The Best Characters On 'Friends', Ranked
From our Central Perk regulars to lovable guest stars, we're ranking Friends characters from best to worst. The iconic sitcom not only became a global sensation but also left an indelible mark on pop culture for generations to come. With its perfect blend of humor, relatable storylines, and unforgettable catchphrases - "We were on a break!", "How you doin'?", "Pivot!" - it's no wonder that Friends continues to hold a special place in our hearts even after all these years.
The magic of Friends extends beyond its leading ensemble cast – Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe. The show's charm is enriched by the presence of endearing supporting characters like Central Perk's manager Gunther with his unrequited love for Rachel or Chandler's ex-girlfriend Janice with her iconic laugh. Moreover, memorable cameos from celebrities such as Brad Pitt or guest appearances from stars like Paul Rudd further contributed to the show's lasting appeal. Each character delivered their own unique quirks and unforgettable moments that have stood the test of time.
It's time to revisit those hilarious moments and heartwarming connections while casting your vote for who you think is truly deserving of being called "the best." As Rachel would say: "It's like Sophie's Choice!" - but we know true Friends fanatics are up for the challenge. Happy voting!
Portrayed by Matthew Perry, Chandler Bing is known for his sarcastic wit and self-deprecating humor, which serve as his defense mechanisms throughout the series. His unique sense of humor makes him stand out from the rest of the gang, while also providing memorable moments, like when he says to Rachel, “I'm not great at the advice. Can I interest you in a sarcastic comment?” Some of Chandler's significant storylines include his on-again-off-again relationship with Janice Hosenstein (played by Maggie Wheeler) and his eventual marriage to Monica Geller (Courteney Cox). One of Chandler's most famous running jokes involves his inability to cry ("The One Where Chandler Can't Cry"), which eventually leads to emotional growth in later seasons.
Played by Matt LeBlanc, Joey Tribbiani is the lovable, dim-witted aspiring actor who became iconic for his catchphrase "How you doin'?" and memorable dopey lines, such as when he suggests "It's like a cow's opinion; it doesn't matter. It's moo." A defining moment for Joey involves him being cast as Dr. Drake Ramoray in the soap opera Days of Our Lives (Episode: "The One With Russ"). However, this leads to some hilarious turns when Joey is later killed off in the show due to an interview gone wrong. Joey's relationships with women often provide comic relief, including his infamous "Ichiban lipstick for men" ad campaign in Japan after accidentally falling for Ross's girlfriend Charlie (Aisha Tyler).
Brought to life by Lisa Kudrow, Phoebe Buffay is a quirky and eccentric character who marches to the beat of her own drum. She provides many highlights throughout Friends' run with her guitar-playing and singing at Central Perk Café – her song "Smelly Cat" becoming a cultural phenomenon. Phoebe discovers her true parentage in "The One With Phoebe’s Dad," experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions. One of her most significant storylines involves her relationship with Mike Hannigan (Paul Rudd), whom she marries in "The One With Phoebe’s Wedding."
Ross Geller, played by David Schwimmer, is the romantically-challenged paleontologist who often finds himself navigating through complicated relationships. His three failed marriages – Carol Willick (Jane Sibbett), Emily Waltham (Helen Baxendale), and Rachel Green – are consistent sources of humor throughout the show. However, Ross is best known for his undying love for Rachel that spans multiple seasons, culminating in their reconciliation during Friends' finale episode.
Played by Jennifer Aniston, Rachel Green began Friends as a runaway bride and evolved into a successful fashion executive. Her on-off again romantic relationship with Ross Geller (David Schwimmer) serves as a unifying theme throughout the series, culminating in the series finale when Ross chases after her before she boards a plane to Paris. A memorable moment includes Rachel's infamous trifle mishap during Thanksgiving ("The One Where Ross Got High") and her iconic hairstyle known as "The Rachel" that became a trendsetter in the '90s.
Courteney Cox's portrayal of Monica Geller made her the group's mother hen, always hosting gatherings in her apartment and maintaining an obsessive level of cleanliness. Monica is also known for being highly competitive, particularly during the annual Thanksgiving football game ("The One With The Football") and when playing Pictionary ("The One With All The Jealousy"). She dates fellow Friends character Dr. Richard Burke (Tom Selleck) in earlier seasons before eventually marrying Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry) in "The One With Monica And Chandler’s Wedding."
