Friends

10 Best Episodes of Friends

Friends is a popular NBC television show that first aired on September 23, 1994. It follows the lives of six young adults living in New York City as they navigate their way through life. The show aired for 11 seasons and quickly became a fan favorite. Friends has been praised for its witty dialogue and lovable characters. After all these years, fans still debate which episodes rank among the best. In this article, we will look at some of the best Friends episodes that have been ranked by fans.

Throughout its 11-season run, Friends had numerous classic episodes that were beloved by fans. From Rachel's iconic hair cut to the birth of Ross and Rachel's baby, the show has provided viewers with some of the most memorable moments in television history. Some of the best episodes of Friends include "The One With the Prom Video", "The One Where Ross Finds Out", and "The One With the Morning After".

Despite its age, Friends still remains one of the most beloved television shows of all time. It has been praised for its lovable characters and witty dialogue, and fans have ranked some of the show's best episodes. From Ross's proposal to Rachel to the birth of their baby, these episodes are sure to leave you with a smile on your face.

Written by Sophie and last updated on dec 18, 2024.

PS: The following content contains spoilers!

PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!

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Friends - S3E6

#15 - The One with the Flashback (Season 3 - Episode 6)

In the Friends episode, "The One with the Flashback," Janice asks the gang if any of them have ever slept together, prompting the friends to flashback to three years earlier. This episode has been hailed as one of the funniest of the show and is a fan favorite.

The episode is enjoyable because viewers are already familiar with the friends and the various dynamics between them. By going back in time and seeing how the friends used to interact with each other, viewers get a peek into the past and can better understand the relationships that have grown and developed over the course of the show. The jokes and gags throughout the episode are also incredibly funny, making it a favorite amongst fans.

The episode was rated 8.12 from 1577 votes.

Friends - S6E9

#14 - The One Where Ross Got High (Season 6 - Episode 9)

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The episode "The One Where Ross Got High" is one of the most memorable episodes in the Friends universe. Ross and Monica's parents come to visit them for Thanksgiving and Rachel attempts to make a dessert. However, Joey and Ross are eager to go to Janine's party, so they try to make dinner end earlier.

One of the best moments in this episode is when Rachel makes a beef trifle, which is a combination of savory and sweet. Joey and Ross are horrified when they find out what Rachel has made, and Ross exclaims "I wasn't supposed to put beef in the trifle". This moment is so iconic that it has been referred to in other comedy shows. Fans of the show love this episode and consider it one of their favorites.

The episode was rated 8.13 from 1525 votes.

Friends - S8E9

#13 - The One with the Rumor (Season 8 - Episode 9)

In the episode "The One With The Rumor," Monica invites an old friend from high school, Will (played by Brad Pitt), over for Thanksgiving dinner. Will and Monica had a secret rivalry in high school and Monica is determined to prove her superiority. Meanwhile, Joey vows to eat an entire turkey by himself. He attempts to do so, but fails when he can't finish the last bite.

Joey is a fan favorite due to his silly nature and easy-going attitude. His failed attempt to eat a whole turkey is sure to bring a laugh from viewers. Additionally, the introduction of Brad Pitt's character, Will, as a rival to Rachel is a nice twist. It was likely more surprising when the episode first aired, but is still enjoyable today.

The episode was rated 8.13 from 1600 votes.

Friends - S10E16

#12 - The One with Rachel's Going Away Party (Season 10 - Episode 16)

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The episode “The One with Rachel’s Going Away Party” from the show Friends is an emotional rollercoaster that has viewers laughing and crying. The friends come together to give Rachel a small going away party as she gets ready to depart from her group of close friends. Each of Rachel’s friends take time to say goodbye to her individually, making the episode an emotional experience.

The episode is packed with both laughs and tears, as we see the friends come together to see Rachel off. Joey’s attempt to suicide to keep her from leaving has viewers in stitches. The episode also manages to strike a chord with viewers, as we get a look into the strong bond the friends have with one another. The perfect blend of comedy and strong emotions keeps viewers glued to the show.

The episode was rated 8.15 from 1231 votes.

Friends - S1E24

#11 - The One Where Rachel Finds Out (Season 1 - Episode 24)

In this episode of Friends, Ross is leaving for China, while Chandler accidentally reveals Ross's true feelings for Rachel. Joey is then unable to sleep with his new girlfriend due to his participation in a fertility study. While this episode was a classic, some viewers have found Ross to be a bit whiny, and the plot a bit too typical of a romantic comedy, with the boy secretly in love with the girl, who eventually finds out and must decide what to do.

