Top 20 Spongebob Squarepants Episodes (2023)

This twenty-year-old cartoon boasts nearly 250 episodes, but only twenty of them can be called the best. Welcome to WatchMojo, and today, we're counting down our picks for the Top 20 SpongeBob SquarePants Episodes!

For this list, we're looking the best and most memorable “SpongeBob” episodes since the show's premiere in 1999.

#20: “Sand Castles in the Sand”

During a trip to Goo Lagoon, SpongeBob and Patrick build sand castles, a fun, normal activity that people tend to do at the beach, you know? Leave it to them to take things an extra ten steps further. The two soon engage in warfare with each other, building everything they can to break down the other’s castles. We’ve never seen two people get so competitive over sand castles, and after watching this, we kind of had an itch to go build a few for ourselves.

#19: “Karate Island”

When SpongeBob finds he is to be crowned “King of Karate” on Karate Island, Sandy goes with him to confirm her suspicions. Sure enough, SpongeBob is taken hostage by the island’s owner, Master Udon. Sandy will have to fight her way through the dojo in order to rescue her yellow buddy from... buying a timeshare? With its clever writing and special appearance by Mr. Miyagi himself, the late Pat Morita, “Karate Island” wasn’t just another exceptional episode; it was a love letter to martial arts movies.

#18: “Krusty Kleaners”

While delivering food to a corporate office, SpongeBob accidentally spills food on their floor. Despite the office having a cleaning service, he vows to return later and clean up the mess. Patrick tags along to help, but they end up turning the office into a massive pigsty, eventually finding themselves face-to-face with the facility’s cleaning robot. After a handful of mediocre seasons, “Krusty Kleaners” was a beautiful return to form for the show thanks to its animation, writing, and premise.

#17: “Roller Cowards”

When Glove World opens up their newest ride, the Fiery Fist O’ Pain, SpongeBob and Patrick head straight to the park. However, their eager beaver behavior quickly diminishes when they see the steep drops and explosions. And so, the two do anything they can to prolong their time to ride. It’s one of the few episodes that kids can relate to, and it teaches a valuable lesson in facing your fears, even if there’s some potential spine loss.

#16: “Shanghaied”

When a ghostly anchor crashes through SpongeBob’s roof (and soon after, Squidward’s), the trio discover that the Flying Dutchman has invaded their homes. Squidward is thrown into the Fly of Despair while SpongeBob and Patrick become a part of the Dutchman’s crew. To the Dutchman’s chagrin, this proves to be more of a curse than a blessing. From “leedle leedle lee” to exposing the perfume department for how deadly it truly is (...kinda), “Shanghaied” quickly became one of the most memorable episodes.

#15: “Something Smells”

In celebration of Sunday, SpongeBob decides to make himself a sundae. (Get it?) Although, he ends up eating some monstrosity that gives him bad breath. As one would expect, Bikini Bottom’s residence cannot tolerate the smell, to put it lightly, which leads SpongeBob to believe he might be ugly. How can a fan NOT love this episode after witnessing the overreactions to SpongeBob’s breath? Plus, Patrick gets to tell the most uplifting story of all time! Ever heard of “The Ugly Barnacle?”

#14: “No Weenies Allowed”

While practicing karate, SpongeBob and Sandy find a place called the Salty Spitoon, where only the roughest, toughest sailors go to brawl. Sandy gets in with no problems, but SpongeBob just can’t accept he doesn’t belong there. Regardless, he goes to great lengths to try and get in, whether it’s putting on a wig, posing as a tattoo, or even faking a fight. You gotta admire SpongeBob, though; the little guy just doesn’t know when to quit!

#13: “Wet Painters”

During a slow day at the Krusty Krab, Mr. Krabs has SpongeBob and Patrick paint his house. Although, it comes with a catch - the paint is permanent and is impossible to get off. When a paint bubble explodes, it manages to paint around everything... except Mr. Krabs’ first dollar. The two will have to get it off before Eugene gets home, which is easier said than done. If you’re a fan of visual gags and slapstick, “Wet Painters” was one for the books.

#12: “The String”

Not all of the new episodes are home runs, but this episode held one of the most creative concepts across the show's lifespan. While cooking up patties, SpongeBob notices a loose end on the back of Squidward's shirt. However, it turns out the string extends beyond his neighbor's backside, and he ends up causing more trouble for Bikini Bottom. “The String” may not be as long as most episodes, but it's imaginative in how it breaks the fourth wall.

#11: “The Secret Box”

Everyone has their share of secrets, even morons like Patrick Star. So, when SpongeBob notices his friend laughing in an inconspicuous box, his curiosity gets the best of him. Eventually, he finds out that Patrick was amused by... string? If only he knew what was really in the box. Simplistic in plot and humor, “The Secret Box” teaches a lesson that some secrets are best left unknown. By the way, does SpongeBob even know the photo exists?

