The classic sitcom Friends is one of the most iconic and beloved TV shows of all time. Whether you’re How You Doin’ or going through a Break-Up like Ross, there’s a Friends quote for every situation. Here, we’ll take a look at some of the most memorable and laugh-out-loud lines from the show, making you reminisce about the ups and downs of being a twenty-something living in Manhattan.
Friends: The Greatest Sitcom Of All Time
Friends is a show about life, love, relationships, and friendship. It has been credited with launching the careers of its 6 main actors—Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Monica Lewinsky, Matthew Perry, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer—and celebrating the comedic genius of creators Marta Kauffman and David Crane. It first aired in 1994 and ran 10 successful seasons until 2004. Friends follows the lives of Rachel, Chandler, Joey, Monica, Ross and Phoebe—six friends in their 20s and 30s living in NYC.
Thanks to its clever writing, captivating storylines, and laughs a-plenty, Friends remains a cornerstone of popular culture to this day, with quotes and moments that are recognisable around the world. Whether you’re looking for a good one-liner to make your friends double-over with laughter, or need an inspirational quote to help you in times of trouble, Friends has your back. Let’s take a look at some of the Classic Friends Quotes That Everyone Knows and Loves.
The Best Lines From Friends
1. “We were on a break!” – Ross
Everybody knows this one. When Ross and Rachel split up, Ross beds someone else, only to find out later that Rachel had also seemingly moved on. As Ross insists that technically they’d been broken up at the time, Rachel more bluntly refuses with this iconic line.
- “How you doin’?” – Joey
It’s hard to think of a more Joey quote than this one. Perfectly timed catchphrase and punctuated with the trademark smile and head bob, this line became an instant hit even though Joey was struggling to land an acting role.
- “Pivot!” – Ross
This one is always a crowd pleaser. Out of work, Ross has to move into a smaller apartment but can’t fit his sofa up the stairs. After desperately trying to make it up, Ross eventually releases this solemn command – a reminder to be creative and think outside the box.
- “Unagi!” – Ross
Everyone’s favourite paleontologist Ross has some pretty strange hobbies. His expertise in martial arts and obsession with the Japanese concept of Unagi – the state of total awareness – was always an obsession of his.
- “It’s a moo point” – Joey
When queried on whether it’s okay to date your best friend’s ex, Joey got philosophical and answered: “It’s like a cow’s opinion, it just doesn’t matter. It’s moo.” Nobody was quite sure what he was talking about, but his phrase has become ingrained into popular culture and can be overheard in many conversations.
- “Smelly Cat, Smelly Cat, What Are They Feeding You?” – Phoebe
Phoebe had to overcome some tough times growing up, and her love and compassion for animals was really highlighted through her popular pet cat, Smelly Cat. She often sang an ode to her beloved cat’s questionable diet, serenading her with these now iconic words.
- “We were on a break-a-roo” – Joey
In response to Ross’ famous defence, Joey stepped in and provided us with one of the funniest lines from Friends. As Rachel retaliates with her list of Ross’ oddities, Joey steps up and tries to defend his tomboy friend, only to scrunge out this gem by the end.
- “He’s her Lobster” – Phoebe
The phrase Lobster was used to refer to a long-term couple. Even though it was misinterpreted and continuously ridiculed by Rachel throughout the show, it has become an iconic moment and metaphor for lasting love and relationships.
- “We were on a break-a-reroo” – Rachel
This line has been cited as one of the funniest by the entire cast. Rachel stumbled upon the word when trying to figure out what to say to passersby who kept asking her about Ross. She quickly released her frustration and jumbled up some words to form a new expression, much to the amusement of everyone.
- “It’s a moo point!” – Monica
Monica, being the practical friend, decided to try and simplify her colleague’s explanation. After some confusion with the moo point theory, the Friends regulars and the audience alike burst out laughing at Monica’s gesture. This simply yet hilarious line has become an iconic quote from the show.
From Break Ups to Unagi: Life Lessons from Friends
As well as producing some of the most memorable lines of television, Friends was also filled with some incredibly wise and inspiring quotes that have remained with us to this day. Here are some of the life lessons we learnt from the denizens of Central Perk.
- A True Friend is There for You at All Times
The friends in the show had a sort of unspoken rule to always be there for each other. No matter the situation, a true friend will always be willing to listen to your problems and offer advice, no matter how wild the story is. There’s a reason why Ross and Rachel’s relationship was rooted in friendship, and Monica and Chandler shared the same values and beliefs. Friendship is a strong bond, and it’s important to always have someone you can rely on.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Follow Your Dreams
The show was about reviving hopes and taking risks. We learnt that it is ok to make mistakes as long as you keep trying. Phoebe was the perfect example of this, as she was vocal about her dreams and wasn’t afraid to fail. Her risk-taking attitude opened new doors in her life and encouraged others to do the same. With Friends, it is a reminder that the challenge is what brings out the best in us and leads us to a brighter future.
- Love Comes From The Most Unexpected Places
The show is a reminder that romance isn’t always straightforward, and people can come into your life in the most unexpected of ways. Monica surprised everybody with her relationship with Chandler, even though it seemed unlikely at first. We also learnt that love can bring out the best in people, and can be a powerful force even if it isn’t smooth sailing.
- Overcoming Challenges
The characters in Friends proved to be quite resilient in the face of challenges. Joe proved to be a survivor when it came to his career and romance, and his optimism was a shining example to the audience. Even when the odds seemed stacked against him, he believed that he could make it happen. From Rachel’s famous break up with Ross to Phoebe’s rollercoaster of life, the characters were a reminder that if we try hard enough, even the most impossible of situations can be conquered.
Whether it’s Ross and Rachel’s eternal will-they-won’t-they, or Joey’s unrivalled enthusiasm and comedic timing, Friends has left a lasting impression on popular culture. Its witty dialogue, life lessons, and heartfelt moments are a lesson that friendship, and life itself, can be a truly beautiful thing.
