I watch Friends everyday and these are the best and worst characters
Two decades after its final episode, Friends continues to be a timeless classic.
I've watched the sitcom so many times that I'm confident I could recite numerous scenes verbatim. Regrettably, I wasn't able to watch the series during its original run – being just a toddler at the time – but viewing it retrospectively still provides plenty of enjoyment.
Given that I revisit the show daily, I reckon I'm equipped to definitively rank the best and worst characters among the central six.
However, before I delve into it, it's crucial to clarify that this list isn't based on who is the nicest friend or the one I identify with most. Rather, I'm ranking them based on entertainment value and those I could easily do without.
So, here are all the Friends characters, ranked, reports the Daily Star.
6. Rachel Green
Rachel Green remains one of Jennifer Aniston's best roles to date, but I can't stand this character. Much of her behaviour in the first two seasons of the show is selfish and out of touch. And justifiably so, she has just run away from a life of privilege to one of slightly less privilege.
However, it was Rachel's hostility towards Ross' girlfriend Julie that made me her biggest hater. At this point in the sitcom, she had just discovered that Ross has been harbouring a crush for her. But she couldn't confront him because he was on a work trip to China.
Unsure of her feelings, she decides to meet him at the airport when he returns, and is stunned to see Julie on his arm.
From there begins Rachel's cruel and completely unjustified treatment of the innocent woman. I completely understand the pain of having a crush on someone you can't have, but there's never an excuse to mistreat strangers. The season 1 finale made me anti-Rachel and I stand firm in my opinion.
5. Monica Geller
If Monica Geller disappeared from Friends would you notice? Of course, but would you care? I know I wouldn't bat an eyelid.
Courtney Cox's impeccable comedic timing was wasted on this 'Type A' character whose plotlines always failed to captivate me. Like the rest of the ensemble, she served a purpose in the group's dynamic. But the marriage-obsessed clean freak persona didn't quite strike a chord with me.
That being said, she undoubtedly had the best romance in the entire 10-season show, although I can't tell if that's only because she was paired up with one of my favourite characters.
4. Phoebe Buffay
In fourth place comes the people's princess, Phoebe Buffay. I would argue that she is the most considerate friend of this bunch, despite having had the harshest upbringing. Lisa Kudrow expertly delivers every single one of Phoebe's bizarre lines, which never fail to make me cackle. What's more, she might just have the greatest discography in sitcom history.
3. Joey Tribbiani
As the 'himbo' of the group, Joey provides a warmth that makes Friends my comfort show.
While his storyline as a struggling actor who can barely survive on his own seems unimportant, it balances Ross's grown-up persona and brings out Chandler's soft side.
I can't say I'm fond of his womanizer ways, but even those subplots keep me hooked. I may have been won over by Matt LeBlanc's charm, but Joey is a firm-favourite of mine.
2. Ross Geller
Landing in second place is Ross Geller, otherwise known as the most underrated character in the whole series. Ross is often branded as a terrible friend and partner (ahem, they were on a break), but he is arguably one of the most entertaining sitcom characters ever.
From his iconic 'pivot' scene to his dodgy tan and horrendous leather trousers, Ross consistently has hilarious storylines.
And when he becomes a parent, the palaeontologist somehow gets even funnier. I mean, singing Baby Got Back to soothe your new-born is just comedy gold. But for all of David Schwimmer's efforts, it is ultimately the late Matthew Perry who takes the crown.
1. Chandler Bing
The late actor, who tragically died in 2023, struck gold with the role of Chandler Bing. His biting sarcasm always lands for me, and I would assume it's the same for most British viewers.
As if his iconic one-liners aren't enough, Chandler is also painfully relatable. From having a dysfunctional upbringing to having strange (but hilarious) exes, he is the king of Friends.
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