20 South Park Best Episodes Ranked According to IMDb Rating

South Park is an animated series known for its blend of raunchy humor and sharp social commentary. Created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the show has not shied away from crossing boundaries. Over its long run, the series has garnered a massive following, with its irreverent style and unexpected plot twists. Let’s Dive deep into south park best episodes ranked according to Decider IMDb.

The 26th season of South Park continues to add to its rich history of over 300 episodes. The show’s most memorable episodes masterfully combine crude humor with witty satire. Its intentionally flawed characters and catchy original songs add to the charm, making it a unique fixture in the world of television. Audiences are consistently entertained by the balance of silliness and clever observation.

20. “Cartman’s Mom Is a Dirty Slut” (Season 1, Episode 13)

The last episode of South Park’s first season is known for blending the show’s signature edgy humor with a touching narrative about searching for identity. In “Cartman’s Mom Is a Dirty Slut,” Cartman is on a mission to find out who his father is. This quest becomes tough when he discovers his mother’s many romantic encounters. Meanwhile, his friends, Stan, Kyle, and Kenny, are busy filming Cartman to enter the footage into ‘America’s Stupidest Home Videos’.

The episode ended with a promise to reveal Cartman’s father at the start of the second season. However, this reveal didn’t happen, leaving many fans upset. Despite this, the episode remains a classic, highlighting Cartman’s character and featuring many of the show’s secondary characters.

19. “Cartman’s Incredible Gift” (Season 8, Episode 13)

In the episode “Cartman’s Incredible Gift,” South Park delivers a clever parody of mystery tropes and so-called “psychic” detectives. The plot kicks off when Cartman suffers a head injury and, upon waking up in the hospital, convinces a police officer that he has developed psychic powers. Faced with an active serial killer, the authorities rely on Cartman’s supposed abilities to solve crimes.

This episode satirizes the phenomenon of psychics and pokes fun at movies like Red Dragon and The Dead Zone. The story primarily focuses on Cartman’s manipulative actions, which showcase his inflated ego. Despite sticking to a straightforward narrative and avoiding especially taboo or controversial themes, “Cartman’s Incredible Gift” has gained popularity among fans.

Fans of murder mysteries will appreciate the episode’s humor and its take on paranormal crime-solving. The balance of humor and parody makes this episode stand out in the series, earning it a strong rating of 8.6 out of 10 on IMDb.

18. “The Passion of the Jew” (Season 8, Episode 3)

This episode critiques the buzz and controversy around the film The Passion of the Christ. At the time, the focus was on the movie’s portrayal of Jewish people, sparking debates and discussions. In South Park’s take, Cartman tries to turn the movie’s themes into a campaign against Jews, hoping to incite antisemitism.

Meanwhile, Stan and Kenny, who despised the film, embark on a mission to get their money back. They confront Mel Gibson, highlighting their frustration with the film’s intense violence and potentially harmful messages. The episode manages to tackle these heavy topics with South Park’s typical humor while providing social commentary.

The episode has received critical acclaim for how it managed to address the sensitive issues, and it remains well-regarded for its sharp satire and timely commentary.

17. 201 – Season 14, Episode 6

In Season 14, South Park marked its 200th episode with some of its most controversial content. The second part of this storyline, titled “201,” sees a combination of famous figures and the Ginger Separatist Movement demanding that South Park hand over Muhammad. Amid this chaos, religious figures come together to defend the town from the threat of Mecha-Streisand.

This episode is well-known for its depiction of Muhammad, who is shown behind a black bar with the word “censored” on it. The intense public reaction and threats of violence led Comedy Central to further censor the episode, despite objections from the show’s creators, Parker and Stone. Although highly rated, “201” is not available for streaming and hasn’t been shown in re-runs. It still managed to earn a Primetime Emmy nomination despite the controversy and challenges it faced.

16. “200” (Season 14, Episode 5)

The episode “200” stands as a milestone for the South Park series. It’s the 200th episode and brings back many of the celebrities the show has mocked over the years. Led by Tom Cruise, a group of 200 Hollywood stars files a class action lawsuit against the town. The lawsuit’s condition for being dropped is arranging a meeting between Cruise and the Prophet Muhammad.

Like the following episode “201”, “200” was nominated for a Primetime Emmy. Despite its success, the episode has been pulled from streaming platforms and hasn’t been included in re-runs. Packed with references to movie stars and religious figures, and an intricate plot, this episode showcases South Park’s daring humor.

