Top 10 Most Wholesome Friends Moments

After unknowingly accepting a post in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Chandler is forced to work there on Christmas, leaving his friends and Monica behind. It’s extra sad, as he feels left out when all his friends have jobs they love, yet he’s stuck in one he doesn’t, halfway across the country. Plus, the fact that Chandler’s working alone with his attractive coworker Wendy, and that she makes a pass at him, leads to some friction between him and Monica. But, when the gang are missing him most, Chandler arrives, revealing he quit his job to pursue something he has more passion for - and to be with the person he loves most. Definitely not Joey, wink!

Celebrating Thanksgiving together is a longstanding tradition for this group of friends - but it didn’t start out that way. The first “friendsgiving” came about owing to a change of circumstances and plans that fell through. Thanksgiving at Monica’s apartment started off well enough – with three kinds of mashed potatoes! – but quickly took a turn for the worse when the gang found themselves locked out and their dinner ruined. However, they all come together in the end to find the true meaning of Thanksgiving – thanks to their naked neighbor, and a heartwarming speech from Chandler. The holiday’s more than just the food - it’s about who you spend it with.

During his time on “Days of Our Lives,” Joey lives on his own and Chandler has a new, unhinged roommate named Eddie. Eddie’s bizarre and threatening behavior has Chandler at his wits’ end. But, Chandler being Chandler, he comes up with something brilliant to shoo him out of the apartment. When Eddie tries to get in, Chandler has changed the locks and pretends his last roommate never left – revealing Joey. After a very confused Eddie leaves, Joey and Chandler celebrate, with some hugs and foosball. The way they jump up and down together makes it clear that they’re besties and always will be.

Yeah, you all knew this one was coming! It’s a trip down memory lane as the gang watches a home video taken by Monica and Ross’s parents on Monica’s prom night. Along with everyone commenting on Ross, Monica, and Rachel’s ‘80s looks, the video reveals a surprise when Rachel’s date, Chip, is late. Ross’s parents urge him to take Rachel instead, which he prepares to do. Sadly, by the time he’s ready, Chip has shown up and the girls leave, never having realized Ross’s preparations. Our hearts are in shambles for young Ross, who looks utterly heartbroken. But, it all works out as present-day Rachel is moved by Ross’s gesture and forgives him for the whole “list” fiasco. They’re lobsters, indeed!

While waiting for the birth of Ross’s first child, Joey meets Lydia, a single pregnant woman. The two of them bond, despite Lydia’s dislike of the Knicks basketball team. When she goes into labor, Joey assists her to the delivery room. Not only that, but Joey also helps coach Lydia through the labor. When he returns to the room with balloons, Joey finds the father has shown up after all, and leaves a balloon, letting the new parents be. We always knew he had a big heart, but this moment is a prime example of how Joey can’t help but be there for others when they need it. We still think he and Lydia could’ve been cute together though.

When Ross’s ex-wife, Carol, is getting married to her partner, Susan, Ross isn’t exactly supportive at first. However, when Carol arrives to tell them that her parents are refusing to come and she’s thinking about calling it all off, Ross has a change of heart. He encourages Carol to go through with it, as he couldn’t imagine letting anyone else’s opinions sway him back when the two of them were getting married. Furthermore, when the time comes, Ross takes the place of Carol’s parents and walks her down the aisle. Ross may not handle his divorce with Carol with the most grace, but his love and care for her shines through in this moment. Plus, she just looks so happy!

There are plenty of wholesome moments involving babies on “Friends” to choose from. While Monica gifting Rachel the name “Emma” is also very sweet, our pick goes to this sudden announcement. This Thanksgiving episode sees most of the gang arrive late to dinner, prompting Chandler and Monica to lock them out. While trying to apologize, Joey gets his head stuck in the door. Chandler leads the others in forcing Joey through, only for him to land on the food and ruin it. But, despite expecting Monica to be furious, for once, she doesn’t care about the mess… because she’s just gotten off the phone with the adoption agency and they’re getting a baby! Any and all previous qualms are quickly forgotten, to say the least.

Phoebe’s wedding plans may get derailed by a blizzard, but we’d argue that they result in a wedding as spontaneous and offbeat as she is. After some quick planning from Monica, a wedding in the snow is arranged and everyone gets to be part of the party, with Chandler giving Phoebe away and Joey marrying her and Mike. Phoebe and Mike’s vows are moving and absolutely perfect for the both of them. Their romance and their friends’ sweet gestures here make our hearts swell every time we see this union.

Phoebe is always there for her friends and, every so often, they let her know just how much they appreciate her. How wholesome was it when Ross got her a bike? Add in Christmastime to that moment, and that’s basically what this one is. Phoebe is initially against the concept of Christmas trees, but after her friends convince her that celebrating the holiday is the trees’s “destiny,” she comes around. Sort of. Witnessing a tree put through a woodchipper at Joey’s seasonal job only seems to revert Phoebe to her old beliefs. But, in one heartwarming gesture, Joey and the others save the old trees. Turns out, they had a destiny other than being Christmas trees - they brought these friends even closer together!

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

The Girls in Wedding Dresses, “The One with All the Wedding Dresses”
Who Hasn’t Wanted to Do This?

Joey Lets Chandler Out of the Box, “The One with Chandler in a Box”
Joey’s Forgiveness & Love for Chandler Is So Sweet

Joey’s Grandma Watches Him on TV, “The One Where Ross Can’t Flirt”
Joey’s Watching Party for His Nonnie Is Adorable

Thanksgiving Confessions, “The One Where Ross Got High”
As Hilarious As They All Are, It’s Wonderful to See Monica’s Parents Embrace Chandler

Joey Gives Phoebe a Kiss, “The One Where They All Turn Thirty”
Whether This Is Romantic or an Expression of Friendship, It’s Perfect

Chandler wants his proposal to Monica to be a surprise. Unfortunately, he goes about surprising her by trying to throw her off the scent - which works a little too well. When Chandler decides it’s time to stop beating around the bush, he’s told it’s too late and Monica’s already gone to stay with her parents. Except, surprise - the apartment is full of candles, and Monica is there waiting for him. She tries to propose herself, but can’t make it through the tears. Chandler struggles with it too, but he eventually gets there and says all the right things. It’s a perfect “Friends” moment, and one of the most wholesome scenes in all of TV, never mind just the show!