My Top 25 Favorite SpongeBob Episodes
My Top 25 Favorite SpongeBob Episodes
A reflection on SpongeBob SquarePants
“Hey, Patrick.”
“What?”
“I thought of something funnier than 24…”
“Let me hear it.”
“25!”
For 25 years, SpongeBob SquarePants’ strange sense of humor has been gracing televisions since “Help Wanted” — when the Bikini Bottom dweller applies for a job at the local burger eatery, the Krusty Krab — launched on May 1, 1999.
Does any of that introductory episode makes sense, let alone hold the (secret) ingredients to a worldwide phenomenon? Not so much, but the porous and yellow, happy-go-lucky, naive, hardworking sponge is such a genuinely funny character it’s hard not to love his sincerity or his band of friends: from the doofus, Patrick; the miserly, Mr. Krabs; the curmudgeon, Squidward Tentacles; the Texan squirrel, Sandy Cheeks; and even his pet snail, Gary.
My first exposure to Bikini Bottom’s silliness was “Ripped Pants.” Little did I know how much SpongeBob would weave into my lexicon and everyday life. Quite literally, there is a phrase around the Fowler household — “It always comes back to SpongeBob” — because of how often we reference the cartoon. And any friend of mine — or those who have met me briefly — knows how ingrained SpongeBob is in my life, perhaps to a fault. For instance, in fifth grade, I quoted “Chocolate with Nuts” so much that my teacher, Ms. Orlando, taped the episode and had the rest of the class watch it. Even my parents are in on quoting the Krusty Krab’s loyal fry cook (my mom’s favorite episode is probably ‘Rock-a-Bye Bivale’ and my dad’s is a toss-up between ‘Rock Bottom’ and ‘No Weenies Allowed’). For a cartoon to nab the attention of both kids and parents is a rare feat, and the first three seasons, in particular, are comedic gold. There are very few ‘misses’ in terms of dull episodes during that span.
For its genius (which don’t they live in a lamp?), SpongeBob is certainly a generational character, as seen not only by the multitude and variety of merchandise, but also by its vast meme-ability on social media. The show has, essentially, become a shorthand in conversing with others (perhaps former generations lament the decline from, say, quoting Shakespeare, to quoting SpongeBob).
It’s hard to describe love or what makes something funnier than another show, yet SpongeBob has endured precisely for being uniquely humorous and having a well-conceived, populated world that is Bikini Bottom. But the nautical nonsense caused by the resident of the ‘pineapple under the sea’ stems from its creator, Stephen Hillenburg, who infused his loves for marine biology and animation into the show. This heart is noticeable — especially in his absence as showrunner after The Spongebob Squarepants Movie (2004). He did return, but sadly, passed away from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at 57 years old in 2018.
I owe him a debt of gratitude: for the years of F.U.N. and silliness, and even friendships (on the latter, SpongeBob was a barometer for yours truly, gauging someone else’s sense of humor). Hillenburg’s example demonstrates how one creative mind — or, dare I say, one’s immmmaaaagggginaattttiiiooooon — can impact millions upon millions of people, young and old.
He, along with the initial SpongeBob creative team, made the world a little happier.
So, in honor of 25 years, I have decided to list my 25 favorite episodes…in order! Genuinely, this has been the hardest countdown I have ever compiled because, like I said, each episode in the first three seasons is chock full of memorable dialogue and everyday references like Smitty WerbenJagerManJensen to long, tan and handsome to “Who pulled the spatula from the grease” to “technique!” to “Yeah, buns and thighs.” Even that was probably too much! (It’s like all I know is fine dining…and SpongeBob).
With that, let’s begin:
The Camping Episode
One of the first songs I learned on the ukulele was the “Campfire Song Song.” For that alone, “The Camping Episode” secured a top 25 spot; but the “sound of a sea bear attack” is such a great last line in any SpongeBob episode. Meanwhile, the antics to prevent a sea bear attack are equally as idiotically memorable like drawing a circle in the dirt or not having cubed cheese. Sadly, it is one of the last episodes from the first three seasons, thus, in some way, a salvo of the show’s heyday.
Favorite Line: “Cubed, sliced is fine.”
