Ranking Every SIMPSONS Treehouse of Horror Episode, From I-XXXIV

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As a die-hard Simpsons fan who’s spent countless hours pondering the antics of Springfield’s favorite family, I wholeheartedly concur with this ranking. Each Treehouse of Horror episode showcases the writers’ knack for blending humor, horror, and pop culture references in a delightfully macabre manner.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve been a fan of The Simpsons since the early days, and that includes their iconic Treehouse of Horror episodes. You won’t believe it, but the first one aired back in 1990 during the show’s second season! Ever since then, Fox has been treating us to a new dose of Halloween horror every year, and this year will be no exception – we’re on episode XXXV (that’s 35 for you, Bart). I’ve seen them all, from the opening seconds to the final gag, each vignette, Kang and Kodos appearance, and every chilling moment in between. That’s over 12 hours of spooky fun! So, you may wonder, how do they all compare? Well, I’m glad you asked! Here’s my take on every Treehouse of Horror episode of The Simpsons, ranked from least favorite to absolute best.

34. Treehouse of Horror XXII (Season 23)

Initial Broadcast: October 30, 2011

In simpler terms, “XXII” lacks humor entirely and is arguably the most disappointing Treehouse episode in the entire Simpsons series. It’s the only one that actually angered me, due to its inappropriate introduction and opening segment. I find it hard to believe anyone thought this was suitable material for a parody. The opening sequence here, a quick “127 Hours” joke, seems like it could be a heartfelt tribute to the real-life character, but unfortunately, it’s not.

The episode features a somewhat amusing imitation of Dexter, in which Homer persuades Ned to murder on his behalf, and an Avatar parody that is even less humorous than James Cameron’s film (substituting “hilarium” for the elusive “unobtainium” humans are searching for). Unfortunately, I can’t rewind reality to avoid watching this.

33. Treehouse of Horror XVIII (Season 19)

Original Air Date: November 4, 2007
Vignettes: “E.T., Go Home,” “Mr. & Mrs. Simpson,” “Heck House”

An intro featuring Marge killing pop-up ads for other shows is the only amusing part of a boring and confusing episode. It starts off with an E.T. spoof that doesn’t have much going on. The second segment, a Mr. & Mrs. Smith parody (the Brad Pitt/Angelina Jolie one, not the Alfred Hitchcock one), is one of the most inexplicable pop culture reference in any Treehouse. What is this doing here? Was this a horror parody for an audience of one? Did they make this just for Jennifer Aniston? It’s a little less weird now, since they’ve done so many non-horror parodied in the last decade, but it’s still strange!

Initially, the final part seems promising as Bart, Lisa, Milhouse, and Nelson cause mischief around Springfield with their deceitful pranks. However, it loses steam when it attempts to mimic the style of the movie “Se7en,” resulting in a weak parody that leaves more questions than answers. Much like other parts of this episode, it lacks coherence and offers an excessive amount of illogical humor.

32. Treehouse of Horror XXIV (Season 25)

Back in the swing of things on October 6, 2013! Here are some exciting episodes I couldn’t wait to catch: “Oh, the Places You’ll D’oh,” where I found myself laughing out loud; “Dead and Shoulders,” a heartfelt tale that had me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside; and “Freaks No Geeks,” an episode that truly showcased the unique charm of this fantastic series.

The Dr. Seuss parody has some clever writing. It doesn’t really work, though, because—again—this is supposed to be a Halloween episode, and this particular vignette is too weird to be enjoyable. A mediocre middle story, based on The Thing with Two Heads, is a lazy, unoriginal retread of a much earlier (and better) segment in which Mr. Burns’ head is attached to Homer’s body. Finally there’s a lackluster parody of HBO’s Freaks, a show no one watched in the first place.

The standout moment comes during an amazing opening intro. This horror movie montage swoops through the entire city with numerous callbacks to past Treehouse installments. Unfortunately it didn’t last the whole episode.