Despite some of the viewers' critiques, this episode has been viewed over and over again, with many giving it the full mark every time. It is a classic episode of Friends, with the plot being as old as story telling itself. The audience sees the classic love triangle with the boy, the girl, and the other girl. It is a timeless episode that will remain a classic for many years to come.

The episode was rated 8.16 from 1483 votes.

Friends - S2E7

#10 - The One Where Ross Finds Out (Season 2 - Episode 7)

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In the episode, "The One Where Ross Finds Out", Ross is left speechless after hearing Rachel's emotional confession on his answering machine. After a drunken night out, Rachel records a heartfelt message professing her love for Ross. Upon hearing this, Ross is left in shock as he never expected Rachel to feel the same way. With his heart in a whirlwind, Ross is left to process his emotions and decide what comes next.

Meanwhile, Monica takes a job as Chandler's personal trainer, which leads to an interesting dynamic between the two friends. Monica takes her job seriously and pushes Chandler to his limits in order to get him in shape. Chandler, on the other hand, is not as enthusiastic and is more interested in spending time with his friends. While Monica and Chandler's relationship is strained in the episode, they eventually learn to find a balance between their friendship and professional relationship.

Lastly, Phoebe is struggling with her current relationship. She is eager to take the next step with her boyfriend but he is not as eager. This leads to a humorous moment in the episode as Phoebe attempts to find subtle ways to get her boyfriend to make a move. In the end, Ross is left to figure out what to do with Rachel's confession, Monica and Chandler learn to find a balance, and Phoebe finally gets her boyfriend to make a move.

The episode was rated 8.19 from 1617 votes.

Friends - S5E24

#9 - The One in Vegas: Part 2 (Season 5 - Episode 24)

In the second part of the "The One in Vegas" episode of Friends, Chandler and Monica reconcile and impulsively decide to tie the knot. After this unexpected turn of events, Ross and Rachel get drunk and wander the casino. Meanwhile, Phoebe deals with a peculiar individual who is lurking around the slot machines.

It's no surprise that Chandler and Monica get married so quickly, as they have been struggling to define their relationship since the show's first season. With their relationship finally settled, Ross and Rachel take advantage of their newly-found freedom and head out to the casino. Although their night of drinking and gambling leads to some comedic moments, it also serves as a reminder of their complicated past. Phoebe's encounter with the casino lurker further adds to the comedic elements of the episode, as the audience is left wondering what kind of trouble she will get into.

The episode was rated 8.21 from 1125 votes.

Friends - S4E24

#8 - The One with Ross's Wedding: Part 2 (Season 4 - Episode 24)

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The One with Ross's Wedding: Part 2 is a classic episode from the beloved comedy series, Friends. This episode follows the events of the wedding between Ross and Emily, which is full of drama and chaos.

Phoebe calls to warn of Rachel's impending arrival, which adds to the tension of the wedding. Ross and Emily's parents get into a heated argument, which adds to the chaos of the day. This iconic episode ends on a humorous note, with a blunder at the wedding that leaves everyone in hysterics.

This episode is beloved by fans, many of whom have watched it multiple times. In fact, many fans consider this episode to be an iconic one, even among the other great episodes of the season. Hugh Laurie's performance as Ross' father is also praised, as his words of wisdom provide a moment of clarity amidst the chaos.

The episode was rated 8.25 from 1216 votes.

Friends - S7E24

#7 - The One With Chandler And Monica's Wedding: Part 2 (Season 7 - Episode 24)

In the second part of "The One With Chandler And Monica's Wedding" episode of Friends, Ross desperately searches for the missing Chandler. He is worried that his best friend may have gone through with his threat to not show up for the wedding. Meanwhile, Joey encounters some problems trying to get off the movie set so he can attend the wedding.

The tension in the episode builds as Ross and the rest of the gang are trying to find Chandler before the wedding. It is hilarious when Ross turns to Joey and says, "Why would you play hide-and-seek with someone you know is a flight risk?" After all the drama, Chandler and Monica finally get married, making this one of the most memorable episodes of the show. In the end, the episode ends with a beautiful wedding and a great ending that makes it feel like you are watching the show for the first time again.

The episode was rated 8.28 from 1098 votes.

Friends - S4E12

#6 - The One with the Embryos (Season 4 - Episode 12)

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In the Friends episode, "The One with the Embryos", Phoebe's uterus is examined for implantation of the embryos. This episode follows the story of Phoebe as she embarks on the journey of motherhood. As Phoebe goes through the motions of the medical process, her close friends provide her with emotional support.

