Ross and Rachel are the couple of Friends - and some might argue, of the '90s sitcom genre! Their relationship and the will-they-wont-they dynamic was at the heart of the show from start to finish (literally, from the pilot episode where Ross 'grabs a spoon' to the finale, when Rachel gets off the plane), and everyone has their favorite Ross and Rachel moment.
However, most of the popular moments for this pairing are the same big ones - the first kiss, the prom video, having the baby, getting married in Vegas... but those aren't the only episodes or scenes that are deserving of attention, as these far more underrated scenes prove.
Rachel's Box Of Memories
Early on in the show, Ross accuses Rachel of being unsentimental when she reveals that she returned a gift he gave her to get something that she really wanted. However, it comes to light that while she might return a sweater or a piece of jewelry, she keeps a little box with all of the ticket stubs, memories - even an eggshell from the first time he made her breakfast in bed. Turns out, she is incredibly sentimental, and it's a moment that really proves how much she cares for him, no matter what happens between them.
Ross & Rachel Do Laundry For The First Time
Before the two even get together, they share some amazing moments as Rachel is finding her feet in New York - including when he offers to go to the laundromat with her for the first time. As Rachel takes on a rude stranger, Ross is there to encourage her, to reassure her that she is making the right choices, and to celebrate with her when she stands up for herself (by sitting directly in the laundry cart in order to keep it). It's a sweet scene that shows how close they are, and how Ross can really bring out the best in her.
Ross Gives Rachel Back The Relax Shirt
After Ross and Rachel break up, they struggle to figure out how to deal with each other as friends again - including when Rachel tries to give Ross back the things he left at her place, and he gets extremely petty and angry about it.
He initially demands an old t-shirt back, knowing that it doesn't fit him and Rachel loves it, but in the end, he drops it back off to her without saying anything. It's yet another scene that shows that no matter how angry they might be with each other, or how he might react, he will cool down and put Rachel's needs first.
Ross After Rachel's Father Has A Heart Attack
Rachel may not always have the easiest relationship with her father, but she still loves him deeply, and when he has a heart attack, she is devastated. Despite the fact that they are not a couple at the time, Ross is there for her - and this episode shows not only that he will always be there for her when she needs him, but that he will try and do the right thing (like turn her down when she makes a pass while very emotional), but also that she still sees their relationship as more than friends. As she puts it, with them, "it is never off the table".
Ross Helps Rachel With Her Makeup
Ross definitely isn't always the most supportive of Rachel, especially when it comes to his jealousy over her career, but he definitely has sweet moments where he puts her first - like when he gives up his appearance on the Discovery Channel to help her when she's injured. His attempts to do her makeup may be hilarious, but his willingness to give up something that means a huge amount to him (personally and professionally) to try and help her with her career (as she is getting ready for a work event) and then to take her to hospital shows just how much she means to him.
Ross Drives Out To Help Rachel In The Snow
Ross shows up to the rescue again, when Rachel and the rest of the gang are going to go skiing, and get stuck on the side of the road when Phoebe's cab runs out of gas. Despite the fact that Ross and Rachel are barely speaking after the incident with the 'break', Ross still drives out to help them. This episode also shows the start of their reconciliation, as the other friends make it clear that they'll have to find a way to be around each other, and ends on a sweet and hopeful note.
Rachel Tells Ross To Do What Emily Wants
When Ross says the wrong name at his wedding to Emily, fans know that it's going to be a tough one for them to get past - and in the end, they can't. Emily says that the only way she'll forgive him is if he never speaks to Rachel again, and he struggles with the idea of choosing between his wife and his friend.
In the end, though, despite Rachel still having feelings for him, and despite her almost trying to stop the wedding, she tells him to do whatever Emily wants to save the marriage. That she would be willing to step out of his life completely to help him save his relationship shows that she is also willing to sacrifice for him.
When They Are A United Front As Parents
Ross and Rachel have some great moments together with Emma, but one that doesn't get nearly enough attention is when Rachel's sister Amy comes to town and causes havoc. Over the course of the episode, she pierces Emma's ears without consent, and then assumes that she would 'get the baby' if Ross and Rachel died. The wholesome part comes in seeing how Ross and Rachel present a united front with her. They are on exactly the same page, they've talked about the future and possible options, and they always put their daughter first - it's a great episode for them as parents, and as a pair.
Ross Lets Rachel Win At Poker
The Poker episode is definitely one of the best of the early seasons, and it also shows Ross, yet again, sacrificing what he wants to make Rachel happy. He lets her win a poker game (which is higher stakes than they have ever played before), because he can see that she is dejected over not getting a job she really wanted - and when the other guys ask him about it, he just talks about how happy she is. It's definitely one of their sweetest early moments.
Ross Tells Rachel To Go To Paris
There is a lot of attention paid to Rachel's flight to Paris, to their last night together, and to her getting off the plane in the end, and that draws focus from her decision to go in the first place - and that Ross encouraged her to, even after spending an incredible amount of time and effort to try and make her stay! Both sides of this - trying to get her to stay, and then encouraging her to leave - show that he still loves her, and that he is finally willing to see her put her career first. It's an amazing moment for their growth, and almost as good as when she comes back to him in the end.