Best SpongeBob SquarePants Episodes Ranked

June 27, 2023

Introduction

Ohhhh who definitely hasn’t run out of ideas… Not me, because why else would I be ranking the best episodes of SpongeBob SquarePants? Now, while SpongeBob may still be limping on in 2023, the classic era of SpongeBob was genuinely brilliant. And not just because of the sheer volume of memes that have spawned. Anyway, here is some history about the show.

History

SpongeBob SquarePants first debuted on Nickelodeon in 1999 and is in the midst of its 23rd season currently. Each episode features two to three separate stories which involve the titular sponge and his best friend, Patrick Starfish, annoying everyone and everything in Bikini Bottom. Naturally, the show garnered huge praise, not only for being very entertaining but also for the vocal performances. All of this praise led to the show receiving many awards, such as BAFTA Children’s Awards, Kids’ Choice Awards and Emmy Awards, amongst others. There are also two films, which is a testament to the sheer popularity of the show. With the history out of the way, here are the best episodes of SpongeBob SquarePants.

Best SpongeBob SquarePants Episodes – Top Ten

10. Krusty Krab Training Video (S3, E10)

One thing SpongeBob SquarePants deserves credit for is being able to keep the show interesting after so many episodes. Case in point, Krusty Krab Training Video. What makes this such a unique episode? Well, it takes the form of an instructional video, hence the title. This provides a humorous and informative look at the inner workings of the Krusty Krab. So, if you ever wanted to know about the Krusty Krab more, check this hilarious episode out.

9. Dying for Pie (S2, E4)

One of the best things about SpongeBob is obviously the reluctant co-worker vibes of SpongeBob and Squidward. And all of that is on full display here as Squidward mistakenly believes he has given SpongeBob a pie that is actually a bomb. How did the writers even come up with that idea, because it’s beyond me. Anyway, there’s a surprising amount of heart warming moments, and it’s got a memorable ending to boot.

8. The Fry Cook Games (S2, E19)

Ah yes, the eternal war between a greedy crab and a megalomaniacal plankton obsessed with his burger recipe. While Plankton’s plans generally include stealing the recipe, it is refreshing to occasionally see him try to just one up the Krusty Krab. Case in point, The Fry Cook Games, when SpongeBob and Patrick compete against their rivals from the Chum Bucket in the ultimate fry cook competition. And yes it’s as daft as it sounds, but still manages to be inherently charming and funny.

7. Band Geeks (S2, E15)

Man, who would have expected an episode about a band competition to be surprisingly deep? Well, when a Squidward clone, Squilliam, turns up and seemingly humiliates Squidward in every way, the challenge is set between the two squids. This leads to SpongeBob and his friends forming a band to perform at the Bubble Bowl and all sorts of chaos occurs. Just look at Patrick asking if mayonnaise is an instrument and the first Bikini Bottom band rehearsal. Overall, there’s some hilarious moments and an iconic halftime show to boot.

6. Graveyard Shift (S2, E16)

What’s scarier than working at the Krusty Krab? Well, apparently working a night shift at the Krusty Krab, which seems to be as terrifying as Five Nights at Freddy’s. Anyway, everyone’s favourite coworkers, SpongeBob and Squidward, have to work the night shift at the Krusty Krab. All seems normal until they encounter the infamous Hash-Slinging Slasher. Kind of weird how many random people just happen to be around Bikini Bottom.

Best SpongeBob SquarePants Episodes – Top Five

5. Rock Bottom (S1, E17)

Based on the title, this episode could have had the most random crossover ever if Dwayne Johnson turned up… Anyway, this episode comes about when SpongeBob takes the wrong bus home from an amusement park and ends up stranded in the strange and eerie town of Rock Bottom. This naturally leads to a series of humorous encounters and challenges, like SpongeBob realising he’ll have to wait until morning to get a bus out of Rock Bottom.

4. Pizza Delivery (S1, E5)

The world’s most dysfunctional coworkers are back as SpongeBob and Squidward go on a hilarious and chaotic journey to deliver a pizza. Not only does this episode showcase their contrasting personalities, but it also has some great punchlines. Mostly, these involve some brilliant perspective jokes that include the customer’s house being opposite the Krusty Krab after they end up walking hours through a desert, making the pizza cold. A great episode overall.

Best SpongeBob SquarePants Episodes – Top Three

3. The Camping Episode (S3, E17)

Am I ranking this episode this highly because of one particular song? Yes I am, because it’s that good. When SpongeBob and Patrick go camping with Squidward, there’s naturally going to be chaos. All of this leads to memorable camping mishaps and the creation of the Campfire Song Song. A song so good that SpongeBob and Patrick had to name it twice, and it’s just so wholesome seeing SpongeBob and Patrick loving life.

2. Chocolate with Nuts (S3, E12)

Who’d have thought a story about SpongeBob and Patrick trying to sell chocolate would also involve scamming and a double date in a fancy restaurant? SpongeBob and Patrick become entrepreneurs when selling chocolate bars door-to-door, with disastrous and hilarious results. These results include them being scammed twice, being relentlessly chased by a chocolate-obsessed customer and them making so much money they end up on a double date. All of this is much to Squidward’s horror, but that’s to be expected.