The episode “200” boasts an impressive IMDb score. This high rating reflects the episode’s impact and quality. It stands out as one of the more memorable and controversial entries in the long-running series.

15. “You Have 0 Friends” (Season 14, Episode 4)

The episode “You Have 0 Friends” cleverly uses elements from Tron to highlight the seductive dangers of social media. Stan Marsh finds himself unwillingly roped into Facebook, only to be literally engulfed by the platform. As he navigates this digital world, Kyle Broflovski is torn between maintaining his social clout and showing compassion to a lonely third-grader.

Reflecting Trey Parker’s own encounters with Facebook, the episode humorously yet poignantly critiques the self-centered and number-obsessed nature of social media. It’s a harsh but thoughtful examination of tech culture, focusing not just on the absurdities but also on the individuals who suffer in isolation. The narrative serves as a stern warning about the impact of social media. This episode aired on April 7, 2010 and remains relevant to conversations about social media today.

Boasting strong reviews, the episode is praised for its insightful and critical take on the influence of social media platforms.

14. “Medicinal Fried Chicken” (Season 14, Episode 3)

The episode “Medicinal Fried Chicken” garners an impressive IMDb rating of 8.7/10. Both Cartman and Randy shine in this installment. Cartman is horrified to discover that the town’s KFC has been replaced by a store selling medicinal marijuana, prompting him to start an illegal KFC trade. Meanwhile, Randy purposefully gives himself testicular cancer so he can access the dispensary, resulting in his testicles growing immensely.

The episode delivers satire on the issues surrounding medicinal drug use and fast food, also taking aim at the Catholic Church and parodying the movie Scarface. This blend of humor and social commentary makes “Medicinal Fried Chicken” memorable. Additionally, the episode even caught the attention of KFC, which issued a measured response, noting the episode’s favorable mention of the chain’s origins in Corbin, Kentucky, despite not being wholly positive about the content.

13. “Breast Cancer Show Ever” (Season 12, Episode 9)

In South Park’s long run, some episodes stand out more than others. “Breast Cancer Show Ever” is one that has left a lasting impression. This episode showcases Cartman receiving a taste of his own medicine, much to the satisfaction of viewers. It includes nods to films like Snatch and There Will Be Blood.

The episode centers on Wendy Testaburger’s efforts to promote breast cancer awareness in her school. Her efforts are continually mocked by Cartman. Fed up with his taunts, Wendy challenges him to a fight. This confrontation captivates the students, leaving Cartman scrambling to avoid the showdown.

While not the most ambitious or shocking episode in the series, the straightforward plot is well-executed and offers a gratifying tale of retribution that fans appreciate.

12. “Major Boobage” (Season 12, Episode 3)

Trey Parker and Matt Stone are well known for their over-the-top humor, but “Major Boobage” stands out as a memorable episode in their work. In Season 12, a new trend catches on among the kids of South Park: inhaling cat urine to get high. Cartman, concerned for the cats, starts hiding them in his attic. Meanwhile, Kenny becomes hooked on the urine’s hallucinogenic effects, leading him into a world filled with women’s breasts, styled after the 1981 animated film Heavy Metal.

The episode masterfully parodies this cult sci-fi movie while delivering a mix of absurd humor and a well-crafted story. One of the episode’s highlights is Mr. Kitty’s experience, which mirrors the storyline from Anne Frank’s Diary. The creators worked on the episode for eight weeks to ensure the animation perfectly captured the essence of Heavy Metal. This dedication paid off, making “Major Boobage” a standout episode deserving of its high rating.

11. “Night of the Living Homeless” (Season 11, Episode 7)

“Night of the Living Homeless” is a standout episode from South Park’s eleventh season, known for its sharp parody. The episode creatively uses the theme of zombie movies to address the issue of homelessness. In this episode, a large number of homeless people overwhelm South Park, moving aimlessly through the town.

A group of adults decides to hide on the roof of the community center, aiming to stay safe from the homeless. Simultaneously, the main characters, Stan, Cartman, Kyle, and Kenny, set off to understand the homeless crisis and find a solution to stop the spread.

