The definitive ranking of all 6 friends from ‘Friends’
Decades after the first episode of Friends premiered in 1994, the iconic NBC sitcom is still ingrained in popular culture and remains among the most celebrated TV shows. And since Friends started streaming on Netflix in 2015, younger generations are now discovering what fans fell in love with years ago. We’re counting down to the 15th anniversary of the series finale, which aired on May 6, 2004, by celebrating the show’s characters, influence and best sports moments.
It’s been debated endlessly, but all six friends were not created equal. We each have our favorites, for personal reasons, but here’s an indisputable ranking from worst to best.
6. Ross
Here, in partial, is a list of terrible things Ross Geller has done.
1) Cheated on Rachel
2) Lied to Rachel about their divorce
3) Freaked out because his son was playing with a doll
4) “Just a waitress”
5) SAID THE WRONG NAME AT THE ALTAR
I’m not even sure how much more I have to go into, but there’s no contest that Ross is the worst friend. We all know this. All the friends are high strung and neurotic, but it’s Ross’ special brand of insecurity, ego and hubris that makes him the most annoying. Watching the show 20 years ago, Ross’ behavior wasn’t as appalling as it is to me now. As a full-on adult though, I find it even more egregious. Take some responsibility for your own life, Ross! Don’t be so insecure in your own masculinity that it ruins all your relationships! Get over the fact that your ex-wife is a lesbian and, for the love of god, don’t date students. That’s just gross.
5. Monica
The Gellers are supremely annoying, and while Monica isn’t as bad as Ross, she does have her moments. Monica is a good friend, loyal, funny and willing to admit her own flaws. But she’s also a crazy control freak, and crazy control freaks are hard to be friends with. I say this knowing that I have more than a few Monica tendencies myself. But, Monica’s relationship to the rest of the group has always softened her weird, terrible character edges. It’s all perfectly realized in the episode where Chandler moves in and Rachel has to move out. The two of them, along with Phoebe, have to deconstruct their entire relationship in 22 minutes. It’s filled with nods to all her annoying tendencies, but also a look at the small, daily acts of kindness that make a good friend.
4. Chandler
Or should I say, Miss Chanandler Bong?
For all his insecurities, there’s a warmth to Chandler that makes him a lot less annoying than Ross. He’s no Joey, but he’s likable enough and easily the funniest friend. Chandler’s sarcasm and irony can wear on the show a bit, but he’s always been softened with human touches. Particularly, his inability to breakup with Janice stands out, and the fact that he’s the friend who has the most mundane, grown up job that no one can really explain. The real turning for point Chandler though, comes when he and Monica become a couple. It’s an odd pairing that shouldn’t really work, but it totally does?
3. Rachel
Of all the friends, Rachel is the one that’s experienced the most character growth throughout the show’s entire run. Plus, especially early in her life, she makes career success — over her romantic relationship — one of her primary goals. She starts off as a spoiled young adult, desperate to try to find some sense of independence, and makes an actual go of her life. Rachel has a lot of great character moments, from career success to personal failure, but peak among them is getting up and singing Copacabana at Barry and Mindy’s wedding, going on Ross’ honeymoon by herself and writing a letter (18 pages, front and back) that her ex absolutely did not read. So relatable.
2. Phoebe
Honestly, if there is one friend that should have ended up with Paul Rudd, it’s Phoebe. Over the course of 20 or so years, it’s wonderful to see how well her charming, screwball personality has aged. Played for laughs for so much of the show, it’s incredible that she’s managed to keep such a sunny disposition after all the garbage life has thrown at her. In the 90s, her trippy, dippy references to crystals and auras and meditation all felt too new agey, but it turns out she was basically just a a harbinger of Gwyneth Paltrow and Goop.
1. Joey
There is no question that Joey is the best friend. Despite being a serial womanizer, he is mostly good-hearted, takes responsibility for his actions and is not constantly obsessed with his own inferiority… and he’s the only friend that knows how to flirt. Bless the man that gave us, how you doing? There are too many good moments that make Joey a perfect friend, but let’s just focus on one. The one with the trifle. Rachel spends all day making and botching the perfect Thanksgiving dessert — half English trifle and half shepherd’s pie — and while Ross says it tastes like feet, Joey, bless his heart, digs right in. Plus, Rachel had to put Little Women in the fridge for him. That’s never going to get topped.
