Friends is one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time, but what happens when the cameras stop rolling and the gang leaves Central Perk? If you’ve ever wondered what the Friends cast has been up to in their film careers, you’re in for a treat. While most fans are familiar with the stars’ iconic roles as Ross, Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe, many might be unaware of the impressive and diverse side movie projects they’ve taken on.
In this article, we dive deep into the Friends cast’s lesser-known film roles—some of which have become cult classics, while others were unexpected departures from their TV personas. From comedy and drama to animated features, the cast members have proven that their talents go far beyond their beloved Friends characters. Let’s explore 10 side movie projects that will surprise even the most dedicated Friends fans.
1. Jennifer Aniston: Marley & Me (2008)
Rachel Green’s Heartwarming Shift to Drama
Jennifer Aniston, best known for her role as Rachel Green, has made a name for herself in both comedy and drama after Friends. One of her most iconic post-Friends movies is Marley & Me, a heartfelt comedy-drama where she starred alongside Owen Wilson. The film follows a couple as they raise a mischievous but lovable dog, Marley.
While Aniston’s comedic chops were on full display in the Friends series, Marley & Me showcased her range as she tackled a more emotional and serious role. Fans of Friends saw Aniston step away from her usual comedic roles, embracing a more mature and layered character in this tear-jerking family film.
2. Courteney Cox: Scream Franchise (1996–Present)
Monica Geller Ditches the Comedy for Horror
Many fans were surprised to see Courteney Cox, known for her role as the neurotic Monica Geller, taking on a completely different genre in the Scream franchise. Playing Gale Weathers, a tough and ambitious reporter, Cox stepped into the world of horror and slasher films.
The Scream series, directed by Wes Craven, became a major success, and Cox’s portrayal of Gale added a unique, bold character to the mix. Her departure from the lighthearted comedy of Friends to the blood-pumping, suspense-filled world of Scream proved that she could handle a variety of roles. The success of Scream (and its sequels) solidified Cox’s versatility as an actress in genres far beyond sitcoms.
3. Lisa Kudrow: Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion (1997)
Phoebe Buffay’s Quirky Return in Romy and Michele
Lisa Kudrow’s portrayal of Phoebe Buffay on Friends was unforgettable—her eccentric character became a fan favorite. But did you know that Kudrow’s quirky, offbeat charm made a huge impact in Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion? This cult classic comedy sees Kudrow playing the role of Michele, a fun and ditzy woman who reunites with her high school classmates after years of living life without much direction.
The movie is a hilarious look at friendship, self-discovery, and the importance of not letting the past define you. Kudrow’s comedic timing and unique delivery brought the character to life, and her performance was a refreshing change from Phoebe’s often absurd yet endearing antics.
4. Matt LeBlanc: Lost in Space (1998)
Joey Tribbiani in Outer Space? You Bet!
While Joey Tribbiani was known for his charmingly clueless persona on Friends, Matt LeBlanc took on a completely different role in the sci-fi action film Lost in Space (1998). The film, a reboot of the classic 1960s TV series, saw LeBlanc playing Major Don West, a spaceship pilot who must navigate through dangerous space missions to save his crew.
This role was quite different from LeBlanc’s usual comedic roles, allowing him to explore a more action-oriented side of his acting abilities. Although Lost in Space didn’t become a major hit, LeBlanc’s performance was praised for adding depth to an otherwise high-stakes adventure film.
5. Matthew Perry: The Whole Nine Yards (2000)
Chandler Bing in a Hit Comedy-Thriller
Matthew Perry, best known as the sarcastic Chandler Bing, starred alongside Bruce Willis in the 2000 comedy-thriller The Whole Nine Yards. Perry played a mild-mannered dentist, Nicholas “Oz” Oseransky, who gets entangled in a mobster’s world when he discovers his new neighbor is a hitman.
Perry’s perfect blend of humor and awkwardness lent itself beautifully to the role, as he navigated a chaotic and dangerous situation with his typical self-deprecating wit. The Whole Nine Yards was a commercial success and showcased Perry’s ability to transition from his Friends character into a more nuanced and dynamic film role.
6. David Schwimmer: Apt Pupil (1998)
Ross Geller Takes a Dark Turn
David Schwimmer, known for playing the lovable but neurotic Ross Geller, made a surprising appearance in the psychological thriller Apt Pupil (1998), directed by Bryan Singer. In this film, Schwimmer played a young high school student who forms a disturbing relationship with a former Nazi war criminal, played by Ian McKellen.
Schwimmer’s portrayal of a dark, intense character was a stark contrast to his wholesome, often conflicted Friends character. The movie explored themes of obsession, power, and morality, showing Schwimmer’s range as an actor beyond his well-known TV role.
7. Jennifer Aniston: The Break-Up (2006)
Rachel Green’s Relationship Drama
Before she became a Hollywood powerhouse, Jennifer Aniston starred in the romantic comedy The Break-Up with Vince Vaughn. The film, which follows a couple going through a tumultuous breakup, allowed Aniston to show off her comedic chops, while also diving into more serious relationship dynamics.
Her character, Brooke, struggles with the aftermath of a breakup while dealing with the awkward reality of sharing a condo with her ex. The movie touches on themes of love, relationships, and emotional growth, offering Aniston a role that was much more complex than her portrayal of Rachel Green.
8. Courteney Cox: Bedtime Stories (2008)
Monica Geller in a Family Comedy
Courteney Cox starred alongside Adam Sandler in the family comedy Bedtime Stories (2008). In this lighthearted film, Cox plays Wendy, the sister of Sandler’s character, who must help him navigate his new reality where the stories he tells his niece and nephew come true. The movie was a fun escape from the darker, more serious roles Cox was known for, such as Gale Weathers in Scream.
Her role in Bedtime Stories offered a refreshing contrast to her more intense characters, allowing fans to see her in a more relaxed, family-friendly setting.
9. Lisa Kudrow: The Comeback (2005–2007)
Phoebe Buffay’s Return to TV in a Dark Comedy
After Friends, Lisa Kudrow brought her comedic brilliance back to TV with the dark comedy series The Comeback (2005–2007). Kudrow starred as Valerie Cherish, an out-of-work actress trying to revive her career by participating in a reality TV show. The series is a biting satire of Hollywood, celebrity culture, and the challenges of being an aging actress.
The show received critical acclaim for Kudrow’s fearless performance, and her role as the tragically misunderstood Valerie showcased a far more complex and dramatic side than her beloved Phoebe Buffay character.
10. Matt LeBlanc: Episodes (2011–2017)
Joey Tribbiani Gets the Last Laugh in Episodes
Matt LeBlanc’s second major TV role after Friends came in the form of the sitcom Episodes (2011–2017). In this series, LeBlanc played a fictionalized version of himself—an actor who is cast in the American remake of a British TV show. The series, which ran for five seasons, was a satirical take on Hollywood, celebrity culture, and the entertainment industry.
LeBlanc’s performance earned him critical praise, particularly for his ability to poke fun at his own image as Joey Tribbiani. The show allowed him to show off his comedic timing in a new, self-aware way.
Conclusion: The Diverse and Impressive Film Careers of the Friends Cast
While the Friends cast will always be remembered for their iconic roles as Ross, Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe, they have each gone on to pursue incredibly diverse and successful film and TV projects. From comedies and thrillers to dramas and family films, the Friends cast has proven that they are far more than their characters on the show.
As fans continue to celebrate Friends, it’s exciting to see the cast members explore new creative avenues. Whether they’re taking on dark roles, stepping into new genres, or just having fun with their projects, the Friends stars continue to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.
