Created by Seth MacFarlane back in 1999,Family Guyquickly became one of the most iconic animated sitcoms of all time.For over two decades and 409 episodes, its clever pop culture references and irreverent humor have both entertained and disgusted audiences worldwide. Despite facing two cancelations during its run, the show has always come back on air even stronger and more offensive than before.
While fans of the show will have their own episodes that hold a close place in their hearts, there are some that stand out among the rest. At least one of these episodes will be on avid-watchers' top 10 lists, as they’ve proved time and time again that they’re well worth repeatedly hitting the play button for. So, here areFamily Guy’smost unforgettable episodes.
10To Love and Die in Dixie - Season 3, Episode 12
Despite being one ofFamily Guy’searliest episodes, it’s managed to stay in the minds of fans ever since. The episode focuses primarily on Chris, who identifies a thief in a police lineup after witnessing them rob a convenience store. to keep Chris safe, the Griffins are forced to relocate to a small town in the Deep South. They find themselves in a world full of Southern stereotypes and eccentric characters, leading to a hilarious clash of cultures.
The episode is also full of references thatThe Dukes of Hazzardare sure to love, such as Peter painting his car to look like the General Lee. But what really makes this episode stand out is seeing Chris' more vulnerable side, as he begins to fall in love with his new friend in the South, Sam. It’s also the firstFamily Guyepisode either to feature the infamous Herbert, one of the show’s most recognized characters.
Family Guyalready messed around with the multiverse long before the MCU made the concept popular. “Road to the Multiverse” is another episode dedicated to the adventures of Stewie and Brian, who use a special remote control to take a trip through the multiverse. In trueFamily Guyfashion, a lot of the multiverses the pair visits are completely unhinged, with one of them being a world where dogs keep humans as pets. Others include a Disneyfied Quahog and a dystopian reality where Nazis rule.
Its incredible animation really helps “Road to the Multiverse” to stand out even more, and highlights the talents of the creative team. The episode is actually the highest-ratedFamily Guyepisode on IMDb, and even earned its own spinoff video game,Family Guy: Back to the Multiverse.
“Road to Rhode Island” is the first Stewie and Brian adventure, starting off the pair’s enduring companionship. The episode grapples with some intense topics as Brian searches for his birth mother, prompting some discussions on puppy mills. Yet, it’s the humor within this episode that truly makes it stand out. From Peter’s complicated addiction to X-Rated marriage counseling tapes, to Stewie and Brian’s musical number, there’s a lot to love about this episode.
Most significantly, it began to establish Brian and Stewie’s unique bond, and the way in which they are able to open up and be vulnerable with each other. Their friendship goes on to create more of the show’s most complex and emotionally charged moments,like the entire episode of “Brian and Stewie.”
7Three Kings - Season 7, Episode 15
Out of all ofFamily Guy’santhology episodes, “Three Kings” is by far the best. Directly based on three distinct Stephen King stories -Stand By Me,Misery, andThe Shawshank Redemption -the episode adds on some goofier elements to the tales while also remaining faithful to King’s dark trademark. By far, the standout of the episode is Stewie as the deranged Annie Wilkes fromMisery, whose own emotional turbulence is completely on par with Annie’s.
King himself has even approved of the episode, stating that he found it very funny. Given that audiences often don’t takeFamily Guyseriously, episodes like “Three Kings” prove that the show has range, even when it is directly making fun of existing media.
Related:The 10 Most Controversial Episodes of Family Guy
6Meet the Quagmires - Season 5, Episode 18
One thing that has always been clear throughoutFamily Guyis how much Quagmire pines for Lois, albeit not in a classy way. Realistically, you would think the pair would never work anyway, but"Meet the Quagmires"gives audiences a glimpse into what life would be like if she’d ended up with him over Peter.
