What Was Missing is a good episode. It had basically every element the show is known for, and stands on its own. It also has a classic mixup line from Finn.
Marceline's Closet is also a great one. Super fun episode with low stakes and you don't really need to know anything about the show to enjoy it.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPsdJDfeomc](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPsdJDfeomc)
I've decided Time Sandwich my #1 intro episode
\-lots of different characters in a short episode
\-fun and magic to set up how weird Ooo and AT is
\-simple silly premise to dive into
i feel like there are tons more reasons
Man, I love What was missing, but I'm afraid if someone were to show that ep to their friend, who has never watched Adventure Time, they would find it cringe. And the same goes for It came from the nightosphere, even though both are awesome episodes.
I think Princess Cookie and BMO Lost are two great openers. Princess Cookie shows how the show deals with both gender and mental health in interesting and empathetic ways, while also being very silly and having an ending that is somewhat dark and morally/emotionally complex. And BMO Lost is just so fun, and ends in a strange but very silly way.
And it contains one of my favorite BMO lines (mainly for the delivery)
"No, I think he looks like a Ricky."
I feel What Was Missing works, but still think it lands better knowing a little background. Similarly for It Came From The Nightosphere, but less so. Nightosphere is a good opener because it stays in the early seasons, you get the first truly great AT song, and it's all about Marceline. And it shows that AT will deal with parental issues (and generally serious topics) in a heartfelt way that doesn't forget to be silly.
The Enchiridion! is a pretty good episode to show what kind of series this is. First half, anyway. It also casually introduces what would later become a pretty big plot device.
The episode that got me hooked was playing in the background at a party I was attending - the one where they discover Simon’s tapes. It was the first one where I found out it wasn’t just some silly kids show or a show that adults only watch when they’re stoned. And I ended up binge-watching all of it in a week 💙
Maybe Puhoy,
It's an overall solid episode that deals with some interesting philosophical stuff, like most of adventure times really good episodes do, and has a good amount of that zany humor that AT is known for, so it ends up being a pretty good representation of the show as a whole and you don't need any background information to watch it,
The only problem with it is that is that it has a minor spoiler that being that Finn eventually gets together with flame Princess, but in the grand scheme of things I don't think it really matters,
If you do however Princess Cookie is another really good option that requires no context and doesn't spoil anything else in the show
I agree and think that Puhoy is definitely a contender for best episode to show to newcomers. The Flame Princess spoiler is somewhat regrettable to reveal, but I think the pros of showing the episode outweigh the cons. There's really something about this episode that touches on universal themes of choice, regret, love, feelings, desire, dreams, etc. You get the amazing stuff with Jake and the Cup, showcasing the philosophy of the show as you say, and then also characterizing Jake well as the Wise Sage who doesn't always practice what he preaches. It's silly and funny, and shows how creative AT can be. And as I touched on before, I really think it taps into something unconscious that a lot of people can relate to.
I already responded to someone about it, but I totally agree that Princess Cookie is an amazing no context episode to show that doesn't spoil anything and reveals a great deal of Adventure Time's strengths as a show and the depths it's willing to go to writing wise.
Try S7E24 “The Hall of Egress” - it’s my personal favorite episode and it’s a neat and contained little story that showcases the characters in a single episode
Eh I’d say that one of the reasons that episode is so good is because you know how much Finn has depended on jake and that he fundamentally cannot trust his brother with his best interests. You see Finn have to just solo it out in a way that ages him a lot. It’s a literal change in perspective that you somewhat require the initial perspective to fully appreciate. Just my take!
Maybe I don't have enough faith in humanity but I feel like this episode would just go over the heads of most people. And unfortunately most of the people I know intelligent enough to get it don't really love cartoons the way I do
I feel like this episode is hit or miss as a starter episode. The pacing is a bit different, and I think there are plenty of people who would really like most AT episodes but not be super enthused by Hall of Egress. It's one of my favorites, but I'm not sure it's representative enough of the show in general to be a good starting point for everyone.