The episode doesn’t only criticize homelessness but also targets the middle and upper-class individuals who fail to grasp or empathize with the problem. It’s a classic South Park mix of humor and social commentary, blending zombie movie clichés with satirical insights. A favorite among fans, this episode balances comedy and critique effectively.

10. “Cartoon Wars: Part 1” (Season 10, Episode 3)

Season 10’s “Cartoon Wars: Part 1” of South Park is one of the series’ most controversial episodes. This episode centers around the chaos that unfolds in South Park when the residents learn that an upcoming Family Guy episode will show the Prophet Muhammad. The episode’s storyline follows Cartman’s quest to Hollywood as he attempts to prevent the broadcast.

Fans of South Park hold this episode in high regard for its bold satire and willingness to tackle sensitive subjects. Initially meant to kick off Season 10, “Cartoon Wars: Part 1” was delayed due to disagreements between Comedy Central and the show’s creators, Trey Parker and Matt Stone. The episode is notable not only for its humorous critiques but also for its impact on the series’ accessibility. Due to its content, “Cartoon Wars: Part 1,” along with the sequel and three other episodes, is not available on some streaming platforms like Max and Paramount+. This episode remains a standout in the series for its fearless approach to satire and social commentary.

9. “A Ladder to Heaven” (Season 6, Episode 12)

Rated highly on IMDb with an impressive 8.7/10, “A Ladder to Heaven” stands out in South Park’s sixth season. The episode captures the boys’ attempt to build a ladder to Heaven, seeking a ticket from their deceased friend Kenny that promises endless candy. Their project, though innocent in nature, gets misconstrued by the media, sparking a political battle. President George Bush believes that Saddam Hussein is creating weapons of mass destruction from beyond the grave.

This episode ridicules George Bush’s presidency, particularly his obsession with weapons of mass destruction, while also criticizing how media often misinterpret events. Another memorable element is Cartman consuming Kenny’s cremated remains, thinking it to be chocolate milk powder, inadvertently linking him to Kenny’s soul. This mix of satire and dark humor has solidified the episode’s place among the best in the series.

8. “Die Hippie, Die” (Season 9, Episode 2)

In “Die Hippie, Die,” a disaster film parody, South Park faces an invasion of hippies holding a music festival. Eric Cartman, who works as a hippie removal expert, becomes the town’s only hope. He collaborates with political figures to create a plan to expel the anti-corporate invaders.

The episode offers ideas about society’s views on hippies and questions the sincerity of their beliefs. Despite not being the most thematically focused episode, it is notable for its parody of disaster movies and its violent conclusion, which features Slayer’s “Raining Blood.” This episode also marks the last time Isaac Hayes provided new voice dialogue.

Bold social commentary and a memorable parody contribute to its high IMDb rating of 8.7/10. The episode’s mix of humor and critique demonstrates South Park’s ability to tackle various societal issues while entertaining its audience.

7. “The Wacky Molestation Adventure” (Season 4, Episode 16)

Considered by many fans to be one of the standout episodes of Season 4, “The Wacky Molestation Adventure” showcases South Park‘s unique blend of humor and social commentary. The story follows the boys as they falsely accuse their parents of molestation in order to attend a concert. This action prompts other children to do the same, and soon the town is devoid of adults, leading to chaos as the kids attempt to form their own society.

This episode parodies the horror classic Children of the Corn, as well as drawing inspiration from Logan’s Run and the Star Trek: The Original Series episode “Miri.” The narrative delves into themes of power and authority as Cartman seizes control, resulting in anarchy.

Featuring South Park‘s signature irreverent humor and sharp satire, the episode examines how quickly societal structures can break down in the absence of order. The initial incident’s triviality—Kyle’s desire to attend a concert—adds an extra layer of absurdity, making the episode both thought-provoking and amusing.

6. “The Death Camp of Tolerance” (Season 6, Episode 14)

Known for its provocative and satirical content, South Park pushed boundaries with “The Death Camp of Tolerance” in Season 6. The episode explores Mr. Garrison’s scheme to exploit discrimination laws by attempting to get fired for his sexual orientation. To achieve this, he demonstrates shocking behavior in class, including a bizarre act involving Lemmiwinks, the class gerbil, and his assistant, Mr. Slave.

The children’s reaction is misinterpreted as homophobia, leading to their punishment at a harsh “toleration camp” that parodies Holocaust imagery. Meanwhile, Lemmiwinks embarks on a surreal journey within Mr. Slave, a clear nod to the musical sequences from the 1977 animated film The Hobbit.

