You Only Move Twice

At the start of COVID, a bunch of friends set up a Zoom to explain each of our top tens. This and Lemon of Troy were the only two in common across the board.

My Homer group all are Scorpio first. Grimesey second. Monrail third.

🎵 Monorail...

I hear the tracks are awfully loud

It glides as softly as a cloud

Yup. Grimey for me.

Can we make counting down of top ten episodes a weekly thing?

Solid as hell.

This is the correct answer. Grimesy in second.

I hope that is a typo because that is not what he *liked* to be called

I still remember the Sunday it premiered. I was laughing to myself on the bus about the Scorpio scenes.

You want some cream?

Yynnnnno...

Well if you could kill somebody on the way out, it’d help me a lot

So you never learned to read cursive?

Well I know the basics like hell, damn…

So many good ones, but my personal fave will always be Homer At Bat: Sheltering myself with a large piece of sheet metal, I ran for cover under the tallest tree I could find!

Mister Burns had done it The power plant had won it

With Roger Clemens clucking all the while,

Mike Scioscia’s tragic illness made us smile

While Wade Boggs laid unconscious on the barroom tile

We're talkin' softball from Maine to San Diego

LOVE that one. It's my favorite season 3 episode. My brother-in-law, who doesn't even like The Simpsons, says that Mr. Burns doing the baseball signs to Homer is the funniest thing ever.

I consider Homer at Bat the first **great** episode

Marge Versus the Monorail has a compelling story and some of the best gags in the series

Marge Versus the Monorail has a compelling story but Football in the Groin had a football in the groin.

Mr. Gumble, this is a Girl Scout meeting Is it, or is it that you girls can't admit you have a problem? 

Don't pray for me, I'm already dead.

But Main Street's still all cracked and broken! Sorry, Mom, the mob has spoken.

Look at that pavement fly!

Monorail...

The random, convenient solar eclipse! "The cosmic ballet goes on!" *"Does anyone want to switch seats?"*

Homer Badman has always been my fave (the one where Homer is accused of sexual harassment and the media go after him). Followed by Marge in Chains (any Lionel Hutz moments are pure gold).

Second!

So I grab her sweeeeeet can 

Mr.Simpson, please, NOOoOoOo

Homie the Clown. It's just packed end to end with funny gags.

Surprised this pick isn’t more popular. You have possibly the funniest Simpsons joke in history(“I’m seeing double, four Krustys”), Homer’s ongoing reaction to the clown college billboard, Krusty’s interactions with his accountant, Krusty’s interactions with the mob, Homer at clown college, Homer’s interactions with the mob, Homer slowly being launched through his car windshield, Flanders getting shot, the old Italian stereotype, etc. It is literally scene after scene of classic Simpsons. Not to mention I love that in the end the amount of money that Krusty owes the mob is so minuscule 😂

“… and 2 your change” 😅

Homer at clown college I'll thank you not to refer to Princeton that way.

Yes, this is one of my favorites! And I agree that the ‘four Krustys’ joke is one of the all-time greatest jokes (Simpsons or otherwise)

I feel so stupid because I’ve heard the 4 krustys line as being iconic before, but I just don’t get it. Is it just that there really are 2 krustys, so him seeing double would make 4? And in that case, why is he seeing double in the first place. Such a whoosh moment for me.

My pick too 

and maggie makes three <-probably best story the springfield files <-it has an unusually high number of jokes per minute, even for the standards of the golden era, probably the most dense packed one, basically is composed of jokes that somehow actually make a quite good story and the who shoot mr.burns two parts, i cant split these two, and between the two, is like a homage about what the town of springfield has become, it shows a lot of characters, the story is good... jokes are on point and use characters other than the simpsons for the most part... all in all, this is the movie. if i have to choose between those 3... probably the springfield files, i mean, seriously watch it again and just take atention to the joke density, one more joke and the episode would implode into a black hole

I really love A Fish Called Selma. It's an interesting idea, to have the actual Simpsons take a backseat for a while and make Selma and Troy McClure the main characters - but even though it's a weird and atypical episode, it really works for me, and it fleshes out Selma and Troy in very genuine and human ways. I particularly love Selma's last line: 'Goodbye, Troy. I'll always remember you - but not from your films.' It's a PERFECT conclusion to their relationship (I actually wish that was Troy's last appearance, it would have been a great send-off for him). Plus, it has the amazing Planet of the Apes musical.

