bart and Lisa arrive at Kamp Krusty, they find the summer camp is more like a prison camp. When Krusty doesn't show up to set things straight, the kids seize control and take their case to ...more

34
291 69

Mountain of Madness Feb 02 1997 To promote teamwork amongst the power plant's employees, Mr. Burns makes them go on a corporate retreat up in the mountains.

35
229 86

Burns' Heir Apr 14 1994 "Burns' Heir" is the eighteenth episode of The Simpsons' fifth season. It originally aired on the Fox network in the United States on April 14, 1994. In the episode, Mr. Burns has a ...more

36
249 130

Homie the Clown Feb 12 1995 Krusty the Clown's reckless spending forces him to open a clown college to keep afloat. New graduate Homer discovers the perks and perils of being Krusty.

37
294 76

The Last Temptation of Homer Dec 09 1993 Homer struggles with his attraction to new coworker Mindy, a beautiful engineer whose love for doughnuts is equal to his own.

38
242 20

michael-koebnick added Treehouse of Horror II Oct 31 1991 In the first story, the family buys a cursed monkey paw in Morocco, and their three wishes turn out badly. In a Twilight Zone parody, Bart is the fearsome “monster” who can read the ...more

39
243 26

Treehouse of Horror Oct 25 1990 After a series of destructive acts, Homer decides that Santa's Little Helper must go unless he passes obedience school. As the dog's last hours with the family approach, Bart must find a way to ...more

40
370 61

AlexanderRay added Lisa Gets an A Nov 22 1998 "Lisa Gets an 'A'" is the seventh episode of The Simpsons' tenth season. It first aired on Fox in the United States on November 22, 1998. In the episode, Lisa cheats on a test for ...more

41
199 76

Bart on the Road Mar 31 1996 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 ...more

42
295 168

Duffless Feb 18 1993 After a DUI, Homer swears off beer for a month. Meanwhile, Bart and Lisa's sibling rivalry plays out in the school science fair.

43
187 20

I Love Lisa Feb 11 1993 "I Love Lisa" is the fifteenth episode of The Simpsons' fourth season, and originally aired on the Fox network in the United States on February 11, 1993. In the episode, Lisa gives ...more

44
298 54

SnowLeopard44 added Mother Simpson Nov 19 1995 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

45
206 36

SnowLeopard44 added Stark Raving Dad Sep 19 1991 "Stark Raving Dad" is the first episode of the third season of American animated television series The Simpsons. It first aired on the Fox network in the United States on September 19, ...more

46
242 40

New Kid on the Block Nov 12 1992 Bart has a crush on his new neighbor, a teenage girl who only has eyes for Jimbo Jones. Bart sets out to prove that Jimbo is not as tough as he seems.

47
279 218

Homer at the Bat Feb 20 1992 With a million dollars on the line, Mr. Burns hires ringers for the upcoming baseball game against the Shelbyville Nuclear Power Plant. But as misfortunes fell the pros, with bases loaded and ...more

48
208 23

Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire Dec 17 1989 When his Christmas bonus is cancelled, Homer becomes a department-store Santa--and then bets his meager earnings at the track. When all seems lost, Homer and Bart save Christmas by adopting the ...more

49
177 44

SnowLeopard44 added The Mysterious Voyage of Our Homer Jan 05 1997 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.

50
304 271

Homer's Barbershop QuartetSep 30 1993 Sep 30 1993 Through flashbacks, Homer recalls the dizzying rise and fall of his Beatles-esque barbershop quartet. The Be Sharps reunite for one last concert on the roof of Moe's Tavern.

1 574 135 Last Exit to Springfield Mar 11 1993 Homer negotiates his union's contract with Mr. Burns, mindful that he needs a dental plan for Lisa's new braces. Burns mistakes Homer's utter ineptitude for strategy and concedes, on the ...more

2 680 191 Cape Feare Oct 07 1993 When Bart receives death threats from newly paroled Sideshow Bob, the family goes into the Witness Relocation Program and starts a new life on a houseboat on Terror Lake.

3 677 212 Mr. Plow Nov 19 1992 "Mr. Plow" is the ninth episode of The Simpsons' fourth season, which originally aired on the Fox network in the United States on November 19, 1992. In the episode, Homer buys a snow ...more

4 805 153 Homer's Enemy May 04 1997 A hardworking new employee at the power plant is consumed with resentment at Homer's undeserved success.

5 686 226 You Only Move Twice Nov 03 1996 "You Only Move Twice" is the second episode of The Simpsons' eighth season. It first aired on the Fox network in the United States on November 3, 1996. The episode, based on a story ...more

6 471 85 Homer the Great Jan 08 1995 Homer joins the secret society of the Stonecutters and is suddenly exalted when the brethren discover his birthmark. The ancient order is shaken to the core by the ineptitude of its new Chosen

7 594 103 Homer the Heretic Oct 08 1992 After skipping church one Sunday morning, Homer decides to quit church altogether and spend Sundays worshiping in his own way -- with cigars and beer.

