It’s been over two decades since Friends (1994–2004)wrapped, but Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe are still living rent-free in our heads. From Chandler’s sarcasm to Joey’s “how you doin’,” and Phoebe’s chaotic energy to Ross’s endless “we were on a break” drama, every episode gave us a reason to hit replay.
Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer weren’t just your TV friends, they were our friends. But not all Friends episodes are created equal, some became instant classics while others sparked debates at coffee tables everywhere.
We’ve taken the highest-rated episodes based on IMDb and ranked them in our own order… and trust us, our #1 might just stir up the fandom.
20. The One Where Ross Got High (Season 6, Episode 9)
IMDb Rating: 9.1
Thanksgiving at Monica and Chandler’s apartment just got chaotic and hilarious. In this iconic episode, Ross accidentally exposes a long-buried secret: years ago, he blamed Chandler for smoking pot in his bedroom when it was actually him. Explosive reactions erupt from Monica and Chandler’s parents, Jack and Judy Geller, who have never exactly approved of Chandler. Drama? Check. Laughter? Non-stop.
Meanwhile, Rachel’s attempt at dessert turns into pure disaster, the infamous trifle-meets-shepherd’s pie fiasco that had fans cringing and cracking up at the same time. Joey and Ross’s attempts to avoid awkward family confrontation only worsen things, and the group navigates a Thanksgiving dinner packed with secrets, confessions, and classic one-liners.
By the end, the truth about Chandler and Monica’s relationship finally comes out, and the gang proves once again that nothing can break their bond. This episode is a perfect mix of chaos, comedy, and iconic Friends moments; no wonder it ranks among the fan favorites.
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19. The One with the Embryos (Season 4, Episode 12)
IMDb Rating: 9.4
This one isn’t just iconic, it’s peak Friends chaos. Sure, the title makes it sound like it’s all about Phoebe agreeing to carry her brother Frank Jr.’s babies, and that storyline is super sweet, but let’s be honest, fans remember this episode for something else entirely: the quiz game.
Ross takes on game show host duties as Monica and Rachel face off against Chandler and Joey in the most intense roommate trivia battle of all time. The stakes? Their freaking apartments. What starts as silly questions quickly spirals into absolute mayhem, exposing secrets, sparking meltdowns, and delivering punchlines that fans still quote today.
In the end, Monica and Rachel lose their place, Chandler and Joey move into the girls’ apartment, and Phoebe might just be pregnant. This episode is Friends at its funniest and most unforgettable.
18. The One with the Red Sweater (Season 8, Episode 2)
IMDb Rating: 9.0
This episode turns Rachel’s pregnancy storyline into full-blown mystery mode, and it’s deliciously chaotic. Monica, Phoebe, and Joey are playing detective, their only clue being a red sweater left at Rachel’s place. Naturally, everyone starts speculating about which guy it belongs to, and Joey’s theories are hilariously off the rails.
Meanwhile, Ross and Chandler are dealing with their own disaster, losing Monica and Chandler’s wedding photos. Their solution? Sneaking into another couple’s ceremony and faking shots like it’s a spy mission gone wrong. Monica, on the other hand, can’t resist peeking at the wedding gifts, even though she promised she’d wait.
But the real mic-drop moment comes when the sweater’s owner is revealed, it’s Ross. Cue shock, laughs, and one of the biggest “aha!” reveals in Friends. Classic comedy, classic drama, and pure binge-worthy TV.
17. The One with All the Resolutions (Season 5, Episode 11)
IMDb Rating: 9.0
New year, new chaos! The gang decides to turn over a fresh leaf, but this is Friends, so obviously, nothing goes to plan. Ross takes “trying something new every day” a little too seriously and ends up in one of the show’s most iconic disasters – leather pants that he literally can’t get out of on a date.
Chandler, sworn to a resolution of “no jokes for a week,” turns into a ticking time bomb of sarcasm waiting to explode. Rachel swears off gossip but can’t resist when she stumbles on Monica and Chandler’s big secret. Joey tries learning guitar from Phoebe, but her “finger-claw” teaching method is as absurd as it sounds. Monica’s resolution?
Photograph everything in sight. By the end, resolutions are in shambles, secrets are closer to spilling, and we’re left with pure, laugh-out-loud TV gold.
16. The One with the Flashback (Season 3, Episode 6)
IMDb Rating: 9.0
Okay, buckle in, this one’s a time machine episode, with nostalgia and awkwardness in perfect harmony. It all starts when Janice drops a provocative question: “Have any of you ever… almost slept with someone in the group?” Cue mass cringing and a collective redirect into the past.
