67 Best Episodes of The Simpsons
After 25 years, these are my favorites.
List activity
2.5K views
• 0 this weekCreate a new list
List your movie, TV & celebrity picks.
67 titles
- DirectorMike B. AndersonStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightThe Simpsons move to Cypress Creek, where Homer unwittingly works for a charismatic supervillain; the rest of the family struggles with the transfer.Albert Brooks as Hank Scorpio is a riot and the James Bond parody is spot-on.
- DirectorMark KirklandStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightBurns decides to retire and sells the power plant to a German consortium for an exorbitant price. Homer's laziness and inefficiency are quickly exposed by his new bosses, and he is laid off."EEWWW, it's the Germans."
- DirectorJim ReardonStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightHomer's laziness begets the ire of his industrious but arrogant new co-worker Frank Grimes; Bart buys a run-down factory for a dollar.Poor Grimey lives on top of a bowling alley which is on top of another bowling alley.
- DirectorPete MichelsJim ReardonStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightHomer becomes a Hollywood insider when he befriends Alec Baldwin and Kim Basinger.Who knew Ron Howard could be so funny? "Ron, can you drive?" "Not very well..."
- DirectorCarlos BaezaStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightIn an effort to increase the dismal television ratings for their space launches, NASA decides to send an ordinary man into space, and Homer is chosen for the task.Homer, Buzz Aldrin and Race Bannion make up the greatest trio of astronauts ever. And Kent Brockman's flip-flopping about the Giant Ants is classic.
- DirectorJim ReardonNeil AffleckStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightWhen Homer takes Ned to Las Vegas in an attempt to get him to loosen up, the two end up drunkenly marrying a pair of cocktail waitresses.Ned signs up with Homer and it's off to Vegas where they both get married. "Those horrible women want their omeletes."
- DirectorJim ReardonStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightHomer becomes the sanitation commissioner for Springfield. His ineptitude pollutes the town and leads to a drastic solution.Not often mentioned among the series' best, but Steve Martin as the Sanitation Commissioner is no match for Homer.
- DirectorJim ReardonMike B. AndersonStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightWhen Homer is secretly videotaped complaining about his family in a taxi, they send him off to a rock and roll fantasy camp so he can try to live his dream.The last great episode of the series (Season 14) with hilarious appearances from Mick and Keith, Elvis Costello, Tom Petty, Lenny Kravitz and Brian Setzer - "I believe it's Seltzer."
- DirectorMike B. AndersonStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightWhile researching for an essay, Lisa discovers that Springfield's founding father was actually a murderous thief.Lisa was never better and Donald Sutherland as Hollis Hurlbut the "antiquarian" loves his microwave Johnny Cakes.
- DirectorPete MichelsJim ReardonStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightAfter a massive soccer riot, Homer purchases a gun to protect the family.Homer and his gun - a love story! "I have to wait 3 days? But I'm mad now!"
- DirectorMark KirklandStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightWhen Mr. Burns revokes the plant's dental plan, forcing Lisa to be fitted with cheap, ugly braces, Homer leads its union into going on strike.Often selected as the best episode ever, this one has the Big Book of British Smiles and Lenny's famous "Dental Plan!"
- 1989– 30mTV-PG9.0 (5.1K)TV EpisodeDirectorJim ReardonStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightHomer must travel to New York to get his car back, which is illegally parked at World Trade Center Plaza.Taken out of syndication following 9-11, Homer's odyssey to NYC is fraught with Mountain Dew, rude New Yorkers and the CHUDs.
- DirectorDominic PolcinoStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightMarge leads a crusade against a local burlesque house after she discovers Bart working there.Bart gets a job at Springfield's burlesque house and even substitutes for Mel Zetz.
- DirectorJim ReardonStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightHomer opens a successful snow-plowing business, only to inspire Barney to start a rival outfit that puts him out of work.A classic Season 4 episode with Adam West and Linda Ronstadt and Big Baby Barney.
- DirectorDavid SilvermanStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightHomer is forced to become a department store Santa when Marge spends the family's Christmas savings on removing Bart's tattoo.The first episode that started the whole phenomenon. The Simpsons aquire Santa's Little Helper while enjoying Christmas as only they can.
