The Cast of the Hugely Popular ’90s Comedy Friends was made up of some of the greatest comedic actors of their generation, and while they’re all still best known for their work on that project, they’ve all been involved in some great movies and TV shows since the show ended. FriendsThe final season ended in 2004 after ten years of immense success, and although several actors could have easily never worked again, all six main cast members produced some of their best work in the years that followed.
In recent years, Friends has seen another huge spike in popularity since being added to streaming services like Netflix around the world, introducing the show to a new generation and giving these actors’ careers another huge boost. It’s undeniably one of the best comedies ever made, and while the actors will always be associated with these lovable characters, they all have iconic roles in other projects as well.
10
The Morning Show (2019 – present)
Starring Jennifer Aniston
The morning show is an Apple TV+ drama series that revolves around the staff of a popular TV news network whose careers are put in jeopardy when a male anchor is accused of sexual misconduct and removed from the show. Jennifer Aniston’s protagonist, Alex Levy, is forced to adapt to the network’s new environment, placed alongside another reporter whose impulsive behavior causes problems off-air.
The morning show is one of Aniston’s most renowned projects in the years since Friends ended, gaining massive popularity for its authentic, grounded approach to real-world news in a way that is both informative and entertaining. His performance as Alex Levy is one of his best, and the show even features a Friends guest star in Reese Witherspoon, who played Aniston’s on-screen sister on the show.
9
Madagascar (2005)
Starring David Schwimmer
Despite its rather strange premise, Madagascar it quickly became a huge success and established itself as one of the most profitable animation projects in recent memory. The film spawned a number of sequels and spin-offs that were equally successful, with some branches of the franchise still in development today. The film revolves around a group of talking animals at the New York Zoo. who escape their enclosures and board a ship heading to Madagascar.
David Schwimmer voices the character Melmanan eccentric giraffe whose daring antics often cause trouble for his other friends to clean up. The character played an important role in the first three Madagascar films, with Schwimmer’s vocal performance giving the figure a strong personality that audiences immediately connected with.
8
City of Cougars (2010-2015)
Starring Courteney Cox
City of Cougars was Courteney Cox’s big return to TV comedies after completion of Friendsand although it never reached the same heights, it was still a resounding success that finally gave the actress the opportunity to stand out and have her character lead the story. The narrative followed its protagonist Jules, a recently divorced mother who finds it difficult to navigate the world of modern dating.
The on-screen chemistry between Perry and Cox hasn’t changed one bit, and although his arrival unfortunately came near the end of City of CougarsIt was still a pleasure to see the duo acting side by side again.
Indeed, City of Cougars also served as a much-needed resource Friends reunion, with Matthew Perry joining the show’s fifth season as Jules’ love interest Sam. The on-screen chemistry between Perry and Cox hasn’t changed one bit, and although his arrival unfortunately came near the end of City of CougarsIt was still a pleasure to see the duo acting side by side again.
7
Episodes (2011-2017)
Starring Matt LeBlanc
Matt LeBlanc was technically last Friends cast member will leave his character behind as he starred in the spin-off series Joey for two seasons, the end of which marked his departure from television for a while. However, LeBlanc eventually returned with Episodesone of LeBlanc’s best roles and another creative comedy where the actor plays a fictional version of himself.
The story revolves around two comedy writers named Sean and Beverly who travel to Hollywood in hopes of remaking their popular British sitcom for American audiences. Episodes draws much of its comedy from the differences between British and American humor, with LeBlanc mastering the slapstick comedy that made him so popular in Friends. Playing himself turned out to be Matt LeBlanc’s recipe for success – because no character could have been as funny as the actor actually was.
6
Marley and Me (2008)
Starring Jennifer Aniston
Another of Aniston’s most popular works, Marley and me It has since developed a reputation for being one of those films that always makes audiences cry. The story follows a couple, played by Aniston and Owen Wilsonwho adopt a puppy and instantly fall in love with him. But when their lives get busier and their first child arrives, the couple is forced to reckon with the canine’s increasing distance in the final years of his life.
Marley & Me features some of Aniston’s best work since leaving Rachel Green behind.
