When going down to South Park, one can be sure to have themselves a time. Famous for toilet humor and topical satire, it’s difficult to pigeon-hole this game-changing animated series. Parking may be ample, but so too are irreverent jokes and absurd twists. The series has built a reputation for crossing every line. But Trey Parker and Matt Stone have not only crossed the line, but they have also done horrible things to the line and now the line is crying – and audiences are loving it!
With over 300 episodes, it takes a lot to stand out in the canon – only time will tell if the ongoing 26th season of South Park will be remembered alongside its highest points. The best South Park episodes blend the crude and the clever, holding space for satire and silliness to coexist. The original songs hit all the right comedic notes, and the characters are so flawed that irreverence is an expectation. So come on down to South Park, and meet some of the show’s top-rated episodes on IMDb.
Updated on October 9, 2023, by Hannah Saab:
Casa Bonita, which was bought by South Park‘s creators, finally re-opened on June 23, with its controversial “no tipping” policy sparking discussions online. Of course, the establishment is now inextricably linked with one of the best episodes of South Park, which continues to boast a high score on IMDb.
25 “Marjorine”
Season 9, Episode 9 (2005)
IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
“Marjorine” is a Butters-centric episode that features the beloved character getting into a tricky situation. When the boys believe the girls have a high-tech fortune-telling device, they orchestrate Butters’ fake death so he can come back as a girl named Marjorine to infiltrate their group (and retrieve what is essentially a paper fortune teller). Meanwhile, Butters’ grieving parents pull a move from Pet Sematary in the hope of getting their son back.
Fans may be surprised to learn that the creators revealed in the DVD commentary for the episode that they weren’t too happy with the outcome, explaining that there was way too much going on. That’s precisely why so many viewers liked it, though, as backed up by its high rating on IMDb, as the overwhelming absurdity of the whole thing just works.
24 “Kenny Dies”
Season 5, Episode 13 (2001)
IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
In an episode that would subsequently lead to angry fans, Cartman finds himself in possession of a truckload of fetuses that could be profitable but is blocked by a recent government ban on stem cell research. Later, the boys soon learn that Kenny has a serious illness that will soon lead to his death, which Cartman uses to lobby to lift the ban, arguing it could save his dying friend.
Kenny predictably dies in “Kenny Dies,” and the moment brings one of South Park‘s most emotional scenes where Stan is too late to visit him and learns that his friend’s last words were “Where’s Stan?” What’s worse (and what frustrated fans) is that Kenny wouldn’t appear on the show for a long time after this (an entire season), leading many to believe that the fan-favorite character was gone for good.
23 ”Ginger Kids”
Season 9, Episode 11 (2005)
IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
When Cartman begins mocking and belittle red-haired students and claiming they have “Gingervitis,” his friends decide to teach him a hard lesson that soon backfires in “Ginger Kids.” After transforming Cartman into a “ginger kid” himself with bleach and hair color, the bully begins a separatist movement that sees the gingers rise up as the “great race.”
A classic example of Cartman being selfish and only acting in his own interests, the amusing episode highlights the hypocrisy behind such hatred, and how quickly people’s minds can change when their personal goals or safety are threatened.
22 ”Black Friday”
Season 17, Episode 7 (2013)
IMDb Rating: 8.9/10
“Black Friday” takes the rivalry between fans of Xbox Ones and PlayStation 4s to the next level as the kids of South Park are split into two factions in preparation for the major sale. Meanwhile, Randy Marsh has taken a job as security personnel in the mall, not realizing how dangerous that will be in the coming days.
The first part of a three-episode arc immediately impressed fans with its Game of Thrones-inspired motifs and storylines. The episode’s focus on Randy also highlights another side to the cunning and often selfish character who will go to impossible lengths to get what he wants in the end.
21 “Le Petit Tourette”
Season 11, Episode 8 (2007)
IMDb Rating: 8.9/10
In one of South Park‘s most offensive episodes, Cartman decides to pretend to have Tourette syndrome (TS) after seeing someone with it and thinking he can get away with saying anything he wants. While he has fun at the start, he soon realizes that pretending to have a lack of filter can lead to the real thing, and he ends up saying things he never thought he would.
The Tourette Syndrome Association was initially hesitant upon hearing about the episode, but after its premiere, the group released a statement admitting that it was “surprisingly well-researched” and that “there was a surprising amount of accurate information conveyed” and how parts of the episode “served as a clever device” for sharing factual aspects about TS.
20 “Imaginationland: Episode II”
Season 11, Episode 11 (2007)
IMDb Rating: 8.9/10
It may be the lowest-rated episode of the trilogy, but “Imaginationland: Episode II” is still a lot of fun. It follows Stan and Kyle’s misadventures after being captured by the government, who keep them captive until they agree to explain how they even got access to Imaginationland. Meanwhile, Cartman continues to hunt Kyle for their bet.
Due to its slow pace and lack of crucial plot points when considering the trilogy as a whole, the second entry arguably could’ve been cut in favor of a more exciting duology. That said, its high rating suggests that viewers found entertainment value in Cartman’s illogical pursuit of Kyle, and maybe even the presence of the fan-favorite Christmas critters.