The Bully
A new kid, Flats, arrives in Mrs. Puff’s Boating School. SpongeBob, good natured as always, tries to befriend him. However, sometimes people are just mean-spirited — and Flats is one of them because after SpongeBob greets him, the new student vows to kick his butt. What distinguishes this episode from others is that SpongeBob, though often weak in a physical sense (such that he can barely lift marshmallows on a stick), actually displays remarkable courage — and he ends up vindicated to a degree. Yet the episode also explores how perception can be taken as reality, if the last line is any indication. In any case, Flats is a good villain; and the Bikini Bottom residents’ quick rash judgment cannot be forgotten (“How many times do we have to teach you this lesson old man.”)
Favorite Line: “…and I leave Gary's water bowl to Gary, and my curtains to... oh Neptune, I just can't do this. [the school phone rings and SpongeBob picks it up] Death row, next in line speaking.”
Clams
A nod to Jaws and Moby Dick? Say no more! At the beginning of the episode, Mr. Krabs obtains his millionth dollar — the goal of every Krabs’ life. So, as a treat to the dutiful Krusty Krab employees, he takes them on the S.S. Cheapskate to fish for clams. What he doesn’t realize though is that a large clam lurks beneath the lagoon’s surface, beckoned by ominous music (“That’s a 4/4 string ostinato in D minor! Every sailor knows that means death!”). Strangely enough, SpongeBob and Squidward have to work together to return home because Mr. Krabs has lost his faculties, mad with grief after losing that millionth dollar. It’s a great parody episode of true classics of American media.
Favorite Line: “Actually it’s Coral Blue Number….”
Wormy
Leaving her Tree Dome for the weekend, Sandy asks SpongeBob and Patrick to pet-sit. Quickly, the nautical friends take a liking to ‘Wormy,’ playing hide-and-seek, tag among other games. It’s a great day for SpongeBob, Patrick and Wormy; however, the day must end, and SpongeBob and Patrick must return to their homes. But overnight, the cute, harmless Wormy transforms into a butterfly. The pair believe the butterfly ate Wormy and, therefore, is a threat to all of Bikini Bottom. The dramatic irony is on full-display — and the mass hysteria inflicted on the town is hilarious, and perhaps even a commentary on human nature.
Favorite Line: “Gee Patrick, I didn’t know you spoke bird!” / “Nah, that’s Italian, SpongeBob.”
Rock-a-Bye Bivale
I am not a parent — but I assume every parent can relate to “Rock-a-Bye Bivale,” an episode where SpongeBob and Patrick (mostly the former) parent a baby scallop. Still, even without that firsthand experience, the antics are easy to relate to, as the episode parodies countless movies where the ‘man’ plays ‘mom.’ In any case, just the reveal of Patrick’s briefcase alone — which is filled with ice cream and doughnuts — is enough to land this episode on the Top 25 list.
Favorite Line: “So, this is the thanks I get for working overtime?”
Frankendoodle
A giant magic pencil, once owned by an artist at sea, lands in SpongeBob and Patrick’s neighborhood. So, what do the pair do with it? Draw, naturally! What SpongeBob creates is himself in cartoon form (which is meta indeed!). A parody of Frankenstein, while retaining Mary Shelley classic book’s original philosophical themes, “Frankendoodle” has both fun and danger thrown in — but also a neatly tied up resolution.
Favorite Line: “Finland!”
Artist Unknown
“Artist Unknown” makes the list because I own ‘Bold & Brash’ — it’s on my mantle (yes, really). The episode pokes fun at not only art culture, but Squidward’s jealously and hubris when it comes to his passion — a passion, like most things, he has not excelled in. SpongeBob, meanwhile, is a true talent, but belittled by Squidward’s envy. In actuality, “Artist Unknown” is much deeper than its surface, offering an exploration of how not to teach.
Favorite Line: “Dude, you're teaching art at the Rec Center. Calm down.”
Mid-Life Crustacean
Perhaps one of the stranger and more risqué episodes in the catalogue, “Mid-Life Crustacean” does offer a cautionary tale about coping through mid-life crises — warning to not indulge in childhood antics, as Mr. Krabs does with SpongeBob and Patrick. For sure, the episode is memorable for the ‘panty raid,’ but it is also chock full of goofy gags (like “And you’ve had your blinker on for the last five blocks”) — and even the opening song, “You’re Old.”
Favorite Line: “I’m feeling like a total barnacle head!”
