When Friends ended in 2004, fans were left wondering what would happen to the six stars who had become so iconic. Over the years, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer have each ventured into the world of film, attempting to carve out careers beyond their legendary TV roles. Some have had massive success on the big screen, while others… well, let’s just say their movie careers haven’t quite hit the mark.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the 5 best films starring Friends cast members and the 5 worst films that didn’t quite live up to expectations. From laugh-out-loud comedies to serious dramas, the Friends stars have tried their hands at various genres. So, whether you’re a die-hard fan of the show or a movie buff, here’s a definitive ranking of their film performances.
The 5 Best Films Starring the Friends Cast
1. The Break-Up (2006) – Starring Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn
When Jennifer Aniston starred alongside Vince Vaughn in The Break-Up, the film quickly became a standout romantic comedy. The film follows a couple who decide to break up but continue to live together, leading to a series of hilarious and heart-wrenching moments. Aniston’s performance as the disillusioned Brooke was both relatable and engaging. Her chemistry with Vince Vaughn was electric, and the film’s balance of humor and emotional depth made it a fan favorite. Critics appreciated Aniston’s ability to shed her Friends persona and dive into a more serious, yet still funny, role.
Why it’s great: This film allowed Aniston to break away from the wholesome image of Rachel Green, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
2. Office Space (1999) – Starring Jennifer Aniston
Although not a Friends cast movie at the time of its release, Jennifer Aniston’s role in Office Space deserves a special mention. As the waitress Joanna, Aniston took on a quirky and fun character in this cult classic about disgruntled office workers. Office Space has since become one of the most beloved comedies of the late ‘90s, largely due to its hilarious script and memorable performances. Aniston’s performance was understated but very effective, proving she could thrive in an ensemble comedy away from the spotlight of a leading role.
Why it’s great: Office Space is a workplace comedy that holds up even years after its release. Aniston’s role was both refreshing and delightful.
3. Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion (1997) – Starring Lisa Kudrow and Mira Sorvino
Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion was a cult classic that skyrocketed Lisa Kudrow’s career post-Friends. Kudrow’s portrayal of the quirky and lovable Michele, paired with Mira Sorvino’s Romy, is still considered one of the best comedic pairings of the late ’90s. The movie is about two women who return to their high school reunion in an attempt to impress their former classmates, but things don’t exactly go as planned. With its unforgettable one-liners and hilarious hijinks, the film remains a fan favorite.
Why it’s great: Kudrow’s comedic timing and charm helped propel this film into beloved cult-status territory, and it remains one of her standout performances.
4. The Whole Nine Yards (2000) – Starring Bruce Willis, Matthew Perry, and Natasha Henstridge
Matthew Perry’s film career had a promising start with The Whole Nine Yards. A dark comedy about a mild-mannered dentist who gets tangled up with a hitman (played by Bruce Willis), Perry played a hilarious role as the dentist’s neurotic, goofy neighbor. The film was a hit and led to a successful sequel. Perry’s ability to infuse his character with humor and heart made this one of his most enjoyable movie roles, while his chemistry with Bruce Willis was both funny and captivating.
Why it’s great: The film was an unexpected success, thanks to the quirky performances of Perry and Willis, providing viewers with both laughs and tension.
5. Madagascar (2005) – Starring David Schwimmer
David Schwimmer’s voice role as the neurotic giraffe Melman in Madagascar brought him into the world of animation and introduced him to a whole new audience. The film was a commercial success and spawned multiple sequels. Schwimmer’s voice acting was pitch-perfect, capturing Melman’s hilarious paranoia and self-doubt. The movie’s fun storyline, paired with Schwimmer’s memorable performance, made Madagascar a family favorite.
Why it’s great: Schwimmer’s comedic timing as Melman added a unique flavor to the animated ensemble, making this one of his best performances in film.
The 5 Worst Films Starring the Friends Cast
1. The Object of My Affection (1998) – Starring Jennifer Aniston and Paul Rudd
The Object of My Affection might have seemed like a great rom-com idea, but unfortunately, it failed to capture the charm of its stars. Aniston played Nina, a woman who falls in love with her gay best friend. While the premise could have been interesting, the film fell flat due to its lack of emotional depth and clunky storytelling. Despite the potential for a heartfelt and funny film, it didn’t resonate with audiences.
Why it’s bad: The movie was overly predictable and didn’t manage to live up to the unique premise, leaving fans of Aniston disappointed.
2. Cougar Town (2009-2015) – Starring Courteney Cox
Okay, Cougar Town was a TV show, not a movie, but it’s still worth noting here. While the show itself gained a cult following, it didn’t quite hit the mainstream success many had hoped for. Cox’s portrayal of a newly-divorced woman seeking to rediscover her love life wasn’t universally adored. The show struggled with inconsistent writing and sometimes forgettable plotlines, making it one of Cox’s less successful projects.
Why it’s bad: Despite Cox’s solid performance, the show never quite took off and felt like it was missing the magic that made Friends so special.
3. Sunshine on Leith (2013) – Starring Peter Mullan and Paul Brannigan (with brief role by Lisa Kudrow)
While Lisa Kudrow had a small role in Sunshine on Leith, the film itself received mixed reviews. The musical about two soldiers returning from Afghanistan to reintegrate into civilian life was criticized for being overly sentimental and lacking the depth needed to make it truly moving. Kudrow’s performance was just fine, but the film as a whole didn’t make much of an impact.
Why it’s bad: The film’s poor pacing and predictable storyline made it difficult for audiences to get emotionally invested, leaving Kudrow’s role as one of its less memorable aspects.
4. Fools Rush In (1997) – Starring Matthew Perry and Salma Hayek
Despite starring two charismatic leads in Matthew Perry and Salma Hayek, Fools Rush In was a rom-com that didn’t quite work. The film is about an unexpected marriage between a wild, free-spirited woman and a buttoned-up New York architect. Though the chemistry between the leads was palpable, the movie was plagued by clichés and predictable plot twists that made it hard for it to stand out in the genre.
Why it’s bad: The film failed to bring anything fresh to the romantic comedy world and left many feeling disappointed by its predictable nature.
5. Leprechaun 2 (1994) – Starring Jennifer Aniston
Before Friends, Jennifer Aniston starred in the low-budget horror comedy Leprechaun 2. While this might have been a fun horror film for its time, it certainly didn’t do much to showcase Aniston’s acting chops. The film, like many low-budget horror films, relied heavily on campy moments and didn’t provide much substance.
Why it’s bad: Aniston’s role in Leprechaun 2 is often regarded as a cringe-worthy early career choice, offering little in the way of redeeming qualities.
Conclusion: A Mixed Bag of Success
The Friends cast members have certainly had their ups and downs when it comes to their film careers. Some, like Jennifer Aniston and Lisa Kudrow, found success outside the show, while others, like Matthew Perry and Courteney Cox, struggled to find their footing in the film industry. Nonetheless, their time on Friends will always be remembered as the peak of their careers, and many fans will continue to support them no matter what film
