Whilst every episode of Friends has its hilarious moments, there are certain episodes in each season that stand out as the funniest.
Nearly 30 years after it first aired, thanks to its abundance of comedy Friends is still wildly popular and is often regarded as one of the greatest sitcoms of all time. The Emmy-winning show has provided iconic and beloved characters who still resonate with fans today.
Throughout the 10 seasons, the six friends try to navigate their way through life and have provided audiences with several hilarious moments along the way. Despite every episode having its side-splittingly funny moments, certain episodes stand out as being the best in terms of comic value.
Season 1, Episode 23: The One With The Birth
The birth of Ross’ son was a highly anticipated moment in season 1, and it didn’t disappoint. Carol in labor meant Ross and Susan had to spend a significant amount of time together, which was never going to go smoothly. Attempting to stop their constant bickering, Phoebe accidentally locks them in a closet and they almost miss the birth.
Rachel sees Carol’s birth as the perfect time to flirt with a doctor, and in an unlikely turn of events, Joey becomes a stranger’s birthing partner. The combination of everything that happens in the hospital makes this episode the one to remember from season 1.
Season 2, Episode 22: The One With The Two Parties
Episodes that feature a birthday are destined to be hilarious. For Rachel’s surprise birthday party, the gang has to do everything in their power to make sure Rachel’s parents don’t cross paths. Forced to keep one parent in each apartment, they end up holding two parties.
Whilst Ross spends his night trying to impress Rachel’s dad, Phoebe devotes hers to sneaking everyone out of Monica’s boring party. Joey sets up a volleyball court in Chandler’s room and Monica drives everyone crazy by not letting them have any fun. It’s a perfect Saturday night and without a doubt the best party on Friends.
Season 3, Episode 2: The One Where No One's Ready
As soon as Ross makes a point of being on time, getting ready for an event at the museum seems like an impossible task for everyone. Chandler and Joey’s fight over a chair leads to Joey’s most impractical outfit choice and results in Phoebe looking like a walking Christmas decoration.
A frustrated Ross shouts at Rachel and a glass of fat is his way out. Amid all the chaos, Monica messes with Richard's answering machine and severely embarrasses herself. The comedic value of this episode is higher than ever and is why it’s the best episode of season 3.
Season 4, Episode 12: The One With The Embryos
The question of who knows who better starts as a harmless game, however, it’s not long before everything intensifies, and the stakes get unimaginably high. Frustrated that Joey and Chandler think they know them better; Monica and Rachel challenge the boys to a quiz.
When lightning round hits, the adrenaline takes over and everyone starts raising the stakes, resulting in a potential apartment switch. Whilst this is going on, Phoebe eagerly waits for the results of her embryo transplant. Despite this, the game of trivia steals the show and provides a side-splitting comedy that is unmatched by any other episode in Season 4.
Season 5, Episode 14: The One Where Everybody Finds Out
Once Joey found out about Monica and Chandler’s relationship, it was only a matter of time before everyone else did too. As the latest person to discover the secret, Phoebe decides it’s time to have a little fun with it. To force Monica and Chandler to admit their relationship, an elaborate plan is put into action by Rachel and Phoebe.
The final showdown is an intense date between Phoebe and Chandler, however, it’s not long before Chandler buckles under the pressure and admits everything. If the episode wasn’t good enough, it culminates with Ross also finding out, and nothing is quite as funny as his reaction.
Season 6, Episode 9: The One Where Ross Got High
A Thanksgiving episode combined with Jack and Judy was never going to disappoint. When an old college lie comes back to haunt Ross, Monica outs him to their parents. This is one of the funniest Ross and Monica sibling moments as an incredible two minutes sees them reveal every secret about each other that they can think of.
Meanwhile, Rachel proves that cooking isn't her specialty as she accidentally makes a trifle mixed with a shepherd’s pie. Unfortunately for everyone else, they are forced to eat and pretend they like it, which luckily for fans is comedy gold.
Season 7, Episode 12: The One Where They're Up All Night
This episode sees the gang forced onto the roof by Ross to watch a comet that no one else has any interest in. Ross and Joey get stuck on the roof and have to find a way down, resulting in them getting a little too close for comfort.
When both Chandler and Monica can’t sleep, they decide to have sex, however, it’s safe to say that it doesn't go as planned. As neither wants to admit defeat, Rachel and Tag end up in Rachel’s office in the middle of the night whilst Phoebe spends her night getting outsmarted by a fire alarm. Every storyline in this one is comedy gold.
Season 8, Episode 9: The One With The Rumour
Brad Pitt featuring in an episode of Friends means it’s guaranteed to be a good one. Will is introduced as Ross’ old high school friend who despises Rachel. Will reveals that he and Ross created the “I hate Rachel club” and started a hurtful rumor about her.
The biggest revelation comes later when an old rumor about Ross making out with the school's 50-year-old librarian turns out to be true. The Thanksgiving episodes never disappoint, and this is up there with one of the best Friends episodes of all time thanks to its sharp wit and never-ending laughs.
Season 9, Episode 18: The One With The Lottery
In hopes of becoming rich, the gang buys dozens of lottery tickets, however, it’s not long before an argument breaks out after Monica’s secret ticket stash is found. Tired of everyone disagreeing, Phoebe threatens to throw all the tickets off the balcony.
An unfortunate encounter with a pigeon causes Phoebe to drop all the tickets on the street, losing half of them in the process. The “pigeon” from the balcony then calls to apologize. Upon learning someone won 10,000 dollars from a ticket they found outside, Phoebe’s pigeon impression returns once again and it’s the perfect end to a hysterical episode.
Season 10, Episode 2: The One Where Ross Is Fine
The best thing to come from Joey and Rachel’s strange relationship is Ross’ reaction to it. Trying to mask the fact that he is uncomfortable with his ex and his best friend dating, Ross invites Rachel and Joey to a dinner party with him and his new girlfriend Charlie.
As he continues drinking margaritas, Ross gets increasingly drunk. To prove how fine he is, he gives a memorable but emotional toast, spelling out the word “love.” David Schwimmer completely steals the show and provides priceless comedy that comes above any episode in season 10.
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