10 heartbreaking moments in Friends that can make you cry

Friends is one of the most popular sitcoms in pop history, and continues to boast of a strong fan following. Created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman, the show aired for ten seasons from 1994 to 2004 and revolved around the lives of six friends—Ross, Rachel, Chandler, Monica, Phoebe, and Joey—who live in New York City.

As they navigate their careers, love, and friendship, the 'friends' have been relatable to many. The show's iconic characters and dialogues are still referenced in pop culture. Despite having overwhelming moments of comedy, the show has spells of sadness and emotional complexities, which have been realistically portrayed.

For ardent fans of Friends, here are ten such moments to look back on, that were either truly heartbreaking, or simply heartfelt, sure to make one cry.

Rachel getting off the plane, Phoebe talking to the triplets, and others heartfelt moments from Friends that would make one cry

1) Ross and Rachel break up

Still from Friends (Image via Bright/Kauffman/Crane Productions, Warner Bros. Television)

In Season 3, Episode 16 of Friends, Ross and Rachel decide to take a break, as shown in the previous episode. But the next day, Rachel comes to certain realizations and wants to reconnect with Ross. But to Ross’s horror, he finds himself sleeping next to a woman. Even though he tries to hide this from Rachel, she eventually gets to know, leading to one of the saddest scenes.

Back at Monica's apartment, both of them get angry at each other due to their misunderstandings and while Ross tries to apologize, viewers know that there is nothing that can be done now. Rachel ends up breaking down and the episode ends on a somber note. The episode highlights the heartbreaking yet realistic nature of love.

2) Monica and Chandler learn about their infertility

In Season 9, Episode 21 of Friends, the show explores the ups-and-downs of life. In the episode, Chandler and Monica finally take a fertility test, after trying for a baby for some time.

Finally, when Chandler learns from the doctor, that both of them have infertility issues, one feels for Chandler, as he has to break this news to Monica, who really wanted a child. The scene where he ultimately shares the news, is extremely heartbreaking.

3) Phoebe’s father sings her a lullaby

In Season 5, Episode 13 of Friends, when Phoebe’s grandmother dies, her absent father, Frank turns up. Initially, he tries to hide his identity, but Phoebe realizes who he is and informs him that her mother is dead. Frank apologizes to Phoebe for abandoning her mother and her and shares an anecdote about reciting a lullaby to Phoebe when she was a baby, to help her sleep.

He sings the songs and it is set to the same tune as Phoebe’s ‘Smelly Cat’. The exchange between the father and daughter is a heartfelt one and deeply resonates with the viewers. Even though Phoebe is unable to forgive him, she does warm up to him and chats for a while.

4) Monica and Chandler get engaged

In the two-part finale of Season 6, Chandler is planning to rebuff the idea of marriage in front of Monica to make his proposal even more surprising. But he doesn’t realise that Monica's ex, Richard is also trying to win her back at the same time. This makes Monica question her relationship with Chandler and think about Richard’s proposal.

Chandler soon realizes that he might lose Monica and is heartbroken when Joey tells him that Monica has left the apartment. But in a surprising twist, Monica is still there and has set up candles to propose to him instead. She ends up crying, so Chandler takes over and completes the proposal. This scene, with both of them getting down on their knees, shows the true depth of their love.

5) Phoebe talks to the triplets

One of the most funny and sensitive characters in Friends, Phoebe shines through when she decides to be the surrogate for her half-brother Frank and sister-in-law, Alice, and bear their triplets. In Season 5, Episode 3, she goes into labour and successfully delivers the children.

After giving birth, Phoebe requests everyone to clear the room, so that she can talk to the triplets. Her sweet message about wanting to see them every day is delivered beautifully by Phoebe and highlights the hardships of being a surrogate mother.

6) Ross and Rachel kiss in Central Perk

In Season 2, Episode 7, Ross finds out through a voicemail, that Rachel had left the previous day after getting drunk, that Rachel has feelings for him. Ross has had a crush on Rachel for years but gets confused as he already has a girlfriend. Rachel feels annoyed that she has lost Ross forever. The episode builds up the tension as fans have been waiting since the first season for the union between Ross and Rachel.

Ross goes to Central Perk and confronts Rachel and the two end up fighting. Ross decides to leave, which leads to Rachel crying. When Ross sees her in this state from the outside, he decides to go back in and the two finally share a passionate kiss. The scene is heartbreakingly beautiful and has since then become an iconic moment on the show.

7) Ross gives up Marcel

In Season 1, Episode 21, we see another heartbreaking scene when Ross has to part ways with his beloved pet monkey, Marcel, since he is maturing and needs more space for his development. Even though Marcel causes a lot of trouble, Ross is attached to him and the decision of sending him away breaks his heart.

However, he decides to send him to a zoo and is relieved when the San Diego zoo decides to accept him. The airport scene where he lovingly looks at him for the last time, is saddening to watch for any pet owner.

8) Rachel gets off the plane

In the series finale of Friends, Ross decides to proclaim his love to Rachel, even though she is leaving for Paris. He rushes to the airport with Phoebe, which proves to be a challenging journey. When Ross finally shares his feelings in the airport, Rachel stays silent and leaves to board the flight, making Ross think that it is all over.

But the surprise comes when he reaches the apartment and finds a voicemail where Rachel proclaims her love for him, too. And the next moment, Rachel is back in the apartment, saying the famous words—

‘I got off the plane’.

9) Monica gives Rachel her baby name

In the season finale of the eighth season of Friends, Rachel goes into labor and delivers a baby girl. When the whole group surrounds her and tries to decide on a name, Ross suggests a few options, which are not approved by Rachel. Monica reveals that she has already thought of a name for her baby, which is Emma. Rachel loves it but tries to hide her excitement.

But Monica proves to be a true friend, when she lets Rachel keep the name, saying that she loves Rachel more. Ross hugs her sister and the group share a sweet moment. This scene highlights Monica's kindness, making the episode a beautiful one.

10) Everyone leaves their key on the counter

In the last episode of the series, the group of six friends are moving towards bigger and better things in life. Monica and Chandler are parents to two babies and Ross and Rachel have finally patched up. The scene where they stand in the empty apartment, a place that has been witness to many beautiful memories, is one of the most heartfelt moments.

As they leave, their keys can are left behind on the counter, signaling the end of a journey, shared by both the actors and audience. The finale wraps up the show in a sentimental manner as it bids adieu to its fans after a decade long run.

All ten seasons of Friends can be streamed on Max.

Edited by Udisha