31. Treehouse of Horror XXXIV (Season 35)

Original Air Date: November 5, 2023
Vignettes: “Wild Barts Can’t Be Token,” “EI8HT,” “Lout Break”

Oh my goodness! It’s best not to dwell too much on this particular episode. The initial segment, titled “Wild Barts Can’t Be Tamed,” seems to draw inspiration from Snowpiercer and feels outdated even before its airing due to the subject matter of NFTs. The sequel “EI8HT” stands alone well enough, but it falls flat considering the potential for a more compelling story given its blend of Mindhunter, Silence of the Lambs, and Seven elements. And the episode’s portrayal of an outbreak in Springfield turning everyone into Homer is unremarkable.

While not all excellent Treehouses necessarily contain an introduction and conclusion, the absence of these elements in this case seems to suggest that the authors may have felt that their work was less impactful and decided it wasn’t worth the effort to include them.

30. Treehouse of Horror XII (Season 13)

Original Air Date: November 6, 2001
Vignettes: “Hex and the City,” “House of Whacks,” “Wiz Kids”

As a gamer diving into “XII,” I was pumped for its blend of “Thinner,” “2001: A Space Odyssey,” and “Harry Potter.” But instead, it turned out to be a rather unmemorable addition to the series, lacking any captivating twists on the original sources. Tackling a “Thinner” parody without focusing on Homer’s eating habits was a challenge. So, in this game, everyone connected to Homer is cursed instead, adding an intriguing layer of mystery and tension to his gaming experience.

Even the Harry Potter parody feels like it was written by people who had never read the books and instead had been told about them “purple monkey dishwasher”-style. And I forgot what happened in “Hex and the City” the second it ended, which is typically not a great sign for a short’s value.

29. Treehouse of Horror XIII (Season 14)

I first encountered this episode way back on November 3, 2002 – a date that’s etched into my memory as the day I watched “The Simpsons” and got hooked!

The standout moment in “XIII” is Homer milking a creature that resembles a cross between a cow and Ned Flanders during a humorous take on “The Island of Dr. Moreau”. However, I struggle to recall anything else from this episode that particularly appealed to me. A seance featuring Ned, a nod to “Multiplicity”, and a blend of “Terminator” parody and gun control commentary make up the rest of this rather forgettable episode.

28. Treehouse of Horror XXIII (Season 24)

Original Broadcast: October 7, 2012

Initially, while I was engaged in this ranking project, there were just a handful of parts I had watched and completely overlooked. One of those I’d forgotten all over again is “The Greatest Story Ever Holed,” which has a black hole as its center theme.

The sequel to the parody of “Paranormal Activity” is improved, boasting a superb dark conclusion that compels Homer to sleep with two demons in order to protect Maggie. Regrettably, the episode’s reenactment of “Back to the Future” fails to impress, representing a significant missed chance. Despite it not being a horror film, “Back to the Future” remains an influential piece of cinema.

27. Treehouse of Horror IX (Season 10)

Original Broadcast Date: October 25, 1998

The parody episode of a movie didn’t turn out as humorous as the original film. For instance, the spoof of “Shocker” where Snake Jailbird’s hair transplant turns Homer into a murderer was underwhelming compared to the actual movie. The second segment, reminiscent of “Stay Tuned,” seemed incomplete and lacked substance. However, the finale, revealing that Maggie’s real father is Kang the alien and the Simpsons appearing on the “Jerry Springer Show,” was a more successful attempt at humor. Overall, it’s funnier than it might sound, making “IX” the best part of this episode.

26. Treehouse of Horror XXXI (Season 32)

First Broadcast: November 1, 2020

The episode initially presents a grim, unamusing scenario of a Trump reelection dystopia. Subsequently, we encounter one of the finest “Treehouse” shorts ever, titled “Toy Gory.” This 3D-animated piece doesn’t align with traditional Halloween themes like many contemporary Treehouse parodies. However, it exhibits an intriguing darkness and twistedness in a positive manner. Unfortunately, its execution leaves much to be desired. The narrative appears to lack approximately two to three minutes of development.

This significantly surpasses the lackluster, uninspiring second part of the episode titled “Into the Homer-Verse.” However, the show improves towards the end with a parody of “Russian Doll” called “Be Nine, Rewind,” where Lisa and Nelson repeatedly die. Few Treehouse of Horror episodes exhibit such dramatic fluctuations, but unfortunately, the low points are considerably lower than the high points are high.

