There have been 178 episodes of “Adventure Time,” as of Dec. 4, 2014. While the show has evolved over the years, slowly developing a continuity and ramming Finn in to adolescence, the quality has been unswerving. In fact, many of the best episodes come in later seasons. Created by Pendleton Ward and produced by Frederator Studios, “Adventure Time” still has a bright future ahead. With luck this round-up of the best 20 episodes of “Adventure Time” will be outdated in a few years.
The 20 Best 'Adventure Time' Episodes (So Far) Ranked (Part 2)
The 20 Best 'Adventure Time' Episodes (So Far) Ranked (Part 3)
The 20 Best 'Adventure Time' Episodes (So Far) Ranked (Final Five)
The 20 Best 'Adventure Time' Episodes... So Far
20. Adventure Time Season 5, Episode 43: “Root Beer Guy”
A better detective parody than “BMO Noire,” Root Beer Guy’s utter normaltude makes him one of the best fleshed-out Candy Kingdom denizen since Peppermint Butler’s dark secrets emerged in Season 2. It seems even the Land of Ooo has disillusioned telemarketers with troubled home lives. Lucky for us, one of them dreams of being a private dick.
Best Line - “Bingo Bango”
19. Adventure Time Season 5, Episode 48: “Betty”
By this point Ice King’s background has been fleshed out in a number of “Adventure Time” episodes, and though none of them are missteps, not every one makes this list. Choosing between “Betty” and “I Remember You” was tough, but ultimately the magical action plot, more Simon time, and arrival of an intriguing new human (Betty is voiced by Lena Dunham!) in Ooo gives “Betty” the edge. Plus, I love the wizard Secret Society.
Best Line - “The lost system of Antediluvian magick: the tightest of all wiz biz!”
18. Adventure Time Season 5, Episode 52: “Billy’s Bucket List”
No one is cooler than the adventurer Billy, except Canyon, his ex-girlfriend. When her and Finn visit Billy’s Crack and resolve to complete the bucket list they discover there, “Adventure Time” not only mourns the loss of Billy, but sets Finn down a path toward one of his greatest adventures. The ease with which Finn conquers his fear of the ocean, dispatching the Fear Feaster with a leafy snicker-snack, proves just how much the young man has grown.
Best Line - “Tell Canyon I watch her sleep. Man, love is weird, Finn.”
17. Adventure Time Season 5, Episode 30: “Frost and Flame”
The best Flame Princess episode of “Adventure Time,” “Frost and Flame” sees Finn grow up as a relationship dissolves. Not only do we get a hybrid Dragon Ball Z / Power Ranger fight between Flame Princess and Ice King, but this episode of “Adventure Time” also features some truly off-putting wet dreams (hairy baby-man Finn will haunt you). Tackling puberty head-on, “Frost and Flame” has Finn grappling with desire, only to learn that sometimes good intentions aren’t enough to save a relationship. What a lesson to get from the Cosmic Owl.
Best Line - “You blew it.”
16. Adventure Time Season 1, Episode 18: “Dungeon”
For pure adventure, untethered from any continuity threads, “Dungeon” is tough to top. And though “Enchiridion” is another early example of this particular type of “Adventure Time” episode, “Dungeon” is the first (adventure) time that Finn seems in genuine danger. As always “Adventure Time” has a thrilling imagination, but “Dungeon” throws in a cat monster that nearly kills Finn and the most terrifying winged fairy-thing you’ll ever meet.
Best Line - “Newfound Respect”
