The Top 10 Helga Episodes From 'Hey Arnold'

One of the most classic Nickelodeon shows of the nineties was Hey Arnold. Every child fell in love with that football headed kid, including Helga G. Pataki. She was Arnold's angry bully who secretly had a crush on him. The show may not have been called Hey Helga, but the character was lovable enough to her own storylines. This is my list of the top ten best Helga episodes from Hey Arnold.

10. Olga Comes Home

In this episode, we are introduced to Helga's older sister, Olga. Helga despises her sister because she's the perfect child of the family and gets all the attention. Poor Helga feels like she doesn't exist. So, when Olga's report card comes in the mail, Helga changes the grades, making Olga very depressed. The relationship between Olga and Helga is humorous and lovely. It's also great to learn more about the Pataki family.

9. Helga and the Nanny

Helga's parents hire a nanny to look after her. This stern nanny is a mix of Mary Poppins and Maria from Sound of Music. Helga doesn't like the nanny at all. So, she plots a way to get the nanny fired from her job. Seeing Helga interact with the nanny is hilarious. Her many attempts to make the nanny quit is funny, too. Nevertheless, Helga's learns to appreciate how the nanny cared for her, and that's sweet.

8. Helga Vs. Big Patty

Poor Helga made the unfortunate decision to make fun of the bully Big Patty. Now, Big Patty wants to beat up Helga after school. This leads to some comedic banter between the girls. They also learn to understand one another and become friends. Turns out Helga and Patty may be more alike than they thought.

7. It Girl

Fashion is a curious and fickle thing. That's what we learn watching this episode. Helga is handpicked by a fashion designer to be his model. Despite her disdain for trends, Helga goes along with it for the money. It's funny to see her in the spotlight. Everyone seems to see the next cool thing, but Helga is just being herself. She's the same girl she's always been.

6. Helga Blabs It All

Helga goes to the dentist one day and gets a dose of laughing gas. The gas made her so goofy that she unwittingly calls Arnold and confesses her love for him. When Helga comes to her senses, she realizes her mistake and takes action to erase the message on the boarding house machine. This all leads to silly hijinks and awkward moments that will leave you in stitches.

5. Helga's Locket

Helga loses her heart-shaped locket that has an engraving with her name in it. It ends up in the hands of Grandpa, who thinks it's an anniversary present from Grandma. Arnold, however, feels that Grandma meant to put a picture of herself instead of Arnold on the locket. Helga is scared that they will open the locket and discover her secret. So, she devises elaborate plans to take back her prized possession. The funniest one includes Helga posing as jeweler looking to buy. Her interaction with Grandpa is priceless.

4. Buses, Bikes, and Subways

While on a school field trip, Helga and Harold miss the bus and must find a way back home. This episode pays tribute to the classic film Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. The kids go on a zany road trip that includes clowns, a fisherman, and wrestling. They don't work together well, but they are funny together.

3. Helga's Makeover

Helga doesn't get invited to Rhonda's party because she's not girly enough. To prove them wrong, Helga gives herself a makeover. She arrives at the party, all dolled up and pretty, but she doesn't feel like herself. Soon all the girls realize that they shouldn't care what people think. Helga also correctly points out that nine-year-olds don't have wrinkles.

2. Beaned

When Arnold accidentally hits Helga in the head with a fly ball, she gets amnesia. He helps her get home and settle down because he feels guilty. The next day, Helga comes to and learns about what Arnold did. She decides to use his guilt and kindness to get close to him. It's sweet to see these two get along, even though it's not a real connection. And seeing Helga pretend to have amnesia may be more entertaining than her real amnesia. I love that she continually calls Arnold by the wrong name. Hey, Archibald!

1. Helga on the Couch

In this thirty-minute special, Helga is sent to a child psychologist to discuss her anger issues. The episode reveals Helga's back story, including the first time she met Arnold. The poor girl was ignored by her parents because of Olga. So, she walked to preschool, all alone, in the pouring rain. Her childhood is sad and makes the viewer sympathize with her. It's nice that we can finally understand Helga and see a new side to her.

Did you enjoy my list? Did I miss your favorite episode? What do you think is the best Helga moment on Hey Arnold?

(source of GIF images: Giphy)