Rick And Morty: 25 Best Rick Sanchez Quotes (So Far) (2024)

Rick Sanchez quotes make for some of the most quotable moments, and the smartest man in all creation has dropped many memorable one-liners beyond catchphrases like "Wubba Lubba Dub-Dub" and "I'm Pickle Rick!". The most memorable Rick quotes are either hilarious, or deep, comedic examinations of humanity, technology, and/or philosophy. Rick Sanchez exudes a blunt nihilism and arrogance to counterbalance Morty's naive optimism. He also has no filter, doesn't care whose feelings he hurts, and will say anything and everything that comes to mind — making it easy to see why he's the source of so many Rick and Morty quotes.

Throughout Rick and Morty, Rick Sanchez's lines help convey his critical eye and pretty grim outlook on the universe — the cynical wisdom that comes with being an interdimensional legend who's seemingly done and seen it all. Even after and was replaced by Ian Cardoni from season 7 onwards, Rick remains the source of some of the most hilarious lines in the show. It's clear that no matter who voices the eternally pessimistic super genius every new episode of Rick & Morty will bring new contenders for the best Rick Sanchez quotes.

25 "As Far As Grandpa's Concerned, You're Both Pieces Of S**t"

"A Rickle In Time" - Season 2, Episode 1

Rick Sanchez is not someone to hide his feelings. In the episode "A Rickle In Time," Rick unfreezes time and then tells Morty and Summer that reality might not be stable there. However, Morty and Summer begin to fight, and the moment Rick finally has enough brings one of the best Rick Sanchez quotes from season 2.

While Morty and Summer are concerned about their timeline, Rick lashes out at them and tells them that they might be different from each other "in many ways," to him they are "both pieces of s**t." He then pulls out a whiteboard to demonstrate this fact, so they would both understand. It's a quote that truly exemplifies just how emotionally brutal Rick can be sometimes — it's not enough that his grandkids both know what he thinks of them, he needs to ensure they also understand the exact reasoning why.

24 "Go To The Garage, Transfer Your Mind Into A Younger Clone Of Yourself, And Get Embroiled In Some Youthful Hijinks, What's The BFD?"

"Big Trouble in Little Sanchez" - Season 2, Episode 7

There are several different versions of Rick that appear in Rick & Morty due to his interdimensional travel, but occasionally Rick C-137 (the Rick the show follows and, in his own words, the "Rickest Rick there is") will transform himself. This is the case when "Tiny Rick" makes an appearance, which also leads to some incredibly memorable Rick Sanchez quotes thanks to the merging of Rick's personality with that of a teenager.

In the second season episode, "Big Trouble in Little Sanchez," Rick transfers his mind into a teenage clone and sets out to kill a vampire. As a teenager, Rick is completely different and becomes very popular before finally killing the vampire. Of course, he doesn't want to go back to his older self and needs Morty and Summer to convince him to do the right thing. The funniest part of this quote is when Tiny Rick caps off his introduction by abbreviating "big f*****g deal" into "BFD".

23 "You Act Like Prey, But You're A Predator"

"The Whirly Dirly Conspiracy" - Season 3, Episode 5

Many of the best Rick quotes in Rick & Morty come at the expense of Jerry, for whom Rick holds a particularly large level of contempt, with especially sharp and savage insults to match. Rick Sanchez has never liked Jerry Smith, his son-in-law, and he showed his contempt in a harsh scene in Rick & Morty season 3's "The Whirly Dirly Conspiracy." In this episode, Rick agrees to take Jerry on an otherworldly adventure where he encounters Risotto Groupon, an alien with a grudge against Rick. He convinces Jerry to betray Rick, but Jerry eventually backs out and saves his father-in-law.

I took your family? Who do you think had more taken away from them when you shot 20 cc of liquid dream-killer into my daughter? She was Rick's daughter, Jerry. She had options! That all ended because she felt sorry for you. You act like prey, but you're a predator! You use pity to lure in your victims! That's how you survive! I survive because I know everything. That snake survives because children wander off, and you survive because people think "Oh, this poor piece of sh*t, he never gets a break. I can't stand the deafening silent wails of his wilting soul. I'll guess I'll hire him, or marry him."