Hall Monitor
I bet that anyone born in the ‘90s onward, if you say “hall monitor” to them, they will instantly think of this episode. “Hall Monitor” has been culled for numerous memes — etching itself into the millennial, Gen Z lexicon. But more than that, the dramatic irony often seen in various episodes is executed tightly and expertly. In the episode, SpongeBob overdoes his duties as a hall monitor for the boating school, impersonating a police officer — and wrecks much havoc doing so. In his wake, SpongeBob becomes the Bikini Bottom “maniac.” Safe to say, hilarity ensues.
Favorite Line: “Which reminds me of an extremely long speech written by the greatest hall monitor of all time. [takes out a long roll of paper] Friends, students, juvenile delinquents, lend me your ears.”
Club SpongeBob
This episode is, no doubt, the worst fate for Squidward: trapped in the middle of a kelp forest with SpongeBob and Patrick. But what elevates “Club SpongeBob” in the popular consciousness — and, indeed, on this list — is the ‘Magic Shell,’ a toy SpongeBob and Patrick heed advice from. It’s idiotic. It’s stupid. And it’s a pretty perfect set-up.
Favorite Line(s):
SpongeBob: [whispering to Patrick] I don't know, something about his nose?
Patrick: [sticks his head out of the ‘Clubhouse’ and talks to Squidward] Squidward, you and your nose will definitely not fit in!
Graveyard Shift
There is almost too much to unpack in “Graveyard Shift”: an ode to old ghost stories, as well as poking fun at 24-hour service. On the one hand, SpongeBob is excited to continue working in perpetuity; on the other, Squidward longs to pop that idealistic bubble by telling his coworker of the murderous, Hash Slinging Slasher. Yet, when the story becomes reality (to an extent), Squidward actually reveals his brotherly affection toward the naive sponge. Perfect viewing during the Halloween season, the episode also boasts a cameo by the horror movie monster, Nosferatu (which, would any kid ever get? That’s definitely for adults and movie-nerds). Plus, the scene of SpongeBob taking out the garbage is such a great moment that has me laughing throughout.
Favorite Line: “There was the lights... [lights flicker on and off] and the phone... [phone rings] and... the walls will ooze green slime?! [walls start to ooze green slime] Oh, wait, they always do that.”
Squidward: The Unfriendly Ghost
For my last birthday, my younger sister — Elizabeth — made me a magnet of Squidward’s face, as seen above. It now adorns my fridge. But what is the premise? SpongeBob and Patrick believe they have killed their neighbor by accident — when, really, they destroyed a wax, life-like figure. Nevertheless, Squidward takes advantage of his neighbors’ guilt by making them his servants. They carry him over his yard, feed him fruit (like a watermelon, fresh from the manure field) and even step in front of a Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec painting (which, again, what kid would get that reference? Yet, even back when I was a kid, I still thought it absurd and funny). In the end, Squidward gets his comeuppance. “Squidward: The Unfriendly Ghost” demonstrates this lesson: when people are apologetic, don’t exploit them.
Favorite Line(s):
Squidward: SpongeBob, I have a confession to make. [takes off his night cap]
SpongeBob: [gasps] You’re bald?
Squidward: No, I’m not bald! I’m alive! Now get rid of that tombstone and tell all your friends to go home!
Survival of the Idiots
Dirty Dan. Pinhead Larry. Need I say more? Well, for a brief summary, SpongeBob and Patrick are trapped in Sandy’s Tree Dome while the squirrel hibernates. The pair must use their wits to survive the cold winter conditions. Their solution, however, is…well, not that prudent, let’s just say. But “Survival of the Idiots” is brimming with notable quotes and one-liners (and memes). It’s a cultural touchstone in the 21st century lexicon. Plus, the episode is hilarious.
Favorite Line: “Who you calling Pinhead?”
Employee of the Month
There are lessons to be learned in SpongeBob episodes. More often than not, one’s ambition, obsession and hubris leads to destruction (literally!). In “Employee of the Month,” SpongeBob and Squidward compete to claim the title of Employee of the Month — but much to the detriment of their relationship, their work and even the Krusty Krab itself. Still, this early episode demonstrates that sometimes our characters are not always virtuous — they are susceptible to temptation. Maybe that’s too deep for a SpongeBob episode, but it nevertheless undergirds “Employee of the Month.” As for the comedy, it’s madcappery at its finest, and it has some of my favorite one-liners.
