Smosh sketch ranking 2023

Since Ian and Anthony reunited, I decided to actually keep up with main channel uploads for once, and I ranked every single sketch they released. They confirmed that there's no sketch coming out this week, so here it is! All 12 Ian and Anthony sketches of this year, ranked, with explanations.

1. FOOD BATTLE 2023

Not only is it arguably the best episode of Food Battle, I think it's also the best sketch of this year. It was so much fun, the story was interesting, and the jokes landed really well. Food Battle as a series was so defining to Smosh's legacy and comedic style, so it's nice to revisit it! This is "joyful absurdity" to the max.

2. MY DEAD FRIEND

A lot of people who aren't really fans of Ian and Anthony's writing style said that they liked this sketch the most, because it is a little stylistically different. A different format is fun, especially since this is still set in the Food Battle universe (not really the regular sketch universe) and is following that story arc. Really funny, especially the bits with Ian and Amanda's character going on dates lol.

3. SLEEPWALKING DISASTER!

This held the #1 spot for a looooong time. I didn't (and still don't) really think it's that laugh-out-loud funny, but it has a lot of fun moments in it. One thing that I learned about the classic and neoclassic styles of Smosh sketches is that, while they are intended to be funny, they are very much like a cartoon in that the story is also really important. Sometimes if it's really interesting or cool, it makes up for some jokes not necessarily being that funny. So, don't get me wrong, I still think parts of this sketch are funny, but my main reason for putting it so high was the story. This was the first neoclassic Smosh sketch we got that really had a more involved story, which was really nice to see, and I liked the parallel to their real-life friendship. It's cute.

4. Apple Vision Pro SUCKS

Now, this one is high on my list because I thought it was really funny lol. Especially the bits about Steve Jobs, that really made me laugh. Nice to see another commercial parody from them. I know some people put this as their #1 pick (at least, until Food Battle came out), but I personally prefer the story-oriented episodes, so I had to still place this lower than Sleepwalking Disaster, even though I do think it's funnier.

5. HELP! I became an NPC!

Originally, I'd placed this one pretty low, because I did like it, but a large reason why was because Anous showed up at the end lol. I audibly gasped the first time I saw the sketch, actually. But since it was kind of a nostalgia play and was just one part of the sketch, I decided to not let it affect my ranking. Then I realized that it is still a part of the sketch, and if it makes it more enjoyable, then I should take it into account. This is me doing that lol. It's a pretty scattered sketch, but it's a fun one for sure.

6. Bluetooth Speaker Ruins Date

So, I actually don't even dislike this sketch really, I just don't really have that strong of an opinion about it, you know? I think it's actually funny. Ian and Arasha acting like they're on a date is... certainly something to get used to. Going into it and keeping in mind that Arasha is playing a very different character named Tammy makes it... somewhat better? This sketch feels like such a short and sweet video, with a fun little twist thrown in at the end. Once I saw the twist, I was like, "yeah, okay, Arasha was perfect for that role" lol.

7. CURSED MAGIC 8 BALL

This one's okay lol, and that's why it's in the middle, I guess. This sketch had its funny moments and the story format was very classic Smosh. I'm not sure what didn't quite click for me about it. I think I'm just not crazy about how the story plays out, you know? Idk, maybe it would have been a little more fun if the Magic 8 Ball revealing itself to be cursed was a more gradual thing. I don't know. It's not a bad sketch, my opinion on it is just pretty lukewarm.

8. EVIL AI TRIED TO KILL ME

When this sketch first came out, I really was not crazy about it tbh. Rewatching it, I actually think I like it better now, but I still wouldn't say it's one of the stronger sketches. It's still fun, I just didn't really like how the story kind of derailed? Maybe that's weird to say about a Smosh sketch lol.

9. POKEMON ROOMMATE BATTLE

I don't mean to be rude, but this video was kind of the first/only one where I watched it and thought, "wow, they are old to be doing this" lol. Not that I think they shouldn't be making videos anymore or anything like that! It just had that weird vibe (and I don't think it helps that the house looks so undecorated lol). Rewatching it, I just let myself go along with it and it's fine. Some of the jokes are funny, but I really don't feel that strongly about this sketch.

10. WE SUMMONED A DEMON

Funny story, I originally had this at the bottom of the list, because I was originally ranking these based on how funny they were. Yeah, I don't think this one is that funny... a lot of the jokes were kinda predictable. The only part I really laughed at was the Smosh: The Movie joke lol. Plus, the first three sketches were filmed with the Pressalike team, so there's just something... off... cinematically. But looking back, it's a cute little video. Feels so much like just a celebration of them reuniting, and I can appreciate that.

11. STOP COPYING ME!!

This one was pretty good lol, I thought some of it was funny, but it feels a little too much like a rehash of the original. I think it has a better structure than the original video -- having the copying go until the very end was a very smart change, because the original really does feel like it's awkwardly separated into two acts. However, I prefer the way the problem escalates in the original sketch. Seeing them gradually get more upset with each other is hilarious.

12. WE WERE ROBBED!

And controversially, I originally put this one as third to last. So, here's the thing. I actually originally thought this was funnier than the previous two sketches, right? But rewatching it, I kind of agree with everyone about it not being visually interesting enough. The whole thing is basically an audio gag, and it just could be more interesting. I still think it has some funny moments, though.

So, that's my ranking of this year's neoclassic Smosh sketches. As they continue to make more, I will make a ranking every year and add those sketches to this current ranking as well. Let me know if you agree or disagree I guess lol

Smosh also released a fully scripted sketch, The NFL Needs Help, before they fully switched to unscripted content on the main channel. I don't really know sports though...