Since its explosive debut in 2013, Rick and Morty has carved out a permanent place in pop culture with its signature blend of nihilistic humor, high-concept sci-fi, and emotional depth. While the central cast—mad genius Rick Sanchez, his impressionable grandson Morty, and the often dysfunctional Smith family—carry the narrative, it’s the side characters that elevate the series into an interdimensional phenomenon.

From alternate timelines to bizarre alien worlds, the show is packed with unforgettable supporting characters who steal scenes, inspire fan theories, and often outshine the main cast. Here’s a look at the most iconic, beloved, and downright hilarious side characters in Rick and Morty.

1. Mr. Meeseeks

“I’m Mr. Meeseeks! Look at me!”

Arguably the most quoted side character in the series, Mr. Meeseeks was introduced in Season 1, Episode 5 (“Meeseeks and Destroy”) and became an instant fan favorite. These blue, enthusiastic beings exist only to fulfill a single task—and then cease to exist. Unfortunately for one poor Meeseeks, Jerry’s ineptitude leads to existential horror as more Meeseeks are summoned to help.

Mr. Meeseeks is memorable not just for his wacky design and screechy voice, but because his episode is a darkly comedic take on purpose, existence, and the pitfalls of mediocrity.

2. Birdperson

First appearing as one of Rick’s old allies in Season 1, Birdperson offers a rare glimpse into Rick’s emotional life. He’s loyal, stoic, and surprisingly poetic, with lines like “Wubba lubba dub dub means ‘I am in great pain.’” That quiet depth made his death in Season 2 a shocking moment—and his resurrection and later storyline as Phoenixperson adds a tragic edge to his character arc.

Birdperson is one of the few characters who truly understands Rick, which makes him integral to the lore and emotional weight of the show.

3. Evil Morty

Evil Morty isn’t just a standout side character—he’s a narrative bombshell. First introduced in Season 1’s “Close Rick-Counters of the Rick Kind,” this version of Morty has slowly become one of the show’s most intriguing and menacing figures.

His calculated rise, mysterious motivations, and ultimate escape from the Central Finite Curve reveal the deeper mythology of the Rick and Morty multiverse. Fans eagerly await each of his appearances, and his orchestration of long-term plans rivals even Rick’s genius.

4. Mr. Poopybutthole

Ridiculous name aside, Mr. Poopybutthole is a fan-favorite character who embodies Rick and Morty’s bizarre humor. He first appears in the unforgettable Season 2 episode “Total Rickall,” where his presence (or lack thereof) becomes a litmus test for who’s real.

Since then, Mr. Poopybutthole has shown up in post-credit scenes and season finales, often serving as a comedic wrap-up or a fourth-wall-breaking wink at the audience. Despite his silly appearance, he’s one of the show’s most enduring characters—and even had his own heartbreaking storyline.

5. Tammy Guterman

Tammy went from a forgettable teen background character to a major plot device when she betrayed Rick and murdered Birdperson in Season 2’s finale. As a secret agent for the Galactic Federation, her arc added weight and danger to Rick’s chaotic universe.

She’s manipulative, cunning, and easily one of the show’s best heel-turns. Her betrayal also further humanized Rick, who clearly felt the loss of his friend.

6. Squanchy

Another of Rick’s long-time friends, Squanchy is a feline, party-loving alien who speaks in a bizarre slang where “squanch” replaces all manner of verbs and nouns. While primarily comic relief, his loyalty and surprising battle prowess (hello, giant Squanch mode!) make him a standout.

He represents the wild, unpredictable elements of Rick’s past and provides a chaotic counterbalance to Birdperson’s seriousness.

7. Noob-Noob

A janitor for the Vindicators introduced in “Vindicators 3: The Return of Worldender,” Noob-Noob has only a few lines—but one of them caught on like wildfire.

Rick drunkenly rants about how Noob-Noob is the only one who appreciates his genius, and fans ran with it. He’s since become a minor cult hero, with merchandise and memes dedicated to his brief but hilarious screen time.

8. Unity

Unity, a hive-mind collective, offers one of the deepest emotional moments in the series. As Rick’s former lover, Unity appears in Season 2’s “Auto Erotic Assimilation,” and their relationship is used to explore addiction, loneliness, and control.

Though technically an entire civilization, Unity is voiced by Christina Hendricks and portrayed with complexity and intelligence. Their break-up with Rick leaves him reeling in one of the show’s most sobering scenes, reminding us that even the smartest man in the multiverse can’t outthink heartbreak.

9. Abradolf Lincler

A failed genetic experiment combining DNA from Adolf Hitler and Abraham Lincoln, Abradolf Lincler represents one of Rick’s many morally ambiguous science projects. Created to be “a morally neutral super leader,” he struggles with identity and purpose.

Though mostly a gag, Lincler’s appearances are packed with chaotic energy and existential confusion—a signature Rick and Morty combo.

10. Gearhead (Revolio Clockberg Jr.)

Gearhead, who loves to drone on about the Gear Wars, represents the kind of world-building detail Rick and Morty excels at. While he’s mocked by Rick and dismissed as boring, his persistence and eventual betrayal of Rick in “The Whirly Dirly Conspiracy” make him more than a throwaway gag.

Fans enjoy Gearhead’s absurd physiology and his constant, unwanted political rants.

Honorable Mentions

  • Krombopulos Michael – An alien assassin who loves his job, even if his time on screen was brief.
  • Pickle Rick’s Therapist (Dr. Wong) – A no-nonsense therapist who absolutely roasts Rick and exposes his emotional flaws.
  • Morty Jr. – Morty’s half-Gazorpazorp son, who grows up with angst, rage, and a passion for writing.
  • Fart (voiced by Jemaine Clement) – A singing gaseous entity who forces Morty to confront his moral compass.

Why These Side Characters Matter

What makes Rick and Morty’s side characters so compelling isn’t just their absurdity—it’s how the show uses them to reflect back on its main themes. Whether it’s the cost of genius, the pain of loneliness, or the idea of identity in a multiverse of possibilities, each side character helps build the show’s emotional and narrative core.

Even in a universe where literally anything can happen, these supporting players give us touchstones—characters to laugh at, cry over, or fear. They are proof that Rick and Morty is more than just crude jokes and sci-fi mayhem.

Conclusion

As Rick and Morty continues to push the boundaries of animated television, its side characters remain essential to its success. From existential Meeseeks to genocidal teens, these characters offer more than just laughs—they add depth, lore, and emotional gravity to a show that constantly reminds us how meaningless, and meaningful, the universe can be.

Whether you’re a casual fan or deep into the show’s multiversal mythos, these side characters prove that sometimes, the best parts of an episode aren’t Rick or Morty—but the chaos orbiting around them.