19 “Cartman Sucks”
Season 11, Episode 2 (2007)
IMDb Rating: 8.9/10
The aptly titled episode “Cartman Sucks” highlights how so many of the character’s cruel tricks and pranks can get people in serious trouble. Of course, in this case, it’s Butters who suffers the consequences of Cartman’s childish and careless behavior. After a series of pranks that involve taking degrading photos of Butters as he sleeps goes wrong, Butters’ dad ends up sending him to gay conversion therapy.
A scathing commentary on the absurdity of such “therapy” while also being a fun if somewhat messed up exploration of Cartman’s character, “Cartman Sucks” is rightly one of the best Cartman episodes. It combines what the adult animated series does so well – touching on controversial topics while providing a good dose of unapologetic humor.
18 “Cartmanland”
Season 5, Episode 6 (2001)
IMDb Rating: 8.9/10
In one of the more satisfying episodes of South Park for viewers who can’t stand Cartman, “Cartmanland” depicts Kyle’s hospitalization following a bizarre accident in the titular theme park. Cartman built the park for himself after inherting a huge amount from his grandmother, which makes Kyle lose his faith and have a tough time in recovery in the hospital.
It just gets wilder as Cartman realizes the true cost of running a theme park, which soon leaves him in deep dept. Without spoiling anything important, Kyle’s stay in the hospital becomes more pleasant as Cartman gets what’s coming to him. It’s a hilarious episode that gives fans the opportunity to laugh at Cartman as he learns a hard lesson.
17 “All About Mormons”
Season 7, Episode 12 (2003)
IMDb Rating: 8.9/10
“Dum, dum, dum, dum, dum.” When the Harissons move into town, the Marsh family is confronted with the fact that they have different values and religious beliefs. Before he knows it, Stan is “brainwashed” by the family’s overly polite and positive ways, which are linked to Mormonism. For the rest of the episode, flashbacks to the creation of the religion play against catchy and hilarious songs.
Of course, in typical South Park fashion, the details of the origins of the religion are slightly changed to comment on the absurdity of Joseph Smith‘s founding of Mormonism. As South Park residents grapple with their own beliefs when compared to the Harissons, the satirical episode raises questions about how these are shaped and why.
16 “Imaginationland: Episode III”
Season 11, Episode 12 (2007)
IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
“Imaginationland Episode III” is the final episode in a three-part storyline that received the 2008 Emmy for Outstanding Animated Program for One Hour or More. In the 2007 episode that showcased South Park‘s irrevent humor, Stan and Butters team up to fend up a massive army of recognizable antagonists, while Cartman is still focused on winning his impossible bet with Kyle.
Featuring fictional characters like Aslan, Al Gore, and even Jesus, “Imaginationland Episode III” depicts an epic fight between good and evil, commenting on the dichotomy in pop culture in the process. It’s a fantastic way to end the wild arc that took the main characters to a vibrant realm.
15 “Imaginationland”
Season 11, Episode 10 (2007)
IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
Also known as “Imaginationland Episode I,” the 163rd episode of the show is the first entry in the three-part series that would eventually turn into the uncensored Imaginationland: The Movie. In a spoof of Alice in Wonderland, the episode begins with a leprechaun who warns the boys of a terrorist attack, and who is apparently late for something important.
What follows is a wacky storyline that sees the main characters diving into a world full of familiar characters and incisive political commentary. The first part of the saga already highlights some of the series’ most biting critiques about censorship and capitalism, which will further influence the boys’ wild journey through the titular world.
14 “Cartman Joins NAMBLA”
Season 4, Episode 5 (2000)
IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
In a controversial showcase of South Park‘s dark comedy, Cartman’s misguided attempt to search for more mature friends who are at his level accidentally ends up joining NAMBLA (North American Man/Boy Love Association) after misunderstanding its actual purpose. All of the boys in the town are suddenly at risk after Cartman’s move, as NAMBLA is actually an association of Internet predators.
Needless to say, the episode was scandalous when it first premiered, as it used irreverent humor to comment on the sensitive subject matter. Its message about the media’s role in sensationalizing such topics is not lost on fans who are used to the way the show uses absurdity and its distinct brand of humor to tackle contentious issues.
13 “Christian Rock Hard”
Season 7, Episode 9 (2003)
IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
Almost making it into the top 10 South Park episodes on IMDb, “Christian Rock Hard” sees the boys form a rock band, which is soon complicated by their refusal to perform after learning that fans can illegally download their music from the Internet. In the background, Cartman starts his own Christian rock band called “Faith + 1” to cash in on the craze.
Aside from being a pointed criticism of the way such bands actually prioritize making money over anything else, the episode also cleverly satirizes well-known artists who have voiced their opposition to copyright infringement – Metallica being a notable example. It parodies the Christian rock genre and mocks its profit-driven nature, while also criticizing the music business as a whole (all while giving fans some unforgettable songs).