After death allows Peter to travel back in time to experience the single lifestyle for one night, where he blows off a date with Lois, which ends up drastically changing the future. When he returns to the future, the Griffins are now the Quagmires, and shockingly, they’re happier than they ever were with Peter. It’s a great alternate reality episode, that really highlights how much Peter takes his life and loved ones for granted.
5Blue Harvest - Season 6, Episode 1
“Blue Harvest” is the first of the show’sStar Warsreimaginings, and easily the most rewatchable of them all. The episode gets its name from the production name ofReturn of the Jedi, and essentially gives the film the ultimateFamily Guytwist while also maintaining the important elements of the sci-fi classic. Each of the characters feels weirdly perfect in their roles, with Stewie as Darth Vader and Herbert as Obi-Wan Kenobi being some key standouts.
Despite the adult spin on the story, you can feel how muchcreator Seth MacFarlanelovesStar Wars.He even asked George Lucas beforehand if he could make “Blue Harvest” in the first place, which shows how much he respects the source material despite making a hilarious satire of it.
4And Then There Were Fewer - Season 9, Episode 1
Based on the Agatha Christie novelAnd Then There Were None, “And Then There Were Fewer” places some ofFamily Guy’smost iconic characters at the center of a murder mystery. One ofthe show’s largest antagonists, James Woods, invites Quahog residents to a dinner party at his isolated mansion, who hopes to make amends with those he’s hurt. Of course, one of the guests is less forgiving than others, resulting in the deaths of Quagmire’s girlfriend, along with Muriel Goldman, James Woods, and Derek Wilcox.
Surprisingly, the episode’s twists deliver well, and the killer’s reveal is shocking enough to demand a rewatch. It’s another episode that really showsFamily Guy’sversatility, and how it is able to blend its own unique comedy into a variety of different genres and tones.
3Lois Kills Stewie - Season 6, Episode 5
A running gag throughout the earlier seasons ofFamily Guyis how much Stewie wants to kill Lois, and eventually they were brave enough to actually do it. After Stewie succeeds in his plan in “Stewie Kills Lois”, Peter is framed and placed on trial, where Lois miraculously walks in and reveals she’s alive. Returning from the cliffhanger, “Lois Kills Stewie” focuses on Stewie becoming the President of the World, where he imposes several fascist regimes.
Realizing he must be stopped, Lois and Stewie have an epic showdown in the Oval Office, all against the backdrop of a naked portrait of ex-President Bill Clinton. The episode also features a brief cameo fromAmerican Dadcharacters Stan Smith and Avery Bullock, who submit to Stewie’s demands after he takes control of the global power grid.
Related:Why Family Guy Is Hated By the Creators of South Park, The Simpsons, and More
2I Dream of Jesus - Season 7, Episode 2
Although some fans might findPeter’s obsession with “Surfin' Bird” by The Trashmenas infuriating as Brian and Stewie do, there’s no hiding the fact it’s one of the bestFamily Guyepisodes ever made. After Brian and Stewie destroy Peter’s record in trueOffice Spacestyle, Peter goes to a local record store to purchase a new copy, sparking a hilarious chain of events that intertwines key themes of religion and celebrity culture.
While there, he realizes the sales clerk is actually Jesus Christ, and the two embark on a unique friendship. However, Jesus has to deal with fame in the 21st century, highlighting how intoxicating fame can become, resulting in quite a thought-provoking episode.
1Back to the Pilot - Season 10, Episode 5
“Back to the Pilot” hilariously shows why it’s important to never meddle with the past. Brian and Stewie travel back toFamily Guy’sfirst ever episode, “Death Has a Shadow”, where they search for a tennis ball Brian had previously buried. While back in the past, however, Brian decides to warn his former self of the impending 9/11 attacks.
When they return to the future, they learn the attacks were stopped, which instigated a second American Civil War as George W. Bush was unable to exploit the fear of terrorism and lost his candidacy. It’s one of the most meta episodesFamily Guyhas created, and despite its controversial themes, the nostalgia makes it worth it.
