The Ten Best Simpsons Episodes

10. Summer of 4 Ft. 2

Usually I groan a little inside when I see a Lisa-centric episode come on, but the seventh season finale is definitely the best they have done with Lisa’s stories. As she explores who she is and the reason for her unpopularity, she makes friends at the lake and begins to realize that maybe its not about how you dress yourself up but more about how confidant you are in yourself. And even though it is Lisa’s story, Homer is also in top-notch comedic form, especially with his illegal fireworks.

9. Who Shot Mr. Burns? (part 1)

The Simpsons’ Take on the famous Dallas season ending cliffhanger saw Mr. Burns in the J.R. role with all of the town members as suspects in the shooting. This episode sets up a wonderful atmosphere of foreboding with many classic moments as each of the characters explores their dark sides. The first part of the only two-part episodes in Simpsons history left us guessing all summer, and even now that we know, the episode is still one of the best there is.

8. Homer Vs. The 18th Amendment

Homer as the beer baron, Rex Banner, Moe’s pet shop, this episode has tons of great gags. Homer fighting against prohibition provides some great entertainment, including one of The Simpsons’ most heavily quoted lines; “To Alcohol! The cause of, and solution to, all of life’s problems.”

7. Homer’s Barbershop Quartet

Ah, the B Sharps. This hilarious look into Homer’s past as a barbershop superstar is one of the best episodes the show has come up with for sure. Gearge Harrison has a great cameo, back when cameos actually meant something and flowed naturally with the story, unlike now when they are just there to showcase whatever celebrity needs attention at the moment.
This episode is full of great moments from beginning to end, and let’s face it; “Baby on Board” is catchy.

6. Homer at the Bat

Homer finally gains respect at the slugger on the power plant’s softball team, until Daryl Strawberry comes along. This episode really had it all; funny guest star cameos, great gags, movie parodies, and of course that incredibly catchy theme song during the end credits. This was one of the Simpsons’ best as it came into its prime.

5. Rosebud

The Simpsons’ take on Citizen Kane has Mr. Burns pining away for his long-lost teddy bear Bobo, which falls in the arms of Maggie Simpson. Now Homer must decide between rewards and riches and the happiness of his daughter. Rosebud is a great example of when the show’s storytelling and writing was the best in the business. And this one can tug at the heart-strings as well.

4. Cape Feare

Sideshow Bob episodes were like that special dessert when you were a kid that you were only allowed to have every once in a while but couldn’t wait until the next time. And Cape Feare was the best of the lot. Cape Feare was able to set up a ton of laughs in a great brooding atmosphere. And who could forget such gags as the “Hello Mr. Thompson” bit and Homer’s hockey mask and chain saw.

And the rakes. Ahhhhhh, the rakes.

3. Flaming Moe’s

What Flaming Moe’s does is it sets up a tone and atmosphere in the episode which is almost unique. Moe’s tavern has suddenly become the hip place to be, with Aerosmith playing almost every night and resembling the lifestyle of Cheers. A solid episode from beginning to end, one of the best the Simpsons has to offer.

2. Marge vs. The Monorail

Sometimes the Simpsons manages to reach heights of pure comedic genius, as the did with the story of how Springfield tried to rejuvenate their city with a monorail doomed for disaster. Everything that makes The Simpsons great is present in this episode, hilarious gags, great storytelling, guest stars (Nimoy and Hartman), satire, a comical musical number, and so on. One of the greatest 30 minutes television has to offer.

1. Last Exit to Springfield

When Homer leads a strike at the power plant in order to win a dental plan, he manages to fool Mr. Burns into believing he is one of the greatest minds he’s ever met. We, of course, no different. Even Matt Groening himself has acknowledged Last Exit to Springfield as the best Simpsons episode. It has been called “flawless” and “the funniest half-hour in TV history” and is even studied in sociology classes at Berkeley. This is the episode which proves just ho great The Simpsons truly is.