- DirectorJim ReardonStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightHomer and his co-workers qualify for the plant softball team's league final, but Mr. Burns hires nine professional MLB players in order to win a $1 million bet.Lots of cameos from Major Leaguers with a tipped cap to Giant Head Griffey and the kiss-ass Daryl Strawberry.
- DirectorRich MooreStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightAfter receiving a considerable donation of money, Springfield builds a monorail system with Homer as the conductor, unaware they've just boarded a one-way train to Hell.Springfield blows some found money on a monorail sold to them by the late, great Phil Hartman as Lyle Lanley.
- DirectorJim ReardonStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightHomer becomes a member of a mysterious organization called the Stonecutters and is heralded as "the chosen one".Homer becomes a Stonecutter and then destroys the group when he becomes the Leader. Highlighted by the song "We Did!"
- DirectorJim ReardonMark KirklandMatthew NastukStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightHomer becomes a hippie after a revelation about his middle name.Seth and Munchie teach Homer how to be a hippie. Martin Mull and George Carlin are perfect together as the aging hippies/juice bottlers.
- DirectorWesley ArcherStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightAfter refusing to pay for a collect call, Bart must travel down under to repair US-Australian political relations, but is unprepared for the punishment awaiting him.Bart must go to Australia to get "booted" for making a high dollar collect call. The Simpsons proceed to destroy the country.
- DirectorJim ReardonMark KirklandStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightFans are invited to take a behind-the-scenes look at "The Simpsons," revisiting some of the most memorable experiences the family has been through.A mellifluous parody of rock/TV-docs. Homer confesses to wanting to fire Marge on many occasions and it takes Willie Nelson to bring the family back together.
- DirectorJim ReardonStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightAfter attributing a relaxing Sunday to his skipping church, Homer vows to never attend service again, and forms his own religion to justify his behavior.Homer meets god: "Perfect teeth. Nice smell. A class act, all the way."
- DirectorRich MooreStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightAfter having a horrible day, Bart gets a job tending bar for a group of gangsters and becomes the prime suspect when Principal Skinner mysteriously disappears.Bart is the the capo del tutti capi in Fat Tony's Legitimate Businessman's Club. Joe Mantegna's first of many fine appearances.
- DirectorBob AndersonStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightSanta's Little Helper's new mate has puppies, and Mr. Burns schemes to steal them and make them into a coat.Mr. Burns steals the Simpsons' puppies to make a jacket out of them. The song "See My Vest" is a classic.
- DirectorBob AndersonStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightAfter alcohol is banned in Springfield, Homer adopts the moniker of the "Beer Baron" to bootleg liquor, prompting an investigation from an uptight Treasury agent.Homer battles Rex Banner (Dave Thomas) as prohibition comes to Springfield. Homer: "Marge, I don't want to lie to you...Bye!"
- DirectorShaun CashmanJim ReardonStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightSpringfield is split in two when Homer revolts because his area code is changed; the new town walls itself off from the neighbors.The town is divided by area codes after watching the very informative film by Phoney McRing Ring.
- DirectorWesley ArcherStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightA family vacation to Itchy & Scratchy Land turns disastrous when the robots malfunction and turn on the tourists.Homer and Bart go around the park kicking that giant cat in the butt and the robots turn on the humans.
- DirectorSwinton O. Scott IIIStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightBart makes a fake driver's license and takes Milhouse, Martin, and Nelson on a huge road trip; Lisa spends time with Homer at the power plant.Bart gets a driver's license and rents a car with Milhouse, Nelson and Martin go to Knoxville after a stop in Branson. Bart: "Branson is Vegas if it was designed by Ned Flanders."
- DirectorPete MichelsJim ReardonStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightHomer changes his name to "Max Power" after discovering that he shares his name with a dimwitted TV character.Homer becomes Max Power and becomes one of Springfield's upper crust. Trent: "Have you had lunch?" Homer: "Yeah, but I usually have 3 or 4"
- 1989– 23mTV-PG8.0 (4.4K)TV EpisodeDirectorWesley ArcherStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightAfter the power plant experiences bad publicity and is threatened with closure, Mr. Burns decides to run for Governor in order to have power over the law.Blinky makes his first appearance and winds up on Marge's dinner table.
