Spring 2024 marked 20 years since Friends ended, and fall 2024 celebrated 30 years since it began. Throughout its 10 seasons, Friends became a cultural staple and especially famous for its Thanksgiving episodes, appearing in nine seasons. These episodes, usually airing around episodes eight or nine, perfectly blend holiday fun with awkward family moments.
While many sitcoms have Thanksgiving specials, Friends stands out with some of the best holiday episodes on TV. To help you plan your next binge, here’s a ranked list of all nine Friends Thanksgiving episodes—from the good to the unforgettable.
“The One with the Thanksgiving Mix-Up”
Though Friends consistently delivers, this final Thanksgiving episode (Season 10, Episode 8) ranks lowest in the lineup. Instead of keeping the cast together, the story splits into separate adventures for Phoebe and Rachel, and Joey and Ross, leaving Monica and Chandler annoyed as everyone arrives late to a dinner they were hesitant to prepare.
The episode wraps up warmly with exciting news about their adoption, uniting the group for a celebratory meal. While it may not shine as a Thanksgiving classic, it cleverly sets the tone for big changes in the final season and the end of their usual holiday gatherings.
“The One Where Chandler Has a Dog Dilemma”
Season 7’s Thanksgiving episode ranks low on this list for a few reasons. For starters, it’s a shock to see Chandler, a character we’ve grown to love, openly dislike dogs—making him the unexpected antagonist of the story. Additionally, the episode features a rocky phase in Rachel and Tag’s relationship, with his awkward Thanksgiving invitation feeling out of place.
Despite these flaws, the episode still delivers plenty of laughs and memorable moments, from Phoebe’s antics to Ross’s meltdown over the 50-state challenge. One of the highlights is discovering that Monica, usually the neat freak, is surprisingly okay with having a lovable dog around.
“The One Introducing Rachel’s Sister”
Bringing a new character into a well-established sitcom late in the game is always tricky, but Christina Applegate does a great job as Rachel’s sister, Amy. Still, her arrival somewhat overshadows the usual chemistry among the six main friends.
This episode ranks lower on the list, but it gained special significance this year following Matthew Perry’s passing, featuring some heartfelt moments for Chandler that resonate deeply as a tribute to Perry himself.
“The One with Ross’s Thanksgiving Secret”
Season 6’s Thanksgiving episode shines as Ross finds himself in hot water once again, especially with the addition of the Geller parents, Jack (Elliott Gould) and Judy (Christina Pickles).
Their presence adds a hilarious dynamic that complements the group’s young adult adventures and found-family vibe. The standout moment, however, is Rachel’s dessert disaster, which is both cringe-worthy and brilliantly built up—causing plenty of secondhand embarrassment for viewers.
“The One with All the Thanksgiving Flashbacks”
Friends clearly took their Thanksgiving episodes seriously, and Season 5’s installment goes all out. Often called “The One with All the Thanksgivings,” this episode takes viewers back in time through a series of flashbacks—including a hilarious nod to Phoebe’s past as a Civil War field nurse who lost an arm on Turkey Day.
The dramatic and heartfelt memories shared by Monica, Chandler, Rachel, and Ross deepen the holiday’s meaning and explore their close relationships, which fans appreciate given how bonded they were from the start. Meanwhile, the B-story delivers one of the most iconic images in Friends Thanksgiving lore: Joey and Monica sporting turkeys on their heads—a moment that’s sure to be a must-watch in many homes next holiday.
“The One with Chandler’s Box Apology”
Season 4, widely regarded as Friends’ best, delivers a standout Thanksgiving episode centered around the complicated love triangle between Joey, Chandler, and Kathy—played brilliantly by Paget Brewster. To make amends for kissing Kathy behind Joey’s back, Chandler spends most of the episode confined inside a box, promising to stay silent at Joey’s insistence—even when Kathy arrives to break things off.
This episode perfectly blends the show’s trademark mix of heartfelt moments and sharp humor, highlighting just how close the group has become. The only awkward subplot is Monica’s brief and forgettable run-in with her ex-boyfriend’s son.
“The One with the Great Thanksgiving Escape”
The very first Friends Thanksgiving episode holds a special place, though this is likely its highest ranking on the list. While Monica, Chandler, Joey, Ross, and Phoebe were already close—and Rachel was an old friend—this marks the first time all six spend Thanksgiving together.
It was a bold move for a holiday usually centered on family reunions, but it worked perfectly and set the foundation for one of the show’s most beloved traditions.
“The One with the High School Reunion”
This is a true Friends Thanksgiving classic, packing in many of the best ingredients for a memorable holiday episode. Set mostly in Monica’s apartment, it introduces Will (Brad Pitt), a former high school classmate of Monica, Ross, and Rachel.
Pitt fits seamlessly into the group—offering a rare glimpse into his real-life connection with Jennifer Aniston—and the resurfacing of old drama creates perfect Thanksgiving comedy. Plus, Joey’s choice to wear maternity pants sparked a fashion moment for viewers looking to get comfy during the feast.
“The One with the Thanksgiving Game”
Season 3’s “The One with the Football” stands apart from other Friends Thanksgiving episodes, and that’s exactly what makes it memorable. From the intense Geller Cup rivalry to the ticking egg timer and Joey and Chandler’s playful battle over love, every element comes together perfectly to show why the show struck such a chord with audiences.
This episode is both fun and heartfelt—especially for anyone who’s experienced those familiar sibling rivalries during the holidays.