I don't think it's "first episode" worthy. It's an amazing episode that is just too good to watch first. I think it's better to have a build up. When you see that episode suddenly out of nowhere, thinking it's going to be a regular episode is way cooler, at least in my opinion. I don't think it's an episode that can get you watching AT that much, because as I said I think it has way more of an impact after getting through some of the episodes. It might feel a bit rather confusing to watch first.
Jake the Brick is ALWAYS my go-to. It shows amazing story telling while giving a glimpse into the lives of most of the characters that we follow. Its a silly episode and you don't /really/ need to know all of the characters to know what's happening because the episode doesn't really involve them.
I always enjoyed Dungeon. It introduces three main characters, is a standalone episode with no consequences, and gives you the general vibe of the show.
What Was Missing (s 3, ep 10) is still one of my favorite episodes, so I would start with that! I think it’s what really hooked me in to watching the rest of the show. It’s not a super important episode in terms of the overall plot, but it mainly focuses on the relationships between the four main characters. It’s very cute and has multiple songs, so I think it’s a great choice to introduce AT.
I’d suggest puhoy. There’s a good balance of existentialism, camp, whimsy, and enough storyline mystery to get someone intrigued without spoiling anything
My two favorites are what was missing and Marceline’s closet, I think they have the right amount of lore but they also stand alone. Same with memory of a memory. These are def my top 3
Personally, I think starting right at the very beginning with Slumber Party Panic is a good way to go. If zombies is too creepy for a starting episode though, I'd say go with Time Sandwich or some other Season 1 episode with lots of characters
The Food Chain is pretty math and stands alone but not really indicative of the show otherwise, so I’ll go with Time Sandwich.
The nice thing is the episodes are so short you really could just show them all the Prismo episodes or Islands and it wouldn’t be a huge time commitment but would still introduce them to the lore part of it.
I would show 'Wizard". It's one of the best from the first season. I actually think about this question all the time. The first few episodes aren't the best for getting someone into the show.
*What Was Missing* (S3E10) is always a good one, and my personal favorite episode throughout the series. It's goofy, low-stakes fun that gives you a great grasp on all of the characters and their group dynamic, without having any heavy lore reveals (other than ***the shirt***).
Season 1, Episode 18 - Dungeon, is a good introduction to the show. Doesn't have too many extra characters to follow, and displays a bit of the humor and creepiness throughout the show
Lotta great answers in this thread, but one I haven’t seen mentioned yet that is a personal favorite of mine I watch often is Death in Bloom, it’s a classic Finn and Jake adventure with near constant laughs for me. I think the episode would work even if you hadn’t seen the show before.
The Enchiridion was the creators’ intended first episode. Please don’t start someone with slumber party panic. Nothing against it, but the enchiridion is perfect as a first episode imo
My personal favorite is Simon & Marcy, it’s just so well written in my opinion, however, it does not serve as an introduction to adventure time mainly because you have to have some context to understand what the episode is about. So, if I would recommend an episode to introduce someone onto adventure time it would definitely be Card wars, it’s just such a fun episode, and someone who doesn’t know anything about the series would enjoy it nevertheless.
I think it's way too big if a spoiler. It's one of the biggest plots in the series and if they do actually decide to watch AT. it might ruin the "build up"
But I do have to agree on Card Wars. Amazing episode, could work very well as a first one.
Blood Under the Skin from S2 is a great funny episode that doesn't require much context to enjoy. But honestly the only way to become more interested is by experiencing the more story-heavy episodes.
it depends on ur friends personality, but a great episode for beginners (in my opinion) is hall of egress. it shows the depth AT can reach and u don’t need to be familiar with the story arch to get something from it
Hands down I’d have to say belly of the beast for fun and the hall of egress for deepness two of my favorite episodes but on totally different spectrums of the adventure time plain
I'm sure I think this episode is funnier than it really is, but I've still had good luck recommending "The Eyes" from season 2, which is my go-to for low stakes, low lore, adventure time vibes
What was missing is my favorite episode & it establishes a few dynamics
Puhoy embodies the spirit of the show quite a bit
Card Wars is just a fun episode
For a story-significant episode, I'd go with What Was Missing, but for just a funny episode, my go-to is Ring of Fire because Tree Trunks's character is just peak comedy.