Favorite Line: “An experienced employee of the month always keeps a strip of lead in his hat.”
Rock Bottom
No list on SpongeBob episodes would be complete without “Rock Bottom.” A strange world, weird creatures, a funny *spitting* accent (often replicated by us goons as kids), “Rock Bottom” is a classic fish-out-of-water scenario. And the plot resonates with everyone: SpongeBob, feeling lost and scared, simply wants to get home. Moreover, most people have been trapped in seemingly endless customer service lines that prove unhelpful like the yellow-squared sponge. Still, with all the silliness aside, in the end, SpongeBob’s fear is misguided as a local assists him. For all of those reasons, “Rock Bottom” is a top tier episode.
Favorite Line: I can’t... [spitting] understand... [spitting] your accent. [spitting]”
Wet Painters
Like “Wormy,” SpongeBob and Patrick are enlisted to help a fellow Bikini Bottom resident with a house-task, this time, painting Mr. Krabs’ house. However, Mr. Krabs warns the pair that the paint he purchased is permanent — it will never come off. With that in mind, SpongeBob tries to take extra care in his painting; but all of that goes awry pretty swiftly. What transpires is a hilarious sequence of SpongeBob and Patrick trying to cover-up their mistakes.
Favorite line: “Spongebob, we’re not cavemen. We have technology…”
Arrgh!
Again, the dangers of obsession and greed creep into a SpongeBob episode. “Arrgh!” is, perhaps, the foremost example in the entire catalogue. After playing the Flying Dutchman’s Treasure Hunt, which is based on a real treasure map, Mr. Krabs leads SpongeBob and Patrick on a quest to find buried riches — in which, he will reap all the reward. The gags are nearly constant, but none eclipse Patrick’s poor knowledge of a compass’ directions. “Arrgh!” is not only funny, but adventurous, packing a lot into an 11-minute tale.
Favorite line: “Hey, Mr. Krabs is looking all sweaty again.”
Idiot Box
One day, a mailman delivers SpongeBob and Patrick a large television, much to Squidward’s surprise. However, he quickly realizes his childish neighbors don’t want the product — but the package itself: the empty box. What kid hasn’t played with an empty, large box (or maybe that was just the Fowlers…). In any case, “Idiot Box” plays off the tropes in the ‘neighborhood’ SpongeBob episodes, those primarily being SpongeBob and Patrick’s tomfoolery annoying Squidward, who simply wants some peace and quiet. Still, the episode has a valuable lesson about the power of utilizing one’s own imagination, rather than a ready-made product. Ironically, the characters literally cast the television aside to create their own, better adventures. In that way, “Idiot Box” is not so idiotic after all, but actually wise.
Favorite Line: “Attention climbers! Please hold on! The saws are on the way!”
No Weenies Allowed
SpongeBob longs to be admitted into the Salty Spitoon, a rough and tumble spot, where only the “baddest of the baddest get in.” However, he simply isn’t tough enough. Instead, the spot’s bouncer, Reg, advises him to go to Weenie Hut Jr’s, a hot dog joint. But the nautical sponge will have none of it. He tries and tries again, but keeps failing. Yet “No Weenies Allowed” does not exist in a vacuum, but builds on the show’s history: that SpongeBob is a weakling. However, it’s sillier than “MuscleBob Buffpants” (i.e., Anchor Arms) or even “Ripped Pants.” Moreover, the two dweebs in Weenie Hut Jr’s. are some of the funniest side characters in the show’s first three seasons — at least to yours truly.
Favorite Line(s):
SpongeBob: Patrick, what’re you doing here?
Patrick: I'm always here on Double Weenie Wednesdays.
Nerd #1: Actually, they moved Double Weenie Wednesday to Friday.
Nerd #2: And besides, today’s Monday.
Patrick: Oh, so it’s Mega Weenie Monday?
Nerd #1: Uhh, that's now on Sunday.
Patrick: Barnacles!
Nerd #2: Super Weenie Hut Jr’s has a Mega Weenie Monday.
Nerd #1: Uhh, no, you're thinking of Monster Weenie Monday.