Sadly, Rick learns Jerry almost betrayed him and launches into a diatribe about what he hates about Jerry. This brutal Rick Sanchez Jerry put-down was all the funnier because Rick was using Jerry as bait, all while accusing Jerry of using others.

22 "He Turned Himself Into An Akira"

"Edge of Tomorty: Rick Die Rickpeat" - Season 4, Episode 1

Many Rick & Morty quotes reference sci-fi movies, TV shows, and even manga. The show has become renowned for just how many easter-eggs and nods it has to pop culture staples throughout its 8 seasons, with references to both well-known and obscure titles littered throughout. However, one of the funniest Rick Sanchez comes when he drops an unexpected nod to classic 1988 anime movie Akira.

In Rick & Morty season 4's "Edge of Tomorty: Rick Die Rickpeat," Morty finds a crystal that shows him his death as an old man with his crush, Jessica, by his side. As a result, he does everything the crystal tells him, including accidentally killing Rick. Morty also begins stealing weapons and even goes on a murder spree. Luckily, Rick gets back and when Jerry and Beth blame him, he angrily says Morty turned himself into "an Akira." This quote is especially funny by the simple addition of the "an", since Akira is a person and not an object, so Rick's insinuation that the entire concept is a trope (or something that he's come across multiple times on his interdimensional travels) is hilarious.

21 "I'm Charles Manson Because I Gave You Your Own World"

"The ABC's Of Beth" - Season 3, Episode 9

Rick and Beth, his daughter, have an incredibly complicated and often toxic relationship. However, despite everything, the pair still care about each other (even Rick, who knows that the Beth in the show isn't even the same one from his native dimension). Still, with a mind as brilliant as Rick's, there are bound to be some incredibly bizarre results of this affection. Such as when he created the pocket-dimension dubbed Froopyland for her when she was a child.

Yeah, whatever. A dad makes a toilet look like R2-D2, and it breaks the front page of Reddit, but I'm Charles Manson because I gave you your own world instead of an iPad.

In Rick & Morty season 3's "The ABCs of Death," Rick takes Beth back to Froopyland for her to visit again. When she meets her childhood friend Tommy, who has been presumed missing for decades, she blames Rick. The episode had some hilariously cruel quotes, such as Rick's rant where he explains he created Froopyland to protect the world from his dangerous daughter. However, Beth keeps blaming Rick for everything and Rick finally snaps, referencing how some dads do silly things and everyone loves it, but he created an entire world for his daughter, and it makes him a monster.

20 "Rick And Morty, Forever And Forever, A Hundred Years Rick And Morty, S... things!"

"Pilot" - Season 1, Episode 1

Rick & Morty is no stranger to meta-humor, with many hilarious moments coming from the show becoming self-aware about the fact that it's a show. However, the most funny of these occur during some of Rick's many rants where he yells borderline-incomprehensible gibberish at Morty that his grandson doesn't understand, but the viewer, of course, fully gets.

This early Rick Sanchez quote is a small but memorable part of the final scene in the Rick & Morty pilot episode, in which Rick goes on the first of his famous monologs to a paralyzed Morty, mostly improvised by Justin Roiland. The moment is iconic and memorable for its sheer ridiculousness and improvisational nature, and set the tone for everything that followed. This would not be the last time a moment like this occurred, either. In fact, Rick's first crazy rant was mirrored in the Rick and Morty season 6 ending.

19 "What, So Everyone’s Supposed To Sleep Every Single Night Now?"

"Pilot" - Season 1, Episode 1

For all his intelligence, Rick often displays a complete lack of understanding when it comes to social norms, especially when it comes to Morty. Rick values his science far more than literally anything Morty has going on in his life, which often means both trouble for Morty and some hilarious Rick Sanchez quotes. Such is the case when Rick is called out for his time with his grandson robbing Morty of healthy levels of sleep.

