After years of loving sitcoms, I finally got around to watching all 10 seasons of the show, Friends. It has been a while since I’ve grown so attached to a show and the characters in it, which makes it so hard to let go of and see come to an end. What kept me hooked on Friends was the emotional rollercoaster it took me on. As hard as I laughed at Joey’s goofiness, Phoebe’s dark humor, and Chandler’s sarcasm, I was also left teary-eyed at the romantic scenes with Ross and Rachel, admired Monica’s big heart, and truly felt the closeness of this friend group.
Whether you’ve just had one of those days or you’re feeling your best, Friends is a great pick-me-up show that is bound to hit all of the feels. Here are some of the episodes that I feel would be the best picks depending on what mood you are in. Warning: you might face some spoilers if you haven’t seen the show!
The Ones for When You Need a Laugh
“The One with the Embryos”
In exchange for the big apartment, this iconic episode features Chandler and Joey versus Monica and Rachel in a game of who knows the others better, with questions bringing you the most random facts about the characters that you didn’t know you needed. Meanwhile, Phoebe brings humor to any tense situation, her friends support her as she receives big news about her pregnancy, causing them to get over their competitiveness.
“The One with the Holiday Armadillo”
Ross struggles with teaching his son, Ben about the story and traditions of Hanukkah. When receiving an armadillo suit instead of the Santa that Ben was expecting, he uses it as a mascot for this holiday. When interrupted by Chandler dressed as Santa and Joey as Superman, they all have to work together to get Ben excited to learn about Hanukkah.
“The One with Ross’ Tan”
This episode had me cracking up. With Rachel and Joey trying desperately to make their relationship not feel awkward, Monica and Phoebe’s struggles with ‘cutting out’ an old friend with the funniest fake British accent, and Ross trying to even out his horrendous spray tan, your cheeks will hurt from smiling.
The Ones for the Hopeless Romantics
“The One Where Ross Finds Out”
Watching this show makes you eagerly await Ross and Rachel’s relationship. After a frustrating back and forth of having feelings for each other, this is the episode where they finally begin to come together. In trying to convince herself and the others that she is over Ross by going on a date, Rachel ends up drunkenly confessing this to Ross through a voicemail. Hearing this makes him question the relationship he’s currently in, and, spoiler alert, the kiss at the end of this episode is everything.
“The One with the Proposal Part 2”
The romantic proposal between Monica and Chandler ends in a way you would not expect, in the best way possible! As Chandler tries to plan his proposal to Monica, trying desperately to make it a surprise, Monica turns it around in a way that will for sure bring you to tears.
“The One with Phoebe’s Wedding”
Phoebe’s wedding was arguably my favorite. Even through such obstacles coordinating the wedding ceremony, with her character always turning a difficult situation into a better one, it ended up being so intimate and beautiful.
The Ones that will Make You Cry
“The One Hundredth”
The birth of Phoebe’s unexpected number of babies is an exciting moment. It was sweet to see her joke around and connect with the infants, but also bittersweet knowing she has to give them back to their parents, which is hard for her to let go of.
“The One on the Last Night”
As Monica and Chandler move in together, the guys and girls face their last nights together as roommates. When Monica and Rachel’s grief turns around into a huge argument, Phoebe helps them remember all of the little things that they actually are going to miss about living with their best friend. This episode entails such sweet friendship moments that lead us into this new chapter of these characters’ lives.
“The Last One”
Of course, the last episode is upsetting to watch because how can we let go of this group?! With Monica and Chandler moving out of the city, the crew must say goodbye to their beloved apartment and the incredible memories they made in it together. Plus, it finalizes a certain relationship that we know and love…
I hope these episodes help to guide you through your emotions. And, if you haven’t binged the 10 seasons of Friends yet, then there’s plenty more where that came from!
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