We flash back three years before the show’s pilot. Chandler is on a roommate hunt and lands Joey after a series of hilariously failed attempts. Meanwhile, Monica may or may not bashfully flirt with Joey. Ross is grappling with his marriage to Carol, who has made a startling revelation that she’s lesbian. Phoebe’s sneaking in and out of Monica’s apartment, wrestling with how to break it gently when she’s actually already moved out.
This episode gives us origin stories of how Chandler and Joey became roommates, the early awkwardness between Monica and Joey, and hints of the romantic chemistry yet to come. It’s a messy, sweet, laugh-out-loud ride through what was “before Friends,” filled with heart and classic WTF moments.
15. The One with All the Thanksgivings (Season 5, Episode 8)
IMDb Rating: 9.0
This one’s a Thanksgiving throwback extravaganza. Ross complains his current Thanksgiving is the worst ever, divorce, eviction, vibes. That becomes the perfect excuse for everyone to launch into their own worst-Thanksgiving stories. Chandler revisits the time his parents broke up.
Phoebe goes wild with a past-life tale of losing an arm (Ross vetoes past-life stories, but it’s iconic). Joey recounts the infamous turkey-on-the-head stunt from 1992. Rachel reveals Monica’s darkest Thanksgiving secret, yes, the one where she accidentally chops Chandler’s toe.
Through flashbacks spanning years (’87, ’88, ’92), emotional beats and hilarious reveals collide. And in true Friends fashion, Monica tries to make things up to Chandler by wearing a turkey on her head (with sunglasses, no less). It’s absurd, it’s messy, it’s deeply awkward and unforgettable.
14. The One in Vegas: Part 2 (Season 5, Episode 25)
IMDb Rating: 9.0
What happens in Vegas definitely doesn’t stay in Vegas when it comes to the Friends crew. This finale episode is pure chaos, glitter, and iconic moments rolled into one. Ross and Rachel, in peak drunken mischief, stumble into a wedding chapel and tie the knot, leaving everyone stunned and setting up one of the show’s most memorable twists.
Meanwhile, Monica and Chandler, after repairing their relationship, toy with the idea of getting married themselves, only to be hilariously interrupted. Joey finds his “identical hand twin,” turning it into the weirdest Vegas scam ever, and Phoebe has her own battle with a slot machine “lurker.”
Between shocking marriages, failed proposals, and Joey’s bizarre schemes, this episode is an all-out Vegas fever dream. It’s over-the-top, unpredictable, and one of those finales that fans never stop talking about.
13. The One Where No One’s Ready (Season 3, Episode 2)
IMDb Rating: 8.9
Talk about a Friends episode that proves chaos can strike anywhere, even inside Monica’s apartment. Ross is freaking out, trying to get everyone dressed and out the door for an important museum gala. But his friends have other ideas.
Joey and Chandler wage war over a chair, leading Joey to put on every single piece of Chandler’s clothing in one of the most iconic revenge moves in sitcom history. Meanwhile, Rachel is paralyzed by outfit indecision, Phoebe is busy with her quirky personal dilemmas, and Monica is juggling her own emotional rollercoaster after hearing an old voicemail from Richard (Tom Selleck).
Every minute ticks by like a countdown to disaster, and hilarity ensues. Real-time tension, absurd conflicts, and classic one-liners make this episode a tight, laugh-out-loud masterpiece.
12. The One with Chandler in a Box (Season 4, Episode 8)
IMDb Rating: 9.0
Thanksgiving takes a dramatic turn when Chandler kisses Joey’s girlfriend, Kathy. Joey, devastated, demands penance: Chandler must spend six hours locked inside a wooden box. What ensues is a hilarious yet heartfelt exploration of friendship, guilt, and redemption.
Chandler’s antics inside the box, from cracking jokes to enduring discomfort, add comedic flair, while his eventual silent reflection showcases his sincerity. Meanwhile, Monica injures her eye and ends up on a date with Richard’s son, leading to awkward yet amusing moments.
The episode delves into themes of forgiveness and the complexities of relationships, all wrapped in the show’s signature humor. It’s a standout Thanksgiving special that balances comedy with genuine emotion, highlighting the depth of the characters’ bonds.
11. The One with Ross’s Sandwich (Season 5, Episode 9)
IMDb Rating: 9.0
Ross is having the ultimate meltdown over what might seem like a small disaster but in true Ross fashion, it’s a full-blown crisis. His beloved Thanksgiving leftover sandwich, carefully crafted and treasured, gets eaten at work, and when he finds out it was his boss, Donald, it’s pure chaos.