When Summer accuses Morty of being out with Rick all night during an early scene of the pilot episode, Rick defensively responds, "What, so everyone’s supposed to sleep every single night now? You realize that nighttime makes up half of all time?" The quote isn't just a humorous bit of dialogue — it also informs the viewer that Rick values his time significantly. This is one of the simpler Rick and Morty quotes, but it stands out for also being a clever bit of exposition.

18 "This One Will Not Be Directed By Ron Howard."

"The Old Man and the Seat" - Season 4, Episode 2

Given how little Rick cares about Morty's basic needs, like sleep, education, or a social life, it's hilariously ironic in the season 4 episode "The Old Man and the Seat" when it's revealed just how much time Rick has invested into a key bodily function of his own — his bowel moments. When Rick finally gets to use the bathroom in peace at his majestically relaxing toilet situated in the isolated wilderness of a foreign planet, he utters the line, "Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got a quick solo adventure to go on, and this one will not be directed by Ron Howard."

Rick and Morty's poop/toilet episode is undoubtedly tragic. Yet, it ends with this gem of a Rick Sanchez quote referencing Ron Howard taking the directing reigns of Solo: A Star Wars Story. It's taken to another level of hilarity when Jerry says that he would be honored to have Ron Howard involved when he does his business.

17 "I Always Slay It, Queen."

"Claw And Hoarder: Special Ricktim's Morty" - Season 4, Episode 4

Sci-fi isn't the only genre Rick & Morty likes to parody of riff off of, since there are several episodes that also dip into fantasy tropes, such as season 4's "Claw And Hoarder: Special Ricktim's Morty". When a dragon arrives at the steps of the Smith home, Summer turns to his grandpa and asks, "Are you going to slay it?" which prompts Rick to reply, "First off, I always slay it, queen."

It's a genuinely surprising response, because no one really expected the greatest boomer of all time to suddenly go Gen Z, though it's unquestionably hilarious and easily among the best Rick Sanchez quotes. It's also notable how the episode's title is a reference to Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, one of the darkest police procedurals on television — and a title that perfectly fits the incredibly adult turn the plot takes when it emerges that the dragon gets an intense amount of sexual gratification from its relationship with humans.

16 "I'm Pickle Rick!"

"Pickle Rick" - Season 3, Episode 3

Of all the Rick quotes from Rick & Morty, "I'm Pickle Rick" is perhaps the most widely known even outside the show's fanbase. When the season 3 episode arrived, the Pickle Rick reveal and accompanying line became something of a meme, though notoriety isn't the only reason why it's one of the best Rick Sanchez quotes.

The "I'm Pickle Rick" episode exemplifies the genius behind the branding of Rick as a character. Apart from being one of many Rick and Morty quotes that look good on any t-shirt, this defiant and proud statement comes from a grandpa who found a way to get out of going to therapy with his family, only to find himself walking straight into their therapist's office. The three-word catchphrase is not only funny, but it also remains a succinct reminder of Rick's inner feelings, which Rick struggled to confront at the time.

15 "Charging Into 'Em Like A Bull — That's How We Grow As People."

"Pilot" - Season 1, Episode 1

This "inspirational" quote from Rick might just be a disingenuous pep talk meant to coax Morty into collecting Mega Tree seeds — but it still stands as an incredibly memorable line. While many other Rick and Morty quotes also reveal the reckless nature of Rick Sanchez, this quote is a peek into what Rick was like back when he was a leader — especially when the full line is considered.

"Listen to me, Morty. I know that new situations can be intimidating. You're lookin’ around, and it’s all scary and different, but y’know … meeting them head-on, charging into ‘em like a bull — that’s how we grow as people."

Many of the best Rick quotes from the pilot episode also set the tone for the rest of the show, and this instance is no exception. Rick often talks Morty into charging headlong into incredibly dangerous situations with little regard for his safety. The quote takes on a hint of irony as the show progresses too, as Morty soon learns that many other versions of himself meet untimely ends due to his grandpa encouraging them to wander into fatally dangerous situations.

14 "Love Is Just A Chemical Reaction That Compels Animals To Breed."