- DirectorJim ReardonStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightHomer intentionally gains more weight in order to qualify for disability and work from home, but soon realizes that being morbidly obese comes with its own problems.Homer goes on disability after gaining enough weight to be considered morbidly obese. Too bad he can't get in to see "Honk if You're Horny."
- DirectorBob AndersonStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightBrad Goodman, a self-help guru, encourages Springfield to act more like Bart, with disastrous results.Albert Brooks stars as therapist Brad Goodman and persuades the town "to be like the boy." The seniors agree and shout "we like roy."
- DirectorSteven Dean MooreStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightMarge's relationship with Bart is strained when he is caught shoplifting before Christmas.A great Christmas episode starring crusty Lawrence Tierney as crusty Don Brodka. Don: "Hey, kid: one more thing. If you ever set foot in this store again, you'll be spending Christmas in juvenile hall. Capisce?.... Well, do you understand? Bart: Everything except "capisce."
- DirectorJim ReardonSteven Dean MooreStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightLisa sponsors an orphan in Brazil, and when he goes missing she convinces the family to go to Brazil to find him. While there, Homer is kidnapped.The Simpsons go to Brazil and Homer sees some painted rats. Homer: "Oooh, they look like Skittles."
- DirectorWesley ArcherStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightBart and Lisa meet a vagabond who claims to be the creator of Itchy from "Itchy and Scratchy."Chester Lampwick (Kirk Douglas) convinces the court he invented cartoon violence and gets his solid gold house and rocket ship.
- DirectorJim ReardonBob AndersonStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightWhen Bart accidentally burns down the family's Christmas tree and gifts, he claims that a robber stole everything. As a result, the town gets them a new tree and pitches in to raise funds.Great Christmas episode with Bart burning up the tree and presents and the town pitches in ala It's A Wonderful Life...sort of.
- DirectorWesley ArcherStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightHomer meets his half-brother Herb Powell, an automobile tycoon who zealously bonds with the family and tasks Homer with designing a car for the average American.Danny DeVito stars as Homer's brother, Herb and together they run him out of business.
- DirectorJim ReardonStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightAfter eating insanity peppers at a chili cook-off, Homer has a hallucination of a talking coyote urging him to find his soulmate.Trippy episode starring Johnny Cash as a coyote and lots of melting clocks and slow-moving, angry turtles.
- DirectorJim ReardonSteven Dean MooreStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightAn evil cult called the Movementarians brainwashes the citizens of Springfield and it's up to Marge to get them back.Na na na na na na na na na na Leader! Outta the way, jerkass!!
- DirectorJim ReardonSwinton O. Scott IIIStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightHomer takes Bart with him on a cross-country delivery on behalf of a trucker who died before completing it; Marge and Lisa experience problems with their new novelty doorbell.Homer matches stomachs with Tony Randall...er Red Barclay and learns the terrible truckers' secret.
- DirectorRich MooreStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightHomer accidentally lands in a mental hospital and ends up sharing a room with a white man who thinks he is Michael Jackson.Homer wears a pink shirt and is sent to an insane asylum where he meets Michael Jackson.
- DirectorSteven Dean MooreStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightSpecial Agents Mulder and Scully arrive in Springfield after Homer claims to have seen an alien.Mulder and Scully help Homer find an alien. Mulder's badge picture still makes me laugh.
- DirectorDominic PolcinoJim ReardonStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightA damning report on childhood obesity in Springfield leads to the formation of a pee-wee football team. After belittling Ned Flanders, Homer ends up coaching the team, but his favoring of Bart makes him unpopular.Bart becomes a football player under the tutleage of Homer. Coach Homer works out his plays on a game of Electric Football.
- DirectorDavid SilvermanStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightMarge contemplates an affair with a handsome bowling instructor.Yet another great Albert Brooks appearance, this time as a bowling lothario. "TWO ONION RINGS!"
- DirectorRich MooreAlan SmartStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightMoe claims a drink that Homer invented is his own, with the drink making the bar a local hot spot, but threatens his friendship with Homer.Moe steals Homer's drink recipe and Aerosmith gets busy with Mrs. Krabappel.
- DirectorSteven Dean MooreStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightHomer is cast as Poochie, a new "Itchy and Scratchy" character designed to reverse declining ratings; a hip college student moves in with the Simpsons.Poochie is introduced as "the rockin'est dog in the world" and lasts for 2 episodes.
