pop culture references is another reason Rick and Morty has resonated with audiences.
The show has plenty of references across various forms of media, but movies remain Rick and Morty's bread and butter. The whole series began as a influenced by a variety of other sci-fi films. In most instances, this provides episodes of the show with memorable set-ups or Easter eggs. While viewers may get caught up in these, what many may overlook are the references made by the individual episode titles.
With over 30 episodes released, and just under 70 more Rick and Morty episodes on the way, the animated series has treated viewers to nearly two dozen (and counting) movie references in its episode titles. Some of these references are obvious, while others are more obscure; all of them riff on a particular movie or creator in a humorous way.
Lawnmower Dog
The second episode ever of Rick and Morty, "Lawnmower Dog," saw the Smith family dog, Snuffles, become a brilliant being through advanced technology. This title appears to be a reference to the 1992 film The Lawnmower Man, which is based on the Stephen King short story of the same name. The movie sees a man gain increased intelligence and power through experimentation and kill those who mistreated him in the past, similarly to Snuffles' treatment of humans.
Anatomy Park
Episode 3 of season 1 is another clear homage to a famous movie, with "Anatomy Park" being a reference to Steven Speilberg's Jurassic Park. Instead of an island filled with scientifically created dinosaurs though, the animated series has a theme park inside the body of a homeless person that explores the wonders of the body. The reference to Jurassic Park goes beyond just the title of the episode too, as the sign for Anatomy Park copies the design of Jurassic Park's logo.
M Night Shaym-Aliens!
Episode 4 of season 1, "M Night Shaym-Aliens!," doesn't reference any particular movie title but rather director M. Night Shyamalan. The mystery-filled episode is filled with twists just like one of Shyamalan's famous films, as Rick and Morty are trapped in an alternate reality by aliens. With aliens and secret living arrangements featured, the episode pays tribute to Shyamalan movies like The Village.
Rick Potion #9
Season 1, episode 5, "Rick Potion #9," appears to be a reference to a small Sandra Bullock sci-fi movie Love Potion No. 9 (both titles also reference the 1959 song by the same name, written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller). Released in 1992, the movie follows two scientists, Bullock's Diane and Paul (Tate Donovan), who have had difficulty with relationships. They invent a substance that makes them irresistible to anyone of the opposite sex who hears them speak. This is right in line with the plot of "Rick Potion #9," which sees Morty ask Rick to create a potion that will make Jessica fall in love with him. Unfortunately, it spreads and makes everyone besides family infatuated with Morty.
Raising Gazorpazorp
Episode 6 of season 1, "Raising Gazorpazorp," might be a reference to the Coen Brothers' Raising Arizona. The 1987 movie follows Nicholas Cage and Holly Hunter as they steal a child, and their lives become much more complicated as a result. This is somewhat similar to the events of "Raising Gazorpazorp," in which Morty accidentally fathered an alien baby after using a sex robot, and struggled to parent his alien child.
Something Ricked This Way Comes
Season 1, episode 9,"Something Ricked This Way Comes," is clearly a reference to Something Wicked This Way Comes. Based on the novel by Ray Bradbury, the 1983 fantasy-horror film by Jack Clayton is about two boys who try to stop an evil carnival from taking over their town. The Rick and Morty episode doesn't deal with an evil carnival though, but rather a thrift store run by Mr. Needful that sells cursed items to unsuspecting humans — items that can make them dumb, blind, or dead.
Close Rick-counters of the Rick Kind
Episode 10 of season 1, "Close Rick-counters of the Third Kind," once again shows Rick and Morty's fondness for Steven Spielberg. The episode title is an obvious reference to his 1977 alien invasion film by Evil Morty for the murder of 27 other Ricks and capture of their Mortys, but no one believes he is innocent, much like how no one believed Roy Neary (Richard Dreyfuss) about what he saw.
Ricksy Business
The season 1 finale, "Ricksy Business," pays tribute to the classic Tom Cruise coming of age comedy Risky Business. Released in 1983, the movie follows Cruise's Joel, who is left alone at home by his parents, and throws a party that gets out of control. This is incredibly close to the plot of "Ricksy Business" too. The episode sees Summer and Rick throw a house party when Beth and Jerry leave. The combination of their parties results in it becoming too rowdy, so Rick has to freeze time in order for them and Morty to clean up before Beth and Jerry get back.
A Rickle In Time
The season 2 premiere, "A Rickle In Time," is a clear reference to Madeleine L'Engle's 1962 novel, which was recently turned into a movie by Disney, A Wrinkle In Time. Since the episode premiered in 2015, it does predates the release of Ava DuVernay's film adaptation. The novel was previously adapted for a Disney as a made-for-television movie in 2003. The time fracturing episode has little in common with the novel and films it shares a name with, other than the fact that they all deal with time travel.
Mortynight Run
Episode 2 of season 2, "Mortynight Run," is Rick and Morty referencing Robert De Niro's Jerry watched in Jerryborre. So, Rick and Morty went to greater lengths than usual to pay tribute to the classic film.