8 463 147 Rosebud Oct 21 1993 Mr. Burns pines away for Bobo, his beloved childhood teddy bear and symbol of lost innocence. When the bear turns up in Maggie's possession, the resulting tug of war affects the whole town.

9 637 115 22 Short Films about Springfield Apr 14 1996 The episode looks into the lives of other Springfield residents in a series of interconnected stories that take place over a single day. This episode serves as a loose parody of Pulp Fiction.

10 514 82 Lemon of Troy May 14 1995 The simmering rivalry between Springfield and a neighboring town heats up when Shelbyville kids steal Springfield's prized lemon tree.

11 496 121 Homer Badman Nov 27 1994 When Homer gropes for a gummy candy stuck to the babysitter's pants, she mistakes his intentions and turns the town against him.

12 478 116 Flaming Moe's Nov 21 1991 Moe steals the drink recipe Homer invented, and the rechristened “Flaming Moe” turns his tavern into a hotspot. When a national franchise wants to buy the recipe, Homer wants revenge.

13 458 115 Bart of Darkness Sep 04 1994 Stuck in his room with a broken leg, Bart hears a high-pitched scream. When he looks through his telescope, he sees a guilty Ned Flanders burying the evidence.

14 428 90 Bart Sells His Soul Oct 08 1995 "Bart Sells His Soul" is the fourth episode of The Simpsons' seventh season. It first aired in the United States on the Fox network, on October 8, 1995. In the episode, while being ...more

15 501 75 SnowLeopard44 added Who Shot Mr. Burns? 09 17 1995 "Who Shot Mr. Burns?" is a two-part episode of The Simpsons. Part One is the twenty-fifth and final episode of the sixth season and originally aired on Fox on May 21, 1995, while Part ...more

16 420 117 Deep Space Homer Feb 24 1994 Dejected by a lack of recognition at work, Homer makes a crank call to NASA and winds up being chosen to ride into space with astronauts.

17 579 49 BaruchLalaev added Treehouse of Horror V Oct 30 1994 "Treehouse of Horror V" is the sixth episode of The Simpsons' sixth season and the fifth episode in the Treehouse of Horror series. It premiered on October 30, 1994, and features three ...more

18 557 196 Marge vs. the Monorail Jan 14 1993 When Springfield gets a sudden windfall, a charismatic traveling salesman convinces the town to build a monorail.

19 401 73 $pringfield Dec 16 1993 When gambling is legalized in Springfield, Mr. Burns opens an extravagant casino on the waterfront. Meanwhile, Bart opens a casino in his treehouse. Burns becomes a germ-phobic recluse and Homer ...more

20 496 40 BaruchLalaev added Treehouse of Horror IV Oct 28 1993 In "The Devil and Homer Simpson," Homer sells his soul for a doughnut. Next, in the Twilight Zone spoof "Terror at 5 1/2 Feet," everyone doubts Bart's sanity when he's the ...more

21 450 48 Homer vs. The Eighteenth Amendment Mar 16 1997 When Prohibition is revived in Springfield, Homer and Bart supply the town with alcohol.

22 380 47 Treehouse of Horror VI Oct 29 1995 "Treehouse of Horror VI" is the sixth episode of The Simpsons' seventh season and the sixth episode in the Treehouse of Horror series. It first aired on the Fox network in the United ...more

23 453 61 Bart's Comet Feb 05 1995 When Bart is forced to assist Principal Skinner in early-morning astronomy observations, he discovers a giant comet heading towards Springfield. Facing impending doom, the entire town shows up ...more

24 479 57 birdiejay23 added The Springfield Files Jan 12 1997 Homer witnesses something out of this world in Springfield woods, but no one believes him -- not even FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully, who come to investigate the incident.

25 292 105 King-Size Homer Nov 05 1995 "King-Size Homer" is the seventh episode of The Simpsons' seventh season. It originally aired on FOX in the United States on November 5, 1995. In the episode, Homer despises the ...more

26 315 88 Homer the Smithers Feb 25 1996 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

27 401 43 Lisa's First Word Dec 03 1992 While trying to get Maggie to say her first word, Marge and Homer reminisce about Bart's and Lisa's first words.

28 298 48 Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? Feb 21 1991 "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?" is the fifteenth episode of The Simpsons' second season. It originally aired on Fox in the United States on February 21, 1991. In the episode, Grampa ...more

29 408 39 SnowLeopard44 added And Maggie Makes Three Jan 22 1995 The story of Maggie's birth is told in flashbacks: after Homer quits the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant to pursue his dream of working at a bowling alley, Marge reveals that she is pregnant.

