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.


Jennifer Aniston, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer on 'Friends'
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 hea


From left to right: Matt LeBlanc, Lisa Kudrow, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer, Matthew Perry and Jennifer Aniston on 'Friends'

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 ma


Clockwise from left: Jennifer Aniston, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, Lisa Kudrow, Brad Pitt and David Schwimmer on 'Friends'
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


Matthew Perry, Jennifer Aniston, David Schwimmer and Courteney Cox on 'Friends'

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.


Courteney Cox, Christina Applegate and Matt LeBlanc on 'Friends'
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-


From left to right: David Schwimmer, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, Lisa Kudrow and Jennifer Aniston on 'Friends'

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 spectat


Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox on 'Friends'

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 effort


From left to right: David Schwimmer, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Courteney Cox, Matthew Perry and Jennifer Aniston on 'Friends'

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 par


Courteney Cox and Lisa Kudrow on 'Friends'

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 i


Lisa Kudrow, Courteney Cox and Jennifer Aniston on 'Friends'

​​​​​​​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.

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.

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