"Rick Potion No. 9" - Season 1, Episode 6

There's probably no better example of Rick Sanchez's nihilistic, no-nonsense view on human emotion than this quote about love. Season 1's "Rick Potion No. 9" sees Morty requesting his grandfather to concoct a potion that will make Jessica fall in love with him. In the Rick & Morty season 1 episode, Rick doesn't just initially turn him down but even downplays the nature of love itself.

"...what people call “love” is just a chemical reaction that compels animals to breed. It hits hard, Morty, then it slowly fades, leaving you stranded in a failing marriage. I did it. Your parents are gonna do it. Break the cycle, Morty. Rise above. Focus on science."

Like many Rick Sanchez quotes, this one also takes on a hint of irony as the show progresses. There are several episodes of Rick & Morty that show Rick isn't immune to his own emotions as much as he professes otherwise, even (and perhaps especially) love. Whether it's being haunted by the memory of his wife Diane, or feeling suicidal after breaking up with the hive mind named Unity, Rick has showed time and time again that he finds romance just as troubling as anyone else.

13 "Get Out Of Here, Summer! You Ruined The Season 4 Premiere!"

"Edge of Tomorty: Rick Die Rickpeat" - Season 4, Episode 1

One of the funniest moments during the Akira spoof episode of Rick & Morty takes place at the very end when Summer begins teasing Rick and Morty about their "testosterone-addled third-grade boy" attitude. At the same time, they rave about the adventures they will have — and won't have. The interaction is hilarious on multiple levels, being memorable both because of the meta-humor throughout, because of Rick and Morty acting like overexcited teenagers, and because it contains some unrestrained animosity toward Summer.

Prior to Summer becoming a more central character in Rick & Morty season 6, this moment is a throwback to the time she was treated as a comedic punching bag when Rick busts out this humorous fourth-wall-breaking line. Rick and Morty cursing out Summer to close out the season 4 premiere proved both amusing and fitting, especially given how prominent Summer became.

12 "Welcome To The Club, Pal."

"Something Ricked This Way Comes" - Season 1, Episode 9

Just like the "I'm Pickle Rick!" scene, this moment from season 1's "Something Ricked This Way Comes" became meme-fodder almost as soon as the episode aired. Despite being a throwaway gag for the show that has little bearing on the plot of the episode, the interaction between Rick and one of his creations is laugh-out-loud funny.

During a classic intro scene at the dinner table that blends lighthearted humor with a depressing dose of philosophy, a small robot asks Rick what his purpose is. Rick replies, "to pass butter." After accomplishing this task and pondering his true worth, he asks again, only to be informed that this is his only purpose. The distraught robot hangs his head in sadness and can only mutter "oh my God," before Rick replies, "welcome to the club, pal." One of Rick Sanchez's greatest inventions, the butter-passing robot being adorable makes this existential confrontation all the more horrific and hilarious.

11 "I Invent, Transform, Create, And Destroy For A Living."

"Pickle Rick" - Season 3, Episode 3

There are many memorable Rick Sanchez quotes that stem from moments where the smartest man in the universe allows his ego to run rampant, such as in season 3's "Pickle Rick", which has many memorable lines outside the infamous "I'm Pickle Rick!" quote from which the episode gets its name. After Rick gains enough augmentation to escape his self-inflicted pickle, he makes it to a therapy session with his daughter Beth, along with Morty and Summer.

When the therapist asks why he didn't want to show up, Rick responds with, "I'm a scientist; because I invent, transform, create, and destroy for a living, and when I don't like something about the world, I change it." Compared to other Rick Sanchez lines, what's brilliant about this quote is its double meaning. Alone, the quote is a bold declaration of Rick's identity. In the context of the episode, however, this line exposes how far Rick will go to avoid facing his issues, head-on.

10 "I Want That Mulan McNugget Sauce, Morty!"

"The Rickshank Rickdemption" - Season 3, Episode 1

Another highly memed moment in Rick & Morty came in the season 3 premiere, "The Rickshank Rickdemption". As funny as Rick is when discussing science or espousing his nihilistic philosophy, he's even funnier when he gets hung up on trivial and mundane matters — with nothing exemplifying this more than his obsession with a promotional sauce McDonald's released during the theatrical run of the 1998 Disney movie Mulan. The running joke about Rick's love for the promotional McDonald's Szechuan sauce is one of the best in the series and helped spawn another iconic monologue as Rick showcases just how off the rails he can go.

