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The Simpsons is now and will forever be an all-time classic TV show. Even if people don't think much of its modern incarnation, the incredible, groundbreaking comedy of the show's golden years have truly transcended time, and the show's influence is clear for all to see.
Even if new Simpsons episodes aren't met with much fanfare now, many of the show's classic episodes have only grown more popular with time. As the world changes (often in ways the show itself predicted) and people grow nostalgic for times long gone, The Simpsons is one of those shows that has a genuine timeless quality to it, stopping it from ever dying out.
10 Mother Simpson - Season 7 Episode 8
A character that was missing for most of the show's golden years was Homer's mother. She had been referred to and even shown in flashbacks, but the story surrounding her departure was unclear. Grandpa Simpson had made it clear she did indeed walk out on the family, suggesting she wasn't a very good mother. However, this episode shows that couldn't be further from the truth.
In a heartwarming performance from Glenn Close, Homer's mother comes back into his life and gives the story of how she was forced to flee the country thanks to Mr. Burns. Her loving nature is clear, and it's tragic when Homer has to say goodbye again. This bittersweet ending is one of the show's most emotional moments and is relatable to anyone who misses a loved one.
9 The Book Job - Season 23 Episode 6
Despite being a relatively modern episode, The Book Job is an excellent parody of its genre that only grows more relevant the more that genre evolves. Heist movies are undoubtedly a lot of fun, and there are plenty of great ones out there. That said, this episode is a direct parody of Ocean's Eleven.
It's framed in an entertaining way, though. The gang isn't trying to make away with millions. Instead, they're ensuring their creative vision is shown to the world. It's not all about the heist either, the solo vs group writing debate is well-examined, and of course, there are plenty of laughs along the way. It's one of the better episodes of the modern era and a parody just good enough to remain timeless.
8 Itchy & Scratchy Land - Season 6 Episode 4
When this episode first aired in 1994, it was a brutal parody and takedown of Disney's somewhat shady past and drive to buy any and every property in existence. In 2022, those aspects have increased to a ridiculous extent; to the point where Disney even owns The Simpsons.
As the modern Simpsons are doing specials on Disney+ and advertising its products, it's a joy to go back and watch the show comedically destroy the company for twenty minutes. Ironically, Disney's corporate greed means that this episode will always be relevant, from the jokes about over-commercialization to the ones about abusing the mascots.
7 And Maggie Makes Three - Season 6 Episode 13
While the title would suggest this is a story about Maggie, the often forgotten Simpson, this is really a story about Homer in the lead-up to her birth. Homer gets beaten down by life so often that it's a joy to see him finally get a big break and start properly enjoying his job and home life.
When he learns of another child on the way and is forced to go back to the job he hates, it's relatable in a sad way. However, it gives way to one of the show's best emotional moments, as the words "do it for her" are bound to make any Simpsons fan cry on cue. This is an episode that highlights exactly what Homer is willing to go through for his family and why he became such a likable character.
6 22 Short Films About Springfield - Season 7 Episode 21
This episode has always been one of the greats. Abandoning the usual format of the episode, this instead feels more like a sketch show set in Springfield. There's no overarching story; instead, the viewers are constantly bounced around the place, enjoying short scenes with every character.
It had long been fondly remembered by fans but became highly relevant on the internet again a few years ago when the episode's "Steamed Hams" sketch achieved meme status. Watching back the original now brings to mind the floods of creative and hilarious edits that came out over the years, all of them worth rewatching on their own.
5 Simpsons Roasting On An Open Fire - Season 1 Episode 1
It doesn't get much more nostalgic than this. Officially the only episode of The Simpsons to air in the 1980s, this is the one that started it all and is a surprisingly good one to look back on. It highlights the show's age more than most, with the very dated animation, but there's a warm and cozy quality to it that can't be denied.
At its heart, it's a charming Christmas story about a man down on his luck doing his best for his family. During Season 1, Bart was initially intended to be the show's main character, but people fell in love with the well-meaning dope known as Homer thanks to this episode, and the rest is history.
4 The Simpsons Movie - 2007
While it could be argued that this movie came out a decade too late, it managed to shove The Simpsons back into relevancy again in a period where it was falling off significantly. Several of the show's old writers came back for the movie, and it shows it makes the movie feel like a little glimpse back into the golden era.
The plot is hardly the most complex, but it's utterly hilarious in a way that the show hadn't been for the better part of a decade in 2007. It allowed the world to fall in love with Springfield and its residents all over again. It could even be argued that this movie is responsible for the show continuing the run through the 2010s and into the 2020s.
3 Who Shot Mr. Burns? - Season 6 Episode 25 & Season 7 Episode 1
The Simpsons have done a couple of two-part episodes in the modern era, but none of them came with the anticipation that Who Shot Mr. Burns? did. This series-spanning mystery came when the show was the peak of its cultural relevance, and it sent the whole of America into a frenzy trying to work out who it was. There was an America's Most Wanted special on the episode, and viewers could even place bets on it in Vegas.
Even watching it back, knowing the resolution to the mystery, it's one of the show's best episodes. The laughs are weaved into the mystery plot brilliantly, to the point where first-time viewers probably won't even notice a mystery is being set up until the end. On top of that, it's a wonderful window back into when the show was at its peak, and just about everyone was talking about it.
2 Last Exit To Springfield - Season 4 Episode 17
One of the best episodes from one of the best seasons, Last Exit To Springfield is an episode that any Simpsons fan will always want to watch. The jokes come a mile a minute, and they're some of the show's best. The dynamic between Homer and Mr. Burns has always been fantastic, and this episode turns it up to eleven, throwing in a subplot about Lisa being an outcast.
The struggle between Mr. Burns and the workers union remains a relevant issue in modern culture, especially as sentiment towards the world's billionaires turns increasingly hostile. Homer is the perfect character to tackle this issue, too. He's an everyman through and through, but his idiocy allows him to bumble through it perfectly.
1 You Only Move Twice - Season 8 Episode 2
This episode has everything. In terms of laughs per minute, this may be The Simpsons at its very best. Hank Scorpio is one of the funniest characters the show has ever produced, thanks to Albert Brooks' absurdly charismatic performance. He was so good that they brought him back to voice the main villain of The Simpsons Movie.
The supervillain/James Bond parody stuff is hilarious, and the timelessness of the source material means these jokes are timeless too. Throwing Homer into that situation and having him be essentially oblivious to the whole thing is the perfect place for that character. Additionally, he gets to showcase his loving side, once again sacrificing his own happiness for that of his family. It showcases the characters at their best and brings laughs like the show hasn't done before or since.