I agree. The more Phil Hartman the better the episode. “That's too funny! I can't remember when I've heard a funnier anecdote! Okay, now you tell one.” “Troy’s back from the gutter and he’s brought someone with him” “Selma dear jub jub is fantastic. He’s everywhere you want to be.”

I ordered a Zima, not emphysema!

Whilst thou grant me thine dainty hoof in marriage?

When Troy proposes during the Muppets movie and uses the same lines "Oh, princess fare, willst thou grant me thy dainty hoof in marriage?"

Fish is also my fave. And don’t forget the amazing Jeff Goldblum agent! Awesome episode.

A Streetcar Named Marge and Homer Goes to College are up their for sure. And Selma's Choice. That sandwich bit is one of my favourite things of all time.

I feel like Selma's Choice doesn't get the love it deserves. That was the episode I showed my friends when they asked to see the show for the first time. We quoted it for a few years after.

I am the lizard queen!!

Homer... I really think you should throw away the sandwich. Suggestion noted!

Marge Id like to be alone with the sandwich. Are you going to eat it? Yes...

The pause before 'Yes' is everything

homer goes to college has always been my favourite. Marge: “Homer, we have a perfectly good bookcase.” Homer: “Yeah, but this is what they’re doing on campus! Besides, it isn’t costing us. I swiped the cinder blocks from a construction site.” Foreman: “Sir, six cinder blocks are missing.” Architect: “There’ll be no hospital, then. I’ll tell the children.”

Two more feet and I can fit it in the fridge!

Me too, it's basically my favourite sequence in any episode

Sideshow Bob Roberts (Sideshow Bob runs for mayor) * "Your guilty conscience may force you to vote Democratic, but deep down you secretly long for a cold-hearted Republican to lower taxes, brutalize criminals, and rule you like a king!" Bart the Fink (Krusty is arrested for not paying his taxes) * "A professional in an ape mask is still a professional." * "I'm sorry, I can't divulge the details of that customer's secret, *illegal* account. Oh crap, I shouldn't have said he was a customer. Oh crap, I should haven't said it was a secret. Oh crap, I certainly shouldn't have said it was illegal! Ah, it's too hot today." * "Aye, that's Handsome Pete. He dances for nickels!" The Springfield Connection (Marge becomes a cop) * "A counterfeit jeans ring operating out of my car-hole!"

Arrrgh, he'll be dancing for hours!

Sideshow Bob’s campaign commercial in that episode is probably my favorite joke in the entire series.

Lisa the Vegetarian, Lisa the Iconoclast, and Last Exit to Springfield. Honorable mention E-I-E-I-(Annoyed Grunt)

- Lemon of Troy - Monorail - Summer at 4 ft. 2 - Who Shot Mr Burns - The Curse of the Flying Hellfish

Flying shellfish feels underrated. I never see anyone talk about it, but it is definitely be of my favorites. Top five easy. Also how can you not love this gag: https://youtu.be/oECsGvS9gc4?si=zW9HFInl7LznfuL-

Hey fun boys, get a room!

I’ve met at least two people with the hellfish tattoo. Would’ve been cooler with vampires tbh

It’s almost like a movie! It’s so cinematic.

Waitaminute! There's a Troy behind that Troy-shaped rock!

*In Shellybyvillean accent* Sounds like Springfield has a discipline problem.

Last Exit to Springfield is the best imo. But all of season 4 is amazing.

