The Definitive List Of The Best 'Friends' Episodes Ever
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On September 22, 1994, the world was blessed with a TV show that forever changed popular culture: Friends. Then, just over 20 years later, on January 1, 2015, the world was #blessed when the iconic '90s TV show—full of ridiculously relatable pals living in ridiculously unrelatable New York apartments—made its way to everyone's favorite streaming service: Netflix.
And just when you thought the drama circa 2018 was officially in the past, Netflix goes ahead and announces on Tuesday, July 9, that this time around, Friends will **officially** be leaving the streaming service in 2020.
Hey Netflix, in the immortal (whiney) words of Ross Geller, “Why? Why would you do that?”
With Max now hosting the show's catalog, die-hard devotees everywhere (**raises hand**) can watch any of the 236 episodes whenever they need a break from reality, a healthy dose of nostalgia, or quite simply, a feeling of comfort that's best achieved through Joey's simple sandwich humor.
So, next time you're craving a little Chandler sarcasm, or feeling the need for some Pheebs zaniness, but don't know which episode to watch (so. many. options.), start with this list of the best Friends episodes of all time:
(Head’s up: episodes are listed in chronological order, not ranking—that, my friends, is up to you.)
1. "The One With The Blackout"—Season 1, Episode 7
Starting off this roundup with a bing, I mean, bang is that eternally hilarious episode where Chandler has a conversation with "that Victoria Secret model"... almost exclusively in his own head. Don't get me wrong, I'm very much a lifetime member of Team Monica and Chandler, but when you watch Chandler get stuck in that ATM vestibule—"or is it an atrium?"—with Jill Goodacre, you can't help but root for the dude.
Meanwhile, the rest of the gang is making the most of the blackout at home, which is where Phoebe, the poetic genius that she is, composes her pre-"Smelly Cat" hit that goes a little something like this: "New York City has no power, and the milk is getting sour"—all together now!—"but for me that isn't scary 'cause I stay away from dairy." (Same, Pheebs, same.)
2. "The One Where Ross Finds Out"—Season 2, Episode 7
Before there were drunk texts, there were drunk phone calls—an artform which Rachel Green absolutely mastered. Case in point? When she gets thoroughly smashed while on a date only to call Ross and leave the following message on his answering machine (#tbt): "I am over you. I. am. over. you. And that my friend is what they call closure."
Ross' initial response: "You're over me? When were you...under me." Oh, man. But, as Friends fanatics all know, Geller steps up his game—big time—when he steams up the (closed) coffee shop with that iconic doorway kiss with Rachel.
3. "The One With The Prom Video"—Season 2, Episode 14
All of the taffeta. All of Rachel's (original) nose. All of Monica's curves. All of those wins plus another magical make-out sesh between Ross and Rachel, after it's revealed on good ole VHS that Ross suited up to save the day when it seemed like Rach's date, Chip, wasn't going to show.
Even better than college-aged Ross' thick mustache and high school Monica eating a sandwich in a red ball gown? The last line of the episode brought to you by Phoebe: "See! He's her lobster." (All of the awwwws.)
Test your 'Friends' expertise with these facts that only true fans will know:
4. "The One Where Eddie Won't Go"—Season 2, Episode 19
Quick refresher: Joey moves into his own apartment thanks to the success of Days of Our Lives, and Chandler finds a new roomie named Eddie. Of course, Eddie turns out to be a mannequin-stealing, goldfish-obsessed, watches-you-sleep, fruit-dehydrating freak who will. not. leave. Take it from Bing himself: "Hannibal Lecter? Better roommate than you."
5. "The One Where No One's Ready"—Season 3, Episode 2
Even if you're a Friends newbie (welcome, btw!), you know that Monica is very much the type-A character of the group. But of the Geller sibs? Well, sometimes Ross can really rev up that intensity, especially when he only has 30 minutes to get the entire gang dressed and out the door for a museum benefit. Spoiler alert: That doesn't happen.
What does happen, however, is that Joey drinks a cup of fat and then proceeds to fight with Chandler over ownership of a chair (weird flex, but okay). As you can imagine, that doesn't go well, but more on that later. Meanwhile, Phoebe gets hummus on her dress, Rachel can't pick out an outfit, and Monica freaks out over a voicemail from her ex, Richard (you know, the man with the masterful mustache who's better known as his real name, Tom Selleck?).
Oh, and as for that battle between Chandler and Joey over, yup, a chair? It comes to a crashing close when Joey marches back into the apartment wearing the contents of Chandler's closet. "Look at me! I'm Chandler. Could I beeee wearing any more clothes?" P.S. he's commando underneath all that.
6. "The One With All The Football"—Season 3, Episode 9
This isn’t any casual game of two-hand touch between buddies. No, this is, or at least it turns into, a highly competitive showdown involving two teams, six friends, and one Geller Cup—a trophy so esteemed that it once led Monica to break Ross’ nose as children in an attempt to win. And you thought your family was crazy...
