25 Best Friends TV Episodes Ranked

If you’re a fan of the iconic sitcom “Friends,” you’re in for a treat. With the show now available on Netflix, it’s the perfect time to revisit the misadventures of the Central Perk gang. However, with ten seasons and 236 episodes to choose from, it can be a daunting task to decide where to start. That’s where we come in. We’ve carefully combed through the episode list to curate a list of the 25 best and funniest episodes. So, grab your favorite coffee mug and let’s dive into the world of “Friends.”

Table of Contents

25. The One with the Football (Season 3, Episode 9)

In this Thanksgiving-themed episode, the ultra-competitive Gellar siblings, Ross and Monica, revive their sibling rivalry in a game of American football. Their enthusiasm and determination are fueled by the tantalizing prospect of winning a homemade troll doll trophy. As you can imagine, things quickly spiral out of control. Meanwhile, Joey and Chandler find themselves in a humorous competition for the attention of an enigmatic Dutch woman, with Joey hilariously mistaking the Netherlands for the fictional world of Peter Pan. The best moment? When Rachel unexpectedly showcases her football skills, leaving everyone in awe.

24. The One with Ross’s Wedding: Part 2 (Season 4, Episode 24)

Ross’s romantic life takes center stage in this episode, as he finds himself torn between two loves, Emily and Rachel. The wedding in London becomes a chaotic affair when Ross accidentally utters Rachel’s name instead of Emily’s during the ceremony. Ross’s frantic attempts to salvage the situation make for compelling, albeit cringe-inducing, viewing. This episode marks a turning point in the series, ushering in a new era of chaos for the unlucky-in-love paleontologist.

23. The One with the Prom Video (Season 2, Episode 14)

After enduring numerous twists and turns in their relationship, Ross and Rachel finally share their first kiss in this heartwarming episode. The title of the episode, “The One with the Prom Video,” refers to a video from their high school prom. Watching the video prompts Rachel to realize that Ross is truly her “lobster.” Despite some outdated humor, this episode is a pivotal moment in the central couple’s journey and a fan favorite.

22. The One with Ross’s Tan (Season 10, Episode 3)

Ross’s misadventures are a recurring theme in “Friends,” and in this episode, he decides to get a spray tan with disastrous results. He ends up with a comically uneven tan that leaves his front exceptionally dark and his back startlingly pale. To make things even more entertaining, Jennifer Coolidge makes a guest appearance as Amanda, an estranged friend of Monica and Phoebe. Her eccentricities, including her English accent and dance moves, provide ample comic relief.

21. The One with All the Thanksgivings (Season 5, Episode 8)

Thanksgiving takes a hilarious and heartwarming turn in this flashback episode that explores the rollercoaster relationship between Monica and Chandler, who are arguably the best couple on the show. Chandler’s attempts to seek revenge on Monica for her hurtful remarks lead to an unfortunate Thanksgiving mishap involving a severed toe. The episode ends on a positive note when Monica dons a turkey on her head, triggering a confession and some memorable one-liners.

20. The One with Ross’ Teeth (Season 6, Episode 8)

Ross’s penchant for finding himself in absurd situations is on full display in this episode. He decides to whiten his teeth for a date but leaves the gel on for too long, resulting in teeth so blindingly white they could double as glow-in-the-dark toys. While some aspects of the episode are dated, Rachel’s boss’s misunderstanding of the situation adds comedic depth to the storyline.

19. The One with Phoebe’s Uterus (Season 4, Episode 11)

Monica gives Chandler a rather vocal lesson on the seven erogenous zones on a woman’s body, resulting in a memorable scene that showcases Courteney Cox’s comedic talent. While the entire main cast won accolades during the show’s original run, Cox never received an Emmy, which remains a point of contention among fans. The episode provides laughs and a memorable catchphrase – “SEVEN! SEVEN! SEVEN!”

18. The One Where Joey Speaks French (Season 10, Episode 13)

Joey’s questionable skills are put to the test when he claims to be a fluent French speaker on his CV. However, it becomes evident that he doesn’t understand a word of the language. Phoebe’s attempt to teach him only reveals the extent of Joey’s linguistic challenges. While Season 10 is often considered past the show’s prime, episodes like this one continue to maintain the show’s legendary status, offering a refreshing change of pace for Joey.