Krusty Krab Training Video
The “Krusty Krab Training Video” is a genius parody. Everyone has had to sit through boring work-related, training videos — and prospective Krusty Krab employees are no different. It’s hard to highlight one specific moment without doing ill-service to another. There is not a dull moment in this episode, and not a “pickle out of place” in terms of what it’s satirizing. Plus, the ending is such a great joke in and of itself.
Favorite Line: Let’s see, inattentive, impatient, a glazed look in the eyes. [close-up of the button Squidward is wearing on his shirt] Look carefully at the “I Really Wish I Weren't Here Right Now!” button.
Pizza Delivery
“Pizza Delivery” is the best demonstration of SpongeBob’s dutiful nature toward the customer. But aside from the silly antics, especially the ‘Krusty Krab Pizza’ song and the pioneers’ survival tactics, the episode has a heart in showing Squidward’s true opinion of his coworker and neighbor. Sure, he finds the yellow sponge annoying, but he also won’t let anyone disrespect him. “Pizza Delivery” has an emotional arc, which is, frankly, touching — and therefore memorable.
Favorite line: “The Krusty Krab pizza is the pizza for you and me.”
Something Smells
Talk about dramatic irony: “Something Smells” is the best example in a SpongeBob episode. After SpongeBob and Patrick eat the nastiest sundae ever, both believe they are now ugly, since other Bikini Bottom dwellers cannot stand being around them. I mean, this episode has the story of the ‘Ugly Barnacle’ and SpongeBob shouting “I’m ugly and I’m proud” — how could it not be in the top five. Moreover, it has one of my favorite little animated gags, when SpongeBob looks delightfully at the rotten peanuts in the bathroom windowsill.
Favorite Line(s):
SpongeBob: Excuse me, sir. I hope my horrible ugliness won't be a distraction to you.
Incidental 1C: Not at all, boy. [sniffs SpongeBob's bad breath then makes a sourly disgusted expression]
Dying for Pie
“Dying for Pie” is arguably the best episode that pits Squidward’s cynical nature to SpongeBob’s naivete — though “Pizza Delivery” is a very close second. The gags, however, are simply more memorable (at least to yours truly). Who could forget SpongeBob crying a sweater of tears for Squidward or when the former performs open-heart surgery on the latter? Plus, the ending’s violent explosion — akin to the nuclear blasts, much like those done at the Bikini Atoll — harkens to the Bugs Bunny-era cartoons. Both old and modern, “Dying for Pie” has all the elements of a great episode, but raises the bar in each respects.
Favorite Line: “This is great. Just the three of us. You, me, and this brick wall you built between us.”
Band Geeks
“Band Geeks” opens with one the best introductions with Squidward’s clarinet playing being confused for a “dying animal” by the local pet hospital down the street. But what makes this episode so special, compared to those previously listed, is how almost every character turns up and has a moment to shine. From start to end, “Band Geeks” is nearly a quintessential SpongeBob episode — for the only thing missing is a trip to the Krusty Krab. The gags are many as well as the laughs, and SpongeBob’s optimistic spirit shines forth more prominently than in almost any other episode from the first three seasons. Save to say, if you don’t enjoy “Bank Geeks” you probably won’t like any episode.
Favorite Line: “Yeah! For the fireman!”
Chocolate with Nuts
As I mentioned in the introduction, I quoted this episode so much that my teacher recorded it and played it to my fellow classmates. Safe to say, I have a deep sentimentality to “Chocolate with Nuts.” But, more than that, the episode is tight and comedic gold, from one bit to the next. Who could forget Lazy Mary; the customer who yells “Chocolate”; and the sleazy salesman SpongeBob and Patrick keep being duped by? Nearly every line is rattling around in my brain, ready to be uttered. “Chocolate with Nuts” is the episode I would wish to be played on TV as a kid. For that, the episode claims the number one spot.
Favorite Line: “I was born with glass bones and paper-skin. Every morning I break my legs, and every afternoon, I break my arms. At night, I lie awake in agony until my heart attacks put me to sleep.”
***
So, with that, it’s finally finished — a memoir of my life, written in red ink. But, seriously, there are too many honorable mentions. Nearly every episode in the first three seasons has a great bit or two…or ten! For Honorable Mentions though, those just missing the cut were “Bubblestand,” “Opposite Day” and “Hooky.”
If you read this far, much appreciated! Let me know your favorites!