25. Treehouse of Horror XVI (Season 17)

Original Broadcast: November 6, 2005

This episode begins rather leisurely, featuring an okay introduction for Kang and Kodos, along with a passable imitation of a World Series game and a mediocre take on artificial intelligence. However, the second tale offers a reasonable (albeit not quite living up to its own possibilities) spoof of the iconic short story “The Most Dangerous Game.” But the last segment, a humorous parody of “Halloweentown II,” is exceptional, where a witch in Springfield transforms everyone into their Halloween costumes. The “Apu-D2” joke in this vignette is one of the funniest ever from the Treehouse, and the title “I’ve Grown a Costume to Your Face” significantly boosted the overall quality of this episode, saving it from being ranked at the bottom.

24. Treehouse of Horror XIX (Season 20)

First Broadcast Date: November 2, 2008

This episode is held back by a weak introduction, a confusing and unexplained parody of Transformers, another Halloween spoof that’s not horror-related, and a dull story combining elements of Mad Men and Dexter in which Homer murders celebrities. However, it boasts one of the best segments ever in the Treehouse of Horror series. “It’s the Grand Pumpkin, Milhouse” is an accurate, heartwarming, and side-splitting homage to the classic Peanuts holiday tale. The artwork is stunning, and it showcases The Simpsons at its finest, balancing a faithful tribute with its signature blend of violence, cynicism, humor, and more violence. Despite having to endure quite a bit of mediocrity to reach it, the segment alone makes the viewing worthwhile.

23. Treehouse of Horror X (Season 11)

Original Broadcast: October 31, 1999

The highlight of “X” is its concluding part, which tells a humorous Y2K tale throughout. (Believe it or not, Y2K was quite a significant event back then!) However, the episode is somewhat uneven, featuring an inconsistent I Know What You Did Last Summer parody and a broad superhero/Marvel spoof that doesn’t reach the comedic heights usually seen in a Comic Book Guy segment during regular episodes.

22. Treehouse of Horror XIV (Season 15)

Original Broadcast Date: November 2, 2003

In this reinterpretation, “Reaper Madness” humorously mimics a scenario reminiscent of a Family Guy episode within the realm of The Simpsons. This double-dip of animation is intriguing, even though it leans towards self-indulgence. A key component that consistently works well in these episodes is when Homer behaves badly and massacres numerous characters.

21. Treehouse of Horror XXVI (Season 27)

First Broadcast Date: October 25, 2015

Created by John Kricfalusi, who also brought us Ren & Stimpy, the episode “XXVI” boasts one of the most impressive openings in Treehouse’s history. However, much of the rest of the episode fails to match its initial brilliance. For instance, a rather dull Re-Animator parody is included, where Sideshow Bob (who surprisingly hadn’t appeared in a Treehouse episode for the first 25 years) repeatedly revives Bart to kill him over and over again. The “Homerzilla” segment isn’t terrible (and actually offers some insightful commentary on Hollywood), but it feels uninspired given that they already did a King Kong parody in the exceptional third Treehouse episode. The standout story is the last one, where Lisa and an eccentric Milhouse acquire superpowers similar to those seen in Chronicle.

20. Treehouse of Horror XVII (Season 18)

Initial Broadcast: November 5, 2006

Indeed, this one features Homer transforming into a monstrous giant yet again, but with a darker and more complex twist. The story concludes with an unusual act of kindness from Homer – he feeds the homeless, which can be interpreted in various ways depending on the viewer. The episode’s take on “The Golem” tale is entertaining, especially with Richard Lewis adding his charm to it. However, the depiction of the panic Orson Welles’ radio broadcast of “War of the Worlds” caused isn’t as enjoyable in reality as it sounds intriguing on paper.

It’s really disappointing that the show doesn’t utilize the Mr. Burns character from the intro, similar to how it’s done in Tales From the Crypt, to introduce each segment. This seems like an obvious choice that they missed out on!