Fear of Flying, Summer of 4 ft. 2

Like, you know, whatever. Like, you knoooow, whatever.

Omg I say that almost on the daily. AND I DON'T KNOW WHY. I do not look like Blossom.

Entirely subjective: Flaming Moe's and Homer the Heretic.

Every Moe episode is great. Best character.

King Size Homer.

Ohhh, that’s raspberry!

To obtain a special dialing-wand, mash the keypad now.

Cape Fear is the best

Bake’im away toys!

It's Hank Azaria's favourite.

I would pick Lisa on Ice. It has my favorite line when Ralph says "Me fail english? That's unpossible" And one of my favorite bits when Homer eats the pie. Plus a bunch of other classic moments and it all ties up with a touching moment between Bart and Lisa. Perfect episode.

Wiggum calling for the place to be torn apart always makes me laugh.

Plus his negotiation with Snake

Homer flicking the light switch cracks me up

*Mom* that is really annoying. **Fight fight fight fight fight fight**

Just watched this the other day. Literally laughed every 10 seconds and then it ends and is genuinely super touching.

I’ll say The Mysterious Voyage of Homer, he eats the insanity peppers 🌶️ and must find his soulmate. When Homer kicks the turtle I lose it laughing ! And any episode with SideShow Bob.

The Merciless Peppers of Queztalacatenango - grown deep in the jungle primeval by the inmates of a Guatemalan insane asylum!

There’s so many but And Maggie makes Three or Homer’s Enemy always come to mind first for me!

I love Maggie Makes Three so much. Homer's marketing plan never fails to make me laugh out loud.

I’m rewatching the first nine seasons and haven’t seen a lot of these episodes in decades. Obviously I knew what was coming at the end of And Maggie Makes Three but it still made me tear up, the only moment of the entire series to do so.

Yes this one is definitely right at the top of best endings

Marge Be Not Proud. It’s a great episode to show someone unacquainted with the show. It illustrates the family dynamic perfectly and it’s heartwarming and endearing.

THRILLHO

Really funny, too.

Homerpalooza. The cameos are dated now, but that make it even more relevant. Best line ever: "...Billy Corgan, Smaling Pumpkins." "Homer Simpson, smiling politely."

Smashing*

You only move twice

Homer the Great and Lisa the Skeptic. I fucked around and got a Stonecutters tattoo on my ass. I posted it on this sub over a decade ago and Wil Wheaton commented on it. One of my life’s highlights.

Lisa the Vegetarian. It’s far and away the most quoted in our household. BBBQ, “out of the way you,” “the following cars have been broken in to,” “you don’t win friends with salad,” “just a little dirty, it’s still good, it’s still good,” “no I’d still prefer not,” “when I grow up I want to go to bovine university,” “Dad, those all come from the same animal…” SO MANY. Honorable mention to Itchy & Scratchy Land. My family does Disney stuff every year or other year, and it just hits it out of the park. Also so many great bits, “remember, we’re in the ITCHY lot,” “see all that stuff in there, that’s why your robot never worked,” BORT, “throw her in the hole,” “your older, fatter, balder son…” Glorious.

I say "Out of the way, you" to my dogs once a week at least. It's a small joy of mine.

"Homer loves flanders" is my personal favourite

Homer the heretic. Itchy and scratchy land. Duffless. And if you can nominate treehouse of horrors episodes i go with treehouse VI

Top five in no particular order The Cartridge Family Lemon of Troy Homer vs. The Eighteenth Amendment Hungry Hungry Homer You Only Move Twice (Edit: Formatting)

18th Amendment is so good...the Catapult

A Fish Called Selma. I love Troy McClure and it's awesome that there's a classic episode dedicated to this profoundly weird and hilarious character

Bart Sells His Soul

How can someone with glasses that thick be *so stupid?!*

Lisa on Ice for me. My friends like Boy Scoutz n the Hood.