#10: “Krusty Towers”

In this episode, Mr. Krabs turns the Krusty Krab into a hotel called the Krusty Towers. Unfortunately, their only customer is the dimwitted Patrick Star, who ends up abusing their customer-first policy. When Squidward reaches his boiling point, he ends up renting a room to get revenge on his boss. We see those gears turning, Squiddy! Some viewers may see “Krusty Towers” as a turning point in the show's quality, but its premise and absurdity is top-notch.

#9: “Idiot Box”

“Idiot Box” sees SpongeBob and Patrick ordering a new TV only to trash it and keep its packaging. Squidward seizes the opportunity for a new television (who wouldn’t?), but quickly grows jealous of his annoying neighbors. Turns out the two are having more fun with the box as they use realistic sound effects, making Squidward believe there was a whole world to explore inside. If there was anything this hilarious episode taught us, it’s that anything is possible with… “imaaaginaaaaatiioonnn!”

#8: “F.U.N.”

Yep, we’re heading all the way back to Season One now! In “F.U.N.,” SpongeBob tries to befriend the maniacal Plankton and show him a more positive lifestyle. However, not everyone approves of the unlikely friendship, and SpongeBob must prove to his boss that Plankton has changed his ways. On top of its exceptional writing and memorable “F.U.N.” song, this episode remains to be one of the most compelling stories the show has ever told.

#7: “Graveyard Shift”

The night shift isn’t for everyone, especially for someone like SpongeBob. Our porous pal is optimistic about the night shift until Squidward tells him the story of the Hash-slinging Slasher. At first, this was only to be a mean joke, but as the night progresses, the two see signs that the Slasher may very well be real. It’s a fun, spooky episode that has resonated with SpongeBob fans thanks to its riveting ghost story.

#6: “Help Wanted”

“Help Wanted” kicks off the show by showing us how SpongeBob landed a job at the Krusty Krab. Just to get him off his back, Mr. Krabs tasks him to find a high-tech spatula. Soon after our porous pal leaves, the Krusty Krab is hit by a wave of ravenous anchovies. Many shows struggle to make a strong impression in the first episode, but “Help Wanted” showed audiences that SpongeBob had something special, and it’s been a household name for the past twenty years.

#5: “The Camping Episode”

Squids is excited to finally have a weekend away from SpongeBob and Patrick as the two have made plans to go camping... a few feet outside their homes. Triggered by SpongeBob’s remark (“Have fun inside!”), Squidward ends up joining the two in order to show them what real camping is. Why shouldn’t “The Camping Episode” be considered great? Not only do we learn the catchy Campfire Song Song, but we also learn how to defend ourselves from a sea bear. SpongeBob is teaching life skills, folks!

#4: “Krusty Krab Training Video”

Ever wanted to be like SpongeBob and become an underling--er, respected employee at the Krusty Krab? Then, you might want to look into the “Krusty Krab Training Video” episode. Here, we learn a little bit about Eugene’s origins, as well as get a closer look at how the Krusty Krab operates. The video even covers what you should do in case Plankton tries to steal the Krabby Patty formula. The episode has been universally praised for its brilliant writing, creative concept, and, of course, its humor. That ending, though...

#3: “Chocolate with Nuts”

After taking a peek in Squidward’s entrepreneurial magazine, SpongeBob and Patrick become inspired and start their own business selling chocolate bars. It goes about as well as you would expect, with customers slamming their doors shut. “Chocolate with Nuts” isn’t just one of the funniest “SpongeBob” episodes; it’s also the most quotable. It isn’t uncommon to hear fans recite how Mary’s mom first tasted chocolate or the depressing, health-troubled tale of the handbag salesman. And of course, there’s the guy who goes nuts whenever he hears the word, “CHOCOLATE!”

#2: “Pizza Delivery”

The Krusty Krab may not serve pizza, but that won’t stop Mr. Krabs from making a quick buck! What starts out as a simple task turns into an odyssey. Luckily for Squids, SpongeBob knows some pioneer hitch-hiking tricks, like how to pull over an 18-wheeler... more or less. Also, who could ever forget the “Krusty Krab Pizza” song? In addition to being one of the funniest episodes, it’s one of the few episodes that reveals Squidward really does care for SpongeBob, even if he doesn’t show it a lot.

Before we reveal our #1 pick, here are a few nautical Honorable Mentions...

“SB-129”

“The Fry Cook Games”

“Frankendoodle”

“Nasty Patty”

“Mimic Madness”

#1: “Band Geeks”

In order to prove his potential to Squilliam, Squidward has to assemble a band for the Bubble Bowl. Unfortunately, he seems to be the only one in town who is musically-inclined. “Band Geeks” was one of those moments where you feel that sense of community in Bikini Bottom, especially when they jam out so hard that Squilliam faints. It showed that even when their personalities conflict, they still have each other’s backs. And that is why “Band Geeks” gets the sweet, sweet victory at our top spot.