Top Ten Episodes of The Simpsons

With nearly 400 episodes to its credit, The Simpsons is the longest running sitcom and most prolific animated series ever. Fan or foe, everyone has heard a Simpsons' quote or is familiar with a Simpsons episode. So without further ado, here is my list of the ten best episodes of The Simpsons.

10. Homer The Great (The Stonecutters)
Homer is intrigued with Lenny and Karl’s membership in a Masonic-like organization. Homer joins little knowing he is the “chosen one,” and hilarity ensues.
9. Lisa’s Wedding
The most notable of all episodes placing our favorite family in a future setting, the comical events surrounding Lisa’s future wedding are complimented by a rare sentimental moment between Lisa and Homer that manages to avoid any clichéd TV sappiness. Full House should have taken a page from this episode’s script.
8. Trash Of The Titans
When Homer becomes City Sanitation Chief he fails to live up to his many outlandish promises. The “Garbage Man Can” montage, along with a hilarious U2 sequence make this installment unforgettable.
7. Behind The Laughter
A parody of VH-1’s Behind the Music portrays the “real-life” Simpsons as a family muddled in typical Hollywood tabloid fodder. Truly genius.
6. Homer’s Phobia
When the family is introduced to a gay shop owner, Homer fears Bart may also have such tendencies. “Hot stuff comin’ through.”
5. Flaming Moe’s
Homer invents a new flammable cocktail and Moe steals the recipe, consequently becoming famous. Aerosmith and Johnny Carson share barstools next to Barney in this memorable episode.
4. Treehouse of Horror III
Possibly the best of their annual “Treehouse” installments, this episode is best renowned for its send-up of King Kong wherein Waylon Smithers utters his infamous phrase “I don’t think women and seamen mix, sir.”
3. Cape Feare
The Simpsons enter the witness relocation program when Sideshow Bob attempts to kill Bart. Homer dreams of his new identity as John Elway and Sideshow Bob endures his infamous “rakes” scene.
2. The Springfield Files
Springfield is caught up in a fury when Homer believes he’s seen an alien. Hilarious cameos by The X-Files’ “Moulder” and “Skully” accent a tremendously well written series of sight and dialogue gags.
1. Last Exit to Springfield
Homer becomes a union leader and trades the company’s dental policy for keg of beer. The most jokes packed into any single episode, showcasing the series at its absolute best.

Others notable episodes not making the list: Homer vs. the Eighteenth Amendment, Lemon Of Troy, Marge vs. the Monorail, Homer Goes to College, Bart vs. Australia.