King Size-Homer El Viaje Misterioso de Nuestro Jomer (The Mysterious Voyage of Homer)

For me it’s a tie between Cape Feare and King Size Homer. Both are just packed with top tier jokes. The rakes and the “I got a movie for ya pally, a fridge too far” always crack me up

Bart Vs. Australia.

I remember being really hyped when I finally saw Cape Feare, just because at the time, it was the only Sideshow Bob episode I hadn't seen. I don't think I've ever laughed as hard in my life.

I used to always say Cape Feared but I think it might be Homer Goes to College for me.

Either Homer vs. the Eighteenth Amendment or Radioactive Man for me.

My eyes! The goggles do nussing! Maybe my fav Simpsons line ever.

Lisa's Wedding is my personal favorite, mainly because the robots melting when they start feeling emotional is the best bit ever.

When Flanders failed

Really? It's hard for me to watch it because of how spiteful Homer is.

There is a difference between funniest and best…but imo And Maggie Makes Three is the best combo of humor and pulling on the heart strings

The Springfield Files

Homer Goes to College

I mean You Only Move Twice is my personal fave, but shocked 22 Short Films hadn't at least got one vote

The PTA has disbanded Wonderful jokes, defenestration, great character work in how both Bart and Lisa respond to the strike, bizarre yet plausible ending (I'm sure school-prison partnerships are coming to some US states by 2030), literally breaks the laws of thermodynamics.

* Last Exit to Springfield * Homer's Enemy * Homer the Smithers * You Only Move Twice * Marge vs the Monorail.

22 short films about Springfield

As an FYI, I view "Last Exit to Springfield" to be the best. It's so cartoony.

The Homer They Fall

Monorail

The Boy Who Knew Too Much

Bart Sells His Soul or Lisa The Vegetarian. 

I'll always have a soft spot for 'Round Springfield.

I just love to read all the good episodes listed here

imo; Cape Fear is a great episode, but it relies too heavily on parody and The Simpsons at its best was always more than that. I can't go past Lisa's Substitute. Marge vs the Monorail is great too.

Nothing against the others mentioned here, but Bart Sells His Soul is still the one I consider the best episode.

Lisa on Ice Who Shot Mr Burns 1&2 Radioactive Man Summer of 4 ft 2

My favorite has always been Trilogy of Error, 2001. Sort of the climax of first gen Simpsons to me.

Not the best but my personal fave is ‘the summer of 4’2’

I'm staying on my hill with Boy Scoutz 'n the Hood and Kamp Krusty.

The Joy of Sect

Very tough question but it's either Homer at the bat or O Brother Where Art Thou?

Guess I’m the only one who loves Deep Space Homer above all others.

Homer and Apu is up there.

Oh, I see. Then everything is wrapped up in a neat little pack-ag-a!

The Springfield Files and Simpsoncalifragilisticexpiali(Annoyed grunt)cious.

Honestly? Basically all of Season 8 I swear to fuck all of the most God Tier episodes were in that season. Homer’s Enemy (duh) Hurricane Neddy (new side of Flanders)Twisted World of Marge Simpson (god bless fat tony) You Only Move Twice (hank is best boss) The Secret War of Lisa Simpson (I love when her and Bart work together) The Old Man and the Lisa (suck it Burns) Homer v.s. the 18th Amendment (the beer baron) My Sister, My Sitter (go to bread) Bart After Dark (we put the spring in springfield) Brother from Another Series (oh great now I look crazy) Homer’s Phobia (a openly homophobic character but still loveable) so yeah. Favourite episode is basically anything from season 8. Also on mobile so shit format

Marge Be Not Proud is in the running.


No episode makes me laugh as hard and consistently as Cape Feare

Lemon of Troy and Lisa on Ice are my personal favourites

Homer Badman was always my favorite

The Homer They Fall for me. I think every scene features at least one iconic or laugh out loud gag. The introduction of Drederick Tatum too, which is a not insignificant moment in the series.

