The sitcom “Friends” has indelibly imprinted itself on the cultural psyche since its debut in 1994. With a decade’s worth of laughs, heartache, and quotable moments, it’s hardly a surprise that the show continues to entertain even new generations of fans. Picking only ten standout episodes from its ten seasons and 236 episodes is a challenge, given its legacy of timeless humor and iconic episodes that have become benchmarks of 90s and early 2000s pop culture. Nevertheless, let’s dive into a list that celebrates the best of what this beloved series has to offer, counting down from number ten to the very best episode of “Friends.”
10. The One With The Prom Video (Season 2, Episode 14)
This episode is often heralded as the moment where “Friends” truly found its heart. “The One With The Prom Video” is an excellent blend of hilarity and sentimentality — from watching Joey’s attempt to financially support Chandler with a gaudy gold bracelet, to the group viewing of Monica and Rachel’s hilariously dated prom video. Nostalgia is at the forefront in this episode, as fans are treated to memorable quips and the romantic crescendo of Ross and Rachel’s evolving relationship. The revelation that Ross, sidelined by insecurities and a disastrous mustache, had been prepared to step in as Rachel’s prom date, prompts her to passionately kiss him, delivering on the tension that had been building for seasons. It’s easy to see why this episode is held in such high regard.
9. The One Where No One’s Ready (Season 3, Episode 2)
In “The One Where No One’s Ready,” Ross becomes increasingly frantic as he tries to hustle the gang to get ready for a museum benefit. What makes this episode outstanding is its staging; it unfolds in real-time and almost exclusively within the confines of Monica’s apartment. The character-driven humor is top-notch, from Joey wearing all of Chandler’s clothes as an act of petty revenge—prompting the iconic line, “Could I BE wearing any more clothes?”—to Monica’s infamous answer machine meltdown over Richard. This episode showcases the cast’s excellent chemistry as it navigates through a symphony of comic scenarios, all born out of the seemingly simple premise of getting ready to go out.
8. The One With Ross’s Wedding: Part 2 (Season 4, Episode 24)
When the “Friends” troop traveled to London for Ross’s wedding to Emily, the results were predictably chaotic and comedically rich. “The One With Ross’s Wedding: Part 2” delivers a sensational mix of sight gags, cultural fish-out-of-water jokes, and a twist ending. As if Joey’s adventures with the London sights and Monica and Chandler’s unexpected romantic connection weren’t enough, it culminates in Ross’s unforgettable slip of the tongue as he says Rachel’s name instead of Emily’s during the vows. This cliffhanger is one of the most talked-about moments of the entire series and, for many, an episode that they return to for its heady blend of humor and drama.
7. The One Where Everybody Finds Out (Season 5, Episode 14)
“The One Where Everybody Finds Out” is a stand-out episode where the other friends learn about Monica and Chandler’s secret relationship. The episode is a comedy of errors with an increase in stakes as more characters become privy to the secret. Phoebe’s attempts to seduce Chandler to get him to admit to the affair are a highlight, as is the escalating tension between the discoverers and the secret-keepers. This episode is a showcase of how “Friends” excels at layering humor, building on punch line after punch line, while still rendering moments of genuine romance and tenderness, such as when Chandler inadvertently declares his love for Monica.
6. The One With Ross’ Tan (Season 10, Episode 3)
In “The One With Ross’ Tan,” Ross’s misadventure in a spray tan booth results in an excessively dark and hilariously uneven tan. This episode is pure physical comedy gold, as we witness Ross’s inability to follow the simple instructions of the tanning salon leading to comical results. Meanwhile, the episode is interspersed with amusing subplots—like the quarrel between Monica and Chandler over their opinions on her workmate or Joey and Rachel trying to take their relationship to a romantic level—which provide a delightful balance to Ross’s tan-tastic disaster.
5. The One With All The Thanksgivings (Season 5, Episode 8)
Thanksgiving episodes are a staple of “Friends,” and “The One With All The Thanksgivings” stands out for its flashbacks, revealing the characters’ worst Thanksgiving experiences. From Chandler’s Flock of Seagulls haircut to Monica’s mishap with a knife that led to Chandler’s toe amputation, the comedy is both outrageous and heartfelt. It’s also in this episode where Chandler accidentally blurts out his love for Monica for the first time—a pivotal moment in their relationship, making this episode not only hilariously memorable but significant to the overarching narrative.
4. The One With The Embryos (Season 4, Episode 12)
How much do the friends know about each other? “The One With The Embryos” seeks to answer this question through a high-stakes quiz contest that has Joey and Chandler pitted against Monica and Rachel, with the girls’ apartment on the line. The episode captures the essence of the group’s dynamic and is packed with hilarious trivia about the characters. Simultaneously, Phoebe’s storyline, where she undergoes embryonic implantation to become a surrogate for her brother, offers a touching counterpoint to an otherwise uproarious episode, showcasing the series’ ability to seamlessly blend comedy with heartfelt narratives.
3. The One With Unagi (Season 6, Episode 17)
Ross’s insistence that he possesses ‘Unagi’—a state of total awareness—provides the comedy backbone of “The One With Unagi.” His arrogance and the ensuing sparring with Rachel and Phoebe create a series of laugh-out-loud moments, playing off the trio’s well-established dynamics. With quote-worthy moments and the memorable scene of Ross hiding in a darkened apartment to scare the girls into understanding Unagi, the episode is a testament to how bizarre scenarios can lead to unforgettable comedy.
2. The One With The Morning After (Season 3, Episode 16)
Drama peaks in “The One With The Morning After” as Ross wrestles with whether to tell Rachel about his one-night stand with Chloe, the girl from the copy place. The tension is palpable when the truth finally comes out, and we see the fallout within the group. Despite the heavy subject matter, the episode is brilliantly balanced by the comedic subplot of Joey, Chandler, Monica, and Phoebe, trapped in Monica’s bedroom, listening to the confrontation unfold. This episode is emotionally intensive and creates a turning point in the series, showing that “Friends” can tackle serious relational issues head-on while still delivering a masterclass in ensemble comedy.
1. The One Where Ross Got High (Season 6, Episode 9)
Hailed by many as the series’ finest half-hour, “The One Where Ross Got High” has it all: snappy dialogue, impeccable timing, and a cavalcade of revelations that flip the episode into pure comedic frenzy. The Gellers’ visit for Thanksgiving unveils hysterical secrets—one being the titular Ross getting high in college and blaming it on Chandler. Rachel’s comically disgusting English Trifle (with a layer of beef sautéed with peas and onions), Joey’s loving it for being ‘good food mixed with good food,’ and the rapid-fire exchange of truths, make this episode not only the best Thanksgiving episode but arguably the best “Friends” episode overall. Its layers of humor, combined with the cleverness of the script and the actors’ delivery, are peerless.
Delving into the top ten episodes of “Friends” is a reminder of the show’s incredible knack for bringing us laughter and relatable moments. Whether it was the emotional rollercoasters, the hilarious mishaps, or the remarkable quotable lines, fans could always find solace in the enduring story of six friends navigating life in New York City. It’s the perfect blend of charm, wit, and heartfelt moments that has made the series withstand the test of time.