7. "The One With Chandler In A Box"—Season 4, Episode 8
Once you’re able to get over the fact that Monica invited her ex boyfriend’s very good-looking son to Thanksgiving, you can really relish in the hilarity of this episode. Since Chandler's living in a box after mackin' on Joey's girlfriend (ya know, as one does).
Okay, but why, um, is living in a box his chosen form of punishment? I'll let Mr. Bing explain: "The meaning of the box is threefold. One: it gives me the time to think about what I did. Two: it proves how much I care about my friendship with Joey. Three: it hurts." Make sense now? If you answered "nope," don't worry, you're not alone. Most people don't really understand how Chandler's brain, erm, works. But hey, at least it's fun to watch?
8. "The One With All The Embryos"—Season 4, Episode 12
This ep was aptly named to commemorate Phoebe getting pregnant with her brother's babies (ICYMI, Pheebs acted a surrogate for her bro and his wife). But it's also known for the greatest game of trivia ever. In a battle of who knows their bestie better, Monica and Rachel face off with Joey and Chandler and, let me tell ya, the stakes are high. How high? If the ladies win, the men have to get rid of their rooster (yes, a real live rooster), but if they lose, Chandler and Joey get the ladies' apartment.
9. "The One With All The Thanksgivings"—Season 5, Episode 8
Seriously, another Thanksgiving episode? D*mn. Straight. And in this one, the gang recounts each of their worst Thanksgiving experiences (because positivity around the holidays is overrated...?).
10. "The One With All The Resolutions"—Season 5, Episode 11
Four words: Ross Geller leather pants. That is all. Jk jk, there is more.
Like every other group of buds during the early hours of Jan. 1, the gang discusses their New Year Resolutions. After a year marked by yet another divorce (yup, he's up to two at this point) and getting nicknamed "Mental Geller" by his colleagues, Ross is determined to have a better year by trying something new every day, which seems pretty doable given how, well, bad his past 12 months has been.
But, since this is Ross I'm talking about, you can bet something's going to go awry—and soon. That's exactly what happens when he dons a suffocating pair of leather pants on a first date (**covers eyes**).
11. "The One Where Everybody Finds Out"—Season 5, Episode 14
...that Monica and Chandler have been together (read: doing the dirty, making out, all that fun stuff) since Ross' wedding in England. Fi-na-lly!
12. "The One With The Cop"—Season 5, Episode 16
"Pivooooooooot"—that's Ross's motto as his very detailed plan for moving his couch comes crashing down when—curve ball—it doesn't actually fit up the stairs.
13. "The One Where Ross Got High"—Season 6, Episode 9
Fact: No one (and I mean no one) does Thanksgiving like Friends. In this episode, Mr. and Mrs. Geller join the gang for the annual feast at what they think is still Monica and Rachel's apartment.
Turns out Monica didn't fill her parents in on her new roomie (Chandler)—or the fact that they're dating—because they're not big fans of the Bing thanks to Ross, who used to blame Chandler for his weed smoking. But before Ross can come clean, Monica goes right for it, causing an unraveling of truths—not just from the Geller siblings, but everyone. Oops?
14. "The One With The Proposal"—Season 6,
Guess who's back? Back again? Shady Richard. Yup, you read that right. Monica's ex (remember him—the mustache-rockin' eye doctor?) who wants her back after alllll their relationship drama back in the early seasons. Meanwhile, Chandler, who has a ring and is ready to get down on one knee, is busy trying to throw Mon off his scent by claiming he's not the type of guy to mate for life.
While it's always an A+ experience watching Friends, this episode is even better, as you follow the group support both Chandler and Monica in their separate plans to surprise each other with—drum roll please—an engagement. Triple dog dare you to not get chills and cry from the moment Chandler enters the candle-lit apartment to find Monica ready to propose herself.
15. "The One With Unagi"—Season 6, Episode 17
Ross defines "unagi" as "a state of total awareness," something he thinks he's perfected after years of practicing ka-ra-tay. After Rachel and Phoebe come back from a self-defense class, he tells them they need to learn unagi, too. But Ross's, uh, mastery is put to the test as he spends the rest of the episode attempting to scare Rachel and Phoebe in an attempt to check their "total awareness." (Btw: Unagi is definitely just a type of sushi.)
17. "The One Where Ross Is Fine"—Season 10, Episode 2
Spoiler alert: He is not fine, no matter how many times he says he is during the world's most awkward double date between Ross and Charlie (who used to date Joey) and Rachel and Joey. But try as he might to prove he's "fine" (which he repeats in a pitch so loud only dogs can hear it), Ross gets so drunk off maaaany margaritas that he ultimately uses his hands—sans-oven mitts—to serve his fajitas.
