When it comes to iconic will-they-won’t-they couples, Friends’ Ross (David Schwimmer) and Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) are in a league of their own. Across ten seasons, their relationship was filled with countless breakups, makeups, fights, kisses, and, of course, “breaks.” Fans followed every twist and turn of their story, convinced they were destined to end up together — even when it seemed fate had other plans. After all, Rachel once dated another member of the group, making things even more complicated.
Looking back, though, there’s one unforgettable moment that made fans realize Ross and Rachel were truly endgame — and no, it’s not their first kiss.
It’s also not the scene where Ross confesses his feelings to Chandler (Matthew Perry) and Joey (Matt LeBlanc), or when Rachel realizes she feels the same way in Season 1. The defining moment actually comes in Season 2, when the two are still at odds. Rachel has just discovered Ross’ infamous “pros and cons” list comparing her to his ex, Julie (Lauren Tom), and she’s furious. Ross tries everything to get back in her good graces, but she’s adamant that it’s over for good. That’s when an old home video unexpectedly changes everything…
‘Friends’ “The One With the Prom Video” Brings Back Teenage Ross and Rachel
In Friends Season 2, Episode 14, titled “The One with the Prom Video,” Monica (Courteney Cox) gets an unexpected visit from her parents, Jack (Elliott Gould) and Judy (Christina Pickles). They’ve decided to turn her old bedroom into a home gym and are dropping off a few relics from her teenage years — including, of course, her prom video. Monica’s not thrilled about it, but she eventually sits down with the group to watch the tape. That’s when the magic unfolds.
The entire moment plays out in less than five minutes near the end of the episode. The gang gathers around the TV as teenage Monica and Rachel prepare for prom. A college-aged Ross, home for a visit, hovers nearby — clearly smitten with Rachel. When Rachel’s date, Chip, fails to show up, Ross’ parents urge him to step in and take her instead. Hesitant but hopeful, Ross gets dressed in a tux, ready to make his move. But just as he’s coming down the stairs, Chip finally arrives, and Rachel leaves with him.
On-screen, the young Ross looks crushed. Watching it years later, he’s embarrassed, but Rachel is deeply moved. In that moment, she realizes the depth of Ross’ love for her — and how long it’s been there. She also recognizes that Ross, too, has been hurt by their complicated relationship, just as she once felt hurt seeing him with Julie or discovering his “pros and cons” list.
Then comes the emotional payoff: Rachel walks across the apartment and kisses Ross, the audience lets out a collective “aw,” and Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) perfectly sums it up
“The One With the Prom Video” Confirms Ross and Rachel Are Truly Endgame
Phoebe’s quirky “lobster” line — a callback to her belief that lobsters mate for life — couldn’t have been more fitting. It perfectly drives home the idea that Ross and Rachel are destined to be together. By the time they share that kiss in “The One with the Prom Video,” it’s clear not only to the audience, but also to them: this love isn’t going anywhere.
Before that scene, their relationship often felt uncertain. Every step forward was followed by something pulling them apart — Paolo, Julie, or that infamous “pros and cons” list. But watching young Ross’ heartbreak on the old tape changes everything. It reveals just how deeply and how long he’s loved Rachel. And when Rachel finally sees that, she realizes the same about herself.
In just a few minutes, Friends turns what seemed like a messy romance into something timeless. It’s not just another make-up moment — it’s the instant Ross and Rachel become endgame. Or, as Phoebe so memorably puts it, “He’s her lobster.”
