In celebration of the beloved characters Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Phoebe, and Joey, we asked Guardian readers to share their favorite moments from “Friends.” Prepare to be touched by laughter!
**David Schwimmer’s Comedy Gold**
Sarah Birkett, 48, from Leeds, pointed out a standout moment showcasing David Schwimmer’s remarkable physical comedy. “My favorite scene is when Ross and Elizabeth visit her dad’s country house, only to discover he’s off with Rachel. Ross’s frantic attempts to hide are priceless, especially when he literally melts to the floor and slides under the bed just as Elizabeth’s dad walks in. Nobody can pull that off like Schwimmer.”
**A Proposal to Remember**
Fiona, 53, from Auckland, New Zealand, fondly recalled Monica and Chandler’s engagement. “Even though the buildup was predictable, their double proposal struck a genuine emotional chord—such a messy, heartfelt way to pop the question. I particularly love that they both got down on one knee.”
**Ross and His Leather Pants**
Vilija, 48, from Brussels, couldn’t shake off the laugh-out-loud scene where Ross battles with his leather pants. “His sheer desperation and the outrageous tricks he resorts to had me in tears. Every time I think about buying leather pants, I can’t help but remember Ross and talk myself out of it.”
**Jennifer Aniston’s Laughter Moment**
An anonymous fan from Spain reminisced about a hilarious moment in “The One With Joey’s New Brain,” when Ross pipes up at Monica and Chandler’s wedding, causing Jennifer Aniston to lose it. “You can see her trying to hold back laughter when Phoebe screeches—it’s just pure joy.”
**Phoebe’s Dream Wedding**
Holly Harris, 29, from London, shared her affection for the wedding episode “The One With Phoebe’s Wedding.” “The moment Phoebe walks down the aisle to Marjorie on steel drums playing ‘Here, There and Everywhere’ is like a fairy tale, and I never get tired of watching it. It brings me to tears every time.”
**Joey’s Creative SOS**
Jane Duffus, 46, from Bristol, reflected on one of her favorite scenes from season three where Joey spells out “pleh” in twigs while stuck on a ski trip. “I’ve watched ‘Friends’ at least 20 times, and it’s like coming home. That moment always makes me laugh.”
**Chandler’s Classic Excuse**
Roger Marsh, 75, from France, shared a memorable scene with Chandler and Ross during Rachel’s date with Mark. “When Ross desperately exclaims, ‘People need juice!’ it’s such an iconic line—it had me in stitches.”
**The Wedding Mishap**
Keren Metz from Las Vegas, Nevada, recounted her shock during the wedding episode when Ross accidentally calls out Rachel’s name instead of Emily’s. “I remember being completely taken aback when that aired live—it was unforgettable.”
**Phoebe’s Witty Comeback**
Amanda Amory from London loves an iconic line from the very first episode. “Phoebe’s response, ‘Oh, I wish I could but I don’t want to,’ is hilarious, and I even have a meme of it saved on my phone!”
**Joey’s “Moo” Insight**
Megan, 39, from Australia, enjoys Joey’s humorous take on the word “moot.” “His line, ‘It’s like a cow’s opinion, it doesn’t matter. It’s moo,’ always cracks me up, especially in my job as a litigator.”
**Rachel’s Surprise at the Airport**
Lastly, Fiona, 53, from Swansea, cherishes the moment when Rachel surprises Ross with, “I got off the plane.” “It beautifully completes their will-they-won’t-they storyline. It also reminds me of my late sister, who was the biggest ‘Friends’ fan—she will always be fondly remembered.”