Marley and me is an extremely moving film that really emphasizes how important pets can be in our lives, even if we don’t always recognize it. Wilson and Aniston have excellent on-screen chemistry, and her relationship with Marley is even more charming to watch. It’s a real tear, but Marley & Me features some of Aniston’s best work since leaving Rachel Green behind.
5
17 Again (2009)
Starring Matthew Perry
Matthew Perry may have done less on-screen work after the success of Friendsbut the few projects he completed were some of the funniest work of his entire career. 17 again It was a clear highlight in the actor’s filmographytelling the story of a remorseful man who wants to go back to who he was at 17 years old. When his wish comes true, protagonist Mike O’Donnell seizes the opportunity to help those around him, learn more about himself, and salvage his relationship with his ex-wife.
While 17 again It’s not a perfect film, the character Mike O’Donnell was one of Matthew Perry’s best roles (aside from Chandler Bing). The character’s regrets and bitterness allow the film to offer some poignant and important commentary on the fleeting nature of time, reminding the audience that we only have one life and that it’s our job to live it to its fullest extent.
4
The Whole Nine Yards (2000)
Starring Matthew Perry
The whole nine meters and one of the few films Matthew Perry made during his tenure at Friendsand it was a great success. The film revolves around its protagonist Nicholas, who finds himself in grave danger when he realizes that his new neighbor is an infamous contract killer. The film also features an excellent performance from Bruce Willis, who has unparalleled on-screen chemistry with Perry.
Interestingly, Bruce Willis also made a cameo appearance in Friends as the father of Ross’ girlfriend Elizabeth (and later short-term lover of Rachel), and the entire storyline came about as a result of Willis’ bet with Matthew Perry. The first was confident that The whole nine meters would be a commercial failure, betting Perry that he would appear on Friends for free if he is proven wrong.
3
Booksmart (2019)
With Lisa Kudrow
Although not a starring role, Lisa Kudrow’s appearance in Olivia Wilde’s film Smart Book is one of the funniest and most entertaining works the actress has done since the end of Friends. She plays Charmaine Antsler, the mother of Kaitlyn Dever’s protagonist Amy. The actress only appears in a few scenes, but perfectly embodies the stereotype of an overprotective mother who is too involved in her daughter’s personal affairs.
Kudrow’s role in the film is very different from her turn as Phoebe Buffay, ditching her carefree aloofness Friends character for hilarious and intrusive gossip.
Smart Book follows two girls, Amy and Molly, who try to make up for lost time the night before graduation and let loose at the school party. But the girls quickly realize that they are not suited to the sorority lifestyle and tensions begin to rise between the two, who blame each other for their respective social ineptitude. Kudrow’s role in the film is very different from her turn as Phoebe Buffayabandoning her carefree indifference Friends character for hilarious and intrusive gossip.
2
Band of Brothers (2001)
Starring David Schwimmer
Band of Brothers is an entirely different kind of project for David Schwimmer, who filmed this intense war drama during the height of the Friends‘fame at the turn of the century. The miniseries depicts the true story of Easy Company, an airborne division of the American armed forces in the final years of World War II. The program uses an innovative combination of archival footage, dramatic recreations and voice retellings to create an engaging portrait of the lives of these soldiers.
Band of Brothers It’s one of the best miniseries ever made and it’s completely different from anything that’s ever been made. Friends cast was doing at the time. It’s not comical at all, but gives Schwimmer the opportunity to show off his more dramatic acting capabilitieswhich is something that Friends I rarely gave him the opportunity to do so.
1
Scream (1996)
Starring Courteney Cox
While Monica Geller will always be Courteney Cox’s most famous rolehis turn as Gale Weathers in Scream franchise is certainly her second. The original film was an instant classic of the genre, lovingly commenting on the state of horror films while parodying all the tropes that made them so popular in the ’80s and ’90s. It’s funny, it’s scary, but most of all, it’s absolutely captivating. .
Scream is filled with interesting characters and gripping mysteries that keep the audience on edge from start to finish, before allowing all the narrative threads to resolve themselves in one of the most thrilling final-act twists ever written. It’s a masterclass in horror storytelling, and Cox serves as one of the only grounded adult characters in a sea of ridiculously selfish, stereotypical teenagers who embody the popular spirit of ’90s slashers. Friends‘ Monica in her role and that made it even better.