Since its debut in 1999, Family Guy has become one of the most iconic—and controversial—animated sitcoms on television. Created by Seth MacFarlane, the show follows the dysfunctional Griffin family: Peter, Lois, Meg, Chris, Stewie, and Brian, along with an ensemble of outrageous side characters. Known for its irreverent humor, pop culture parodies, and cutaway gags, Family Guy has pushed boundaries for over 400 episodes and remains a fan favorite in adult animation.
While some episodes are designed for shock value, others truly stand out for their clever writing, emotional beats, or unforgettable humor. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or looking for the must-watch episodes, this list of the best and top-rated Family Guy episodes is your ultimate guide to the cream of the Quahog crop.
1. “Road to the Multiverse” (Season 8, Episode 1)
IMDb rating: 9.1
This Emmy-winning episode is widely considered Family Guy‘s magnum opus. Stewie and Brian use a remote control to travel across alternate universes—including a Disney-fied world, a post-apocalyptic hellscape, and a universe where dogs rule over humans.
Why it stands out:
- A visual and storytelling masterpiece
- Showcases the creative range of the animation team
- Full of brilliant pop culture references and what-if scenarios
- Stewie and Brian’s chemistry is at its best
Best moment: The Disney universe with singing forest animals—and Mort being hunted for being Jewish.
2. “Back to the Pilot” (Season 10, Episode 5)
IMDb rating: 8.8
Brian and Stewie travel back in time to the original 1999 pilot episode and inadvertently cause a ripple in the timeline that leads to a full-on time war.
Why it stands out:
- A love letter to early Family Guy
- Clever use of animation to recreate the original style
- Excellent time-travel logic for a show that doesn’t usually bother
- Satirical and self-aware in all the right ways
Best moment: The repeated trips through time leading to dozens of Brians and Stewies fighting each other in a paradox loop.
3. “And Then There Were Fewer” (Season 9, Episode 1)
IMDb rating: 8.6
A parody of Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, this hour-long murder mystery episode brings together the entire Family Guy cast at a remote mansion. People start dying one by one, and it’s up to the survivors to figure out who the killer is.
Why it stands out:
- A whodunit with actual stakes—some characters stay dead
- Visually cinematic and tightly plotted
- A successful departure from the show’s usual format
Best moment: Diane Simmons’ shocking reveal as the killer.
4. “PTV” (Season 4, Episode 14)
IMDb rating: 8.6
When the FCC starts censoring TV after a wardrobe malfunction, Peter starts his own uncensored TV station—PTV.
Why it stands out:
- A smart satire of censorship and freedom of speech
- One of the show’s most memorable original songs (“The FCC Song”)
- Perfectly blends political commentary with Family Guy’s signature vulgarity
Best moment: Peter’s uncensored variety hour becomes a local sensation—until the FCC shows up with literal censor bars.
5. “Blue Harvest” (Season 6, Episode 1)
IMDb rating: 8.2
The first of the Star Wars parody trilogy, “Blue Harvest” reimagines A New Hope with the Family Guy cast: Peter as Han Solo, Chris as Luke, and Stewie as Darth Vader.
Why it stands out:
- Spot-on recreations of iconic Star Wars scenes
- Laugh-out-loud moments for both fans and casual viewers
- Excellent animation quality and voice work
Best moment: Peter-as-Han complaining about “hyperspace being so slow these days,” while John Williams conducts the theme music in the background.
6. “I Dream of Jesus” (Season 7, Episode 2)
IMDb rating: 7.8
This episode is best known for reviving the 1980s hit “Surfin’ Bird” into an internet meme. Peter becomes obsessed with the song and eventually meets Jesus working at a record store.
Why it stands out:
- Absurd humor done right
- “Surfin’ Bird” bit is comedy gold (and intentionally infuriating)
- Balances slapstick with a surprisingly poignant second half
Best moment: The “Surfin’ Bird” dance montage that drives everyone in the house insane.
7. “Road to Rhode Island” (Season 2, Episode 13)
IMDb rating: 8.3
The first of the “Road to…” episodes, inspired by the old Bing Crosby and Bob Hope films. Brian and Stewie’s trip back home from Palm Springs goes hilariously off course.
Why it stands out:
- Establishes the beloved Stewie/Brian travel format
- Early evidence of the show’s potential for character development
- Emotional depth mixed with cross-country shenanigans
Best moment: Brian confronting his mother’s fate at the puppy mill.
8. “Brian & Stewie” (Season 8, Episode 17)
IMDb rating: 8.4
A bottle episode that traps Brian and Stewie inside a bank vault. There are no cutaway gags, no background characters—just pure dialogue between the two.
Why it stands out:
- A rare dramatic turn that dives into mental health and mortality
- One of the show’s most character-driven episodes
- Brilliant voice acting by Seth MacFarlane
Best moment: Brian’s heartfelt admission about keeping a gun in case of suicide.
9. “Da Boom” (Season 2, Episode 3)
IMDb rating: 8.1
The episode that introduced the Family Guy tradition of end-of-the-world scenarios, complete with a mutated Stewie and a Chicken fight.
Why it stands out:
- Introduces Ernie the Giant Chicken
- Memorable “nuclear holocaust” premise
- Ends with one of the first major timeline resets in the series
Best moment: Peter unknowingly causes the apocalypse by preparing for Y2K.
10. “The Thin White Line” / “Brian Does Hollywood” (Season 3, Episodes 1 & 2)
IMDb rating: 8.0
This two-parter follows Brian as he gets addicted to cocaine, becomes a police drug dog, and then tries to make it big in Hollywood.
Why it stands out:
- Tackles serious topics with biting satire
- Marks the show’s shift into more character-driven arcs
- Contains several of the show’s best Brian-centric jokes
Best moment: Brian doing cocaine in slow motion with dramatic music playing in the background.
Honorable Mentions
- “Lois Kills Stewie” / “Stewie Kills Lois” (Season 6) – A wild “what if” scenario with plenty of dark humor.
- “Road to Germany” (Season 7) – A time-traveling mission to save Mort from Nazi Germany.
- “Meet the Quagmires” (Season 5) – A Back to the Future parody where Peter travels to the 1980s.
- “Lethal Weapons” (Season 3) – A chaotic ode to violence in Rhode Island.
- “Petarded” (Season 4) – Peter is declared mentally challenged after taking a test—and chaos ensues.
What Makes a Family Guy Episode Great?
Unlike traditional sitcoms, Family Guy thrives in unpredictability. A great episode balances absurdity with social satire, and the best ones lean into character-driven storytelling while maintaining the show’s trademark edge. Stewie and Brian’s episodes tend to have the most depth, while Peter’s misadventures offer explosive humor and cultural commentary.
Despite criticism for its offensive jokes or occasional repetitiveness, Family Guy has proven that it can evolve, experiment, and still deliver laughs over two decades later.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re laughing at Peter’s stupidity, Stewie’s time-traveling schemes, or Brian’s existential crises, Family Guyhas earned its place in the adult animation hall of fame. These episodes represent the best the show has to offer—episodes that push creative boundaries, surprise with emotional depth, and keep us coming back to Quahog again and again.
Which Family Guy episode is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