Alabama
The Heart of Dixie can't get enough of the heart-stopping plotlines on Riverdale (or maybe that's just KJ Apa? Either way).
Alaska
Bad news for all the Iron Fist fans in Alaska: The Marvel show was canceled late last year after season 2.
Arizona
The Valentine State is having a love affair with dark British comedy The End of the F***king World.
Arkansas
Arkansans have got it bad for Bughead, or at least for catching up on Riverdale.
Colorado
The only strange thing would be if Stranger Things didn't appear on this list several times. In Colorado, it's number one.
Connecticut
Controversial teen drama 13 Reasons Why was ruled as the favorite in the Constitution State.
Delaware
The Diamond State has a thing for Iron (Fist, that is).
Florida
Is it just me or are there a lot of guys in masks? Enter Daredevil, yet another Marvel series to make this list, which is a favorite in Florida.
Georgia
Georgians think Luke Cage is just peachy.
Hawaii
The Aloha State will sadly be saying goodbye to their now-cancelled favorite show, Iron Fist.
Illinois
Seven states are huge fans of 13 Reasons Why, including Illinois.
Indiana
Marvel limited series The Defenders tops the list in Indiana.
Kansas
Orange Is The New Black was the most popular show on Netflix in 2017, and this year, Kansas is catching on.
Kentucky
Last year, no states had Daredevil at the top of the list, but in 2018, five states can call it their favorite, including Kentucky.
Louisiana
The prisoners of Litchfield, chronicled on Orange Is The New Black, are a big favorite in the bayou.
Maryland
Bad news for the people of Maryland: Even Luke Cage's superhuman strength couldn't get your favorite show renewed for a third season.
Massachusetts
The boys of Birmingham reign supreme in Massachusetts, where Peaky Blinders is on repeat.
Michigan
By the Great Lakes, people think Orange Is The New Black is pretty, well, great.
Minnesota
Docuseries Making A Murderer captivated Minnesotans this year.
Mississippi
The Hospitality State has welcomed 13 Reasons Why with open arms.
Missouri
People in the Show-Me State are apparently showing Ozark to all their friends—it's their top show for the second year running.
Montana
Sci-fi thriller Dark is a big deal in Big Sky Country.
Nebraska
In the last year, Stranger Things went from topping the list in just one state to four, including Nebraska.
New Hampshire
The Granite State thinks The End of the F***king World rocks.
New Jersey
The Garden State has grown fond of 13 Reasons Why in the last year.
New Mexico
Better Call Saul is primarily set and filmed in New Mexico, and the locals are loving it.
New York
Daredevil's growing popularity in multiple states (like New York) sadly couldn't save it—it won't be renewed for another season.
North Carolina
Lately, North Carolinians have been kicking up their (tar) heels to watch 13 Reasons Why.
North Dakota
North Dakota can't get enough of the fast-talking heroines of Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life.
Ohio
13 Reasons Why is the most popular show on this list, and that includes in Ohio.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma, where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain, and Orange Is The New Black is the most popular show on Netflix.
Pennsylvania
Mindhunter was filmed in and around Pittsburgh, so it makes sense that it's a keystone of Pennsylvania binge watching.
Rhode Island
I bet they can give you at least 13 Reasons Why they love this show.
South Dakota
Daredevil's popularity is set in stone in the home of Mount Rushmore.
Tennessee
You don't even have to ask them to watch House Of Cards in the Volunteer State.
Texas
Everything's bigger in Texas, and Jane The Virgin is the biggest show on Netflix.
Utah
Stranger Things is the favorite show in Utah for two years running.
Vermont
What's a TV list without Seinfeld? Jerry's talk show Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee is the buzziest show in Vermont.
Virginia
Even Old Dominion can get down with a little Daredevil.
Washington D.C.
Insert joke about D.C. not being able to agree on anything. Anyways, here are the 16(!) shows that tied for #1 in the nation's capital: American Vandal, Arrested Development, Black Mirror, BoJack Horseman, Dear White People, GLOW, House of Cards, Jane the Virgin, Jessica Jones, Mad Men, Maniac, Queer Eye, Sense8, The Crown, The Good Place, and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.
West Virginia
Orange Is the New Black locked up the number one spot in West Virginia.
Wisconsin
Of course Wisconsinites would be enthralled by Making A Murderer,which follows a murder case happening in their home state.
Wyoming
In Wyoming, sci-fi series Lost In Space is out of this world.
18. "The One Where Joey Speaks French"—Season 10, Episode 13
Or so he thinks. Phoebe desperately tries to teach Joey French for an audition, but, as you probably guessed it, Joey's language skills are no bueno—which, of course, makes it all the more hilarious.
(P.S. you might've noticed this list is missing "The Last One," and that's because it's just too sad to include. That is all.)
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