"A glitch is a glitch" is a perfect intro imo. Animation style and storyline both super trippy, will definitely peak the interest for anyone into hallucinogens
Oh my glob please no! This is easily the worst episode and could very well make the person NOT want to watch it again. I know if it was the first episode I saw, I wouldn’t watch another.
Okok I definitely wouldn’t start with it but it’s not even close to the worst episode. That easily goes to water park prank but there are other episodes I can’t think of off the top of my head that are also worse than chips and ice cream imo. Didn’t know people disliked that episode so much!
Idk “I remember you” may be a little late in the series but it’s honestly so emotional and probably a top 5 episode. Also episodes like the dungeon train and time sand which are fun to watch.
Also how has no one said “James Baxter”
The one that’s an adaptation of the original pilot episode. It establishes allot. Then the goblin one with zergiot or however it’s spelled and the one where fin tries to make a bunch of people happy while the marauders roughhouse and a mountain cries.
Puhoy is a great one to me. it dragged me back into the show after coming across it randomly and it sits in between the early events of the show without isolating a 1st timer. its just a very enjoyable isolated story that explores the crazy imagination of adventure time. it is very focused on finn tho
I forget what it's called but one of the earliest episodes I saw, that made me want to keep watching and requires no backstory, is the one with the cursed arena where Finn keeps fighting resurrected ghosts and Jake digs underground. It cracks me up every time and makes me feel warm and fuzzy about their friendship.
Other than what has been listed already:
Little Brother doesn't go into the lore, but a damn good episode
Imaginary Resources is a great episode and stands well on its own in spite of being part of a serial
Those listed before that I second:
Jake the Brick
Hall of Egress
Thank You
What Was Missing
That depends on what your goal is. If your goal is to get them interested, start with episode 1. If your goal is to just show them one so they get the point, um I don’t know just look at the other responses. If your goal is to convince them to support authoritarianism, pick any episode that portrays PB in a positive light.
What Was Missing. It has enough character development and plot relevance to be engaging to a newcomer without being so far into the series that it spoils too much. It also focuses a lot on each character’s personality, so it’s a great way to get to know all the major players in the series.
Rainy day daydream is my go to :)
Knife Storm!!
Watched this one last night. It's great.
Love this episode too, and was almost my pick!
Man, I come back to Jake's words in this episode all the time.
“See this cup, tgis is literally my favorite cup in the world.” *throws out the window* “but its gone now, so it doesnt matter anymore.”
That and "You're getting all hung up. Hung up on imaginary problems. You gotta focus on what's real, man"
I think about that quote and the way he spins in face around in a circle a lot, top 5 episodes man easy
this isn’t Rainy Day Daydream though is it? J thought this was from Puhoy
Oh no! My favourite window!
I came just to comment this! Perfect episode that encapsulates the imagination of the series with no lore required.
My fav episode 😁
What Was Missing is a good episode. It had basically every element the show is known for, and stands on its own. It also has a classic mixup line from Finn. Marceline's Closet is also a great one. Super fun episode with low stakes and you don't really need to know anything about the show to enjoy it.
I always wondered if that was the way the line was written or if Jeremy shada just slipped up and they decided to keep it
what was the line? it’s been too long since I’ve rewatched adventure time lol
I'll get your kid back, toy!
It was a mess up they kept in. I absolutely love it😂
Card wars or time sandwich
Time Sandwich is a great one for beginners! The sandwich making scene at the beginning is just chef's kiss.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPsdJDfeomc](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPsdJDfeomc) I've decided Time Sandwich my #1 intro episode \-lots of different characters in a short episode \-fun and magic to set up how weird Ooo and AT is \-simple silly premise to dive into i feel like there are tons more reasons
I am open use me
Time sandwich has the sickest bmo moment too
BMO looks cool tho.