19. Treehouse of Horror XXXII (Season 33)

Initial Broadcast: October 10, 2021

This Treehouse of Horror might be the best one yet, featuring:

The episode’s high point is another creative idea, a Vincent Price narrated rhyming couplet interlude told via Edward Gorey-style artwork. It’s quick, funny, and delightful. The episode then ends with “Dead Ringer,” a decent The Ring parody that connects with the intro thanks to a fun Disney-style song featuring Kang and Kodos. It’s a nice ending to this very average installment.

18. Treehouse of Horror XXV (Season 26)

Original Air Date: October 19, 2014
Vignettes: “School is Hell,” “A Clockwork Yellow,” “The Others”

The opening skit featuring Kodos and Kang, reminiscent of Johnny Carson, is packed with amusing jokes, such as one about the New York Yankees. However, “XXV”‘s segment inspired by A Clockwork Orange led by Moe seems more clever than genuinely funny, much like many forgettable Treehouse segments. Bart going to school in Hell during the second scene is well-executed. Unfortunately, the final short falls flat as it features the family being haunted by ghostly versions of the Simpsons from the Tracy Ullman Show era. Although it’s an intriguing concept, it barely manages to make up for the fact that it isn’t particularly funny.

17. Treehouse of Horror XXIX (Season 30)

Original Broadcast Date: October 21, 2018

As a dedicated gamer, I dived into the 30th installment of this series, where the opening scene was an entertaining twist on Cthulhu as a New England deity, with Homer’s classic seafood escapades saving the day. This was followed by a well-timed, yet somewhat underwhelming spoof of ‘Invasion of the Body Snatchers’.

16. Treehouse of Horror XV (Season 16)

Initial Broadcast: November 7, 2004

The Dead Zone is a perfect Treehouse parody idea, but there are some weird pacing issues with “XV”‘s “The Ned Zone.” That rushed feeling also plagues the other two segments, a Jack the Ripper/From Hell parody and Fantastic Voyage send-up. The writers couldn’t seem to figure out how to make the most of these concepts, but they were good enough ideas that it’s still a decent episode. That said, Homer sharing a body with Mr. Burns at the end is yet another example of the show feeling like it was copying better, older Treehouse segments. (Huge bonus points at least for the Kang and Kodos/Perfect Strangers intro though.)

15. Treehouse of Horror XXX (31)

Initial Broadcast: October 20, 2019

One entertaining highlight from season 31’s episode is an extremely amusing scene featuring Ned Flanders, which is part of a clever mini-parody of the movie “The Omen.” This is followed by a humorous skit based on “Stranger Things,” filled with witty jokes and subtle jabs at the popular Netflix series. Unfortunately, a lackluster spoof of “Heaven Can Wait” falls flat, offering few laughs even with Homer’s character as a deceased man possessing various bodies. Thankfully, “When Hairy Met Slimy,” a take on “The Shape of Water” involving a romantic story between Selma and Kang, stands out as a classic Treehouse production. It’s outstanding and helps elevate this episode into the upper echelons of the season.

14. Treehouse of Horror XX (Season 21)

Original Air Date: I first played this game on October 18, 2009

The show “XX” begins with an impressive opening, featuring traditional monsters at the Simpsons’ Halloween bash. However, its initial segment, a reinterpretation of “Dial M for Murder,” falls flat. The episode picks up steam with a brilliant take on “28 Days Later,” where characters transform into zombies following contaminated Krusty Burgers consumption. In an unexpected twist, the final skit—inexplicably not titled “Sweeney Moe: The Demon Bartender of Springfield”—is portrayed as a live performance. This alteration reduces the gore, as Homer isn’t actually impaled and bleeding into the bar’s beer. Nevertheless, it offers a refreshing change of pace and a unique, well-executed segment overall.

13. Treehouse of Horror XXI (Season 22)

Original Air Date: November 7, 2010
Vignettes: “War and Pieces,” “Master and Cadaver,” “Tweenlight”

21st century’s debut isn’t off to a compelling start. It kicks off with a confusing blend of pumpkin carving and a parody of “The Office” intro, followed by a misfire on the “Jumanji” theme. However, its second offering, inspired by the psychological thriller “Dead Calm,” where Homer and Marge save a mysterious sailor at sea, is impressive. Despite likely negative feedback towards the final “Twilight” spoof, Homer’s endless questions to an exasperated vampire in the Treehouse stand as one of the funniest moments.

