Friends’ Thanksgiving Episodes Ranked From Worst to Best
‘Friends’ became famous for its annual Thanksgiving episodes that combined holiday chaos with major plot developments. The six main characters often found themselves in absurd situations ranging from burnt dinners to backyard football rivalries. These installments provided some of the most memorable moments in television history and defined the sitcom genre. The following list ranks every Thanksgiving special based on their reception and comedic impact.
“The One with the List”
Ross faces a difficult choice between his current girlfriend Julie and his longtime crush Rachel. Chandler suggests making a list of pros and cons to help him decide but this leads to disastrous consequences when Rachel discovers it. Monica attempts to create Thanksgiving recipes using a synthetic chocolate substitute called Mockolate. The episode focuses heavily on romantic tension and heartbreak rather than the traditional holiday festivities.
“The One Where Underdog Gets Away”
The gang plans their first Thanksgiving together when their individual plans fall through. Monica prepares a special dinner while the group rushes to the roof to see the runaway Underdog balloon from the parade. They accidentally get locked out of the apartment and the dinner is completely ruined. The friends ultimately bond over grilled cheese sandwiches in a heartwarming conclusion that sets the tone for the series.
“The One Where Chandler Doesn’t Like Dogs”
Chandler reveals his irrational fear of dogs when Phoebe sneaks a canine into the apartment to hide it. Rachel invites her assistant Tag to dinner and debates whether to make a move on him during the meal. Ross struggles to name all fifty states in a game that drives him to madness and deprives him of turkey. The episode is notable for the running gag involving Chandler and the hidden dog but often ranks lower due to continuity questions.
“The One with the Late Thanksgiving”
Monica reluctantly agrees to host dinner but becomes furious when everyone arrives late. Ross and Joey attend a hockey game while Rachel and Phoebe enter Emma in a baby beauty pageant without telling anyone. The group tries to apologize to Monica through the chained door with their heads floating in the frame. This final holiday installment balances the group’s chaotic behavior with the emotional news of an adoption offer for Monica and Chandler.
“The One with the Football”
The group decides to play a game of touch football while the turkey cooks. Sibling rivalry takes over as Ross and Monica compete for the Geller Cup which is a trophy from their childhood. Joey and Chandler spend the game competing for the attention of a Dutch woman who is watching the match. The intense competition reveals the childish nature of the Geller siblings and ends in a stubborn stalemate.
“The One with Rachel’s Other Sister”
Rachel invites her self-absorbed sister Amy to Thanksgiving dinner after her boyfriend cancels on her. Amy offends everyone with her brutally honest comments and her complete lack of memory regarding her niece Emma. Tensions rise when the conversation turns to who would get custody of the baby if Ross and Rachel died. Christina Applegate delivers a memorable performance that creates hilarious conflict for the entire group.
“The One with Chandler in a Box”
Chandler spends the holiday inside a shipping crate to prove his friendship to Joey. This punishment comes after Chandler kissed Joey’s girlfriend Kathy and betrayed his best friend. Monica invites Tim Burke to dinner which leads to an awkward realization about his relationship to her ex-boyfriend Richard. The episode mixes high emotional stakes with the absurdity of the box gimmick to resolve the central conflict.
“The One with All the Thanksgivings”
The group shares stories about their worst Thanksgivings from years past to cheer up Ross. Flashbacks reveal how Chandler lost his toe and why Monica lost weight during her college years. The episode culminates in a present-day moment where Monica dances with a raw turkey on her head. It marks a pivotal moment in their relationship as Chandler accidentally tells Monica he loves her for the first time.
“The One with the Rumor”
Brad Pitt guest stars as Will Colbert who is an old friend of Ross and Monica. Will reveals he co-founded an I Hate Rachel club with Ross in high school and spread a terrible rumor about her. The revelation shocks the group and leads to hilarious bickering between Rachel and her former bully. This episode is a fan favorite due to the chemistry between the cast and the high-profile guest star.
“The One Where Ross Got High”
Monica and Chandler try to hide their living situation from her parents during dinner. Ross is forced to admit why his parents dislike Chandler involving a lie about marijuana usage from their college days. Rachel accidentally combines a traditional English trifle with a shepherd’s pie because the cookbook pages were stuck together. The chaotic climax where all secrets are revealed at once is widely considered one of the best scenes in the series.
Please share your own ranking of these classic episodes in the comments.