NBC's hit sitcom, Friends was a staple in the 90's pop culture. Whether everyone was rushing out to get Rachel's hair cut or yelling "Pivot!" at their friends or emphasizing the word BE in every sentence, this show influenced an entire generation, and thanks to streaming services and the new binge-watching culture, Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Joey, Chandler, and Ross continue to make us laugh, cry, and laugh some more.
All ten seasons of the series had been available on Netflix for years until 2019 when it was announced the popular TV show would be removed from the platform and available on HBOMax. For those of you still waiting to get access to that new streaming service so you can rewatch Friends for the 100th time, here are a few movies that should hold you over.
The Break Up
Friends fans to this day are still arguing about whether or not Ross and Rachel were on a break when Ross slept with the copy girl. It's been a debate for decades at this point.
If you're looking for a film where the break is clear and the comedy is ever-present, then The Break Up starring Vince Vaughn and everyone's favorite leading lady, Jennifer Aniston, should be on your must-see movie list.
Rumor Has It
This is another romantic comedy starring Jennifer Aniston that should fill a couple of voids now that Friends is less accessible. Not only does this movie star Aniston, but it may remind viewers of the Monica/Richard storyline.
In this film, Aniston's character, Sarah, learns her family was the inspiration behind The Graduate and she begins digging in her mother and grandmother's pasts for answers until she eventually finds herself falling into the same love trap with this older, charming man.
Easy A
This romantic teen comedy was a breakout hit for Emma Stone in 2010, but it also stars a familiar face to the Friends fanbase. In this film, Lisa Kudrow plays Mrs. Grifith, a teacher at Stone's character, Olive's school.
Kudrow brings her classic quirkiness to this role but also gets a to connect and go a little deeper at the end of the film when she finds out through Olive that her husband, another teacher at the school, has been having an affair.
Fools Rush In
Matthew Perry was a 90's heartthrob. His comedic timing, good looks, and natural charm made his fanbase swoon. If you're in need of more 90's Perry, the film Fools Rush In starring Perry and Selma Hayek, is a must-see.
In this film, Perry plays Alex, who seems to be just as cute and sarcastic as Chandler, but finds himself in a messy situation when he finds out he's going to be a father after a one night stand in Las Vegas.
Madagascar
Initially, fans may wonder what this animated feature film from DreamWorks has to do with our six favorite friends. The one common denominator here is the very funny David Schwimmer.
David voices Melman in this film, who is a very nervous giraffe who is also clearly a hypochondriac. Schwimmer's comedic timing has become legendary and is one of the main reasons fans keep going back to Friends. Schwimmer brings that same humor to his voiceover work in this film.
Bridesmaids
In the pilot episode of Friends, Monica, Chandler, Ross, Joey, and Phoebe are hanging out at their favorite coffee spot when Rachel, Monica's best friend from high school, comes crashing in wearing a wedding dress, having just left her fiancee at the altar.
For fans who loved Rachel's interest and the jokes that followed, you should definitely watch Bridesmaids, a 2011 female-driven comedy starring Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, and Maya Rudolph.
Mamma Mia
One of the reasons people watch Friends over and over again is because it's such a feel-good show. The cast is clearly having a great time in every episode and they carry that happy, positive energy with them through all ten seasons, regardless of what may have been going on behind-the-scenes.
The musical romantic comedy, Mamma Mia, starring Amanda Seyfried and Meryl Streep has that same energy. The movie is fun to watch because the cast is having such a great time performing.
Romy And Michele's High School Reunion
This 1997 comedy stars Lisa Kudrow in another role where she gets to bring her natural quirky charm to life on screen. Kudrow's chemistry with her co-star, Mira Sorvino is what makes this film enjoyable decades later.
The film became a cult classic after it's late 90's premiere and is frequently shown on cable and available on streaming services today. If you want to watch Kudrow, but need a break from hearing "Smelly Cat", this is a film for you to check out.
Isn't It Romantic
One of the most ironic fun facts about Friends is that it's set in New York, and the city plays a big role as the series' backdrop, but the movie itself was filmed on a soundstage at the Warner Bros. lot in Burbank, California.
If fans of the series are looking for a film that also makes NYC a character in its own way but was actually filmed in the city, then Isn't It Romantic, starring Rebel Wilson should be on your watchlist.
Someone Great
This is another movie set in NYC that really makes the city one of its characters. It's also a wonderful female-led comedy and the chemistry between Gina Rodriguez, DeWanda Wise, and Brittany Snow's characters will remind Friends fan of their favorite Rachel, Monica, and Phoebe moments in the series.
The ladies in both productions know how to deliver comedy as well as heartfelt moments and can make their fans laugh and cry almost at the same time.