12 “Butters’ Very Own Episode”
Season 5, Episode 14 (2001)
IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
Deceptively starting in the style of 1950s sitcoms – tricking audiences into thinking this may be a lighthearted story – “Butters’ Very Own Episode” is one that gets dark fast. It follows the lovable character as he discovers that his father is seeing other men, which he naively reports to his mom, who then tries to kill him.
Undoubtedly one of the best Butters episodes on South Park, it’s also remarkable for being the first to feature a storyline solely focused on the character. It helped propel Butters’ reputation as an endearing if not sometimes dim-witted and naive yet likable character in the series.
11 “Grounded Vindaloop”
Season 18, Episode 7 (2014)
IMDb Rating: 9.1/10
In one of the funniest South Park episodes ever, Cartman pranks the long-suffering Butters into believing he’s wearing a virtual reality headset. When his plan backfires, the other boys enter the virtual reality, and there are so many overlapping realities that no one can tell who is real. Their only hope to exit the simulation is a customer service representative named Steve.
The overlapping realities are mind-blowingly confusing, even for the show’s creators who admitted not knowing the order of realities while working on the episode. Achieving their aim of confusing the audience, the episode is a heady satire of The Matrix, Total Recall, and open-world gaming. When the boys finally return to reality, they’re depicted as live-action children, a unique moment in the series that is strangely heartwarming.
10 “Tsst”
Season 10, Episode 7 (2006)
IMDb Rating: 9.1/10
The episode “Tsst” counts on renowned dog whisperer, Cesar Millan, to finally discipline Cartman. The drastic move is made by Cartman’s mother, Liane, after finally giving up on changing his uncontrollable behavior. Viewers soon see exactly how Millan’s techniques change Cartman’s life.
The fan-favorite Cartman episode highlights what it takes to get the misbehaving character to follow the grown-ups, but it’s a long (and questionable) road to get there. A parody and critique of reality TV series centered on extreme parenting, Cartman and Liane’s tumultuous mother-and-son relationship is used to raise questions about using parenting challenges as a form of entertainment. It’s worth noting that the real-life Cesar Millan has commented on his portrayal in the episode, saying “it was fantastic.”
9 “The Death of Eric Cartman”
Season 9, Episode 6 (2005)
IMDb Rating: 9.1/10
Cartman eats the skin off every piece of chicken in the shared KFC bucket. Proving to be the final straw for his friends, they agree to ignore him, causing Cartman to assume he’s dead. He tries to make up for his evil behavior, but his hollow gestures of atonement fail to achieve much more than an opportunity for the classic original TV song “Make It Right.”
With a serious comment on medical trauma (albeit told with the most extreme hyperbole), the episode has kernels of messages that matter. Yet in classic South Park style, heartfelt messages are delivered with the subtlety of a canon ball to the face on the fourth of July.
8 “Trapped in the Closet”
Season 9, Episode 12 (2005)
IMDb Rating: 9.1/10
Tom Cruise barricades himself inside a wardrobe when the reincarnated leader of Scientology won’t speak to him. Like a toddler having a tantrum, Cruise denies accusations that he is, in fact, in the wardrobe. Interwoven are references to R.Kelly‘s 22-part hip-hopera “Trapped in the Closet”(a story about an unfaithful wife, her secret lover, and a tell-tale pie). The source material is zany enough that the ridiculous framing story seems grounded, and the wacky themes coalesce perfectly.
Parker and Stone were investigated by the church of Scientology following the controversial South Park episode’s release. However, it would be inaccurate to assume the episode belongs to the South Park canon as all elements of production are attributed in the credits to John Smith and Jane Smith (playing off the back of an evocative closing line: “Sue me!”). As such, John Smith’s brilliant satirical writing, and Jane Smith’s vocals bring this tremendous episode to life.
7 “Woodland Critter Christmas”
Season 8, Episode 14 (2004)
IMDb Rating: 9.1/10
This great Christmas-themed episode has stylistic parallels to A Visit From St. Nicholas and Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas. Following this formula, the story takes a sharp left turn, upending the wholesome quality of the Christmas caper. Featuring Christmas carol “Christmas Time is Once A Year,” the episode mirrors the Christian narrative, but tells about the birth of a Satanic savior – the Anti-Christ child.
When Cartman is used as the mouthpiece for the show’s more horrendous moments, these are absolved of the need to fit an accepted moral framework. In “Woodland Critter Christmas,” a framing narrative cleverly reveals that the episode is Cartman’s response to a school project, accounting for the horrific subject matter.
6 “Good Times with Weapons”
Season 8, Episode 1 (2004)
IMDb Rating: 9.1/10
The boys are playing ninjas – when they get their hands on real weapons, the props elevate their play, and the animation style shifts to echo a martial arts anime cartoon. Butters joins the game as his goofy supervillain alter-ego Professor Chaos – a much-needed character for Butters, who generally plays the pitiable punching bag.
The way the boys build on an imaginary landscape is genuinely wholesome. But when things go wrong, the dangers of playing with weapons are unavoidable. Fortunately, they don’t get in trouble – as the episode concludes, “Parents don’t care about violence when there are sex things to worry about.” With a nod to parental priorities and the original song “Let’s Fighting Love,” this episode packs a punch.