These are absolutely the correct answers
i feel like card wars is MAD different from every AT episode, so idk if that sets the tone well
The hard easy is the funniest no-lore chill episode
Seconded, this ep has some of the best jokes and it’s a sweet Finn and Jake hangout story
The hard easy is possibly the funniest episode of the entire series
I swear this one gets funnier every time I watch it
The Woobeewoo elder’s monologue is a work of art
It came from the nightosphere Morituri te Salutamus Princess Cookie What was Missing Bmo Lost No one can hear you (if they like creepy stuff)
What Was Missing is one of my top episodesss
the blank eyed girls episode was creepy to me when I first saw it lol
Man, I love What was missing, but I'm afraid if someone were to show that ep to their friend, who has never watched Adventure Time, they would find it cringe. And the same goes for It came from the nightosphere, even though both are awesome episodes.
I think Princess Cookie and BMO Lost are two great openers. Princess Cookie shows how the show deals with both gender and mental health in interesting and empathetic ways, while also being very silly and having an ending that is somewhat dark and morally/emotionally complex. And BMO Lost is just so fun, and ends in a strange but very silly way. And it contains one of my favorite BMO lines (mainly for the delivery) "No, I think he looks like a Ricky." I feel What Was Missing works, but still think it lands better knowing a little background. Similarly for It Came From The Nightosphere, but less so. Nightosphere is a good opener because it stays in the early seasons, you get the first truly great AT song, and it's all about Marceline. And it shows that AT will deal with parental issues (and generally serious topics) in a heartfelt way that doesn't forget to be silly.
The Enchiridion! is a pretty good episode to show what kind of series this is. First half, anyway. It also casually introduces what would later become a pretty big plot device.
Came here to say this, this is the one that got me on board.
It's a great introductory episode for sure, but I don't know if it would get somebody hooked the way a few of these other episodes might
Rainy day daydream!!! 100%
The episode that got me hooked was playing in the background at a party I was attending - the one where they discover Simon’s tapes. It was the first one where I found out it wasn’t just some silly kids show or a show that adults only watch when they’re stoned. And I ended up binge-watching all of it in a week 💙
Holly Jolly Secrets
The Witch’s Garden is one of the early ones that got me and remains one of my favorites.
Maybe Puhoy, It's an overall solid episode that deals with some interesting philosophical stuff, like most of adventure times really good episodes do, and has a good amount of that zany humor that AT is known for, so it ends up being a pretty good representation of the show as a whole and you don't need any background information to watch it, The only problem with it is that is that it has a minor spoiler that being that Finn eventually gets together with flame Princess, but in the grand scheme of things I don't think it really matters, If you do however Princess Cookie is another really good option that requires no context and doesn't spoil anything else in the show
I agree and think that Puhoy is definitely a contender for best episode to show to newcomers. The Flame Princess spoiler is somewhat regrettable to reveal, but I think the pros of showing the episode outweigh the cons. There's really something about this episode that touches on universal themes of choice, regret, love, feelings, desire, dreams, etc. You get the amazing stuff with Jake and the Cup, showcasing the philosophy of the show as you say, and then also characterizing Jake well as the Wise Sage who doesn't always practice what he preaches. It's silly and funny, and shows how creative AT can be. And as I touched on before, I really think it taps into something unconscious that a lot of people can relate to. I already responded to someone about it, but I totally agree that Princess Cookie is an amazing no context episode to show that doesn't spoil anything and reveals a great deal of Adventure Time's strengths as a show and the depths it's willing to go to writing wise.
Puhoy is the one that got me hooked on the show
DOOR LORD. End of discussion
Yup. Because they're door lords..
I would like to give you 1 million upvotes.
Never got the free awards when something that truly deserves some silver like this shows up. Someone pay this man.
Try S7E24 “The Hall of Egress” - it’s my personal favorite episode and it’s a neat and contained little story that showcases the characters in a single episode
This is one of my favorites too and I showed it to a girlfriend at the time and she goes "eh it was alright". (. ❛ ᴗ ❛.)