30 322 161 Itchy & Scratchy Land Oct 02 1994 "Itchy & Scratchy Land" is the fourth episode of The Simpsons' sixth season and first aired on October 2, 1994. Wanting a perfect family vacation, the Simpson family visits Itchy ...more

31 428 49 SnowLeopard44 added Lisa on Ice Nov 13 1994 When she nearly flunks gym class, Lisa is forced to take up a sport. She's a natural at hockey, but things get complicated when her team faces off against Bart's. In a tense moment on the ice, ...more

32 420 35 Boy-Scoutz 'n the Hood Nov 18 1993 After a reckless Squishee bender with Milhouse, Bart wakes to the shocking realization that he joined the Junior Campers. Lured by pocketknives and knot-tying lessons, Bart assimilates into the ...more

33 311 152 Kamp Krusty Sep 24 1992 When Bart and Lisa arrive at Kamp Krusty, they find the summer camp is more like a prison camp. When Krusty doesn't show up to set things straight, the kids seize control and take their case to ...more

34 291 69 Mountain of Madness Feb 02 1997 To promote teamwork amongst the power plant's employees, Mr. Burns makes them go on a corporate retreat up in the mountains.

35 229 86 Burns' Heir Apr 14 1994 "Burns' Heir" is the eighteenth episode of The Simpsons' fifth season. It originally aired on the Fox network in the United States on April 14, 1994. In the episode, Mr. Burns has a ...more

36 249 130 Homie the Clown Feb 12 1995 Krusty the Clown's reckless spending forces him to open a clown college to keep afloat. New graduate Homer discovers the perks and perils of being Krusty.

37 294 76 The Last Temptation of Homer Dec 09 1993 Homer struggles with his attraction to new coworker Mindy, a beautiful engineer whose love for doughnuts is equal to his own.

38 242 20 michael-koebnick added Treehouse of Horror II Oct 31 1991 In the first story, the family buys a cursed monkey paw in Morocco, and their three wishes turn out badly. In a Twilight Zone parody, Bart is the fearsome “monster” who can read the ...more

39 243 26 Treehouse of Horror Oct 25 1990 After a series of destructive acts, Homer decides that Santa's Little Helper must go unless he passes obedience school. As the dog's last hours with the family approach, Bart must find a way to ...more

40 370 61 AlexanderRay added Lisa Gets an A Nov 22 1998 "Lisa Gets an 'A'" is the seventh episode of The Simpsons' tenth season. It first aired on Fox in the United States on November 22, 1998. In the episode, Lisa cheats on a test for ...more

41 199 76 Bart on the Road Mar 31 1996 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 ...more

42 295 168 Duffless Feb 18 1993 After a DUI, Homer swears off beer for a month. Meanwhile, Bart and Lisa's sibling rivalry plays out in the school science fair.

43 187 20 I Love Lisa Feb 11 1993 "I Love Lisa" is the fifteenth episode of The Simpsons' fourth season, and originally aired on the Fox network in the United States on February 11, 1993. In the episode, Lisa gives ...more

44 298 54 SnowLeopard44 added Mother Simpson Nov 19 1995 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

45 206 36 SnowLeopard44 added Stark Raving Dad Sep 19 1991 "Stark Raving Dad" is the first episode of the third season of American animated television series The Simpsons. It first aired on the Fox network in the United States on September 19, ...more

46 242 40 New Kid on the Block Nov 12 1992 Bart has a crush on his new neighbor, a teenage girl who only has eyes for Jimbo Jones. Bart sets out to prove that Jimbo is not as tough as he seems.

47 279 218 Homer at the Bat Feb 20 1992 With a million dollars on the line, Mr. Burns hires ringers for the upcoming baseball game against the Shelbyville Nuclear Power Plant. But as misfortunes fell the pros, with bases loaded and ...more

48 208 23 Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire Dec 17 1989 When his Christmas bonus is cancelled, Homer becomes a department-store Santa--and then bets his meager earnings at the track. When all seems lost, Homer and Bart save Christmas by adopting the ...more

49 177 44 SnowLeopard44 added The Mysterious Voyage of Our Homer Jan 05 1997 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.

50 304 271 Homer's Barbershop QuartetSep 30 1993 Sep 30 1993 Through flashbacks, Homer recalls the dizzying rise and fall of his Beatles-esque barbershop quartet. The Be Sharps reunite for one last concert on the roof of Moe's Tavern.

not on the list? add item #234 List Rules: Includes any regular episode starting from 1989 (first season) to present day. Shorts and movies are not included.