Top 10 Friends Thanksgiving Episodes

As the years went on, “Friends” became known for its iconic Thanksgiving episodes. In Season 2, however, the tradition hadn’t quite gotten underway yet. So this episode doesn’t have the same holiday spirit as the others. Don’t get us wrong, “The One with the List” is a great episode - but the Thanksgiving subplot where Monica is trying to cook with “mockolate” is more of an afterthought than the focus of the story arc. Even if it’s lacking in the Thanksgiving department, though, we still get lots of unforgettable moments and quotable lines, particularly, “She's not Rachem.”

This episode is a memorable one because our favorite on-screen pals, Joey and Chandler, are fighting... over a girl. Chandler is being punished for kissing Joey’s girlfriend by having to spend Thanksgiving in a box, naturally. Meanwhile, Ross and Rachel have a feud of their own over an exchanged gift. Monica also starts dating Richard’s son and invites him to join the gang for their holiday dinner. Despite hitting a few rough patches, the friends eventually settle their differences and come together for a touching thanksgiving. Monica, however, realizes that dating your ex’s offspring isn’t as sexy as it sounds.

This Season 7 episode juggles several stories, with Thanksgiving acting as the centerpiece. Phoebe has snuck a canine friend into Monica and Chandler’s apartment and most of the run time revolves around a shocking revolution: Chandler hates dogs. Hey, if you think that’s bad, Ross doesn’t like ice cream! Speaking of Ross, he can’t have a bite of Thanksgiving dinner until he names every U.S. state. Meanwhile, Rachel is trying to get closer to her assistant and invites him to Thanksgiving. While the episode has a lot of hilarious moments, nothing can quite top Joey and his moo point.

While many popular TV shows take a sharp downward turn in their later years, “Friends” still managed to churn out great episodes even in Season 10. The final Thanksgiving episode is no exception. After being the one in charge of preparing Thanksgiving for years, Monica has finally had enough when the rest of her friends manage to show up late despite their earlier assertions. The most memorable scene is undoubtedly when Ross, Rachel, Joey, and Phoebe are locked out of the apartment and Joey manages to get his head stuck in the door. In typical “Friends” fashion, all’s well that ends well.

The one that started it all comes in at number six on our list. This is the first Thanksgiving that the group spends together - and it sets the tone for years to come. After a series of mishaps causes the gang to be stuck together for the holiday when they’d all rather be somewhere else, they make the best of it and manage to celebrate even when all the food is ruined. The theme of being able to choose your own family that is present throughout the entire series was possibly established in this very episode.

Another late season favorite, this episode features Rachel’s sister Amy (played by Christina Applegate) showing up at Thanksgiving and managing to do something awful to everyone. Applegate earned an Emmy for her guest performance and it’s easy to see why. A hilarious subplot involves Joey realizing at the last minute that he’s supposed to be on a float in the Thanksgiving Day Parade with the rest of his co-stars. He turns to Phoebe for help, coming up with an excuse that’s sure to have you in stitches. For an actor, Joey really isn’t a convincing liar.

The main storyline of this episode looks at why Monica and Ross’ parents seem to have a deep-seated dislike for Chandler. Everything eventually comes to a head when the reason is revealed, and we get to see a classic face-off between the two siblings. The real star of the show here, though, is the subplot where Rachel has given herself the task of making a dessert for the big day. What was supposed to be a traditional English trifle turns into a serious travesty, and poor Rachel proves that she does not have what it takes to handle the pressure of such a high-profile dish. Hey, at least Joey liked it.

Monica and Ross are at it again when their old familial conflict is brought to the surface by a game of football. The two decide it’s time to resurrect the long dormant tradition of the Thanksgiving Day “Geller Cup.” Rachel is upset to have been picked last, Joey and Chandler are squabbling over a girl, Phoebe is being Phoebe, and all is right with the world. The game ends up being guys vs. girls and both sides pull out all the stops to ensure they win. By the end of the episode. everyone is able to sit down together to enjoy their meal... well almost everyone.

When fans found out that Brad Pitt would be guest starring on “Friends” at the height of Brad and Jen mania, they knew this episode would be one for the books. Pitt plays Will, an old school friend of Ross and Monica’s who, like Monica, used to be very overweight. What makes this episode so great is the animosity between Will and Rachel, a dynamic which one can only imagine the actors had a blast shooting. On top of that, the episode closes with Joey eating an entire Turkey, and what more could you want than that?

Choosing this episode for our number one favorite was a no brainer, but admittedly it has a leg up because it features many different Thanksgivings from the “friends’” pasts. Joey gets stuck in a turkey, Monica practices the art of seduction, Chandler loses a toe, and Phoebe well... Phoebe has her own problems. Getting to see the gang during their college years is always a highlight of the show, so the focus on Monica and Chandler’s storyline is a fan favorite. Not to mention, it all ends with Chandler forgiving Monica in the cutest way possible.