Ranking the Characters and Seasons of “FRIENDS”

Friends first aired on September 22, 1994 and concluded on May 6, 2004. I was probably too young when I watched it the first time around, and probably why I’m so biased towards it, but this show is a comfort now. A core group of friends whose lives we see over a 10-year span.

During my most recent rewatch, I found myself nostalgic for the early 2000’s magic, even though I was a child then. This show is the other reason I wanted to move to New York when I was a kid; the other was CSI: NY.

I’ve also found that some early opinions I had over the course of the show have remained the same, whereas others have changed.

This ranking is mostly for fun, and just to yap. 😁

First, we’ll start by ranking the core characters:

1. Chandler Bing

   - The most relatable friend, in my opinion. He’s self-deprecating, sarcastic, kind, generous and so sweet! He was so under appreciated at times by the friends, but he remained steadfast and loyal to them. In the end, when he found his passion, and married Monica and they had their babies was so great to watch. ❤️

   - Fun fact: I had “the Chandler” at the Friends cafe at the Warner Brothers studio, and it has ruined me. I can’t figure out the amount of caramel to hazelnut to order. I will prevail one day. ☕️

2. Monica Gellar

   - Probably the second most relatable character to me. Had a miserable childhood by being bullied for being a bigger child and constantly criticized by her mother (when I catch you, Judy 🥊) but still grew up and managed to be selfless and love and support her friends (and her own self) with her whole heart. Special shoutout to her emotional maturity as well.

   - The fact she became a chef because Chandler said she should needs further study, but she is proven to be an excellent chef, even ending the series as a Head Chef of a high-end restaurant. Inspirational queen. 👩🏽‍🍳

3. Rachel Green

   - Baby gworl. She did that! She went from a spoiled runaway bride with no real-world experience to being an Executive for Ralph Lauren, a job she was actually passionate about and very good at. Also the way she always paid attention to Chandler specifically when others forgot about him warms my heart. They are a fantastic duo. I’m still shook by her getting off the plane to stay in NY with Ross. It’s very hard to imagine their relationship survived though.

   - My unpopular opinion: I loved her and Joey together, as messy as that situation was. I wish they were endgame. 🙈

4. Joey Tribbiani

   - Himbo. Sweetheart. Ride or Die, as long as you get him some food. He suffered so badly from flanderization that he wasn’t just naive, but a certified dumba**. Thankfully the writers didn’t erase his sincerity though. Also, you’d think growing up with 7 sisters would’ve had him drinking his Respect Women juice, but I suppose the worst thing he does is essentially ghosting. 🤷🏽‍♀️

5. Ross Gellar

   - The dinosaur guy. He started off a good enough guy but, like Joey, suffered heavily from flanderization. He became so whiny, selfish, and just an annoying know it all. He’s always been slightly misogynistic (hello? The list comparing Rachel and Julie, his attitude towards Carol and Susan, his ex-wife and her new partner, for being a lesbian [Susan wasn’t that great either tho tbh]). He ranks second from the bottom though because he’s not the worst (he shows growth).

6. Phoebe Buffay

   - The “quirky” one. She suffered the worst of the flanderization. I do genuinely like her in Season 1-2. But with every season, she just got meaner and more hypocritical and self-righteous. I’m biased towards Chandler, so her always singling him out also rubbed me the wrong way. I do like the storyline where she is her brother’s surrogate though, and that moment after she gives birth and is talking to the babies is so bittersweet. But other than that, she’s my least favorite friend.

   - I do like her relationship with Mike Hannigan though, and I also loved her wedding.

Now that that’s out the way, let’s rank the seasons and the episodes that stood out.

1. First Place: Season 7

   Episodes 3, 9-13, 22-24

2. Second Place: Season 3

   Episodes 2-3, 8-10, 15, 17, 19

3. Third Place: Seasons 5-6

   Episodes 5x3, 8, 19, 21-24 and 6x6, 8, 10, 17, 23-25

4. Fourth Place: Season 1

   Episodes 1, 5, 18-19

5. Honorable mentions: Seasons 2, 4, 8 and 10

   Episodes 2x3, 14, 22; 4x12, 23-24; 8x2, 12, 21; 10x8, 12, 18

6. Least favorite: Season 9

   Episodes 9x6, 10