Friends is one of the best shows to ever be created (you can fight me on this one. I will win, I promise). The show is hilarious, happy, sad, sentimental, and everything in between. The characters will never fail to put a smile on your face and make you feel understood.
And Netflix is now destroying my life by removing Friends on January 1, 2020.
I’m officially in mourning. If you can’t binge-watch all 10 seasons before the show makes its exit, you can’t miss rewatching the best episodes. Lucky for you, this mourning has led me to making a complete list of the most iconic episodes of Friends, organized for you by season. Enjoy them while you can (and join me in writing a very strongly worded letter to Netflix about this travesty.)
Season 1
“The One With the East German Laundry Detergent” (Season 1, Episode 5)
Not only do we have innocent little Rachel learning how to do laundry, but we also have one of our first Ross and Rachel encounters fighting off a mean washer-stealing lady. Plus, they kiss. We love it when Ross and Rachel kiss.
“The One With The Monkey” (Season 1, Episode 10)
Breakups can be hard, but I think we can all agree that Ross getting Marcel to deal with his breakup with Carol is extreme.
Season 2
“The One With The Baby On The Bus” (Season 2, Episode 6)
If you don’t know “Smelly Cat,” you don’t know Friends. This episode is the first time Phoebe ever sings the song on the show.
“The One Where Ross Finds Out” (Season 2, Episode 7)
It’s dreamy, it’s romantic, and it’s also a reminder to NEVER DRUNK DIAL YOUR CRUSHES, LADIES. But, to be fair, that coffee shop kiss may have been worth it. Plus, it’s Ross and Rachel, the standard of relationship “lobsters.”
“The One With The Prom Video” (Season 2, Episode 14)
This episode is one of the sweetest Ross and Rachel moments in all of Friends. This is the iconic “lobster” episode, too! Watching him volunteer to go to prom with Rachel when they were in high school will definitely make you believe that they are meant to be.
Season 3
“The One Where No One Is Ready” (Season 3, Episode 2)
Who doesn’t want to rewatch Joey wear the entirety of Chandler’s closet?
“The One With The Football” (Season 3, Episode 9)
Best way to win touch football against a group of guys? Take notes from Phoebe: flashing always works. Also, never forget the Netherlands is an actual place.
“The One The Morning After” (Season 3, Episode 16)
This episode is arguably one of the most famous episodes of Friends. Not only does it have the iconic “Girls” sweatshirt in it, but it’s also the start of the show-long “We were on a break!” argument. The drama is high, tears are shed, and the rest of the gang is forced to eat wax when they get trapped in Monica’s room while eavesdropping on Ross and Rachel.
Season 4
“The One With Phoebe’s Uterus” (Season 4, Episode 11)
“You could start out with a little 1..a 1,2,3….a 5, 4, a 3-2, a 2-4-6…6-7..7, 7, 7, 7, 7!”
“The One With The Embryos” (Season 4, Episode 12)
It’s betting season, people. Particularly, it’s the episode where Rachel and Monica bet their apartment. A complete classic, with the introduction of Ms. Chanandler Bong, how many categories of towels Monica has, and everyone’s inability to remember what Chandler does for a living.
“The One With Ross’ Wedding: Part 1” (Season 4, Episode 23)
Fellas: SAY THE RIGHT NAME AT YOUR WEDDING. In all seriousness, this episode will give you the same freak out session every time you watch it.
Season 5
“The One With All The Kissing” (Season 5, Episode 2)
This is a personal shoutout to my best friend, who talks about Rachel’s yellow dress approximately once a week.
“The One Where Everyone Finds Out” (Season 5, Episode 14)
Ross gets a new apartment, and portions of the group find out about a new romance. The games begin between the group, as everyone tries to trick each other. Phoebe shows Chandler her bra, and Chandler admits he’s in love with Monica. And of course: “They don’t know that we know that they know we know!”
“The One in Vegas: Part 2” (Season 5, Episode 24)
Not only is this a super easy Halloween costume, but it’s also an episode leading up to “the worst hangover ever,” in marrying your ex-boyfriend. I guess, for Ross, the third time isn’t always the charm.
“The One With The Cop” (Season 5, Episode 16)
PIVOT. PIVOT. PIVOT.
That is all.
Season 6
“The One After Vegas” (Season 6, Episode 1)
Phoebe: “I’m drunk right now. What, I can’t have a mimosa with breakfast? I’m on vacation…I’m so drunk”
You know the feeling when you’re on vacation with your family and have one too many mimosas in the morning? Yeah, so does Phoebe. And if Phoebe can feel that way, so can you.
“The One With The Routine” (Season 6, Episode 10)
You’re lying to yourself if you say you’ve never tried to learn “the routine” with your best friend, or you’ve never tried to find your friends’ hidden Christmas gifts. This episode also has some adorable Joey moments, so enjoy.
“The One With Unagi” (Season 6, Episode 17)
If you can go to a sushi restaurant without thinking about this episode, you aren’t doing Friends right. Also, don’t forget to study up on your Kara-tey, and always be in a state of total awareness.
“The One With The Proposal, Part 2” (Season 6, Episode 25)
I mean, come on, could they BE any cuter?
Season 7
“The One With The Holiday Armadillo” (Season 7, Episode 10)
A gentle reminder to always rent your Santa costume ahead of time, unless you want to be the holiday armadillo at your family Christmas party.
“The One With All The Cheesecakes” (Season 7, Episode 11)
Phoebe teaches everyone that “boyfriends and girlfriends are going to come and go, but this is for life,” until David shows back up. Also, can someone find Mama’s Little Bakery so we can all finally try this cheesecake?
“The One With Joey’s New Brain” (Season 7, Episode 15)
This episode is worth the watch just to hear Phoebe sing along to Ross’s bagpipes.
Season 8
“The One With The Red Sweater” (Season 8, Episode 2)
Finally, after 7 seasons of watching, Rachel gets pregnant. This unforgettable episode exposes that Ross, of all people, is the father of her baby.
Season 9
“The One With Ross’ Inappropriate Song” (Season 9, Episode 7)
Parenting is hard, so sometimes you’ve just got to sing “I like big butts” to get your infant to laugh.
“The One in Barbados: Part 2” (Season 9, Episode 23)
“It’s the humidity!” said every girl (including Monica).
What could be better than giant-hair Monica and competitive Monica? PLUS the return of Mike? What else could you ask for in an episode?
Season 10
“The One Where Ross is Fine” (Season 10, Episode 2)
We’ve all been this version of Ross: drinking margaritas, saying you’re fine, and having your heartbreak all at the same time. It’s relatable, and it’s hilarious. Drunk Ross is definitely something you want to relive before the show makes its exit.
“The One With Ross’ Tan” (Season 10, Episode 3)
You would have thought that after the whole “PIVOT” issue, Ross wouldn’t have a problem turning around in a tanning booth.
“The One With Princess Consuela” (Season 10, Episode 14)
Never give someone like Phoebe the opportunity to change her name. Regardless, I hope you all find the Crap Bag to your princess Consuela Banana Hammock one day.
“The Last One: Part One and Two” (Season 10, Episode 17)
I hate this episode. I hate it because it’s the last one, and that means no more new episodes. I hate it because I cry, every single time without fail. And I love it for those reasons, too. This is one to get your sentimental on. A perfect send-off for the perfect show.