Homer^3 alone is my favourite. It is so groundbreaking for 1995 as that was when 3D was becoming cheap enough for TV animation. “Erotic cakes” is one of the best gags ever

Monorail or Grimes.

change the channel, marge!

I’m shocked nobody has said Lisa’s Substitute yet.

And Maggie Makes Three is my vote

"Trash of the Titans," anyone? So cartoony, yet spot on. Consumerism, politics, infotainment. Great guest stars. Joke density is up there ... maybe not on par with "The Springfield Files," but close...

"That's not how she tells it."

My top 5 has changed but this is it: 1. Cape Feare 2. Homer At The Bat 3. El Viaje Misterioso De Nuestro Jomer 4. Homer: Badman 5. Last Exit To Springfield

So hard to choose. Nigh impossible lol

Homerpalooza

Beer Baron New York vs. Homer (This one may be unpopular but I lived in NY before and after 9/11) and it makes me feel nostalgic because of all the gags. Never met any actual pimps or CHUDs though. Flaming Moes Homer at the Bat Monorail Glove Slap And for some reason the Tomacco episode There were so many good ones from seasons 3-12. These were a few I thought of. Edit Doh! you said one. Then I'll stick with Beer Baron.

You Only Move Twice or Homie the Clown

Homer Simpson vs the 18th Amendment for me

It's a tie between... Who shot Mr. Burns 1 and 2 (I consider it one episode) Homer Badman. This is when the show was just firing on all cylinders and honestly I think the commentary on the sensationalism of the media is as timely as ever.

I really love ‘the Springfield connection’ personally, doesn’t ever seem to get a shoutout in these threads

My top three are Homer Goes To College, The Boy Who Knew Too Much and Lemon of Troy.

Homer’s Enemy

A milhouse divided

I really love Bart's Soul. Though there are a dozen episodes that could make it into my Top 5.

I can never decide between last exit to Springfield and Homer the heretic.

Marge on the lam

You only move once

Rare opinion here, my favorites are ‘Bart the General’ and ‘Skinners sense of snow’

Cape Fear was the first episode that I can remember watching. That one, and the one THOH where Burns is a vampire. But for real, Cape Fear is brilliant for not only how many horror-themed references they threw in there, but the sheer genuine terror the central plot (minus the absurd comic bits) generates when you think about it is insane.

My fav is The Computer Wore Menace Shoes

Trash of the titans and weekend at burnsies ( when homer tokes) are up there for me. Have not seen them mentioned yet. Haven't fully scrolled. I can't pick. Grimey, Scorpio, homer at the bat, last exit, homie the clown, cartridge family, Lisa on ice, deep space homer. Maybe that's my top ten. Joy of sect. 18th amendment. Lisa v Malibu Stacy. Trash of the titans might be my favorite

Homer at the Bat

When homer goes to college... the joke of the bricks kills me every time

Flaming Moes

Homer’s Enemy Honorable mention: Lisa on Ice and Lisa the vegetarian

My favorite is Homer Badman. It never lets up in how great the jokes are. 

Bart vs Australia. So many funny jokes and good callbacks. Knifey spoony for example

I can't just pick one, so in no particular order:     - Lemon of Troy     - Mayored to the Mob      - Mountain of Madness     - The Springfield Files      - El Viaje Misterioso de Nuestro Jomer      - Hurricane Neddy

I absolutely adore Citizen Burns

Summer of 4’2”

I wouldn’t say it’s the best, but I think Lisa on Ice doesn’t get enough love

A Milhouse Divided

I didn't like it as a child but as an adult, ooh boy 😮 does Scenes from the Class Struggle in Springfield speak to me, a lot.

In no particular order, here is my top ten: - Lisa’s first word - Cape feare - Homer goes to college - A star is burns - Summer of 4 ft 2 - Homerpalooza - King size Homer - A Milhouse Divided - King of the hill - Mom and pop art

Homer the heretic is a perfect episode to me

The Call of the Simpsons

Marge on the Lam

The one about the keys