5 best Rachel moments on Friends

From bursting into Central Perk in a wedding dress to getting off the plane, Rachel Green had many classic moments on Friends. What are five of her best?

When you’re one half of one of television’s most ubiquitous will-they-or-won’t-they couples, it’s easy to be remembered more for your love story than your funniest moments. But don’t write off Rachel Green as a mere piece of Friends romantic lore. Jennifer Aniston’s Emmy-winning role delivered much more than a famous coupling and a popularly replicated haircut.

From the second we meet runaway bride Rachel, it’s clear that she’s the most relatable of the group. Wouldn’t you also flirt your way through soap opera parties and sell a demonic hairless cat for a profit? While each episode of Friends boasts a classic Rachel moment, we’re putting a spotlight on five of her best in honor of the 25th anniversary of the timeless sitcom.

1. “She died, Jill.”

It’s no “pivot” or “we were on a break” or even “I got off the plane,” but Rachel’s conversation with her younger sister might be the most underrated Rachel moment in Friends history.

In “The One With Rachel’s Sister” (season 6, episode 13), Rachel warns Jill (Reese Witherspoon) of the dangers of the little girl who tried too much too fast to sway her away from dating Ross. Sure, it’s small and rather insignificant, but Jennifer Aniston’s line reading of “She died, Jill,” could score a laugh from anyone.

2. Rachel makes dessert.

Another season 6 standout moment, Rachel’s attempts at preparing dessert for Thanksgiving, while well-intentioned, aren’t up to Monica’s standards.

“The One Where Ross Got High,” a series-best holiday episode, finds Rachel making an English trifle, but the recipe stuck to another for shepherd’s pie. Between layers of ladyfingers, jam and custard, Rachel adds beef sauteed with peas and onions, and tops it all off with bananas and whipped cream. Of course, Joey still loves every bite. Rachel’s lack of culinary prowess proves she’s the most relatable friend.

3. “Ah, salmon skin roll.”

What can we say? Season 6 was a strong year for Rachel, even as Ross went out of his way to terrorize her with his seemingly made-up form of self-defense, “unagi.” Rachel and Phoebe express their confidence after taking a traditional self-defense class, but Ross insists that the unagi state of mind is all you need.

In turn, Rachel insists unagi is nothing more than a type of sushi. He tries to ambush them, but Rachel and Phoebe catch Ross off guard and get the last word. Our girl never put up Ross’ problematic nonsense, and we love her for it.

4. Rachel gives birth.

Friends always pulled out all the stop for its season finales, which were often two-parters that took place in a locale much different from their usual surroundings.

Season 8’s finale, “The One Where Rachel Has a Baby,” brings the gang back to their secret-keeping roots as chaos ensues with the puzzling love triangle between Ross, Rachel and Joey. But Rachel’s choice words and bitter attitude toward the fellow expectant mothers, including Janice, make Emma’s delivery an iconic Rachel moment.

5. “Did you go with her to Bloomingdales?”

Throughout 10 seasons and over 230 episodes, there were an endless supply of iconic Rachel moments. She’s stolen cheesecakes, killed Joey’s favorite chair, almost made Ross drink the fat and so much more. But an unsung moment in “The One with the Breast Milk” (season 2, episode 2) encapsulates Rachel’s whole vibe in one scene.

Monica hides her growing friendship with Ross’ girlfriend Julie, causing Rachel to catch Monica in the worst betrayal: shopping at Bloomingdales. She react as if she’d been cheated on, and it’s a hilarious, oh-so Rachel overreaction.

What are your favorite Rachel moments? Sound off in the comments!

Friends is currently still available to stream on Netflix.