With New Year’s Eve just around the corner, we all somehow feel drawn to wholesome films and shows. And no matter what anyone says, nothing feels more holiday-like than a good old 90s movie or sitcom. So today, ahead of welcoming 2026 with open arms, let’s take a look at one such evergreen show, FRIENDS.
After all, New Year’s Eve in FRIENDS was never about fancy parties or dramatic countdown kisses. This is what makes it relatable, because it was always about comfort, second chances, and the kind of warmth that comes from being surrounded by your loved ones. However, over 10 seasons, the show provided us with only a few New Year–themed episodes.
But even those handful of episodes feel hilarious with awkward resolutions, unexpected romances, and the gang doing something completely ridiculous together. So, here’s a ranking of every New Year’s episode in FRIENDS, based purely on how warm, comforting, and wholesome they feel.
The table contains basic details on FRIENDS:
TV ShowFRIENDSCreatorDavid Crane and Marta KauffmanCastLisa Kudrow, Matt Leblanc, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer, Jennifer Aniston, and Matthew PerryRotten Tomatoes Score78%Number of Seasons10NetworkNBC
3. The One With the Routine (S6 E10)
Well, although this episode is famous for Monica and Ross’s painfully iconic dance, underneath the laughs, it’s a surprisingly sweet New Year’s story. At its heart, the episode is about wanting to be seen, loved, and included. It all begins with Joey’s storyline with Janine, which seems simple and relatable.
He doesn’t plan a grand speech or dramatic gesture. He just wants one kiss at midnight to know if she feels the same way. That quiet hope makes their final kiss at home feel warm and earned, especially when it happens away from the fake TV countdown and bright lights. On the other hand, Chandler’s moment with Rachel and Phoebe is another reason this episode feels wholesome.
He stops them from snooping through Monica’s gifts, not because he’s angry, but because he truly cares about the joy of giving. For Chandler, that’s real growth. He wants to see Monica happy, not just laugh at the situation. And then, even when Monica catches them, the moment turns into a joke rather than a fight.
It reminds us how safe and loving their relationship has become. And then finally, the main spotlight shines upon Monica and Ross, who desperately want to be on TV. Their dance is ridiculous, outdated, and clearly embarrassing, yet the brother-sister duo fully commits to it together.
Yes, they’re tricked into becoming blooper material, but there’s something pure about siblings sharing an old inside joke and not caring how silly they look. In the end, this New Year’s episode captures the FRIENDS spirit perfectly. It’s goofy, messy, and full of heart, with a theme that focuses on connection, laughter, and feeling loved just as you are.
2. The One With the Monkey (S1 E10)
This one is one of the early FRIENDS episodes, which feels extra emotional because it shows how lonely New Year’s can be, even when you’re surrounded by people. The group of six starts with a fun idea of having a no-date New Year’s Eve, and just focusing on friends to keep things simple.
But of course, we all knew things wouldn’t go as planned. So naturally, one by one, that promise falls apart, just like real-life resolutions often do. And so, what makes this episode wholesome is not the romance, but the honesty. It shows how deep down, everyone wants connection, even when they pretend they don’t.
Phoebe and David’s story is the heart of the episode. Their bond feels gentle, awkward, and sincere, and so when David gets the chance to go to Minsk, Phoebe doesn’t hold him back. Even though it breaks her heart, she encourages him to follow his dream. That moment shows Phoebe’s selflessness and emotional strength, especially so early in the series.
It’s one of the quietest but most touching goodbyes in FRIENDS. Meanwhile, the New Year’s party at Monica’s apartment turns into a disaster for almost everyone. The date that Joey called comes with her kids, Chandler ends up dumping Janice, Rachel gets beaten up by a woman while Paolo misses his flight, and Fun Bobby ends up sulking.
Basically, all plans fall apart, and expectations don’t match reality. In the meantime, Ross ends up alone with Marcel, only to be ditched by his own monkey. Yet through it all, that sadness feels real and comforting. It shows that not every New Year’s Eve has to be magical; some can be sad and messy like this one.
Eventually, in the final moment, we see Chandler begging to be kissed, when Joey does the deed to shut him up, and Ross candidly captures the moment on camera. With this, it perfectly sums up the episode’s message about how romance isn’t the only form of love that matters. Friendship, comfort, and being there for each other count too. So yeah, it’s kind of bittersweet, but deeply wholesome.
1. The One With All the Resolutions (S5 E11)
Okay, so this one earns the top spot because it captures the hope and chaos of New Year’s resolutions better than any other FRIENDS episode. The six of them start with big goals, but quickly learn how hard change really is. Yet instead of feeling cynical, the episode stays light, supportive, and full of love.
It all starts after Ross promises himself to be happy in 1999 and to do something he hasn’t done before, and Phoebe joins in with her resolution to pilot a commercial jet. This makes Chandler mock them, leading everyone in the group to ask him to make it his resolution not to make fun of his friends or crack jokes.
Further, in the episode, we see Ross living up to his resolution to do something new every day, which led him to the legendary leather pants disaster. While it’s hilarious, it’s also strangely sweet to think about how Ross is genuinely trying to be better and braver, even if he fails horribly. But in the end, what makes it wholesome is that no one truly shames him.
On the other hand, Joey learning guitar with Phoebe adds another layer of soft, heartfelt tone to the storyline. But things turn hilarious with Phoebe’s strange teaching methods and Joey’s confusion, which leads him to rely on professional help. However, realizing that his actions have hurt Phoebe, Joey apologizes, and she welcomes him back without holding a grudge.
So, this episode highlights their friendship and taps into the themes of trust and forgiveness. Meanwhile, Rachel’s struggle to stop gossiping might seem small, but it shows real effort. She wants to be better, even when it frustrates her. Sharing the secret of Monica and Chandler with Joey gives both of them relief, proving that friendship thrives on honesty and support.
Finally, Chandler breaking his no-mocking resolution is the perfect ending. He pays up the $50 bet and lets it all out, with a prolonged sigh of relief. In the end, this episode proves to be messy, real, and comforting, reminding us that New Year’s isn’t about becoming perfect; it’s about trying, failing, and still being loved by your people. And what could be more wholesome than being accepted for who you are?
Let us know your favorite New Year’s episode from FRIENDS.
FRIENDS is currently streaming on HBO Max and Hulu.
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