12. Treehouse of Horror XXVII (Season 28)

Original Air Date: October 16, 2016
Vignettes: “Dry Hard,” “BFF R.I.P.,” “Moefinger”

In this Treehouse introduction, Sideshow Bob, the irate leprechaun, Kang, and the specter of Frank Grimes ambush the Simpsons as they purchase a Christmas tree on Halloween. This is followed by an entertaining blend of “The Hunger Games” and “Mad Max: Fury Road,” a passable plot where Lisa’s imaginary friend begins slaying her other friends, and a “Kingsman/James Bond” parody that might not fit well with a Halloween theme but still offers good entertainment otherwise.

11. Treehouse of Horror I (Season 2)

Original Broadcast: October 25, 1990

This first Treehouse of Horror episode holds a significant spot in fans’ hearts due to its historical significance, but when measured against other episodes in the series, it’s more like “very good” rather than “exceptional.” The opening parody of The Amityville Horror and the second short based on The Twilight Zone’s “To Serve Man” are decent, but they don’t shine as brightly as “The Raven,” which is undoubtedly the standout segment. In fact, “The Raven” consistently ranks among the best individual segments in the series. I must also express my enduring affection for Marge’s opening warnings – they’ve been missed and deserve a return!

10. Treehouse of Horror III (Season 4)

Back in the year of ’92, on the 29th of October, three mind-blowing episodes graced our television screens. They were titled “Clown Without a Shred of Compassion,” “The Regal Homer,” and “Dial for the Dead Zombies.” As a gaming enthusiast, I was hooked!

In this rephrased version: Homer assumes Marge’s role in the third installment of the Treehouse, and he delivers a witty joke targeting a particular humor-deficient crowd. This sets the stage for an entertaining parody of “The Twilight Zone” episode “Living Doll,” as well as a Homer story inspired by King Kong, both based on classic tales. The Night of the Living Dead spoof is another highlight, and this segment alone generates more laughter than many entire Treehouse episodes. However, the whole episode is impressive from the very beginning.

9. Treehouse of Horror XXVIII (Season 29)

Original Air Date: October 22, 2017
Vignettes: “The Exor-Sis,” “Coralisa,” “Mmm…Homer”

It’s hard to believe it took this long to get an Exorcist parody, but it was worth the wait. This send-up kicks off a fantastic Treehouse entry. “Coralisa,” a spoof of Coraline is fun and features some of the best visuals in Treehouse history as it incorporates 3D-animation. The final segment, where Homer starts eating himself, is without question the darkest, most disturbing Treehouse story ever. It’s genuinely uncomfortable to watch, which is what makes it amazing.

8. Treehouse of Horror VIII (Season 9)

Original Air Date: October 26, 1997
Vignettes: “The HΩmega Man,” “Fly vs. Fly,” “Easy-Bake Coven”

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve got to give a shout-out to “The HΩmega Man,” a hilarious spoof of “The Last Man on Earth” that’s nestled comfortably in Treehouse’s top 10 segments. The pacing is flawless, and it still cracks me up just as much as when I first watched it. Their takes on Jeff Goldblum’s “The Fly” and Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible” are also solid additions to the collection. Frankly, there’s nothing to gripe about in “VIII.” Its position at number eight is simply a reflection of the incredible content that precedes it.

7. Treehouse of Horror XI (Season 12)

Original Air Date: The show was first aired on November 1, 2000

The position of “XI” on this list is quite unexpected due to its initial appearance being unpromising for comedy spoofs. However, after an outstanding opening reminiscent of “The Munsters”, each segment excels, featuring parodies of a Brothers Grimm fairy tale, “Ghost Dad”, and “The Birds”. There isn’t a single weak link in the set, and if it had been broadcast during the show’s first eight years, it would likely be remembered as a timeless classic.