The entire monologue sees a scared Morty quiver as Rick confesses how he beat Jerry, how he got everybody on his side, and how nobody would believe Morty if he were to tell them this. He then diverts on a mad tangent that is utterly hilarious. Hearing Rick so rabidly declaring his desire for the McNugget sauce makes for one of the funniest Rick and Morty quotes.

9 "Sometimes Science Is More Art Than Science."

"Rick Potion No. 9" - Season 1, Episode 6

For all that Rick seems to be in control of everything that happens around him, he sometimes reveals that his genius isn't as bulletproof as first appears. Such is the case in "Rick Potion No. 9", though, as always, instead of apologizing Rick simply comes up with an excuse for his error. When Rick's potion goes awry and produces the undesired effects of turning all infected by it into Morty-obsessed, Cronenberg-inspired flesh monsters, Rick shrugs it off and claims that "sometimes science is more art than science."

On one hand, this is one of those rare Rick Sanchez lines in which he admits that even science itself isn't perfect. On the other hand, Morty and the audience know that this is just Rick once again hilariously finding the perfect excuse. It completely suits Rick that he'd see his experiments going wrong as an example of artistic expression rather than a moment his scientific abilities failed him.

8 "Worse, You're Smart."

"The ABC's Of Beth" - Season 3, Episode 9

Not all of the most memorable Rick quotes in Rick & Morty are those that prompt laughter. The character is complex, and there are just as many that stick with viewers because they offer an unfiltered observation about some of the harsher truths of the world. With Rick & Morty season 3's "The ABC's of Beth" exposing Beth's complicated childhood, Rick tells Beth that she is exactly like him, and Beth asks Rick, "Am I evil?"

In a rare poignant moment between the two most dangerous characters on the show, Rick tells his daughter, "Worst, you're smart." Though this was followed by more Rick & Morty quotes that further unravel their complex father-daughter relationship, this one line stands out because it encapsulates Beth's entire identity crisis in Rick and Morty, and her realization that — for good or bad — she is indeed exactly like her father.

7 "The Second He Reveals He's Evil We're Gone."

"Rickmurai Jack" - Season 5, Episode 10

Season 5's "Rickmurai Jack" was one of the most fanbase-pleasing episodes of the show so far, but also had many memorable Rick quotes. When it comes to Rick dropping into fourth-wall-breaking meta humor, few plot threads provide more laughs than Evil Morty. The Rick and Morty season 5 ending finally paid off the teased Evil Morty storyline and saw him meet Rick and Morty in a brilliant and explosive encounter.

Momentarily complying with Evil Morty's requests, Rick says, "Fine, I could eat. But the second he reveals he's evil, we're gone." Of course, Rick can smell the trouble a mile away, and it bores him. What makes this one of the best Rick Sanchez quotes is that it showcases his underestimation of everyone else and, specifically, of Mortys. Evil Morty would later prove this to be one of Rick's biggest mistakes.

6 "Wubba Lubba Dub-Dub!"

"Meeseeks and Destroy" - Season 1, Episode 5

Many Rick Sanchez quotes have become seen at catchphrases thanks to repetition and memes, and one of the strangest is "Wubba Lubba Dub-Dub", which first appears in season 1's "Meeseeks and Destroy". The nonsense-phrase gets repeated multiple times throughout Rick & Morty and, surprisingly, actually comes to have some key significance when it comes to Rick's character development.

"Wubba lubba dub-dub" actually means, "help me, I'm in great pain," in Birdperson's language, as Rick's bird companion informs Morty during the episode "Ricksy Business." Though Rick first utters the catchphrase in season 1's "Meeseeks and Destroy," "Wubba lubba dub-dub" remains a recurring joke in the series. At the same time, it's a cry for help that betrayed Rick's inner thoughts — before he actually made breakthroughs in the show. As well as being memorable, it's also tied to one of the earliest moments in Rick & Morty that shows Rick Sanchez is a much more troubled character than he first appears.