Meanwhile, the other four friends engage in a game of trivia, which is bound to bring out their competitive spirits. What begins as a friendly competition between Chandler and Joey against Monica and Rachel quickly escalates and the stakes become higher and higher. The comedy and antics that ensue make for an entertaining episode that fans of the show will love.

The episode was rated 8.29 from 1480 votes.

Friends - S2E14

#5 - The One with the Prom Video (Season 2 - Episode 14)

In this classic episode of Friends, the gang reminisces on their past with a home video from Monica and Rachel's prom night. Joey enters the scene with a hilarious gift for Chandler, a hideous bracelet. The gang's reaction to the bracelet is what makes this episode so enjoyable and so memorable.

The timing of the jokes and the witty banter of the characters makes this episode a stand-out. The mix of emotions that the gang feels as they watch the video, from joy to slight embarrassment, is a testament to the strength of the show's writing. This episode is a classic example of why Friends is a fan-favorite sitcom.

The episode was rated 8.33 from 1626 votes.

Friends - S5E14

#4 - The One Where Everybody Finds Out (Season 5 - Episode 14)

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In the Friends episode "The One Where Everybody Finds Out," Ross jumps at the chance to get his own apartment when he finds out that Ugly Naked Guy is moving out. Meanwhile, Phoebe discovers the secret relationship between Monica and Chandler and tries to get them to confess the truth. This episode is often praised as one of the best of the entire series, and is considered a comedy classic.

The episode is filled with memorable moments, from Ross's misadventures in apartment hunting to Phoebe's attempts to get Monica and Chandler to spill the beans. It's no wonder that this episode is so beloved, as it is full of hilarious dialogue, laugh-out-loud moments, and heartwarming exchanges between the friends. It is no surprise that it has been singled out as one of the best episodes of the entire series.

The episode was rated 8.47 from 1610 votes.

Friends - S6E25

#3 - The One with the Proposal (Season 6 - Episode 25)

In the Friends episode "The One with the Proposal", Chandler continues to hide his true feelings about marriage from Monica, who is now engaged to Richard. Meanwhile, Rachel and Phoebe discuss their back-up plans if their current relationships don't work out. Chandler and Monica's sweet relationship is on full display as Richard's proposal is revealed. The audience can see how much Chandler truly loves Monica, despite his protests to the contrary.

The episode ultimately leads to a heartwarming proposal and a romantic moment between Chandler and Monica. The audience can't help but be charmed by their adorableness and chemistry. The episode is full of iconic quotes and moments, leaving viewers with a smile on their face. As Chandler says "Could they BE any cuter?" we can not help but agree. This beloved episode is a fan favorite and encapsulates the spirit of Friends in its entirety.

The episode was rated 8.47 from 1210 votes.

Friends - S10E17

#2 - The Last One (Season 10 - Episode 17)

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The Last One is the finale episode of the popular sitcom Friends. It is an emotional rollercoaster ride as it is revealed that Ross still loves Rachel. In the episode, Erica gives birth to her baby, but there is an unexpected surprise. As Ross and Rachel spend time together, he realizes that he still has strong feelings for her.

The episode is full of poignant moments that tug at the heartstrings. From the joy of a baby's arrival to the bittersweet moment when Ross finally realizes his true feelings for Rachel, this episode is a classic. It is a fitting conclusion to the show that has so many fans around the world. It leaves viewers with a sense of closure as the characters move on with their lives, but not without a little bit of sadness.

The episode was rated 8.57 from 1279 votes.

Friends - S10E18

#1 - The Last One: Part 2 (Season 10 - Episode 18)

The Last One: Part 2 of Friends was an emotional roller coaster with an ending that left everyone in tears. Ross and Phoebe chased Rachel to the airport, while Chandler and Monica packed up their apartment. The moment when Ross cried at the airport was heart-wrenching and the goodbye between the friends was bittersweet. It was a great way to say goodbye to the show and all the wonderful memories it brought.

The finale was so powerful, even after watching the show for more than ten years, and it was a great regret that fans who watched it later did not get to experience the finale in real time with the rest of the world. Joey's parting gift to Monica and Chandler was a sweet surprise, and it was a fitting way to end the show. Even though it was sad to say goodbye, it was also a way to say thank you for all the joy the show had brought.

The episode was rated 8.79 from 1062 votes.

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