Some of the best episodes of How I Met Your Mother according to fan ratings and critics include:

• "The Pineapple Incident" (Season 1, Episode 10) : Often regarded as one of the best episodes, it features Ted waking up after a blackout with a mysterious woman and a pineapple, leading to hilarious attempts to piece together the night

• "Slap Bet" (Season 2, Episode 9) : A fan-favorite known for its humor and the introduction of the slap bet, a recurring gag throughout the series

• "Swarley" (Season 2, Episode 7) : Famous for Barney being teased with the nickname "Swarley," showcasing Neil Patrick Harris's comedic performance

• "Bad News" (Season 6, Episode 13) : A highly emotional episode where Marshall receives tragic news about his father, blending humor and grief poignantly

• "How Your Mother Met Me" (Season 9, Episode 16) : Focuses on the backstory of the Mother, Tracy, revealing key emotional moments and connections to the main story

• "Ten Sessions" (Season 3, Episode 13) : Features Ted pursuing his dermatologist Stella with guest star Britney Spears, noted for its lively and fun tone

• "Something Blue" (Season 2, Episode 22) : The season 2 finale that balances humor and emotional depth, focusing on Ted and Robin’s breakup and Marshall and Lily’s wedding

• "Tick Tick Tick" (Season 7, Episode 10) : Deals with complex emotions as Robin and Barney navigate the fallout of cheating on their partners, mixed with comedic subplots

These episodes highlight the show's blend of humor, emotional storytelling, and memorable character moments, making them stand out as some of the best in the series