17. The One with the Holiday Armadillo (Season 7, Episode 10)

In this episode, Ross makes a memorable attempt to teach his son, Ben, about his Jewish heritage by dressing up as the Holiday Armadillo, a character he creates to compete with Chandler’s Santa Claus persona. Ross’s awkward and comical costume is etched in our memories, and David Schwimmer’s physical comedy skills shine through. The episode provides laughs and a touching lesson in celebrating diversity and traditions.

16. The One with The Embryos (Season 4, Episode 12)

This episode takes a unique turn as Monica and Rachel challenge Chandler and Joey to a trivia quiz to determine who knows each other best. The stakes are high, with the girls putting their apartment on the line. Meanwhile, Phoebe explores the possibility of becoming a surrogate host for her brother’s embryos. However, the gang is more focused on answering Ross’s exhaustive list of questions, leading to a memorable lightning round and Chandler’s hilarious job description.

15. The One Where No One’s Ready (Season 3, Episode 2)

In this episode, the gang faces a series of hilarious mishaps and misunderstandings while getting ready for a black-tie event. Joey’s chair debacle, Phoebe’s hummus mishap, and Monica’s obsession with a voice message from her ex, Richard, create a chaotic and amusing atmosphere. The episode’s unique feature is that it is set almost entirely in the apartment, providing a budget-saving and exceptionally entertaining 22 minutes of television.

14. The One with Ross’ Sandwich (Season 5, Episode 9)

Ross experiences a memorable mental breakdown in this classic episode, earning the nickname “mental Gellar” from his colleagues after an outburst about a Thanksgiving leftovers sandwich. This episode expertly balances humor and chaos, demonstrating the resilience of the character we’ve come to know and love. Despite the potential for a harrowing storyline, “Friends” manages to find the humor in Ross’s breakdown.

13. The One with All the Resolutions (Season 5, Episode 11)

As the New Year rolls around, the gang makes various resolutions for self-improvement. Chandler vows not to make fun of others, Rachel aims to stop gossiping, and Joey sets out to learn how to play the guitar. However, it’s Ross’s resolution to do something new every day that takes center stage, leading to a series of comical and unfortunate events, including a disastrous encounter with leather pants.

12. The One with Joey’s New Brain (Season 7, Episode 15)

Joey’s soap opera character, Dr. Drake Ramoray, finally awakens from his coma in this episode, but there’s a surprising twist – his brain has been transplanted with the brain of his soap co-star, Cecilia Monroe, played by Susan Sarandon. Joey must now learn to play the role of a sassy stepmother. Meanwhile, Ross attempts to master the bagpipes as a surprise for Monica and Chandler’s wedding, resulting in comedic mayhem. Phoebe’s musical contribution adds an extra layer of hilarity to this memorable episode.

11. The One Where Ross Got High (Season 6, Episode 9)

Ross harbors a secret from his parents – a college stoner incident that he doesn’t want them to know about. However, when the truth accidentally slips out during Thanksgiving dinner, a cascade of other secrets within the group comes to light. Meanwhile, Rachel is tasked with preparing a dessert for Thanksgiving, but a mix-up in her recipe book leads to the creation of a peculiar trifle made with jam, custard, and beef. The episode delivers laughs and surprises as family dynamics and quirky traditions come to the fore.

10. The One with the Cop (Season 5, Episode 16)

This episode sees Ross wrestling with his frugality when he refuses to pay the delivery charge for a new sofa. The ensuing chaotic attempt to maneuver the sofa up a narrow staircase, coupled with Ross’s now-iconic “pivot” shout, is a moment that remains etched in “Friends” history. This episode is a testament to the show’s ability to turn everyday situations into comedic gold.

9. The One Where the Stripper Cries (Season 10, Episode 11)

Danny DeVito makes a memorable appearance as Officer Goodbody at Phoebe’s bridal shower. DeVito’s physical comedy and comedic timing are on full display as he struggles to perform as a stripper. Meanwhile, Joey’s guest appearance on a US game show called Pyramid, alongside a less-than-patient partner, results in side-splitting moments. The episode offers a delightful blend of humor and absurdity, making it a standout in the final season of “Friends.”