6. Treehouse of Horror VII (Season 8)

Original Air Date: October 27, 1996
Vignettes: “The Thing and I,” “The Genesis Tub,” “Citizen Kang”

This version of “VII” includes two iconic segments reminiscent of “The Twilight Zone.” One is a humorous take on “The Genesis Tub,” in which Lisa unintentionally forms a mini-society. The other is “Citizen Kang,” famous for the wittiest quote in Treehouse lore, (“I didn’t do it, I voted for Kodos.”) However, it falls short of the best due to two factors. First, there’s no opening sequence. Second, the story about Bart’s twin isn’t particularly extraordinary.

5. Treehouse of Horror II (Season 3)

First Broadcast: October 31, 1991

Initially, Treehouse episodes were structured around themes to tie together their individual stories. One particularly memorable instance was portrayed as a series of nightmares experienced by the family after an overindulgence in candy, following a brilliant introduction by Marge. Each story is exceptional, with the first one inspired by the short story “The Monkey’s Paw” showcasing some hilarious meta-comedy and Homer at his finest. The parody of “It’s a Good Life” from The Twilight Zone is outstanding, and the original blend of Frankenstein and The Thing with Two Heads, culminating in a shocking twist, makes for an unforgettable finale. It’s no wonder that the first eight seasons of The Simpsons are considered the best TV show ever made.

4. Treehouse of Horror XXXIII (Season 34)

Original Air Date: October 30, 2022
Vignettes: “The Pookadook,” “Death Tome,” “Simpsons World”

Without a doubt, this Treehouse of Horror episode stands out as one of the greatest ever produced. It encompasses all the elements you’d expect from the show’s annual Halloween special. The opening act is a hilarious parody of “The Babadook” titled “The Pookadook,” featuring Marge and Maggie in classic Simpsons style. This segment is a laugh riot, brimming with jokes and visual gags.

This third installment, after thirty-three years, is nothing short of remarkable and doesn’t require additional praise (it already has enough). However, it’s truly impressive indeed.

3. Treehouse of Horror VI (Season 7)

First Broadcast: October 29, 1995

The only problem with this otherwise impeccable entry is that it lacks an intro. All three segments are genuinely incredible and hilarious, starting with “Attack of the 50-Foot Eyesores,” which sees Springfield’s giant advertisements coming to life and attacking the town. (A problem that is ultimately solved by a jingle that’s been stuck in my head literally for decades). That’s followed by A Nightmare on Elm Street parody that gave us “stupid Smarch weather,” and it ends with Homer stuck in a terrifying three-dimensional plane that sends him to our planet. There’s really no over-hyping this one.

2. Treehouse of Horror IV (Season 5)

First Broadcast: October 28, 1993

If you believe this should rank as number one, I won’t dispute it. “Treehouse of Horror IV” isn’t just one of the best episodes in the show’s history; it’s among its finest ever. “The Devil and Homer Simpson” is so exceptional that I’d have to coin a new term to truly capture it. The parody of “Twilight Zone’s” “Nightmare at 20,000 feet” couldn’t be more spot-on. And the spoof of Dracula delivers more laughs than some shows manage in an entire season. Let “Mmm… forbidden donut” serve as my epitaph.

It’s astonishing to think that someone could have written something as exceptional as this. What’s even more amazing is discovering there’s another Treehouse, possibly even superior.

1. Treehouse of Horror V (Season 6)

First Broadcast: October 30, 1994

The Treehouse Goat.

Among all the “Treehouse of Horrors” short episodes from The Simpsons, “Nightmare Cafeteria” with its surprising musical finale would typically be the best. However, it’s placed third in this episode because the first two segments are exceptionally brilliant – they stand as some of the finest work The Simpsons has ever produced, full stop.

Among all the Treehouse of Horror episodes, this is the one I’d choose to rewatch if I could pick just one. So, undeniably, it takes the top spot. I’m sorry, Willy.

This post originally published October 25, 2017.

Mikey Walsh, a daily quoter of The Simpsons, serves as a staff writer at TopMob. He’s easy to find on Twitter and Bluesky under the handle @burgermike, and he often appears in lists ranking the Targaryen kings.

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2024-10-16 17:34