Top Ten Episodes of 'FRIENDS'

Friends is one of the most iconic TV shows of all time. Even people who haven't really watched it understand the most famous references, and those who love it would happily watch it on repeat for the rest of their lives. With 236 episodes ready to binge-watch on Netflix, and with so many of these being completely excellent, I have decided to provide you with the best episode of each season. Watch out for spoilers ahead (but really, if you still haven't watched Friends yet, you deserve everything you get).

Season 1: 'The One With the Ick Factor'

This was a tough decision. For a first season that aired in 1994, Season 1 of Friends has several incredibly funny episodes. I chose "The One With the Ick Factor" because this is the episode where the show demonstrates its humour. It's where we all realise that the characters are like us in that they make mistakes, and it's hilarious. In this episode, Monica reveals she is dating a younger man. Unfortunately, she doesn't realise just how young he is, and this leads to several hilarious moments. You really get to know the characters in this episode, and Monica's mistake helps you to identify the relationship that the characters have with each other.

Season 2: 'The One with the Prom Video'

Again, there are many great episodes in Season 2, with Ross attempting to be a father and in a new relationship, as well as the beginning of Rachel and Ross as a couple. However, "The One with the Prom Video" is the first episode where we get an insight into the lives of the characters before the show started. I love these flashback episodes because it adds layers to the characters. In this episode, the gang watch Rachel and Monica get ready for prom as a young Ross watches on. It makes you realise how long Ross has been waiting for Rachel to notice him, and it's what makes Rachel give Ross a chance.

Season 3: 'The One the Morning After'

Season 3 is where Friends really got going. Ross and Rachel's relationship becomes rocky, Monica dates Pete, and Joey falls for Kate—the girl he's in a play with. "The One the Morning After" is the episode where Ross tries to cover up the fact that he slept with another woman when he and Rachel were "on a break." When Rachel and Ross have their showdown, it's one of the first times the show doesn't try to be funny, but tries to make you feel for the characters. You are watching two people you love split up and you can't help but pick a side. Was Ross justified because they were on a break? Or was it an awful thing to do considering he still loved Rachel and wanted to be with her?

Season 4: 'The One With Ross's Wedding—Part 2'

Season 4 is an extremely busy season; Phoebe is pregnant with her brother's triplets, and Ross meets and becomes engaged to the dreaded Emily. No one likes Emily because of her future treatment of Rachel, so when Ross says Rachel's name at the altar, it's a great comedy moment, and it's a great way to end a season. This episode also sees the beginning of Monica and Chandler's iconic relationship, so bonus points for that.

Season 5: 'The One Where Everybody Finds Out'

Monica and Chandler's relationship has been going from strength to strength, but they don't want to tell anyone in case the reason it's going so well is because nobody knows. As the title suggests, everybody finds out in this episode, and it's hilarious. One of the funniest scenes in Friends EVER is where Phoebe and Chandler attempt to seduce each other in an attempt to goad each other into confessing. This episode also establishes that Monica and Chandler really do love each other, and it's not just a fling.

Season 6: 'The One With the Proposal—Part 2'

This list is becoming Monica and Chandler heavy, but hear me out. This is the episode where they get engaged, and I dare you not to cry every time you watch it. From Chandler confronting Richard by telling him that he's missed out on being with Monica, to Monica believing Chandler doesn't want to ever get married, this episode is extremely emotional. Throughout the show, we're told how much Monica wants to get married, and how afraid Chandler is of commitment, that it's a proud moment when they both find the person they want to be with for the rest of their life.

Season 7: 'The One Where They All Turn Thirty'

This episode starts with an unhappy Rachel turning thirty. We are then treated to a montage of the rest of the cast on their birthday. From Joey crying, to Phoebe losing a year of her life, to drunk Monica, the show offers several hilarious storylines all in one episode.

Season 8: 'The One with the Rumour'

This episode guest stars Brad Pitt as Will—someone Monica, Rachel, and Ross went to school with. A normal show would bring in the husband of a cast member and make him a potential love interest for her character, but Friends made it funnier by having Brad's character over-the-top hate Rachel's guts. This genius idea makes it a great episode deserving of all accolades.

Season 9: 'The One with the Sharks'

It's easy to worry that a show will start taking itself too seriously when it's as popular as Friends was by Season 9. This episode has Monica believing Chandler likes to watch shark porn, and has Ross tell Phoebe's boyfriend, Mike, that Phoebe used to date a glue-sniffer named Vikram. Also, who doesn't love Paul Rudd in Friends?

Season 10: 'The One Where Ross Is Fine'

Ross finds out that Rachel and Joey are an item and has a mental breakdown that has inspired gifs and memes everywhere: "I'm fine!" in a manic voice that clearly indicates that you are not fine. Ross invites the new couple over for dinner with his new girlfriend, Charlie (who previously dated Joey), and Ross gets drunk to avoid the awkward situation. The episode ends with Joey telling Ross that he'll stop seeing Rachel, and Ross accepts that he hasn't been with Rachel in around six years and that he wants the pair to be happy. It's always nice seeing how much they all care about each other.

With so many great episodes, you probably disagree, but I challenge you to try and pick your favourites! It's not as easy as it looks.