The Simpsons: Ranking The Top 10 Anthology Episodes

With as many episodes as The Simpsons has accumulated, it's no surprise there are anthology episodes here and there. Here are the best of them.

Davy

• Published in Cartoons / Anime
• February 10, 2024

"With a plethora of episodes under its belt, The Simpsons naturally boasts its fair share of anthology episodes. Here, we've compiled the finest ones."

"Simpsons Bible Stories: Exploring Season 10, Episode 18"

"On a scorching Easter Sunday morning, during one of Reverend Lovejoy's predictably dull sermons, the Simpson family drifts into their own fantastical renditions of classic Biblical tales.

Marge envisions herself and Homer as Adam and Eve, while Lisa transports herself to ancient Egypt during the plagues. Meanwhile, Homer finds himself as King Solomon, and Bart imagines himself as the valiant King David, facing off against Goliath."

"The Wettest Stories Ever Told: A Dive into Season 17, Episode 18"

"In season 17's 'The Wettest Stories Ever Told,' the Simpson family embarks on three sea-faring tales. The first recounts the voyage of the Mayflower to the new world, while the second delves into the events leading up to the infamous mutiny aboard the Bounty.

However, it's the third story that truly captivates, offering a parody of the disaster movie classic, The Poseidon Adventure. As a framing narrative, the Simpsons' outing to a seafood restaurant takes a chaotic turn when an octopus armed with knives causes mayhem."

"Margical History Tour: Unraveling Season 15, Episode 11"

Marge takes the kids to the library to study in season 15’s “Margical History Tour,” but finds that almost all of the books are gone, so she decides to tell her own accounts of various historical figures.

The episode’s segments feature Homer as Henry VIII in a chronicle of his marital woes, Lenny and Carl as Lewis and Clark (with Lisa playing Sacagawea), and Bart as Mozart in a historically inaccurate retelling cribbed from the movie Amadeus.

"Simpsons Tall Tales: A Look into Season 12, Episode 21"

"In season 12's 'Simpsons Tall Tales,' Homer's refusal to splurge on a flight for the Simpson family vacation leads them to embark on a rail-bound adventure.

Along the way, they encounter a homeless man who regales them with three captivating folk stories."

"Tales From The Public Domain: Exploring Season 13, Episode 14"

"In season 13's 'Tales from the Public Domain,' the Simpsons writing team delves into three timeless tales open to adaptation by any writer: Homer's Odyssey, the saga of Joan of Arc, and William Shakespeare's Hamlet.

Ending on a high note, the episode concludes with its strongest segment. The iconic roles of Hamlet are impeccably filled by Simpsons characters, with Bart taking on the mantle of Prince Hamlet, Homer as King Hamlet, Moe as Claudius, Marge as Gertrude, Lisa as Ophelia, and Carl and Lenny as Rosencrantz and Guildenstern."

"Revenge Is A Dish Best Served Three Times: Unveiling Season 18, Episode 11"

"In season 18's 'Revenge is a Dish Best Served Three Times,' the Simpson family spins three tales of retaliation. Firstly, Homer takes the lead in a comedic twist on The Count of Monte Cristo.

Following that, Milhouse steps into the spotlight in a parody of Revenge of the Nerds, where he stands up to bullies and ultimately becomes one himself. And to wrap it up, Bart assumes the role of a spoofed Batman, dubbed 'Bartman.'"

"The Seemingly Never-Ending Story: A Dive into Season 17, Episode 13"

"Unlike most anthology episodes of The Simpsons, season 17's 'The Seemingly Never-Ending Story' takes a unique approach by interweaving various perspectives into a single, overarching narrative. Set against the backdrop of Homer's predicament trapped in a cave awaiting rescue, the episode seamlessly blends disparate plot threads.

From Bart's struggles with a geography test to a chaotic scavenger hunt, a hilarious sheep chase, and even Mr. Burns' misfortunes with the power plant, the episode intricately pieces together these diverse elements across its complex narrative canvas."

"The Simpsons Spin-Off Showcase: Exploring Season 8, Episode 24"

"While other hit comedies like Friends and Family Guy have succumbed to the temptation of spin-offs, The Simpsons has remained untouched by the trend throughout its entire run. However, in season 8's 'The Simpsons Spin-Off Showcase,' the writers playfully dabble with the concept by presenting three humorous spin-off pitches.

The first, 'Chief Wiggum, P.I.,' sees Wiggum and Principal Skinner teaming up in a private detective agency set in New Orleans. The second, 'The Love-matic Grampa,' pairs Moe and Grampa together as Grampa takes ownership of the love tester machine at Moe's Tavern. Lastly, 'The Simpson Family Smile-Time Variety Hour' introduces a variety show featuring all the Simpsons except Lisa, who opts out of participating."

"Trilogy of Error: Exploring Season 12, Episode 18"

"Trilogy of Error: A Fresh Perspective on Season 12, Episode 18"

Experience Season 12's "Trilogy of Error" from Homer, Lisa, and Bart's viewpoints as they navigate through a series of mishaps. In a clever twist reminiscent of "Run Lola Run," the episode delves into interconnected tales where Homer loses a thumb, Lisa rushes for the science fair, and Bart seeks out illegal fireworks.

Matt Selman's skillful scripting unveils the intricate web of connections between these seemingly separate narratives, offering a fresh and engaging take on the classic anthology format.

"Exploring Springfield: 22 Short Films from Season 7, Episode 21"

Delve into the vibrant tapestry of Springfield with "22 Short Films About Springfield" from Season 7. This innovative episode offers a mosaic of short stories, each providing a glimpse into the lives of the beloved residents of Springfield.

From the misadventures of Principal Skinner to the culinary escapades of Chief Wiggum, this episode captures the essence of the iconic animated series in bite-sized tales.

Davy