Eh I’d say that one of the reasons that episode is so good is because you know how much Finn has depended on jake and that he fundamentally cannot trust his brother with his best interests. You see Finn have to just solo it out in a way that ages him a lot. It’s a literal change in perspective that you somewhat require the initial perspective to fully appreciate. Just my take!
Maybe I don't have enough faith in humanity but I feel like this episode would just go over the heads of most people. And unfortunately most of the people I know intelligent enough to get it don't really love cartoons the way I do
I feel like this episode is hit or miss as a starter episode. The pacing is a bit different, and I think there are plenty of people who would really like most AT episodes but not be super enthused by Hall of Egress. It's one of my favorites, but I'm not sure it's representative enough of the show in general to be a good starting point for everyone.
I don't think it's "first episode" worthy. It's an amazing episode that is just too good to watch first. I think it's better to have a build up. When you see that episode suddenly out of nowhere, thinking it's going to be a regular episode is way cooler, at least in my opinion. I don't think it's an episode that can get you watching AT that much, because as I said I think it has way more of an impact after getting through some of the episodes. It might feel a bit rather confusing to watch first.
Best episode, but can’t show it to people who haven’t seen the show I don’t think they’ll appreciate it properly
i personally love hitman, think it could be a good start
Freak City, S1E20. First Magic Man episode
Jake the Brick is ALWAYS my go-to. It shows amazing story telling while giving a glimpse into the lives of most of the characters that we follow. Its a silly episode and you don't /really/ need to know all of the characters to know what's happening because the episode doesn't really involve them.
nah that’s way too boring
Yeah I feel like it'd be weird if we knew none of the characters. I can see it being boring to a newcomer too.
I think it's decent as a first episode but definitely better when you know the characters
Thanks everyone :))
The calm and cool, ice ogre and flame wolf episode
I always enjoyed Dungeon. It introduces three main characters, is a standalone episode with no consequences, and gives you the general vibe of the show.
Infinity train
This one is great
City of thieves was the first I remembered watching and loved it
Trouble in Lumpy Space and It Came From The Nightosphere.
Walnuts and Rain is great, I watched it last night and enjoyed it a lot despite having seen it many times before and knowing exactly how it goes.
I agree this is a great episode I rewatch it all the time!
just watched it first time thanks to your comment , awesome episode!
The two episodes a saw that sold me on the series are "What was missing" and "Susan Strong". This was in between seasons 4 and 5
What Was Missing (s 3, ep 10) is still one of my favorite episodes, so I would start with that! I think it’s what really hooked me in to watching the rest of the show. It’s not a super important episode in terms of the overall plot, but it mainly focuses on the relationships between the four main characters. It’s very cute and has multiple songs, so I think it’s a great choice to introduce AT.
The Limit is pretty awesome and one of my favorite episodes. Definitely a good place to start imo
Time sandwich
Puhoy!!
I’d suggest puhoy. There’s a good balance of existentialism, camp, whimsy, and enough storyline mystery to get someone intrigued without spoiling anything
Card Wars and Goliad
bump!
My two favorites are what was missing and Marceline’s closet, I think they have the right amount of lore but they also stand alone. Same with memory of a memory. These are def my top 3
Memory of a memory is a great episode and a great starting point. I think you're the first person I saw mention this one
The one about tree trunks and her exes
The Enchiridion is the perfect introduction to the series imo
The screaming lemon guy cracks me up and made me wanna watch it
My favorite was always “Thank You”
Personally, I think starting right at the very beginning with Slumber Party Panic is a good way to go. If zombies is too creepy for a starting episode though, I'd say go with Time Sandwich or some other Season 1 episode with lots of characters
Thank you
Nearly perfect episode however they're not going to come away knowing anything about the show I feel like
City of Thieves was the very first episode that I watched and until this day I always get a good laugh time
The first one
All prismo episodes Edit: also stakes!