Cue Ross flipping out in ways only he can, sending co-workers and viewers alike into fits of laughter. Meanwhile, Joey is trapped in the middle of Monica and Chandler’s secret romance, forced to cover for their antics in increasingly awkward and hilarious scenarios.
From holding naked pictures to dodging awkward questions, Joey’s life becomes a sitcom-level nightmare. This episode is Friends at its perfect blend of absurdity, relatable frustration, and iconic comedic timing because sometimes, it’s just a sandwich, but it’s also everything.
10. The Last One: Part 2 (Season 10, Episode 18)
IMDb Rating: 9.6
The Friends finale delivers all the feels. Monica and Chandler are about to leave their iconic apartment for the suburbs with their newly adopted twins. Meanwhile, Ross and Phoebe rush to the airport to stop Rachel from boarding her flight to Paris.
After a series of comedic mishaps, Ross confesses his love for Rachel, leading to her decision to get off the plane and stay in New York. The group shares a final cup of coffee at Central Perk, marking the end of an era.
The episode is a heartfelt conclusion to the series, tying up loose ends and providing closure to long-running storylines. With emotional farewells and a sense of new beginnings, it’s a fitting end to a beloved show that captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.
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9. The Last One: Part 1 (Season 10, Episode 17)
IMDb Rating: 9.6
The Friends finale kicks off with a bang. Monica and Chandler are packing up their apartment to move to the suburbs, but things take an unexpected turn when their surrogate, Erica, goes into labor three weeks early.
The couple rushes to the hospital, where they are shocked to learn they’re expecting twins. Meanwhile, Ross and Rachel share a night together, leading Ross to hope for a reconciliation. However, Rachel remains determined to leave for Paris, leaving Ross heartbroken.
As the group gathers at Central Perk, emotions run high, and the reality of their impending changes sets in. The episode sets the stage for the series’ conclusion, blending humor with heartfelt moments that fans have come to love.
8. The One with the Rumor (Season 8, Episode 9)
IMDb Rating: 9.2
Thanksgiving takes an unexpected turn when Monica invites an old friend, Will Colbert, to join the gang for dinner. Will, who once co-founded the “I Hate Rachel Green” club in high school with Ross, harbors a deep-seated grudge against Rachel.
As the evening unfolds, Will reveals that he and Ross spread a rumor about Rachel being a hermaphrodite, a revelation that shocks Rachel and strains her relationship with Ross. Meanwhile, Joey becomes obsessed with finishing a massive turkey, leading to him donning maternity clothes to accommodate his overeating.
The episode blends humor with unexpected twists, showcasing the complexities of past relationships and the dynamics within the friend group.
7. The One with the Videotape (Season 8, Episode 4)
IMDb Rating: 9.2
Things get hilariously awkward when Ross and Rachel try to recount the night they got back together, only to realize their stories don’t match, big time. Ross, ever the over-thinker, has a videotape of their encounter, turning a private moment into a full-on gang spectacle.
Monica and Chandler are busy being newlyweds, sharing honeymoon stories that backfire when they realize the couple they bonded with gave them a fake number. Meanwhile, Joey and Phoebe are caught in the crossfire of gossip, laughter, and Ross’s obsessive analysis of who’s telling the truth.
The episode perfectly blends iconic comedy, awkward tension, and character-driven hilarity, proving that even in the most cringeworthy situations, Friends finds a way to make us laugh. By the end, secrets are out, alliances shift, and the gang’s chemistry is sharper than ever.
6. The One with Monica and Chandler’s Wedding: Part 2 (Season 7, Episode 24)
IMDb Rating: 9.3
The big day is finally here, but of course, nothing goes smoothly. Chandler panics and disappears just before the ceremony, sending Ross and Phoebe on a frantic mission to track him down. Meanwhile, Rachel tries to stall Monica from discovering Chandler’s absence, while Joey navigates his own hilarious obstacles trying to make it to the wedding on time.
When Chandler finally shows up, the couple shares a heartfelt and emotional ceremony, filled with classic jokes and fan-favorite moments. Adding a twist of confusion, Chandler finds a positive pregnancy test, mistakenly thinking Monica is pregnant but it’s actually Rachel’s.
