Ranking all Thanksgiving episodes of Friends from best to worst

Explore and rank all 10 iconic Thanksgiving episodes of Friends, from mishaps to moments that fans cherish.

Thanksgiving episodes of Friends have become iconic, often serving as the backdrop for some of the most memorable moments in the show’s history. From mishaps with food to heartfelt moments of friendship, these episodes have earned their place in the hearts of fans. As the holiday season kicks off, it's time to rank all 10 Thanksgiving episodes, from the memorable to the very least likable.

1. "The One Where Ross Got High" (Season 6, Episode 9)


Topping the list is the ultimate Friends Thanksgiving episode. Packed with iconic moments, this episode features the Geller family’s chaotic holiday gathering, complete with Chandler trying to win over Monica’s parents and Rachel’s disastrous trifle/Shepherd's pie hybrid. The hilarious plot twists and heartfelt family dynamics make this episode a Thanksgiving classic that never fails to deliver.

2. "The One with Chandler in a Box" (Season 4, Episode 8)



This episode revolves around Joey and Chandler’s fallout over a kiss with Kathy, with Chandler spending much of the episode inside a box to make amends. The awkwardness doesn't end there—Monica flirts with her ex-boyfriend’s much younger son, resulting in some cringe-worthy moments. Still, fans may appreciate the resolution of Chandler and Joey’s friendship by the episode’s end.

3. "The One with the Rumor" (Season 8, Episode 9)


This episode made even more memorable by a special guest appearance from Brad Pitt. Playing a high school classmate of Rachel’s, Pitt’s character is involved in a hilarious plot about a Thanksgiving rumor. His dynamic with Jennifer Aniston—who was married to Pitt in real life—adds an extra layer of humor to the episode. Additionally, Phoebe and Chandler’s attempts to feign knowledge of football while avoiding meal prep is another highlight.

4. "The One with All the Thanksgivings" (Season 5, Episode 8)



This episode is a fan favorite, especially with its humorous flashbacks to the gang’s past Thanksgiving disasters. We learn how Monica lost weight (thanks to Chandler’s brutal honesty) and why she “accidentally” dropped a knife on Chandler’s foot. It’s also fun to see what Phoebe was doing on Thanksgiving before the group was even a thing.

5. "The One with Rachel’s Other Sister" (Season 9, Episode 8)


This Thanksgiving episode introduces Amy (played by Christina Applegate), Rachel’s self-absorbed sister, who becomes a major source of comedy in the episode. Amy’s misunderstanding of the family dynamics, particularly her desire to gain guardianship of Emma despite not remembering the baby’s name, provides several laugh-out-loud moments. Monica’s obsession with her wedding china adds another layer of humor to the episode.

6. "The One with the Football" (Season 3, Episode 9)



Football and Thanksgiving go hand in hand, and this episode delivers the perfect blend of both. The Geller family’s annual football game, featuring the hilarious Geller Cup, is a highlight. The competitive spirit of the group, combined with the awkwardness of their attempts to flirt with a lone spectator, makes this one a fun and memorable entry in the Friends Thanksgiving catalog.

7. "The One Where Underdog Gets Away" (Season 1, Episode 9)



The first-ever Friends Thanksgiving episode is a classic for a reason. Although the Thanksgiving theme is more of a backdrop to the characters' personal stories, the episode sets the stage for the many Thanksgiving hijinks to come. Joey’s public service announcement poster and the group’s efforts to help Rachel get to Vail are just a few of the moments that make this episode a fan favorite.

8. "The One with the Late Thanksgiving" (Season 10, Episode 8)



While this episode is filled with tension—Monica doesn’t want to host Thanksgiving, and the group ends up in a fight—its redeeming feature is the heartwarming news that Monica and Chandler are going to be parents. Although the episode is laden with conflict, the emotional payoff for fans makes it memorable.

9. "The One Where Chandler Doesn’t Like Dogs" (Season 7, Episode 8)



This Thanksgiving episode falls flat largely due to its lack of holiday spirit. Not only does Chandler reveal he dislikes dogs—a strange plot twist for his character—but the episode also introduces a few continuity errors. Fans will find it hard to ignore moments like Ross claiming he hates ice cream despite eating it in an earlier season. Though it has its moments, this one is easily skippable for any Friends marathon.

10. "The One with the List" (Season 2, Episode 8)



​​​​​​​While this episode plays a significant role in the Ross and Rachel saga, it barely touches on Thanksgiving itself. The episode focuses on Ross’s ill-advised list comparing his then-girlfriend Julie to Rachel, which leads to a brief romantic reconciliation between Ross and Rachel. Still, the lack of Thanksgiving-themed moments relegates this episode to a lower spot.

These episodes represent some of the best moments from the beloved sitcom, with each Thanksgiving serving up a mix of laughs, chaos, and heartfelt moments that fans continue to celebrate year after year.