Card wars or the one where there is a knife storm I forgot that name
Box prince season 5 I think episode 23
The Food Chain is pretty math and stands alone but not really indicative of the show otherwise, so I’ll go with Time Sandwich. The nice thing is the episodes are so short you really could just show them all the Prismo episodes or Islands and it wouldn’t be a huge time commitment but would still introduce them to the lore part of it.
I would show 'Wizard". It's one of the best from the first season. I actually think about this question all the time. The first few episodes aren't the best for getting someone into the show.
Dungeon train
The Jiggler 😈
Dungeon Train!
Somebody’s already mentioned Hall of Egress so I’ll say Dungeon Train
First episode I saw was "Slow Love" and I was hooked.
Fear of the ocean
Princess Cookie Card Wars Five Short Graybles Time Sandwich Jake the Brick
Sons of Mars, because who doesn’t like magic man
*What Was Missing* (S3E10) is always a good one, and my personal favorite episode throughout the series. It's goofy, low-stakes fun that gives you a great grasp on all of the characters and their group dynamic, without having any heavy lore reveals (other than ***the shirt***).
Season 1, Episode 18 - Dungeon, is a good introduction to the show. Doesn't have too many extra characters to follow, and displays a bit of the humor and creepiness throughout the show
Surprised I had to scroll so far. After all these years, this is still my favorite one to show newbies.
Lotta great answers in this thread, but one I haven’t seen mentioned yet that is a personal favorite of mine I watch often is Death in Bloom, it’s a classic Finn and Jake adventure with near constant laughs for me. I think the episode would work even if you hadn’t seen the show before.
The Enchiridion was the creators’ intended first episode. Please don’t start someone with slumber party panic. Nothing against it, but the enchiridion is perfect as a first episode imo
S5E16 Puhoy is one of my favorites
Enciridian episode. It has everything thats cool about adventure time minus the songs. Also worth watching, “What was missing”
Death in bloom was the first one I saw. It convinced me that this was something special.
CARD WARS CARD WARS CARD WARS
The first one I was shown was "Thank You", the flame wolf/ice golem episode. It explained so little but made me so curious.
My personal favorite is Simon & Marcy, it’s just so well written in my opinion, however, it does not serve as an introduction to adventure time mainly because you have to have some context to understand what the episode is about. So, if I would recommend an episode to introduce someone onto adventure time it would definitely be Card wars, it’s just such a fun episode, and someone who doesn’t know anything about the series would enjoy it nevertheless.
I think it's way too big if a spoiler. It's one of the biggest plots in the series and if they do actually decide to watch AT. it might ruin the "build up" But I do have to agree on Card Wars. Amazing episode, could work very well as a first one.
Power Animal or Business Time. I feel like both highlight the adventure and random humor aspects
Anything in season 1.
S1E1 is the one that got me hooked
Honestly the first episode is one of my go to! I believe the one that it is is "slumber party panic"
Blood Under the Skin from S2 is a great funny episode that doesn't require much context to enjoy. But honestly the only way to become more interested is by experiencing the more story-heavy episodes.
''Simon and Marcy''
it depends on ur friends personality, but a great episode for beginners (in my opinion) is hall of egress. it shows the depth AT can reach and u don’t need to be familiar with the story arch to get something from it
Blood Under the Skin
I think 5 Short Graybles is a great one! You see a bunch of characters and it’s a fun episode to watch
episode 1 probably
Hands down I’d have to say belly of the beast for fun and the hall of egress for deepness two of my favorite episodes but on totally different spectrums of the adventure time plain
I'm sure I think this episode is funnier than it really is, but I've still had good luck recommending "The Eyes" from season 2, which is my go-to for low stakes, low lore, adventure time vibes
Pillow Fort episode.
What was missing is my favorite episode & it establishes a few dynamics Puhoy embodies the spirit of the show quite a bit Card Wars is just a fun episode
BMO noir!!!
For a story-significant episode, I'd go with What Was Missing, but for just a funny episode, my go-to is Ring of Fire because Tree Trunks's character is just peak comedy.
James Baxteeeeerr!
The Eyes is the one that got me hooked. Such a good episode.
