25 years ago, on September 22, 1994, Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) walked into a coffee shop in a wedding dress and the sitcom universe would never be the same.
Rachel, Ross (David Schwimmer), Chandler (Matthew Perry), Monica (Courtney Cox), Joey (Matt LeBlanc), and Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) are a part of the lives of millions of people who followed their journey through 10 seasons. We were there for them when they got married, had children, lost their jobs, got new jobs, and everything in between – but always remaining friends.
And they were there for us also, with so many quotable and relatable moments that it would be impossible to list them all. But rest assured I always think about Ross’ Laundromat rule when doing laundry, or think about Monica when I can’t find what a switch does in my apartment.
To honor this landmark, I listed my favorite episode of each season! It was very hard to choose only one and I left out many memorable episodes, but these are great!
Season 1: The One with the Blackout
This is when we meet Paolo, who briefly dates Rachel. But, for me, the highlight is Chandler stuck in an ATM.
Season 2: The One After the Superbowl
This episode has two parts, so there’s a lot going on! From Julia Roberts and Jean-Claude Van Damme’s cameo, to Monica and Rachel fighting, there are many funny moments!
Season 3: The One Where No One’s Ready
Shot in real-time, this episode features the whole cast in Monica’s apartment getting ready to go to a ceremony where Ross will get an award. Joey and Chandler get into an argument about stealing each other’s seat, which brought us the iconic scene of Joey wearing all of Chandler’s clothes.
Season 4: The One with the Embryos
Even though the title makes reference to Phoebe getting pregnant, the best part of this episode is the trivia challenge: Rachel and Monica team up against Joey and Chandler and end up losing their apartment.
Season 5: The One Where Everybody Finds Out
Phoebe finds out that Chandler and Monica are dating but, since Ross is the only one who still doesn’t know, Phoebe and Rachel decide to mess with the couple, pretending Phoebe is attracted to Chandler. “They don’t know that we know they know we know!”
Season 6: The One Where Ross Got High
It’s Thanksgiving and Monica’s parents are visiting – but they don’t know she’s dating Chandler. Also, Rachel decides to make dessert, which goes horribly wrong. The 30-second sequence where everyone reveals each other secrets is one of the funniest scenes of the show.
Season 7: The One Where Chandler Doesn’t Like Dogs
It’s Thanksgiving again and Rachel invites her assistant to join them for dinner. We also learn that Chandler doesn’t like dogs and Ross doesn’t like ice cream (I get you, Ross!). But the best part is Ross trying to remember all 50 states during the whole evening and Joey explaining to us all what a “moo point” is.
Season 8: The One with the Rumor
Another Thanksgiving episode! This time, the guest is Brad Pitt! He plays Will, a school friend who still holds a grudge against Rachel. He even founded an “I-hate-Rachel-Greene-Club”!
Season 9: The One with Rachel’s Other Sister
Okay – clearly I like Thanksgiving episodes! Christina Applegate plays Rachel’s middle sister and causes an argument among all of them over who would take care of Emma if Ross and Rachel died.
Season 10: The Last One
Finally: Ross and Rachel are officially together! She got off the plane! A very sweet episode and a fitting finale.
