Friends: Ross vs Chandler vs Joey

Ross vs. Chandler vs. Joey

Welcome to MsMojo, and today, the men from “Friends” are facing off as we narrow down which one is the best overall character. We’ll be comparing their personalities, seeing how they interact with the other friends, and looking at their progression through the show to determine which one reigns supreme. We’ll be doling out points to each character for the round, with 5 points going to the winner, 3 points going to the runner-up, and 1 point going to last place.

Round 1: Humor

All three of these characters have had some seriously funny moments, many leaving us literally in tears. But which of them made us laugh the hardest? Joey’s humor is derived from his dimwittedness and his attempts to get girls. While these moments are funny, they aren’t as timeless as some of the other bits on the show. Ross, on the other hand, has had some one-liners that have lived on in infamy. His self-deprecating and hysterical demeanor is undoubtedly hilarious. Of course, he’s certainly made his fair share of cringeworthy jokes, and some of his funnier moments are a bit awkward in retrospect.

Could the funniest male character on the show be anyone other than the one and only Chanandler Bong? Oops, we mean Chandler Bing. Chandler embraces his quirks and shortcomings, makes fun of his friends, and is the most clever of the bunch. Who could forget him fighting with Joey over the chair, taking bubble baths, or getting handcuffed to the filing cabinet in Rachel’s boss’ office? His physical comedy is matched only by his charm and quick wit. We still love quoting him today, over three decades after the show premiered.

Chandler – 5 points

Ross – 3 points

Joey – 1 point

Round 2: Friends

We know it’s the name of the show, but let’s be honest, some of the friends are better friends than others. Ross has a complicated dynamic with everyone in the group, as he’s either romantically involved, related, or has a history with all of them. Between kissing Charlie when she was dating Joey and annoying Joey and Chandler by moving in with them, he’s a bit self-involved when it comes to his friends. Chandler proved to be a good friend, as we saw with his close bond with Joey. However, he’s not tight with Rachel or Phoebe in a meaningful way, so we don’t think he’s the best when it comes to friendships on this show.

Joey and Chandler’s friendship is enviable. Even though Chandler was the more giving of the two, Joey had his moments of kindness and selflessness. He was considerate of Ross when he and Rachel got together, he helped Phoebe have the perfect kiss, and he aided Monica and Chandler in hiding their relationship from the rest of the group. We love his dynamic with Rachel, too. Even though they weren’t meant for each other romantically, they brought out the best in each other as friends. He’s truly there for all of his pals and was close with every single one of them in a unique and sincere way. So, we have to honor him as the ultimate friend.

Chandler – 8 points

Ross – 4 points

Joey – 6 points

Round 3: Relationships

As much as this show is about friends, it’s just as much about romantic relationships. This series expertly intertwines the two. Ross and Rachel’s will-they-or-won’t-they arc takes over Ross’ love life for the majority of “Friends,” and he deals with it poorly. In fact, he handles all of his relationships poorly. He cheats on Julie, neglects Mona, and says Rachel’s name at the altar with Emily before almost going on their honeymoon with her. Naturally, we have to mention the three divorces. We’d give him negative points for this round if we could.

Joey might not be the monogamous type, but he treats the women he dates well. Seeing him fall for Rachel near the end of the show is endearing and leaves us hopeful that he’ll settle down and fall in love for real one day. Chandler struggles with his romantic endeavours in the early days, especially with Janice, but we know that when he falls, he falls hard. He and Kathy’s relationship is fun to watch as we get to see him grow up into a mature boyfriend-type before he settles down with Monica. Their marriage is as perfect as one can be. We’re so happy he overcame his fear of commitment to start a life with her.

Chandler – 13 points

Joey – 9 points

Ross – 4 points

Round 4: Iconic Moments

Even though this show has been off the air since the early aughts, there are so many moments that fans of the show will never forget. Whether it be one-liners, plot twists, or funny scenes, each of the characters has brought a lot to the table in terms of memorable moments. Joey’s “how you doin’?” or “Joey doesn’t share food” are still quoted today. Chandler’s relationship with Monica in London and proposal to her are emblematic of the show. Yet, when we think of the most comedic and iconic scenes or moments, it’s Dr. Ross Geller who springs to mind.

Ross’ most well-known moments are an even mixture of humorous, tragic, and emotional. He and Rachel have shared so many plot points together, like, “we were on a break,” and, “I got off the plane.” Saying the wrong name at the altar and claiming that he’s fine while sucking back margaritas are a few more that come to mind. But really, it’s his funny times that we remember fondly. Remember when he couldn’t get his leather pants back on and he created a paste in an attempt to get them to fit again? And, who could forget the “pivot” scene?

Chandler – 14 points

Joey – 12 points

Ross – 9 points

Round 5: Character Growth

All of the characters on the show evolve throughout the ten seasons. The women settle into their lives as mothers, career women, or wives. The men similarly find themselves as true adults by the show’s end. We see Ross go from a heartbroken, newly-divorced man who’s pining over Rachel to… a three-time divorced man who’s pining over Rachel. He grows in his career as he becomes a professor, but besides that, there isn’t much progress for him. Joey kicks off the show as a ladies' man who can barely make ends meet. By the final episode, he finds success as Dr. Drake Ramoray. But, he’s just as dim as he was in the pilot… even more, actually!

Chandler goes through the most change among the gentlemen of “Friends.” He always stays true to himself, with his sarcastic, self-deprecating humor. However, he goes from a lonely, lost guy who doesn’t know how to hold down a relationship and begrudgingly holds down a job he hates to the total opposite of all of that. By the series finale, he’s a committed husband to Monica and a loving father to twins Jack and Erica. He also becomes a copywriter, where he finally works in a career that suits his personality, lifestyle, and values. We love watching his character arc. His upward change throughout the show is inarguably superior to that of Joey and Ross.

Chandler – 19 points

Joey – 15 points

Ross – 10 points

Chandler takes the win with 19 points, Joey’s a close second with 15 points, and trailing in third place with 10 points is Ross.

Which of these sitcom gents is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!