The Great Cubes: Unraveling the Top 40 Futurama Episodes

The 40 Best Episodes of Futurama, Ranked

Introduction

Futurama, the animated sitcom created by Matt Groening, has made a triumphant return with 20 new episodes on Hulu. With over 140 half-hour episodes in total, we have taken on the unenviable task of ranking the top 40 episodes of this beloved show. Futurama is not your typical animated sitcom; it is a show that combines humor with heartfelt moments, making you care deeply for its characters and their adventures in the 31st century.

The Evolution of Futurama

Futurama has had its fair share of ups and downs since its debut over 25 years ago. It was first canceled by Fox in 2003, revived through direct-to-DVD movies, and then picked up by Comedy Central for three more years. Finally, after a decade-long hiatus, the show has been resurrected by Hulu. Each revival has brought its own set of challenges, resulting in a mixed bag of episodes. While some post-cancellation episodes are all-time greats, most fall short compared to the show’s early seasons.

The decline in quality of post-cancellation episodes is reminiscent of “The Simpsons,” another Groening show. However, Futurama‘s decline is marked by a clear demarcation, rather than a gradual decline. Many of these episodes rely too heavily on self-referential humor and fail to fully develop either the clever premise or the characters, who sometimes feel like stock versions of themselves rather than inhabitants of the 31st century.

The Top 40 Episodes

Our ranking of the top 40 episodes of Futurama takes into account the show’s humor, character development, emotional impact, and memorable moments. It is important to note that this ranking does not include the new episodes released on Hulu. With that being said, let’s dive into the list.

40. “Law and Oracle” (Season 6, Episode 16)

“Law and Oracle” is a pretty standard spin on the classic animated-sitcom trope where the main character gets a new job for one episode. Fry’s time as an agent in the New New York Police Department is a fun riff on the movie “Minority Report” and features Chief O’Manahan, a hilarious gender-swapped version of the typical police captain.

39. “When Aliens Attack” (Season 1, Episode 12)

“When Aliens Attack” pleasantly riffs on alien-invasion movies like “Independence Day,” relying on broader genre homages rather than overly specific references. The episode introduces the memorable character Lrrr, ruler of Omicron Persei 8. It also features a relatable line for anyone who has ever had to write for a living: “It took an hour to write; I thought it would take an hour to read.”

38. “The Series Has Landed” (Season 1, Episode 2)

“The Series Has Landed” is the second episode of Futurama and follows the trio of main characters and Dr. Farnsworth as they land on the moon, which has been transformed into a cheap theme park. The episode introduces new characters and adds early pathos to the central concept, highlighting the bittersweet nature of a future that commodifies even the wildest dreams.

37. “A Head in the Polls” (Season 2, Episode 3)

“A Head in the Polls” introduces one of the few recurring historical heads, Richard Nixon. It cleverly exploits the technicality that no body can be elected president a third time. While not as profound as some episodes of “The Simpsons” that perfectly sum up political parties, this episode showcases the unique humor and creativity of Futurama.

36. “Overclockwise” (Season 6, Episode 25)

“Overclockwise” is one of Futurama‘s many series finales that weren’t intended to be finales. This episode turns Bender into a hypercomputer with near-omnipotent abilities. It features fun scenes and a memorable ending that plays with the will-they-won’t-they dynamic between Fry and Leela.

35. “Murder on the Planet Express” (Season 7, Episode 24)

“Murder on the Planet Express” initially seems typical of many post-cancellation episodes, with pairs of characters arbitrarily at odds with each other. However, the twist in the third act turns it into a clever and hilarious riff on “The Thing,” with unexpected reveals of shape-shifting monsters.

34. “The Farnsworth Parabox” (Season 4, Episode 15)

“The Farnsworth Parabox” cleverly uses alternate versions of the Planet Express crew to propel the pair’s relationship forward without altering the show’s status quo. This episode uses the concept of multiverses before it became exhausted by popular culture, showcasing the show’s creative approach to storytelling.

33. “Mars University” (Season 1, Episode 11)

“Mars University” is an episode-long parody of the movie “Animal House.” The gang goes to college, where Fry battles his intelligent monkey roommate and Bender engages in fraternity shenanigans. This episode successfully parodies an iconic film while still putting its own spin on the material.

32. “Where No Fan Has Gone Before” (Season 4, Episode 11)

This episode features the voice talents of the original “Star Trek” cast and pays homage to the world of “Star Trek.” It feels natural and overdue for the USS Enterprise crew to make an appearance in the world of Futurama, highlighting the show’s commitment to geek culture.