5. The One with Ross’s Wedding: Part 2 (Season 4, Episode 24)
IMDb Rating: 9.2
London is calling, and the Friends gang is all in for Ross’s (David Schwimmer) big day but of course, nothing goes smoothly. The rehearsal dinner sets the tone with family drama, awkward toasts from Chandler, and Monica accidentally finding herself in a very awkward situation involving Chandler.
Meanwhile, Joey is trying to navigate the chaos without making it worse, and Phoebe is in full-on warning mode, trying to prevent Rachel from doing something rash. The ultimate bombshell drops during the ceremony when Ross accidentally says Rachel’s name instead of Emily’s, leaving the whole wedding stunned and creating one of the most iconic cliffhangers in sitcom history.
Full of cringe-worthy moments and emotional tension, this episode perfectly shows how Friends knows how to deliver chaos and unforgettable TV gold.
4. The One with the Prom Video (Season 2, Episode 14)
IMDb Rating: 9.3
Cue the nostalgia and the tissues, Friends delivers a classic in this unforgettable episode. The gang discovers an old prom video, and instantly, the laughs and heartstrings kick in. Monica and Rachel are transported back to their high school days, complete with cringy outfits, questionable hair, and a younger, awkward Monica who’s definitely not the fashion icon we know today.
Ross shines as the ultimate “friend in the shadows,” patiently ready to step in when Rachel’s prom date flakes, a gesture that earns him eternal brownie points. Meanwhile, Joey gifts Chandler a hilariously hideous bracelet, sparking classic banter and subtle chaos.
From awkward teenage vibes to full-on emotional punch, this episode slaps with nostalgia, laughter, and heart. It’s timeless Friends magic: messy, hilarious, and leaving you shipping Ross and Rachel harder than ever
3. The One with the Morning After (Season 3, Episode 16)
IMDb Rating: 9.0
The Friends episode that broke the internet before the internet even existed. Ross wakes up in bed with Chloe after a night of regret, only to realize Rachel is on her way over to reconcile. Chaos ensues as Ross scrambles to hide his indiscretion, but the truth comes out when Gunther spills the beans.
What follows is a gut-wrenching confrontation between Ross and Rachel, with emotions running high and hearts breaking. Meanwhile, Monica, Phoebe, Chandler, and Joey are trapped in Monica’s bedroom, eavesdropping on the explosive argument.
Ross-and-Rachel drama hits peak chaos, heartbreak, yelling, and cringe-worthy moments collide, while the gang watches in stunned hilarity. It’s messy, wild, and utterly binge-worthy, proving Friends could make even betrayal hilarious.
2. The One Where Everybody Finds Out (Season 5, Episode 14)
IMDb Rating: 9.7
Phoebe just found out about Monica and Chandler’s secret fling, and she’s not letting it slide. Instead, she turns the tables, flirting outrageously with Chandler and sparking one of the funniest, most awkward standoffs in Friends history.
Chandler is sweating bullets, Monica is panicking, and the tension is absolutely chef’s kiss perfect. Ross watches the madness like the ultimate spectator, his classic mix of shock, confusion, and side-eye keeping viewers cracking up.
The ultimate showdown comes when Chandler finally admits his love for Monica, ending the flirtation war and leaving everyone, including Ross, shaken but laughing. Every glance, double entendre, and perfectly timed reaction turns this episode into a chaotic masterpiece of humor and heart. It’s messy, it’s hilarious, and it’s why this is hands-down one of the most iconic Friends episodes ever.
1. The One with the Proposal: Part 2 (Season 6, Episode 25)
IMDb Rating: 9.2
Chandler tries his classic overthinking move, pretending he hates marriage, to stage the ultimate surprise proposal for Monica. But of course, things spiral fast. Monica, hurt and confused by Chandler’s fake “aversion,” starts questioning their future, giving fans all the tension-and-laughs vibes we live for.
Meanwhile, Phoebe and Rachel stir the pot with their “backup marriage plans,” dragging Ross and Joey into hilariously awkward situations. The episode hits peak chaos and heart when Monica and Chandler finally propose to each other in a perfectly timed, emotional, and comedic showdown. Watching Chandler panic while Monica confidently declares her love is everything a Friends fan could want
From laugh-out-loud chaos in Thanksgiving flashbacks to tear-jerking moments like proposals and heartfelt confessions, Friends gave us some of the most unforgettable TV moments ever. Every episode on our ranked list has its own magic, whether it’s classic Ross-and-Rachel drama, Monica and Chandler’s love milestones, or the gang’s legendary antics.
Friends seasons 1 to 10 are currently available to stream on HBO Max.
Which episode from Friends is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