8. The One with the Jellyfish (Season 4, Episode 1)

In this episode, the gang concludes their vacation in Montauk, but their fun is interrupted when Monica gets stung by a jellyfish. Joey and Chandler step up to help her, leading to a classic scene that involves an unconventional method of pain relief. Meanwhile, Ross falls asleep while reading a lengthy letter from Rachel, leading to a humorous guessing game about its content. The episode strikes a perfect balance between humor and heartwarming moments.

7. The One Where Eddie Won’t Go (Season 2, Episode 19)

Chandler faces a roommate dilemma in this episode as he attempts, unsuccessfully, to evict his erratic roommate, Eddie. Eddie’s odd behaviors, such as watching Chandler sleep and dehydrating various fruits, add layers of absurdity to the storyline. Phoebe’s inability to gauge the situation provides additional comic relief. This episode highlights the eccentricities of the characters and their struggles with awkward social situations.

6. The One with the Rumor (Season 8, Episode 9)

Brad Pitt makes a memorable guest appearance in this episode as Will Colbert, a former schoolmate of Ross and Monica’s. Will’s history with Rachel includes a childhood grudge, the formation of an “I Hate Rachel Green” club, and a rumor that Rachel is a hermaphrodite. Pitt’s intense glare at Rachel adds a hilarious touch to the episode. The storyline beautifully showcases the dynamics of the group and the impact of past events on their relationships.

5. The One Where Joey Loses His Insurance (Season 4, Episode 6)

Joey’s temporary lack of health insurance due to unemployment leads to a series of comedic calamities as he desperately tries to avoid a trip to the doctor, despite suffering from a hernia. The episode humorously highlights the absurdities of the US healthcare system. Rachel and Monica discover that Ross has inexplicably adopted a British accent during his university lectures, adding an extra layer of humor to the storyline.

4. The One Where Everybody Finds Out (Season 5, Episode 14)

In this uproarious episode, everyone (except Ross) discovers that Chandler and Monica are secretly dating. The group decides to have some fun with the situation before revealing the truth. Phoebe’s seduction of Chandler escalates into a hilarious game of chicken, with Monica’s competitive streak taking center stage. The episode’s iconic line – “They don’t know that we know they know we know” – captures the essence of the group’s antics.

3. The One Where Ross Is Fine (Season 10, Episode 2)

Ross is far from “fine” in this episode when he stumbles upon Joey and Rachel sharing a passionate kiss. Struggling to cope with the revelation, he invites the new couple over for a double-date with himself and Charlie. The absurdity reaches its peak when Ross starts making fajitas, resulting in an unforgettable comedic moment. The episode expertly combines humor and discomfort in a way only “Friends” can.

2. The One with All the Rugby (Season 4, Episode 15)

While the episode title suggests a focus on rugby, the true gem of this episode lies in Chandler’s desperate attempts to escape his clingy ex-girlfriend, Janice. He resorts to a fictional move to Yemen as a way out. Janice’s refusal to let him off the hook leads to the purchase of a plane ticket to Yemen, adding a hilarious twist to the episode. The episode delivers laughter and showcases the brilliance of Chandler’s awkward predicaments.

1. The One with Unagi (Season 6, Episode 17)

The top spot on our list goes to “The One with Unagi,” an episode in which Ross hilariously claims to have “Unagi,” a state of total awareness gained from years of practicing karate. However, his attempts to prove his preparedness take an unexpected turn. The episode is a perfect blend of humor and absurdity, capturing the essence of “Friends.” It showcases the characters’ quirks and their ability to turn everyday situations into comedic gold.

With these 25 episodes, you’re in for a marathon of laughter, nostalgia, and unforgettable moments. So, grab your popcorn, settle into your favorite spot on the couch, and enjoy the humor, camaraderie, and timeless appeal of “Friends” on Netflix. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to the series, these episodes are bound to leave you in stitches and remind you why “Friends” remains a beloved classic in the world of television comedy.