- DirectorRich MooreStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightLisa has a crush on her substitute teacher; Bart decides to run for class president.Dustin Hoffman plays Lisa's substitute and she is embarrassed by Homer's stupidity. "You are Lisa Simpson."
- DirectorNeil AffleckJim ReardonStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightHomer's attempt at creating a motorcycle gang attracts a real gang, who kidnap Marge.Homer wins a motorcycle and starts a gang that has the same name as a real motorcycle gang - Hell's Satans. John Goodman and Henry Winkler play the bikers.
- DirectorDavid SilvermanStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightWhen Krusty's show is canceled after losing viewers to a ventriloquist and his dummy, Bart and Lisa organize a celebrity-filled comeback special for their favorite clown.Gabbo puts Krusty out of business and a host of celebrities help get him back on the air.
- DirectorJim ReardonMatthew NastukStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightA toy company purchases Springfield Elementary and uses the student body as a focus group for their new Christmas toy Funzo.Tim Robbins leads a company that uses Springfield Elementary to devise the perfect toy. Great cameos from Gary Coleman "Four prawns does not constitute a galaxy." and Clarence Cleamons.
- DirectorCarlos BaezaStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightAfter Mrs. Krabappel gives Bart a month of detention, he gets his revenge by responding to her newspaper singles ad; Homer uses a swear jar to cut down on his cursing.Forgot this one. Yo yos, swear jars, doghouses, Woodrow Wilson and Gordie Howe are the ingredients for Mrs. Krababble's unsuccessful search for love. Bart: "Strap on your skates, Gordie. You're going in." Homer: "Fiddleleedee. That will require a tetanus shot."
- DirectorMike B. AndersonStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightAfter Marge befriends John, a gay store owner, Homer worries that his presence will have a negative effect on Bart's sexuality.
- DirectorCarlos BaezaStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightAfter Bart receives a microphone which can transmit through radios, he decides to pull a series of pranks and eventually convinces the town that a boy has fallen down a well.
- DirectorRich MooreStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightAfter Homer "wins" a $2000 settlement from the plant due to radiation-induced sterilization, his half-brother Herb sees an opportunity to regain his fortune.
- DirectorDavid SilvermanStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightYears of poor eating habits catch up with Homer when he suffers a massive heart attack, but the family can't afford the triple bypass operation he needs.
- DirectorJeffrey LynchStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightMarge home-schools Bart after he is expelled from Springfield Elementary; Lisa protests a barbaric local holiday centered around clubbing snakes to death.
- DirectorJeffrey LynchStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightAfter joining the Junior Campers while on a sugar high, Bart reluctantly invites Homer to accompany him on the group's annual father-son rafting trip, which soon goes awry.
- DirectorJeffrey LynchStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightAngered by the vacuous phrases her Malibu Stacy doll utters, Lisa works with Malibu Stacy's original designer to create a doll with admirable traits.
- DirectorBob AndersonStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightSibling rivalry between Bart and Lisa ensues when they become the star players of their respective ice hockey teams.
- DirectorDavid SilvermanStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightHomer becomes a Krusty the Clown stand-in, but is mistaken for the real Krusty by the Springfield mafia.
- DirectorJim ReardonBob AndersonStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightBart meets a retired cowboy movie star and convinces him to make a comeback on The Krusty the Clown Show.
- DirectorRich MooreStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightHomer uses Lisa (and her prognostic skills) to help him bet on football games.
- DirectorJim ReardonStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightA series of vignettes showcasing a day in the life of various Springfield residents.
- DirectorSteven Dean MooreStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightMarge becomes a church counselor; Homer discovers his face on a Japanese detergent logo.
- DirectorRich MooreStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightIn an attempt to show up Ned Flanders, Homer pits Bart against Ned's son, Todd, in a miniature golf competition.
- DirectorWesley ArcherStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightAfter winning a political essay contest, Lisa is invited to Washington, D.C., but she soon becomes upset after discovering how policy-making really works.
- DirectorJim ReardonMark KirklandStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightHomer's midlife crisis leads to a disastrous attempt at being an inventor.