Today’s “Top Five” list focuses on my favorite episodes of The Simpsons. There are so very many to choose from (over 700!) that it was a bit of a struggle to narrow it down, although I will admit that the first three came quite easily.

• “22 Short Films About Springfield”–I guess it’s cliche, but this is my very favorite episode. My children know that they can convince me to watch The Simpsons just by suggesting we turn this one on. We quote the “steamed hams” short constantly!
• “Hurricane Neddy”–The best part of this episode is, let’s face it, Ned’s rant. When he gets to “Do I hear the sound of butting in? It’s gotta be little Lisa Simpson, Springfield’s answer to a question no one asked!” I absolutely lose it. The rest of the episode is good, too, but that’s my favorite scene.
• “Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire”–Who here is surprised that a Christmas episode made the list? The fact that’s also the very first episode of the show just makes it better. The part where Bart imagines Marge being impressed by his tattoo is absolutely hilarious, and really sets the tone for the series.
• “Bart vs. Thanksgiving”–If it isn’t a surprise that a Christmas episode made my list, it also shouldn’t be a shocker that a Thanksgiving episode did, too. “Mom, it’s broken” has become a catchphrase around here, but I really love the sweet moment at the end where Homer and Marge are eavesdropping on Bart and Lisa on the roof.
• “Treehouse of Horror”–The first of these annual episodes is my favorite, and it’s all thanks to “The Raven.” I’m pretty sure this is the absolute best performance of that poem out there, partly because James Earl Jones (duh), and partly because of the crazed manor in which Homer plays his part. And “eat my shorts” inserted into it is just funny.

Do you have a favorite episode of the long-running show?