The episode employs dark humor and references to highlight the superficiality of blind tolerance and how it can be manipulated. It serves as a pointed critique of societal tendencies to appear inclusive without truly grasping the complexities of the issues at hand.

5. “Chinpokomon” (Season 3, Episode 11)

“Chinpokomon,” part of South Park‘s third season, satirizes Japanese anime through a clever parody of the popular Pokémon franchise. The children of South Park become enthralled by the new craze, “Chinpokomon,” which includes an animated series and a variety of merchandise. Initially perceived as an innocent trend, it is soon discovered to be a sinister plot by the Japanese to brainwash American kids into becoming soldiers to attack Pearl Harbor.

The episode features a sharp critique of the rampant commercialization of children’s fads. Kyle plays a key role, finding it hard to grasp the appeal of Chinpokomon, which allows the show to delve into both the fanaticism of children and the perplexity of parents. The plot twist occurs when the parents employ reverse psychology by pretending to enjoy Chinpokomon, leading the children to lose interest.

“Chinpokomon” remains relevant even today, highlighting enduring themes about anime and children’s trends. The episode continues to resonate with its audience through its incisive commentary.

4. “Sponsored Content” (Season 19, Episode 8)

In the episode “Sponsored Content,” the character Jimmy faces a tough challenge as the editor of the school newspaper when his views conflict with PC Principal’s push for change. Jimmy ends up meeting with a group opposing online ads. On another front, Mr. Garrison debates against Hilary Clinton.

The episode masterfully combines South Park’s signature satire with complex ideas about modern advertising. The story about invasive internet ads struck a chord with viewers, highlighting the ongoing annoyance and intrusion of such ads. An unexpected twist adds a layer of science fiction, focusing on Jimmy’s friend Leslie. Although the episode doesn’t feature all the series’ main characters as prominently, it stands out as a sharp commentary on political correctness, modern politics, and the impact of online marketing.

3. “Titties and Dragons” (Season 17, Episode 9)

South Park’s “Titties and Dragons,” the ninth episode of season 17, has received critical acclaim with an IMDb rating of 8.8/10. This episode is notable for being the third part of a trilogy inspired by the popular series Game of Thrones. The story centers on the excitement and chaos of Black Friday sales and the intense rivalry between gaming consoles PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

The kids of South Park are divided into two groups, each supporting a different gaming console. The episode reaches a thrilling climax with backstabbing and scheming, culminating in a ‘Red Robin Wedding’. The show’s satire on Black Friday focuses on consumerism and shopping frenzy, highlighted by Randy Marsh’s struggle with shopper violence.

The episode features a significant moment where Bill Gates kills the head of Sony, resulting in the Xbox One emerging as the preferred console. Nonetheless, Cartman finds greater joy in the imaginative Game of Thrones role-playing with his friends.

2. “A Song of Ass and Fire” (Season 17, Episode 8)

In this episode, positioned as the middle part of the Game of Thrones-inspired Black Friday trilogy, the story follows the boys of South Park as they split into factions based on their preferred gaming consoles, Xbox or PlayStation. Cartman plans a strategy for the Xbox group, while Butters and Scott Malkinson make a visit to the home of George R. R. Martin.

Randy Marsh, another key character, gets a promotion and becomes the head of security at the South Park Mall. Creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone faced challenges with the episode’s narrative direction. Despite these hurdles, the final product stands out as one of the most highly praised episodes in the show’s history, fitting perfectly within the three-episode arc.

The episode includes memorable scenes, such as Butters’ discomfort when George R. R. Martin talks endlessly about “wieners” and Cartman’s scheming encounter with Bill Gates. These moments add to the episode’s reputation as a standout in the series.

1. “Butters’ Bottom B***h” (Season 13, Episode 9)

When the kids of South Park find out that Butters has never kissed a girl, the teasing urges him to act. He ends up paying a girl $5 for his first kiss. This experience leads Butters to start his own “kissing company,” where he quickly takes on the role of a pimp.

The episode is packed with humor as Butters throws himself into his new persona. He becomes more assertive with “his” girls and even goes to a “pimp convention” to learn more about the trade. It’s amusing to watch the typically innocent Butters try to fit into this tough role, playfully making fun of the clichés associated with it.

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