5 most hilarious episodes of South Park, ranked

What occurs when foul-mouthed children, biting satire, and complete absurdity meet? You have South Park, a show that's turned chaos into comedy gold for over two decades! But even amid an ocean of wacky plots and memorable moments, some episodes reign supreme—providing more laughs, perfect comedic timing, and more drop-your-jaw punchlines than the rest.

So, you ask, what are the five funniest South Park episodes, in order? Easy—these are the ones critics and fans always mention as the funniest, best-written, and most outrageously unforgettable. From internet gaming spoofs to kids' mayhem woven into crime thrillers, this list compiles the best of the best—based solely on fan opinion, critical praise, and irrepressible comedic heft.

1. "Make Love, Not Warcraft" (Season 10, Episode 8 of South Park)

Expand Tweet

At the top of many fan lists, "Make Love, Not Warcraft" hits its gamer culture parody without losing a single comedic step. When a hacker player begins to conquer World of Warcraft, the boys commit themselves to grinding XP in the most unglamorous manner imaginable—cue awful hygiene, junk food marathons, and a training montage that's both ridiculous and way too familiar.

This episode is regularly ranked at or close to #1 due to its acutely tuned balance of ridiculous imagery and spot-on cultural commentary. The joke payoff is instant, and its effects even extended to Blizzard, whose team collaborated with the show while they produced. It's an episode that appeals to both hardcore gamers and mainstream viewers equally.

2. "Scott Tenorman Must Die" (Season 5, Episode 4 of South Park)

Expand Tweet

If there's one episode that changed the tone of South Park forever, it's "Scott Tenorman Must Die." Cartman falls prey to a juvenile scam and Shakespearean betrayal. Cartman's creeping, warped path to revenge after being swindled out of $16.12 culminates in a third act that's so depraved and insane, it became an instant classic.

What makes it so funny isn't so much the over-the-top ending, but how literal the episode plays the suspense. The twist to end all twists? Equally sick and mythical. Critics and fans alike universally refer to it as the show's comedic and storytelling pivot point.

3. "Toilet Paper" (Season 7, Episode 3 of South Park)

Expand Tweet

On paper, the story is straightforward: the boys TP their teacher's house. But in typical South Park style, it all devolves into a full-fledged psychological thriller. Cartman becomes Hannibal Lecter. Kyle is unable to deal with the guilt. And Officer Barbrady makes a school prank into an all-out manhunt.

This episode gets its spot for how ridiculously it blows up childhood shenanigans through the drama of crime. It's funny because it takes something ridiculous in its simplicity and makes it a cinematic breakdown, making it a viewer favorite for its creativity and delivery.

4. "Casa Bonita" (Season 7, Episode 11 of South Park)

Expand Tweet

“Casa Bonita” captures pure childhood obsession with uncanny accuracy. When Kyle plans to take Butters to the famed restaurant instead of Cartman, Cartman literally kidnaps Butters just to secure a spot. He schemes, lies, and finally gets to dive into Black Bart’s Cave—before getting dragged out by the cops mid-sopapilla.

What makes this episode so funny is how seriously Cartman takes it. Viewers don't just laugh at him—they recognize the illogical reasoning kids apply when something truly means a lot to them. It's near the top in many fan polls, occasionally even at #1 for Cartman-themed comedy.

5. "Imaginationland" Trilogy (Season 11, Episodes 10–12 of South Park)

Expand Tweet

While technically three episodes, Imaginationland is generally regarded as one continuous story—and rightly so. It combines fantasy, satire, and sheer chaos as the boys wander into a world of imaginary creatures fighting terrorists. Meanwhile, the U.S. government considers whether imagination constitutes a national threat.

This trilogy is notable not only for its scope but for its constant absurdity and quick wit. It's an example of the show's storytelling reach and comedy range. While some lists divide episodes, others count the trilogy as one of the series' greatest comedic standouts.

These five episodes aren’t just funny—they’ve shaped how South Park is remembered. They each strike a rare balance between outrageous humor and sharp writing, solidifying their spots at the top of any ranked list.

Whether you’re revisiting them or watching for the first time, these episodes remain benchmarks of animated comedy.