31. “The Problem with Popplers” (Season 2, Episode 15)

“The Problem with Popplers” intelligently addresses ethical concerns surrounding eating meat and satirizes PETA’s activism. The episode explores the consequences of a new fast-food craze while infusing humor and social commentary.

30. “Three Hundred Big Boys” (Season 4, Episode 16)

“Three Hundred Big Boys” is Futurama‘s take on the iconic “Simpsons” side-stories episode “22 Short Films About Springfield.” While it can’t reach the heights of its predecessor due to a less extensive supporting cast, this nontraditional half-hour installment is a breezy and enjoyable hangout episode.

29. “Meanwhile” (Season 7, Episode 26)

Originally intended as Futurama‘s final finale, “Meanwhile” is an episode that explores the cyclical theme of the show. The Professor invents a machine that rewinds time by ten seconds, leading to Fry and Leela experiencing a frozen world and ultimately choosing to start over. This episode segues nicely into the show’s resurrection on Hulu.

28. “Lethal Inspection” (Season 6, Episode 6)

“Lethal Inspection” pairs the unlikely duo of Bender and Hermes and provides a wholesome ending. It highlights the importance of character interactions and relationships and showcases one of the most compelling relationships on the show.

27. “A Fishful of Dollars” (Season 1, Episode 6)

“A Fishful of Dollars” delves into the melancholy of Fry’s past life in the year 1999. While not as emotionally impactful as other episodes, it serves as a reminder of the inherent sadness in a future that leaves behind everything you once knew.

26. “Xmas Story” (Season 2, Episode 4)

Futurama‘s take on Christmas episodes may not rival the likes of “American Dad,” but “Xmas Story” adds a sweetly cynical twist to the holiday season. With a murderous Santa Claus robot and dark humor, this episode celebrates the show’s ability to find humor in unexpected places.

25. “The Day the Earth Stood Stupid” (Season 3, Episode 7)

“The Day the Earth Stood Stupid” sets up important plot points for future episodes and offers a chance for Fry to be the smart one for a change. With funny references and well-timed jokes, this episode is a standout in the show’s lore.

24. “Anthology of Interest I” (Season 2, Episode 16)

The first anthology episode of Futurama is one of the series’ best. It explores amusing and absurd “what if?” scenarios, showcasing the show’s ability to deliver humor within its self-imposed framework.

23. “The Cryonic Woman” (Season 2, Episode 19)

“The Cryonic Woman” revisits Fry’s past and reminds us of the series’ roots. It cleverly incorporates world-building details and presents Fry with the harsh reality of the future compared to his expectations. The episode also provides amusing jabs at Los Angeles.

22. “A Bicyclops Built for Two” (Season 2, Episode 9)

This episode reveals Leela’s true identity as a mutant and adds depth to her character. By exploring her backstory, the show deepens the connection between Fry and Leela and showcases the creativity in Futurama‘s storytelling.

21. “War Is the H Word” (Season 2, Episode 17)

Futurama‘s take on the sci-fi war genre cleverly parodies films like “Starship Troopers” and showcases the comedic genius of Zapp Brannigan. The episode turns the traditional war narrative on its head, making Brannigan and Nixon the bad guys.

Editorial

Futurama is a show that captivated audiences with its unique blend of humor and heart. Its ability to make us care about a delivery boy, a one-eyed mutant, and an alcoholic robot is a testament to its exceptional storytelling and well-developed characters. The show’s revivals have had their ups and downs, resulting in a mixed collection of episodes.

However, through it all, Futurama has remained a beloved series that continues to resonate with fans. It tackles deep and thought-provoking subjects such as time travel, religion, and the nature of relationships, all while delivering laughs and memorable moments.

Advice for Futurama Fans

For fans of Futurama, revisiting the top episodes is a great way to relive the show’s brilliance. The ranked list provides a roadmap to the standout episodes, ensuring a fun and entertaining viewing experience. The list also offers an opportunity to reflect on the show’s evolution and the impact it has had on popular culture.

Additionally, for those who have yet to watch Futurama, starting with the top-ranked episodes is an excellent way to dive into the show. These episodes encapsulate the essence of Futurama and showcase the show’s unique blend of humor and heart.

Conclusion

Futurama is a show that has left an indelible mark on the world of animated sitcoms. With its clever writing, memorable characters, and ability to balance humor with heartfelt moments, it has cemented its place in pop culture history. While its revivals have had their share of hits and misses, the top 40 episodes serve as a reminder of the show’s brilliance and its lasting impact on fans.