Even though “Friends” ran for 10 seasons, it showcased Thanksgiving holiday fun almost every year.
So in honor of Turkey Day, here’s the order from best to worst “Friends” Thanksgiving episodes.
10. The One with the List, season 2
This episode has to go last because it’s the only episode that doesn’t really surround the Thanksgiving holiday.
It’s also a sad episode because it revolves around Ross’ Julie vs. Rachel debate.
9. The One Where Chandler Hates Dogs, season 7
If you love Rachel with her much-younger assistant Tag, then you might rank this episode higher.
The beginning of their relationship is the highlight of this episode, along with the realization that Chandler isn’t allergic to dogs…he just doesn’t like them.
8. The One with the Late Thanksgiving, season 10
Monica is usually in charge of the Thanksgiving meal, which makes sense since she’s a chef.
But in the last season, she wasn’t planning on cooking. But her friends make her, and then they’re all late.
Locking the door on them was pretty funny though. Monica and Chandler also get news that they have a baby to adopt for them, melting their anger away.
7. The One with Chandler in a Box, season 4
Chandler and Joey rarely fight…but when a girl, Kathy, got in the way, it got ugly.
Desperate to get Joey to talk to him and forgive him, Chandler agrees to stay stuck in a box for a time. Without the holiday food.
Meanwhile, Monica needs to go to the eye doctor, but she’s embarrassed after her failed relationship with Richard, her old eye doctor. But that goes away when she sees Richard’s son…but then it gets awkward. Fast.
6. The One with Rachel’s Other Sister, season 9
Nothing like a holiday to bring family tensions.
When Rachel’s sister (played by Christina Applegate) comes to town, the topic of who will become Emma’s godparents hits.
All the fighting ends in the china from Monica and Chandler’s wedding breaking all over the apartment floor. But at least Chandler steps up and realizes he can be a parent.
5. The One with the Football, season 3
Oh, Monica. She’s so competitive!
When the old Gellar Cup resurfaces from Ross and Monica’s childhood days, the gang goes outside for a game of football. It doesn’t go well as sibling rivalry takes over.
Also, Joey and Chandler try to flirt with a Dutch girl.
4. The One With the Rumor, season 8
My main reason for putting this episode in the top 5 is because of Brad Pitt, who was with Jennifer Aniston (Rachel) at the time.
But they don’t like each other in this episode. And his character is out for revenge against the girl who made fun of him in high school.
It makes for an awkward, confrontational dinner.
3. The One Where Ross Got High, season 6
Poor Rachel, she tried to make a good dessert. But a trifle does not have a layer or potatoes and peas.
During the course of the day, it comes out that Chandler isn’t like by the Gellar parentals. And they don’t know he moved in with Monica either.
Ross tries to come clean, but it just ends to a yelling match where everyone says not-so-great things about others in the room.
2. The One Where Underdog Gets Away, season 1
We all know holidays never go as planned, but this episode features a big fail.
As the friends all recall why they’re not with their families, one of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade balloons gets loose.
It’s fun to watch all the friends watch the balloon float away together, but it’s even better to laugh when the group of six eat mac and cheese after their dinner burns.
- The One with the Thanksgiving Flashbacks, season 5
Fat Monica! Seahawk hair Chandler! And one big turkey!
This episode featured a lot of the past and problems between Rachel, Chandler, Ross and Monica…but it also featured a glimpse into the future of Monica and Chandler.
What more could you want? Oh wait, how about the first “I love you” spoken between Monica and Chandler. Aww.
How would you rank these “Friends” episodes?