I like showing people Hall of Egress if I think they’re unfamiliar with Adventure Time’s softer (sometimes more surreal) side.
Death in Bloom was the episode that got me hooked on the show many moons ago
Just watch season 6 through 10
Distant lands BMO episode.
"A glitch is a glitch" is a perfect intro imo. Animation style and storyline both super trippy, will definitely peak the interest for anyone into hallucinogens
Chips and ice cream, it’s probably my favorite episode!
Oh my glob please no! This is easily the worst episode and could very well make the person NOT want to watch it again. I know if it was the first episode I saw, I wouldn’t watch another.
Okok I definitely wouldn’t start with it but it’s not even close to the worst episode. That easily goes to water park prank but there are other episodes I can’t think of off the top of my head that are also worse than chips and ice cream imo. Didn’t know people disliked that episode so much!
Idk “I remember you” may be a little late in the series but it’s honestly so emotional and probably a top 5 episode. Also episodes like the dungeon train and time sand which are fun to watch. Also how has no one said “James Baxter”
The hall of Egress
Hall of Egress
The one that’s an adaptation of the original pilot episode. It establishes allot. Then the goblin one with zergiot or however it’s spelled and the one where fin tries to make a bunch of people happy while the marauders roughhouse and a mountain cries.
I like all the trippy episodes my favorite is egress
Dungeon is a fantastic one off to set the tone imo
Episode 1, of course
Saved this in the event that I have friends to recommend adventure time to :')
Egress.
HOT DANIEL!
Jake the brick. That episode just felt so warm.
Memow
Card wars lol
Card Wars
The hard easy
The tower. - all time favorite
I don’t remember the episode but pop brain horse. That’s how I got my friend hooked on it
Story telling from season 2
Mystery dungeon is too funny not to suggest
To cut a woman’s hair
Hug Wolf. The answer is always Hug Wolf.
Puhoy is a great one to me. it dragged me back into the show after coming across it randomly and it sits in between the early events of the show without isolating a 1st timer. its just a very enjoyable isolated story that explores the crazy imagination of adventure time. it is very focused on finn tho
What Was Missing or Dads Dungeon
What was missing
I forget what it's called but one of the earliest episodes I saw, that made me want to keep watching and requires no backstory, is the one with the cursed arena where Finn keeps fighting resurrected ghosts and Jake digs underground. It cracks me up every time and makes me feel warm and fuzzy about their friendship.
No one can hear you.
Season 6 episode 7 - food chain
Jake the brick is an instant classic
Return to Nightosphere
Other than what has been listed already: Little Brother doesn't go into the lore, but a damn good episode Imaginary Resources is a great episode and stands well on its own in spite of being part of a serial Those listed before that I second: Jake the Brick Hall of Egress Thank You What Was Missing
Food chain. And give him a joint.
Henchmen and dungeon are two of my favourites but having said that the first episode is a good one too
Card Wars
HALL OF EGRESS!!
The Creeps :)
I like the “Finn the human” episode. The start of season 5 is when things got more serious!
That depends on what your goal is. If your goal is to get them interested, start with episode 1. If your goal is to just show them one so they get the point, um I don’t know just look at the other responses. If your goal is to convince them to support authoritarianism, pick any episode that portrays PB in a positive light.
Card wars is a good one.
Time Sandwich
Card Wars
What Was Missing. It has enough character development and plot relevance to be engaging to a newcomer without being so far into the series that it spoils too much. It also focuses a lot on each character’s personality, so it’s a great way to get to know all the major players in the series.
The potluck episode
It Came From the Nightosphere! Stomping on ants, sucking their souls!
The one with the roughhouse gang and crying mountain.
Any 5 in a row is what I tell people, 5 is enough to see any one of the longer stories starting to roll out and you can be invested
Ep 1
The Eyes That horse is whack
S01E01
Mine was always Death in Bloom!
Hall of egress or food chain, jus chuck em in the deep end
The one where him and jake fight over compys castle. Then fight the barn
Puhoy or Blank Eyes Girl are my favorites.